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Considering the need to visit Li Zheng’s home to discuss purchasing land, Su Zhi thought it would be wise for Shen Zi’an to bring a gift. Throughout history, presenting gifts has often smoothed transactions. Su Zhi wanted things to proceed smoothly, and after contemplating the appropriate gift, she settled on the idea of bringing food. This way, it wouldn’t seem out of place and would likely please the recipient. She was confident that no one could resist the food she cooks using ingredients cultivated by the Spiritual Spring water.
After some thought, Su Zhi decided to make dumplings. Surprisingly, she discovered that this place didn’t have dumplings, despite their universal appeal. She believed that nothing beats a bowl of dumplings, making it the perfect gift.
Su Zhi took out two pieces of meat – one lean and the other fatty pork belly, along with a head of cabbage, for Shen Zi’an to prepare the filling. She mentioned going outside to pick some spinach from the yard. They had stumbled upon this spinach later, hidden under a pile of straw. If they hadn’t moved the straw, they wouldn’t have noticed it. Seeing the spinach grown in a cluster, it was evident that someone had unintentionally scattered the seeds there, and with the weight of the straw pressing down, the spinach had grown on its own.
Su Zhi noticed the spinach was pale yellow due to lack of sunlight, looking forlorn. She watered them with some spring water, albeit diluted, causing them to turn green gradually. Su Zhi intentionally used diluted spring water to prevent Shen Zi’an from becoming suspicious; after all, he had been present when they discovered the spinach. It wasn’t feasible to suddenly present him with a bunch of vibrant, water-glistening spinach! Over time, the spinach had grown to about a palm’s height, lush and charming.
After giving another patch of spinach a dose of pure spring water, Su Zhi picked a large bunch to take back. She thought to herself that her clever idea to fence off the area had paid off; with fewer people around, the spinach hadn’t been picked by others.
“These spinach plants are thriving. When I first discovered them a few days ago, they had pale yellow leaves,” remarked Shen Zi’an while chopping the filling.
Su Zhi replied, “I have a knack for gardening. I fertilize and water them well. That’s why they’ve grown so nicely. I’m telling you, I have a talent for farming. Just wait and see; our crops will flourish next year. Even the barren land will turn fertile. The land naturally resonates with me, willing to yield bountiful harvests.”
Su Zhi subtly reassured Shen Zi’an, anticipating that the exceptional growth of crops next year might raise suspicions. The matter of the Spirit Spring and the White Lotus was significant, and she hadn’t considered revealing it to Shen Zi’an yet. Hence, she used this approach to dispel any doubts he might harbor.
Shen Zi’an lovingly gazed at Su Zhi and remarked, “Indeed, my wife cooks delicious meals, so I’m sure she excels in farming too.”
Su Zhi snorted playfully and retorted, “I know you don’t believe me, but just wait until next year. Did you notice how well I tended to the yellow chrysanthemum and cabbage when we lived in the backyard of the old house? I made them vibrant and lively. I truly have a talent for farming!”
Su Zhi considered the yellow chrysanthemum and cabbage plants Shen Zi’an had seen – she couldn’t hide them and used them as evidence to convince him of her farming skills. Luckily, the plants he had seen weren’t showing any extraordinary growth that would be suspicious.
As Shen Zi’an reflected, he realized that indeed, the small cabbage plants had seemed stunted, but after Su Zhi had tended to them, they flourished. Even the yellow chrysanthemum had bloomed beautifully. He moved them to the window, where they thrived despite nearing the end of their bloom. The leaves remained lush and vibrant, even the yellow parts were firm. He pondered whether Su Zhi was naturally gifted at farming, potentially possessing the wood element in Chinese astrology, known for ease in farming and good harvests.
Su Zhi was pleased that Shen Zi’an seemed to believe her. They continued chatting while Shen Zi’an finished chopping the filling, and Su Zhi prepared the dough. Her skillful handiwork with the dough, achieving a smooth texture, was truly comforting to watch. After covering the dough to let it rest for a smooth consistency, Su Zhi mixed the chopped vegetables and meat in a bowl with oil, salt, soy sauce, ginger, and scallions, eagerly awaiting the dough’s readiness to start making dumplings.
“Dear, once the dumplings are ready, let’s call Brother Shi to join us for a meal!”
Shen Zi’an couldn’t help but think of the delectable treats his wife made. Immediately, he thought of Li Shi, who had mentioned that if Su Zhi made something delicious, he should be invited to taste it.
“Inviting Brother Shi sounds like a great idea,” Su Zhi replied gratefully, appreciating Li Shi’s friendship with Shen Zi’an. She considered him one of Shen Zi’an’s best friends – such loyal friends were rare. She had no issue with Li Shi coming over to eat; he was welcome anytime. “However, today I’m not making pastries; I’m making dumplings.”
