Wen Ruru pouted and stiffly handed water to Wen Ranran: “San Yatou, have some water.”
She knew in her heart that Wen Ranran had been good to her family – preparing food for her father, giving them the exchanged chickens to raise, and even helping pay for medical treatment and medicine when her father got injured in a fight.
Wen Ruru felt grateful, yet she couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable that Wen Ranran, who had never been favored in the family before, had suddenly become everyone’s favorite BoBo. Even her mother had been frequently praising Wen Ranran’s capabilities these days, making Wen Ruru feel somewhat displaced.
Wen Ranran looked at the awkward young girl before her, reached out to take the offered water, and drank it all in one go. Wiping her mouth, she blinked playfully at Wen Ruru with a smile: “Thank you, Second Sister! I was just feeling thirsty!”
Wen Ruru quietly observed the girl before her – round almond eyes curved like crescent moons, porcelain-white cheeks flushed with rosy color, lively and charming like a little sun. Every day she wore a smiling expression, bustling about busily as if never growing tired. Being around her, one would unconsciously be infected by her energy.
Such vibrant vitality perfectly matched her name.
She seemed to understand why everyone was growing fonder of Wen Ranran.
“San Yatou is back!” Wen Junliang limped out, looking expectantly at the wooden cart. “What delicious food will you make for me today?”
Sun Shi shot him a disgusted look: “Ranran just got back and hasn’t even caught her breath yet, and you’re already asking for food? Were you born a starving ghost?”
Wen Ranran looked at her in surprise: Since when did Third Aunt speak so reasonably?
Wen Junliang snorted softly and turned to Wen Ranran, leaning in to whisper: “Your Third Aunt was speaking ill of you not long ago! Only your Third Uncle treats you best.”
Wen Ranran raised an eyebrow at this, replying indifferently: “Third Uncle also said the Vegetable Corn Cakes I made resembled pig feed.”
Wen Junliang’s smile stiffened, and he forced a dry laugh: “Now, now, let’s not bring up old scores…”
Nearby, Wen Yiliang and Shen Shi, who were helping tidy the cart, couldn’t help feeling happy seeing the family getting along so warmly. Though they had fallen on hard times, their current life felt more flavorful than before.
This was all thanks to their Ranran!
“Oh my! Such a large pork knuckle!” Shen Shi exclaimed as she unloaded items from the cart, beaming with joy at the sight of the plump, tender knuckle.
Not long ago, the family had nearly run out of rice, and even a taste of meat was considered luxurious. Now they could actually afford a pork knuckle!
Wen Junliang limped over, his face lighting up at the sight of the large knuckle: “Are we having pork knuckle today?!”
“Yes! Pork knuckle!” Wen Ranran smiled, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I also bought marrow bones to nourish Third Uncle.”
Sun Shi looked surprised upon hearing this and hurried over to look. The sight of the substantial knuckle and bones made her beam with pleasure: “Oh my! We can finally eat meat!”
Watching from the side, Wen Ruru couldn’t help swallowing. Before, she had found pork knuckles too greasy and disliked them, but now she regretted not eating more in the past!
As Wen Ranran busied herself washing and blanching the marrow bones before putting them in the pot to stew, she was about to prepare the pork knuckle when she saw her pampered Third Aunt washing the knuckle in a large basin.
Sun Shi frowned, her body instinctively leaning backward, every inch of her radiating resistance. Her hands were coated in a greasy sensation, and a faint, lingering smell of raw meat wafted to her nose, making her gag involuntarily.
Several times, she wanted to drop the task and walk away, but then she remembered how Wen Ranran had helped them repay the silver last night without demanding reimbursement, and today she had even specially bought pork knuckles and marrow bones to nourish Wen Junliang’s health. Surely, she ought to know better than to be ungrateful, right?
What if she offended Wen Ranran again and was asked to repay the money? The little private savings she had secretly stashed away were long gone—how could she possibly come up with the funds? Though she still kept a few chickens, whether they would yield any silver was far from certain.
Moreover, Wen Yiliang was preparing for the imperial examinations. Who knew—he might one day earn an official rank, and in the future, Ruru might very well need to rely on the third branch for support.
Gritting her teeth, Sun Shi continued washing, but the knuckle remained stubbornly black and unclean: “Ranran, why won’t this black part come off?”
Wen Ranran couldn’t help but chuckle at Sun Shi’s expression. She walked over, poured some hot water into the basin, grabbed a brush, and scrubbed vigorously. The black char immediately faded, revealing the knuckle’s original pink skin, clean and tinged with a roasted golden hue that looked quite delightful.
“Ah!” Sun Shi’s eyes widened in surprise. “So you need a brush to wash it! Ranran, I’ve learned now. Leave this to me—you go attend to other tasks.”
She snatched the brush from Wen Ranran’s hand and continued working with clenched determination.
