In truth, steaming dry rice is better done with a steamer basket or an iron pot, but the household had neither and would have to borrow them from outside.
So they used a clay jar instead. It worked, but required careful control of the heat.
Near noon, the two children came running in happily from outside.
“Auntie! Auntie! Come look! We caught so many little fish and shrimp!”
Hurrying out, she saw the two of them carrying a small basket, pointing excitedly for her to see.
“Oh my, so many little fish and shrimp—and crabs too. Where did you catch all these?” She lifted the basket and poured everything into a wooden basin.
It was quite a lot—half a basin full. Enough for another dish at home.
“Just in the stream. There are plenty inside,” said Xiao Song. “If Auntie wants more, we can go catch them again.”
The children often caught them for fun, but since there wasn’t much meat, adults usually didn’t bother. That was why the stream still had plenty.
“Alright, next time I’ll go with you and we’ll catch more. I’ll make you roasted shrimp,” she said.
“Okay!” The children were delighted, exchanging happy looks. They didn’t expect their aunt to not dislike such small shrimp, and whatever she made always tasted good.
She cleaned the fish and shrimp, but when it came time to cook them, she realized all the pots were already in use.
“What should I do?”
“Xiao Song, stay home with your brother. I’ll go borrow a pot from Aunt He.”
After instructing them, she hurried to the He household.
The Lin family lived halfway up the mountain, quite a distance from the village. Running there was tiring.
Before long, she was out of breath, realizing this body was indeed weak.
“Auntie, can I borrow your pot?”
Aunt He was in the yard picking wild vegetables.
“Of course,” she said, washing her hands and bringing out an iron pot.
“Thank you, Auntie. I’ll return it soon.”
Back home, she heated the iron pot, added a little pork fat, and placed the shrimp and small fish inside.
“This has to be cooked slowly over low heat. When it’s done, sprinkle salt and a little plum vinegar. It’ll be crispy and fragrant.”
She didn’t know whether the children understood, but they watched the pot intently.
The children were delighted with the final result and rated it five stars. Without waiting for her, they ran back to the stream again to catch more.
She did not stop them, only reminded them to be careful.
Not long after, the men returned from work.
Xie Yuan walked in front, sweat dripping from his face.
“Wife, we’re back. Is the food ready?”
“It’s ready. Help me carry the table outside.” She handed him a bowl. “Drink some water first.”
Inside the bowl were a few mint leaves.
Xie Yuan drank it in one go. It was cool, refreshing, and slightly sweet.
“What is this plant?”
“This is mint. It clears heat and relieves thirst. It’s best for summer.”
He quietly remembered it.
Outside, others also drank it and were surprised.
“What kind of water is this? Is the plant medicinal?”
“Yes, it’s mint. There’s plenty in the mountains. You can transplant it to your yards.”
Everyone praised it, saying Xie Yuan had married a good wife.
After the meal preparations were ready, Xie Yuan called everyone to eat.
The workers were familiar men from nearby villages, all trusted friends who had once helped Xie Yuan in his past life.
Because of that, he treated them with gratitude and respect in this life as well.