Liang Shi stormed in with such imposing authority that Dong Shu nervously tucked in his feet, forcing a dry laugh despite his inner fury, utterly at a loss.
Shen Shi happened to overhear this while carrying out water and protested discontentedly, “Sister-in-law, what kind of talk is that!”
Liang Shi glanced sideways at the cup in her hand and sneered, “Rushing to serve tea and water to please those low-class people—what a disgrace to our Wen family!”
“You…” Shen Shi, mild-tempered by nature, flushed crimson with anger but couldn’t retort.
Wen Ranran listened and laughed in exasperation, “What defines ‘low-class’ and ‘high-class’? Aunt, the house you live in, the roads you walk, the clothes you wear, the rice, vegetables, oil, meat, eggs, flour, and milk you eat—which of these isn’t produced by the so-called ‘low-class’ people? If you look down on them, why use their labor? It might dirty you, Aunt.”
“You…” Liang Shi was left speechless, taking a moment to collect herself before arguing, “I’m only thinking of this family. If something goes wrong, can you take responsibility?”
Dong Shu could sit no longer. Rising, he whispered to Wen Ranran, “Perhaps I should come another day?”
“Please stay, Dong Shu.” Wen Ranran respectfully urged him to sit, then turned to Liang Shi with a faint smile. “Something go wrong? This house is bare—there’s nothing for anyone to steal. Would they steal the half-vat of rice bran for feeding chickens or those few bunches of greens?”
“Aunt, you must still be half-asleep, spouting nonsense that invites ridicule.”
“Pfft—”
A chuckle sounded. Everyone turned to see Sun Shi approaching cheerfully, smiling at Wen Ranran as she said, “Silly girl, your aunt is worried about her own hidden silver. She wouldn’t bother with our things.”
Liang Shi’s eyes flickered briefly before she raised her voice righteously, “When did I hide anything? Third sister-in-law, you’d better have evidence for such claims!”
Sun Shi shrugged indifferently, “What evidence? You know the truth yourself.”
Wen Junliang followed behind, limping quickly as he added, “How many times have I caught that brat Wen Rong crouching by the wall gnawing on chicken legs!”
“Third Brother, slow down!” Wen Yiliang hurried out, book still in hand, and thrust a cane into his reckless brother’s grip, his heart worn with worry.
Exposed about the hidden money, Liang Shi grew frantic, pointing at Wen Junliang and shouting angrily, “You… you’re lying! How dare you slander your elder sister-in-law!”
Used to such scenes, Wen Junliang rolled his eyes and snorted, “Who did I slander? I asked Wen Rong for a bite, and he didn’t even share—him, the eldest grandson of the Wen family? Eldest grandson, my foot! He’s nowhere near as good as San Yatou!”
Wen Ranran gave her a meaningful look and, spotting an elderly figure, pretended to wipe tears, her voice trembling with feigned distress, “Grandmother has been living on plain porridge lately, starving until she’s lost weight. And yet you, Aunt… She dotes on you the most. If she found out, how heartbroken she would be.”
“Stop with the scare tactics…”
Wen Zhengliang, supporting Old Mrs. Wen, glanced at her expression and flushed with shame, turning to scold Liang Shi, “Enough! Keep your mouth shut!”
Everyone fell silent at the sound.
Liang Shi turned and was taken aback to see Old Mrs. Wen’s grim face. Immediately losing her earlier overbearing demeanor, she mumbled a few words before lowering her head and falling silent: “Mother…”
“I dare not accept being called your mother.” Old Mrs. Wen sneered coldly. She had initially intended to turn a blind eye upon hearing the commotion in the courtyard, but when she heard Sun Shi accuse Liang Shi of hoarding silver, she could no longer sit still. Then, hearing Wen Junliang say that her dearly beloved grandson Rong Ge’er had hidden away to eat alone made her feel utterly heartbroken.
