Chapter 6: Braised Fish

Don’t be fooled by Qiao Sanniang’s sharp tongue — as cutting as a poisoned blade — when it came to cooking, her skills were solid and no-nonsense.

Even someone like Pu Jiaojiao, who cooked often and had a picky palate, took one bite and couldn’t help but praise her silently in her heart.

Qiao Sanniang had originally been quite displeased. Her own lovely, bright-eyed daughter had ended up as a concubine, looking after someone else’s children — how was that fair?

But then again, looking at the timid, skinny little Jing Xiaohua — like a frightened kitten — all that resentment melted away.

Sigh. Once her heart softened, all her principles were tossed aside.

Sure enough, at the dining table, that firecracker temper of hers toned down quite a bit.

She ladled hot soup and piled warm dishes into Jing Xiaohua’s bowl, muttering non-stop: “Eat more, just look how skinny you are, poor little thing.”

“Is the food too salty? Do you want a sip of soup?”

Noticing how Jing Xiaohua’s eyes lit up when she looked at the braised fish, but she didn’t dare move her chopsticks, Qiao Sanniang reached over and picked out the fattest, most tender piece of fish belly for her.

Fish was Qiao Sanniang’s specialty.

The fish gleamed under a thick, glossy, reddish-brown sauce. Slick with oil, it shimmered enticingly. A few bright green scallion slivers were sprinkled on top, with red chili rings as garnish — just looking at it made one’s mouth water.

The skin of the fish had been fried until it curled slightly, giving it a crispy, fragrant edge.

With a gentle flick of the chopsticks, a soft “crack” was heard — the crispy skin split open, revealing tender, snow-white meat beneath, delicate and smooth like garlic cloves.

Dipped in that savory-sweet sauce, infused with the fragrance of ginger and scallions, and sent straight to the mouth…

The skin was crispy, the meat melted in the mouth, and the delicious flavor exploded right to the top of her head!

Not even a trace of fishiness — only a mouthful of rich, savory goodness.

Seeing that Jing Xiaohua was slow at picking out bones, Qiao Sanniang simply transferred the piece of fish to her own bowl, deftly removed all the tiny bones with practiced fingers, and then placed it back into Jing Xiaohua’s bowl. “Eat now, no more bones.”

Jing Xiaohua’s cheeks flushed pink. Holding her bowl, she ate in small, careful bites, her eyes narrowing in bliss.

By the end of the meal, her little belly was round and full. She gave a soft, satisfied burp.

She peeked shyly at Qiao Sanniang, then quickly lowered her head again. Her small hand instinctively rubbed her full tummy as she turned to Pu Jiaojiao and said softly, “Mama, Huahua is full now.”

Pu Jiaojiao smiled and wiped her little mouth with a handkerchief. “Good girl. You did very well today. After eating, go walk around the courtyard to help digest, or your tummy might feel uncomfortable later.”

“Okay.” Jing Xiaohua nodded seriously and really did go to the courtyard, wandering slowly along the walkway.

The Pu family’s courtyard wasn’t large. Their living quarters were right behind their general store — the front was for business, the back for the family.

The rooms weren’t big either, but each family member had their own space, which was more than enough.

Back when their daughter got married, the couple had been worried sick. She was pampered since young — how could she suddenly become someone’s stepmother?

But now, seeing their daughter gently coaxing and comforting her stepdaughter, their hearts were filled with bittersweet emotion. Pu Donglai’s tear glands activated again, and he kept wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

Pu Jiaojiao watched as Jing Xiaohua walked out into the courtyard and felt deeply gratified. The child was still young, and they’d only spent two days together, yet she was already so attached.

When she turned back and saw Pu Donglai still sniffling and wiping his tears, she i

This body’s father… really was a crybaby. She had never seen a man cry like this — it was truly an eye-opener.

“Father… just look at yourself right now…” Pu Donglai sobbed as he looked at his daughter, unable to hold back his tears again. The rest of his words caught in his throat; he only felt a deep ache in his heart for her.

Pu Jiaojiao hadn’t felt particularly emotional before, but his sorrow affected her too. Her nose tingled slightly as she murmured, “Don’t worry, Father. Life is something I have to live on my own from now on, and I’ll make sure to manage it well.”

To see a daughter who had been pampered since birth now speaking so maturely just because she got married — even Qiao Sanniang’s eyes grew damp.

“Good, good. If there’s ever any trouble, you must tell Father,” Pu Donglai finally wiped away his tears and looked at her with loving eyes. “If you can’t come back in person, at least send a message.”

“Got it,” Pu Jiaojiao smiled as well. She genuinely liked this family. Though she hadn’t yet met the so-called older brother, the memories told her they had a good sibling relationship, and he doted on her quite a bit.

She really liked the warmth and closeness of this family.

—

Jing Hongyi came running home again. Even though his stepmother had seemed different these past two days, he didn’t dare let his guard down.

After all, she did have a bit of a history.

He could still clearly remember how, before, her gaze toward them had been like looking at enemies.

And the neighboring aunties always said: “Once there’s a stepmother, there’s a stepfather.” He was terrified that once Father returned, their lives would become even harder than before.

Before even stepping through the door, he could already hear the voice of his stepmother — cheerful and full of gentle laughter.

“Huahua did very well today. Can you help Mama wash the radishes now?”

“You have to scrub these chubby radishes until they’re nice and clean, rub off all the dirt — and see if their bright green bodies show through?”

“Be careful not to get your clothes wet while washing. It’s easy to catch a cold.”

Jing Hongyi paused at the doorway for a moment, then finally pushed the door open and went inside.

In the courtyard, a big and a little figure — both with their hair tied up — turned their heads at the same time. It made him freeze for a second.

Seeing that Jing Hongyi was back, Pu Jiaojiao immediately called out, “Ah-Yi, come help! Just in time — help cut these radishes into strips. I’ll pickle them in a bit. I’m going to start cooking now, dinner will be ready soon.”

“Don’t forget to wash your hands! The soapberry is over there. I brought a new one just for you to use from now on.”

Jing Hongyi didn’t know why, but he just listened to Pu Jiaojiao’s instructions and obediently sat on a small stool, taking over the task she had just been doing.

Pu Jiaojiao stood up, washed her hands, dried them, then bent down and whispered in Jing Xiaohua’s ear, “Huahua, be a good girl and help your brother with the chores. Mama is going to make something yummy to reward you.”

Jing Xiaohua beamed up at her with a sweet smile. “Huahua wants to eat meat.”

“Alright, you’ll eat your fill tonight,” Pu Jiaojiao said with a warm smile, rubbing Jing Xiaohua’s head before heading back into the kitchen.

Only once she was gone did Jing Hongyi turn to look at his little sister. Her hair had been redone into two adorable buns, each adorned with a small silk flower — obviously newly bought.

He felt a dry itch in his throat and cleared it before asking, “Huahua, did you go out today?”

Jing Xiaohua was happily scrubbing a radish, swaying side to side. When she heard her brother, she looked up slightly and showed a row of small white teeth. “Mhm! Mama took me to Grandma and Grandpa’s house today. There were lots of things!”

Suddenly, as if remembering something, she opened her small, damp hands and reached into the little pouch hanging from her waist. Digging around, she pulled out a piece of osmanthus-flavored candy.

“Brother, here — for you.”