Wen Ranran went to check on the bone broth. The heat was just right, and the rich aroma of meat filled the entire courtyard. She added some salt for seasoning, covered the pot, and let it simmer slowly.
Liang Shi stood at the main room’s doorway, standing on tiptoe to peer outside. The scent of the bone broth wafted toward her. She swallowed her saliva and cast a cold, disdainful glance at Sun Shi, who was diligently washing the knuckle: A Bo Residence lady by birth, how could she stoop to such filthy work? Look at that fawning, ingratiating expression—she’s truly abandoned all dignity!
Wen Rong, enticed by the alluring meaty aroma, recalled his father’s words that helping their third sister with chores would earn them a meal… Unconsciously, he smacked his lips and took two steps forward.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Liang Shi stopped him. “You are the eldest grandson of the Wen family. Everything in this household belongs to you. Why lower yourself to beg for food from others?”
“You’re right.” Wen Rong lifted his chin, brimming with pride. “She ought to deliver it to me personally!”
Wen Zhengliang glanced at the two and remarked in a subdued tone, “Last time, that Ginger Fried Duck didn’t include you either…”
Wen Rong: “…”
Wen Zhengliang turned and entered the room. In a secluded spot, he gazed outside at Wen Junliang, who was cheerfully waiting to eat the knuckle, his face filled with envy.
He, too, wished to help with chores like his third brother in exchange for food, but he simply couldn’t bring himself to swallow his pride…
Over there, Sun Shi placed the thoroughly cleaned knuckle on the cutting board, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Beaming with pride, she called Wen Ranran over to inspect it: “Ranran, see if this is acceptable. If not, I’ll wash it again!”
Wen Ranran took a look and praised with a smile, “Aunt, you’ve done a splendid job—much more meticulous than I could have been. You’re truly capable!”
Who doesn’t love a bit of flattery? Motivate her enthusiasm, and she might just become another helping hand in the future!
Sun Shi was so elated by the praise that she couldn’t stop smiling.
Wen Ranran prepared various seasonings and set to work stewing the knuckle.
First, she cut the tendons on the knuckle to prevent them from shrinking when heated, then blanched it in boiling water to remove the blood. After that, she added yellow wine, scallions, and ginger to eliminate any gaminess.
When the pork hock was cooked until tender, Wen Ranran heated oil in a wok to caramelize sugar. Rock sugar sizzled in the hot oil, filling the air with a toasty sweetness.
As the caramel bubbled and foamed, Wen Ranran added scallions, ginger, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices, stir-frying until fragrant before pouring in hot water. The wok erupted with a sizzling roar, the sound of bubbling liquid mingling with the clatter of the spatula—a lively, festive symphony.
The braising liquid for the pork hock turned a glossy red. Wen Ranran added an appropriate amount of salt and yellow wine to enhance the flavor, then placed the pork hock into the wok, covering it to simmer.
Estimating it would take three to four hours to braise, Wen Ranran turned to prepare the Bo Zai Gao and Braised Dish she would sell that evening.
Fortunately, the previous homeowner had built several additional stoves—otherwise, it wouldn’t have been enough!
Sun Shi and Wen Ruru watched in astonishment as Wen Ranran moved effortlessly between the stoves, managing multiple tasks with seamless organization and no sign of panic or rush: She truly deserved to earn this money!
As the aroma of the braising pork hock grew richer, Wen Junliang rubbed his hands eagerly nearby: “San Yatou, is the pork hock ready yet?”
“You’ve asked me eight hundred times this afternoon!” Wen Ranran scooped a bowl of fragrant bone broth and handed it to him. “Third Uncle, have a bowl of soup to tide you over. Reducing the sauce for the pork hock is a slow process too!”
Wen Junliang took the bowl and looked down: the broth was clear and bright, garnished with vibrant green cilantro and scallions—a feast for the eyes. He took a spoonful—rich and aromatic, with a subtle scallion flavor that cut through any richness. It was savory and delicious!
“San Yatou, I could drink two pots of this!”
Wen Ranran was delighted to see him enjoy it so much.
For a cook, having such enthusiastic, generous patrons was a true blessing.
She lifted the lid: the pork hock was glossy and red, already tender and falling apart.
Wen Ranran removed the pork hock, strained the braising liquid, and brought it to a boil again. After skimming off the surface oil, she added an appropriate amount of rock sugar and simmered it, infusing the rich meaty aroma with a hint of sweetness.
She returned the pork hock to the wok, ladling the reddish-brown sauce over it repeatedly. As time passed and the temperature worked its magic, the simmering sauce grew glossier and thicker.
Wen Ranran arranged the pork hock on a plate, then simmered the remaining sauce a little longer until it reduced into a glossy, concentrated glaze, which she poured over the pork hock.