During the family’s destitute times, she had constantly worried about this sole male heir, even willing to starve her own old bones to save food for him. Yet he only cared about himself, showing no concern for his grandmother.
In contrast, Ranran, whom she had never treated kindly before, obediently offered her own Vegetable Corn Cake to share. Working hard day and night at a small stall, she would bring delicious food daily even before earning much, never failing to provide her with a single bite.
Old Mrs. Wen sighed: “After all, a granddaughter is more considerate!”
Without even glancing at Liang Shi, she spoke with a cold expression: “Go back and kneel. Don’t get up until I say so.”
“Mother, I…” Liang Shi had lost all face but still stubbornly tried to argue.
Old Mrs. Wen wouldn’t tolerate it, sternly declaring: “If you say one more word, I’ll issue a letter of divorce. See if your Liang family will still take you back!”
Hmm?
Wen Ranran listened quietly, detecting a whiff of juicy gossip.
Upon hearing this, Liang Shi pressed her lips tightly together, not daring to utter another word. Wiping her tears pitifully, she retreated.
Old Mrs. Wen turned to Wen Ranran, her voice softening slightly: “You’ve been wronged.”
Wen Ranran shook her head: “It’s all Ranran’s fault for disturbing Grandmother’s peace.”
Elderly people love sweet talk—after all, saying a few nice words costs nothing!
Sure enough, Old Mrs. Wen felt increasingly comforted, warmth spreading through her heart.
Wen Zhengliang also wanted to say something to Wen Ranran but was too ashamed to speak. He opened his mouth only to close it again, sighing and shaking his head as he supported Old Mrs. Wen back to her room.
Only then did Dong Shu, who had been sitting on pins and needles, dare to breathe a sigh of relief.
Wen Yiliang put down his book, took the cup of water from Shen Shi, and handed it to Dong Shu with an apologetic smile: “I’m truly sorry about this.”
“Please don’t say that,” Dong Shu hastily wiped his hands and stood up to accept the cup. “It’s all my bad timing, causing your family to quarrel.”
“How is it your fault? Our family argues every other day—please don’t laugh at us.” Wen Ranran smiled reassuringly. “My aunt has been jealous of my small earnings and holding a grudge against me for some time. Today’s trouble was all directed at me. You innocently got caught in the crossfire—I should be apologizing to you. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Dong Shu scratched his head carefreely: “What are you saying, Wen Xiaoniangzi? Let me check the best spot for your baking oven in the yard.”
Wen Ranran nodded cheerfully: “Alright, Uncle Dong. You’re the expert—feel free to look around the courtyard. I’ll go prepare dinner.”
“Baking oven?” Wen Junliang’s eyes lit up, eagerly following Wen Ranran. “What delicious thing is San Yatou planning now?”
“I want to make some desserts.” Wen Ranran busily chopped meat while smiling at Wen Junliang. “Once Uncle Dong builds the oven tomorrow, I’ll make some for you to try.”
Wen Junliang slapped his thigh joyfully: “Then I’ll be waiting for it!”
Wen Ranran watched the bustling Dong Shu, then glanced back at her parents who were busy washing pots and bowls. Even her usually idle aunt was occupied feeding chickens and collecting eggs – life was becoming more promising by the day!
After surveying the location and forming a rough plan in his mind, Dong Shu came over to discuss with Wen Ranran: “Wen Xiaoniangzi, I think the west side of the kitchen would be perfect. There’s ample space to build a larger oven that will suit your business needs. If you have no objections, I’ll go fetch the materials now. It should be completed within a day or two, then we just need to let it dry for another couple of days before use.”
“Alright!” Wen Ranran wiped her hands and handed him the prepared money pouch. “I’ll leave the oven construction entirely in your hands while I focus on cooking.”
Impressed by her decisiveness, Dong Shu gave her a thumbs-up: “It’d be against nature if you don’t make money!”
As she handled the premium pork belly, Wen Ranran chuckled softly: “Dong Shu, you can have a meal right after you return with the materials.”
