Chapter 30 (Xiao Long Bao (Part 2)…)

Making dumplings is simple.

The challenge lies in crafting a delicious filling.

When Yan Qiushu first attempted to make buns, her filling was tough, resembling meatballs without much juice, resulting in a dry taste. Over time, as she practiced more often, she learned the necessary techniques.

You can add some water to the filling.

To keep the taste intact, it’s best to use water that has been boiled with ginger. Be careful not to add too little, or the filling will be tough; too much, and it will be too watery.

Next, mix in soy sauce, salt, sugar, and other seasonings. Stir well, sprinkle with chopped green onions, pour hot oil on top, and mix again.

Once the filling is ready, you can start making the dumplings.

Xiaolongbao are small and delicate. A ball of filling is placed on a palm-sized, thin dough wrapper. Pinch the edges together with three fingers, gradually closing it off to form a lovely flower shape.

It was Zhou Zhaoqin’s first attempt at this, and he was unsure of how to proceed. His hands and eyes were out of sync, making him quite flustered. Shui Yu was nearby, guiding him. As he kneaded the dough, he found it enjoyable and even shaped it into a round figure, calling it a pig.

Once everything was prepared, it was time to steam the dumplings.

All they needed to do was ask Aunt Xu to start the fire. They waited on the side, with a steady fire burning in the kitchen, making it warmer than outside. Yan Qiushu and Zhou Zhaoqin stood guard.

Finally, the buns were ready.

When the lid was lifted, they saw the steamer filled with dumplings that had expanded, now plump and white, nestled closely together with a gap the width of two fingers between them. Some juice had leaked out, coloring the off-white wrappers with the soup.

The combined aroma of the dough and savory meat filling created a delightful fragrance!

Zhou Zhaoqin felt very hungry. The delicious smell made his stomach rumble several times, and he eagerly asked, “Can I eat now?!”

“Of course!” 

Yan Qiushu was also feeling hungry. The aroma made her alert, and she quickly inquired, “How many do you want?”

“…three?” Zhou Zhaoqin replied uncertainly.

“Then let’s have six,” Yan Qiushu decided.

Since Xiaolongbao are much smaller than regular steamed buns, it was better to take at least twice that amount.

She ended up eating ten herself!

She remembered being able to eat twelve as a child, but her appetite hadn’t fully returned yet.

Yan Qiushu took her share and rushed out, calling, “Your Highness, come with me!”

They had to hurry before the dumplings got cold.

Zhou Zhaoqin was taken aback by her urgency. Everyone around him, even the busiest palace maid, carried themselves with such dignity. This made him feel more at ease, and he followed her eagerly.

When he sat down, a plate with six plump dumplings was placed in front of him.

He picked one up with chopsticks and took a small bite. The skin was thin, revealing the filling with just a nibble.

The filling was well-seasoned, juicy, and soft. With another bite, he enjoyed the combination of dough and filling—the thin skin mixed beautifully with the savory filling.

It was soft, fragrant, and delicious!

This was the first time Zhou Zhaoqin had tasted such hot, freshly made food from Yan Qiushu. He felt so happy he wanted to share, but when he looked at her, he saw her devouring the dumplings with gusto.

With one bite, half the bun disappeared. With another bite, half was gone again.

Zhou Zhaoqin was shocked.

Noticing his gaze, Yan Qiushu looked over and asked, “Why aren’t you eating? Is it not tasty? We have two kinds of filling—chicken and mutton. They’re both delicious.”

The chicken was tender and refreshing, while the lamb was soft and flavorful, bursting with juicy goodness!

“Oh,” Zhou Zhaoqin nodded and instinctively copied her, taking big bites.

The flavors were more intense than before, bringing a sense of satisfaction. He devoured one bun after another!

Eating dumplings like this was unexpectedly… wonderful!

In the end, Yan Qiushu finished nine and felt full.

Zhou Zhaoqin ate seven!

The two had differing experiences—one was still hungry and couldn’t eat more, while the other felt completely satisfied. When they left, neither felt the same grievances they had upon arrival.

Yan Qiushu insisted that he take home the uniquely shaped dumplings she had made, so he left with a small food box in hand.

This relaxed the palace guards stationed at the courtyard entrance. They eagerly asked, “Your Highness, are we returning to the palace or going to the Imperial College?”

Upon hearing the question, the joy on Zhou Zhaoqin’s face was momentarily overshadowed. He hesitated but finally declared, “Let’s go home.”

Though he didn’t want to return to that home, Sister Shu had told him he could take the food she made with him, and he genuinely wanted to give it to his mother.

The carriage moved slowly away.

They left just as hurriedly as they had arrived, and the Xiao family remained undisturbed.

However, behind the door, Xiao Huaiqi, sitting in a wheelchair and pushed by his wife, observed everything.

When they heard the news that the second prince’s grandson was visiting, they hurried over. But upon seeing Yan Qiushu caring for the child, they chose not to interrupt.