Against the white porcelain plate, the crimson pork hock stood out vibrantly. With the slightest nudge, the gelatinous skin wobbled enticingly, beckoning everyone to take a bite.
All present stared fixedly at the pork hock, swallowing in unison.
Wen Ranran quickly stir-fried some bean sprouts, divided the dishes, and as usual, set aside a portion for Old Mrs. Wen while keeping the rest for themselves.
With Sun Shi and Wen Ruru joining them for the meal today, Wen Ranran felt the atmosphere was much livelier than usual.
She picked up a piece of the trembling pork skin and put it in her mouth—tender, melt-in-the-mouth, and perfectly cooked: Not bad, just my usual standard!
Sun Shi tasted the pork hock: the skin was fragrant and glutinous, melting on the tongue, while the meat was fall-apart tender and richly flavored. The balance of salty and sweet was just right, without a hint of greasiness. It could rival—even surpass—the dishes prepared by imperial chefs in the palace!
Wen Junliang used a spoon to ladle two scoops of rich gravy over his rice, mixing it thoroughly. He picked up a piece of pork knuckle skin and placed it atop the sauce-coated rice. Scooping from the bottom with his chopsticks, he took a large bite into his mouth. The savory-sweet flavor was so fragrant that he eagerly shoveled two more mouthfuls of rice. The pork skin was soft and glutinous, each grain of rice enveloped in the rich, aromatic meat juices—every bite was an ultimate delight.
Wen Ranran, watching from the side, couldn’t help but laugh: Third Uncle really knows how to eat!
Pork knuckle over rice—whoever tries it gets hooked!
The group devoured the meal like a whirlwind, leaving not a trace of the pork knuckle, bean sprouts, or bone broth. Even the sauce in the pork knuckle dish was scraped clean by Wen Junliang.
After a thoroughly satisfying meal, Shen Shi and Sun Shi vied to wash the dishes, while Wen Yiliang, unable to help, had no choice but to return to his room to study.
Wen Ranran prepared her items for the night market and, brimming with energy, seized the moment while her parents were busy and unaware to set off quickly—otherwise, she’d be subjected to a long stream of nagging and reminders.
The setting sun cast a golden glow, with thin clouds scattered across the sky.
Gazing at the evening glow on the horizon, she couldn’t help but sigh: Eating pork knuckle really gives you energy!
The night market was bustling with crowds, and the entertainment quarters were still alive with the clamor of gongs and drums. Wen Ranran couldn’t resist stealing several glances inside, hoping that someday, when she had time, she would definitely go in and explore properly!
She set up her stall, and the customers lined up orderly as usual. Her Bo Zai Gao and Braised Dish remained quite popular, making her stall the most lively and prosperous.
Just after selling a few portions of Bo Zai Gao and while packing Braised Dish, a young woman dressed elegantly and richly approached her stall and politely asked, “Are you Wen Xiaoniangzi?”
“I am,” Wen Ranran replied, slightly surprised, then nodded.
The young woman, pleased to have found the right person, smiled and said, “I am a maid from the He family on Changping Street. My mistress specifically sent me to place an order for Braised Dish with you. I wonder if it would be convenient for you to deliver Braised Dish to the He residence daily? Payment will be settled each day.”
Wen Ranran was overjoyed, nodding eagerly like a pecking chick: “Convenient, convenient!”
When it comes to making money, how could it be inconvenient? She’d deliver even if knives were falling from the sky!
The young woman handed over the prepared deposit and continued with a smile, “Then we’ll trouble you to make the trip daily! My mistress also said that not only Braised Dish, but if you develop any new dishes, you can deliver those as well. If any suit her taste, she’ll place further orders with you.”
Wen Ranran’s eyes sparkled upon hearing this: Long-term development! So much money!!!
The customers in line erupted into chatter:
“Whoa! It’s the He family, who run the cloth business!”
“The He family is one of the well-known wealthy households in the capital!”
“Eh? I think someone from the Yan family, who deal in timber, is here too!”
“That servant looks like he’s from the Jiang family.”
“The Jiang family that runs Sanchunji? Their new osmanthus hair oil is quite good!”
…
No sooner had the He family left than the Yan family arrived, and after the Yan family came the Jiang family… back and forth, it was quite lively.
Wen Ranran, beaming with joy, counted the deposits, guessing that these wealthy mistresses must have been guests at Fu Furen’s banquet today, tasted the Braised Dish, found it to their liking, and inquired to place orders.
Delivering to the Fu residence had unexpectedly garnered a group of generous customers—this was completely an unexpected windfall!
The ladies’ tea party was equivalent to an SSR-level advertising spot. Not giving Fu Furen a bow of gratitude would be unreasonable!
Wen Ranran counted the money, her eyes twinkling with stars, grinning from ear to ear.
With a bit more savings to expand her funds and strengthen her ability to withstand risks, it wouldn’t be long before she could exchange for her own fixed stall!