Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 111 - 58 Brewing_3

Chapter 111: Chapter 58 Brewing_3
One of the advantages of using Chinese chives for stuffing is that the strong flavor of the chives themselves eliminates the need for additional spices. While boiling the pork skin for aspic, Lian Manman purposely added extra segments of scallion and star anise to the broth. Therefore, the only thing needed was salt, and no other spices were necessary. Lady Li and Lian Manman were inside the house, doing the filling; while Lady Zhang also sat up to help make the filling. Lian Zhizhi started a fire outside, using the newly bought soybean oil for frying, to which Lian Manman also added some chicken fat. The result was that as soon as the oil heated up, the enticing aroma began to waft through the air. When the meat pies were fried to perfection, the aroma became even more irresistible.
After Lady Li finished making the pies, she took out a cloth bag from her bosom, which contained one string of coins and two pieces of silver, and handed it to Lady Zhang.
"You’ve just started living on your own, and you don’t have a single Wen Money to your name? Take this money, keep it, and use it for your daily expenses." Lady Li said to Lady Zhang, "This visit was to see you as I didn’t know you had separated households. Had I known, I would have brought more money."
Lady Zhang refused to accept it.
"Mother, I am married off; how can I keep taking money from my parents?"
"So, once you’re married off, you’re no longer my daughter?" Lady Li forcefully stuffed the money into Lady Zhang’s bosom, "Keep it well and buy whatever you need; don’t skimp on spending it. If you’re ever short on money, just send me a message."
"Mother, I cannot take this money." Lady Zhang said.
"Keep it. Consider it our contribution to your cauldron’s base. Don’t worry about your elder brother and sister-in-law; they’re aware and even mentioned it this morning." Lady Li said.
After going back and forth about it, Lady Zhang had no choice but to accept reluctantly.
Lady Li went out to relieve herself, and Lian Manman, noticing Lady Zhang staring blankly at the money in her hands, went over and wrapped up the money.
"Mother, let’s keep this money for now. When we have our own, we can be more filial to Grandfather and Grandmother; they’ll be pleased too." Lian Manman said.
Lady Zhang smiled, "You certainly know what to say."
"I’m not just talking." Lian Manman said, "Mother, see, you’re not at convenience; let me take care of the money."
Lady Zhang suddenly realized that these past days, Lian Manman had been the one in charge. While Lady Zhang was still taken aback, Lian Manman had already put the money away in the cabinet and locked it.
"Alright, I’ll let you manage it. Do you think I’m going to squander it?" Lady Zhang said helplessly.
Zhang Qingnian and Lian Shouxin brought in the last cartload of wild grapes, and Zhang Qingnian chuckled, saying they were in for another treat.
With the meat pies nearly done, Lian Manman borrowed Lian Shouli’s stove to stir-fry some shredded potatoes, green beans with sliced meat, and also made a cucumber slice and egg soup.
At mealtime, Zhang Qingshan and Lian Shouxin went to invite Old Master Lian from the Upper Room to join them.
Since they still had dozens of miles to travel, right after the meal, Zhang Qingnian harnessed the horses and got ready to depart. Zhang Qingshan had already given Lian Shouxin all his instructions and was holding Old Master’s hand, affectionately addressing him as "elder brother," while chatting as they walked out.
Lady Li, reluctant to leave Lady Zhang, held her hand, naturally giving lots of loving advice.
"Mother, what are you worried about? My sister-in-law is a good person with good fortune. Look at the children; they’re all grown and capable. Sister-in-law’s good days are ahead." Lady Wang said with a laugh.
Lian Manman called Caiyun aside and handed her a basket.
"What’s this?" Caiyun asked.
The basket was lined with a layer of sorghum leaves, on top of which lay a pack of pine nut candies and about a dozen oil-paper-wrapped meat pies. The Zhang family had praised how delicious the pies were during the meal, and Lian Manman, knowing they had nothing substantial to offer as gifts, had deliberately made extra with the plan to give some to Caiyun to take home. The packet of pine nut candies had been purchased earlier in the morning along with the meat, also intended for Caiyun to share at home with the cousins who couldn’t make it.
"Oh no, I can’t take this." Caiyun said, declining after seeing the contents of the basket.
"Why the fuss? Just take it." Lian Manman said with a smile.
With her straightforward nature, Caiyun knew that Lian Manman meant well and no longer refused.
After seeing off Zhang Qingshan’s family, Lian Manman didn’t rest but immediately got to work. The family finished processing the remaining wild grapes as the day was drawing to a close. Seventy jars were used up, and some wild grapes were still left, so Lian Manman simply utilized two small jars as well.
Looking at the neatly arranged jars and feeling the soreness in her arms and hands, everyone’s faces broke into smiles of satisfaction.
For dinner, they ate the remaining meat pies, and after the meal, the family retired to bed early.
"Manman, can we really make wine just like this?" Lian Shouxin asked.
"It’s still too early for that." Lian Manman replied. Wild grape wine required several rounds of fermentation and filtering, and it would take at least two months.
"Manman, this process of making wine isn’t too hard; your second aunt must have learned it as well, right?" Lian Zhizhi suddenly said.
During their work in the afternoon, Old Master Lian, Lady Zhou, Lian Shouren, Lian Jizu, along with the couple from the second branch and a few kids, had all come to see. Lian Shouyi and Lady He had been inquisitive and even wanted to try it themselves, but Lian Manman categorically refused them.
She understood Lian Zhizhi’s concern.
"It’s not that easy." Lian Manman said. There was another critical step in the grape wine-making process that she hadn’t told anyone. If Zhang Qingshan’s family wanted to learn, they would ask her. At that time, she wouldn’t mind explaining this vital step to them. But she wouldn’t be responsible for the results if someone tried to learn surreptitiously and attempted to make their own without guidance.
The family was exhausted, and after just a few words, everyone fell into a heavy sleep.
In the middle of the night, Lian Manman suddenly woke up startled.
"There seems to be some noise outside." (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes, monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)