“Dumplings? What are those?” Shen Zi’an wondered about this new dish, amazed at the variety of delicious food his wife could create. He loved tasty food, and when it came from his wife’s hands, it was even more special.
“It’s thin dough wrapped around a filling, then boiled in water. You can dip them in sauce, and they taste even better with a sprinkle of chili oil,” Su Zhi explained, wishing they had vinegar on hand, which would have made them even more delightful.
Shen Zi’an became intrigued as Su Zhi mentioned that the dough was ready. She asked him to bring the rolling pin. Su Zhi skillfully divided the dough into small balls, kneaded them into strips, and then formed them into small dough pieces. Taking the rolling pin, she began to roll out the dough. Shen Zi’an watched Su Zhi’s hands move swiftly, effortlessly rolling out a perfectly round, smooth dough piece. He got interested and asked Su Zhi to teach him.
Su Zhi patiently taught Shen Zi’an, noting his strong hands-on skills. Within a short time, he caught on and began rolling out the dough, albeit a bit slower but with good results.
Su Zhi then started wrapping the dumplings. Instead of the usual method of squeezing, she formed them into elongated shapes resembling ears, believing this shape added a homely touch. For quicker preparation of the dumplings intended for Li Zheng, she resorted to the squeezing method.
As the water boiled, they began cooking the dumplings. Su Zhi asked Shen Zi’an to call Li Shi.
Li Shi arrived promptly, bringing a basket of persimmons. Su Zhi thanked him profusely, and the three of them sat down to enjoy the dumplings. Due to a broken table, they placed the dumplings on a long bench. The steaming white dumplings in black ceramic bowls emitted a fragrant aroma. Accompanied by freshly fried sauce and chili sauce, they added a spoonful to the dumplings, creating a delightful meal.
Shen Zi’an and Li Shi each had a bowl of dumplings and soup, feeling content and comfortable in the slightly cool weather. Su Zhi, feeling full after just ten dumplings, watched them eat and felt satisfied.
Li Shi praised Su Zhi, “Sister, with your culinary skills, if you were to open a restaurant, you’d surely make a fortune. Your dishes taste great, and this new dish is refreshing. Did you come up with this yourself or learn it from someone else?”
Su Zhi, knowing that dumplings were not a staple in their land, smiled and replied, “Someone told me about it in the past, and I found them delicious.”
“Are you planning to take these to Li Zheng? He’ll surely enjoy them, and his grandson will love them too! Let’s pack some up and head over. I’ll accompany Brother Zi’an and help negotiate a good deal.”
Su Zhi promptly filled a clean small ceramic bowl with over thirty dumplings, covered it with a small lid, placed it in a basket, and covered it with a blue floral cloth to keep it warm.
“I’ll come along as well. It’s a good opportunity to get familiar with the route.”
Li Shi agreed, advising them to secure their valuables since even though most Riverside Village residents were honest, there were occasional petty thieves around. Su Zhi assured him that everything was secured. They locked the door, ensuring their belongings were safe, and set off together.
Li Zheng’s home, situated by the river and adjacent to the main village road, boasted a prime location – close to the river, the land, and the mountains, with easy access to the main road. It truly reflected Li Zheng’s status.
From the outside, their home appeared spacious, with tall stone walls, a black wooden gate, a door arch, and even an ancestral hall.
Typically, countryside homes remained open during the day. Li Shi called out a couple of times, prompting a woman in her forties with neatly combed hair to step out. She seemed amiable and welcomed the three inside, calling out to her husband, Li Zheng. It turned out to be Li Zheng’s wife.
“So, you’re Zi’an’s wife? You look refined but have clearly endured hardships. Just call me Auntie Jinhua,” Li Zheng’s wife remarked warmly.
Su Zhi greeted her with a smile, placed the basket on the table, lifted the cloth covering, and said, “Auntie Jinhua, I made these dumplings for you to try. Please don’t turn them down.”
Li Zheng’s wife, intrigued by the plump, white dumplings, expressed surprise, “Oh, these are dumplings? I’ve never seen them before. They look delicious, and made with white flour too. It must have cost you quite a bit. Thank you for your generosity.”
“I want some, Grandma!” exclaimed a chubby little boy rushing in, drawn by the aroma of the dumplings. Li Zheng’s wife patted his head and scolded him playfully for being eager to eat as soon as he entered. The boy thanked Su Zhi, who smiled back, pleased to see him enjoying the dumpling. This warm reception at Li Zheng’s home hinted at a positive outcome for their visit.