“Great!”
Being an efficient man himself, Dong Shu agreed and left immediately without delay.
Wen Ranran placed the prepared pork belly into a pot of cold water, adding scallions, ginger, star anise, and yellow wine before seasoning with salt. After boiling the meat until cooked through, she removed it and lightly brushed the skin with yellow wine once cooled – this would help with coloring during frying.
Heating oil in a wok, she carefully lowered the meat into the hot oil. Instantly, sizzling sounds erupted as white steam rose from the wok, filling the courtyard with the aroma of frying meat.
When the meat was sufficiently fried, Wen Ranran removed it – the skin perfectly golden and blistered. She cut the meat into approximately 3-4 centimeter cubes for later use.
Heating oil again, she stir-fried star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and tsao-ko until the spices released their unique fragrance as the temperature rose. When the timing was right, she added some rock sugar to create caramel color before tossing in the meat cubes.
With a sizzle and rising steam, the meat gradually took on an enticing reddish-brown hue as she stirred. Once all pieces were evenly colored, she poured in hot water, added bay leaves, scallions, and ginger, finally seasoning with salt.
The rich meat aroma from the vigorously boiling stew was irresistible enough to make anyone stop in their tracks.
Covering the pot to simmer over low heat, even Wen Ranran herself felt intoxicated by the wonderful smell.
This was her first Hong Shao Rou since transmigrating here!
“Wow! What’s stewing that smells so amazing?”
Dong Shu pushed a cart loaded with bricks and gravel through the gate, his spirits lifted by the meaty fragrance.
“Dong Shu, you returned just in time! The Hong Shao Rou is almost ready!” Wen Ranran greeted him while reducing the sauce.
Shen Shi warmly invited him to wash up and rest while waiting for the meal.
Wen Ranran continued working, pouring the reduced sauce – glossy red and slightly thick – over the neatly arranged meat cubes. The dish shone with rich oil and dark sauce, its aroma overwhelming.
She quickly stir-fried some hometown-style tofu and served both dishes together.
Dong Shu stared at the heaping plate of meat – trembling, glistening, tender and fatty – swallowing hard with craving. He hardly dared imagine how wonderful it would taste to have a piece!
As the family gathered around the table, Wen Ranran smiled: “Dong Shu, please make yourself at home and don’t stand on ceremony.”
Wen Yiliang added: “You’ve been taking such good care of Ranran lately – please eat more!”
“Yes, yes, help yourself to more!” Wen Junliang mumbled through a mouthful of melt-in-your-mouth Hong Shao Rou before falling silent, focusing entirely on devouring the meat.
“Ah!” Dong Shu nodded, picked up a piece of Hong Shao Rou and put it in his mouth, then froze.
Heavens! How could this braised pork be so fragrant!
The fatty meat melted in his mouth with just a gentle press, leaving only the aroma of meat without any greasy or gamey taste. The lean meat was coated in a glossy sauce, savory and delicious, tender and juicy without being the least bit dry.
He then reached his chopsticks toward the plate of bright red tofu, picked up a piece and took a bite. A rich, spicy flavor instantly exploded in his mouth. The unique sweetness of the tofu blended with the freshness of mushrooms and bamboo shoots, while the golden fried skin of the tofu carried a hint of charred aroma. All these flavors intertwined, moving him to the point of tears.
Heavens! How could this tofu be even more delicious than meat!
Wen Ranran gazed thoughtfully at the bricks and stones on the pushcart. In a couple of days, when the oven was built and she started doing business at restaurants and teahouses, she probably wouldn’t have the hands to manage the night market stall anymore.
She looked at the people around the table. Her father needed to study, her mother was too gentle and honest for this line of work… Wen Ranran’s eyes shifted and finally settled on Third Uncle, who was wolfing down his food, and his capable and shrewd wife.
After pondering for a long time, she slowly spoke: “Third Uncle, Third Aunt, I wonder if I could ask you for a favor?”