Baozi Xishi's Struggle

Chapter 303: The soup is clear, I'm not bragging

Lu Lang was observing the situation and quickly interrupted, "Father, Miss Shen is being too modest."

"Many of the dishes she cooked were the first time I had eaten or seen them."

"So-called home-cooked food is just home-cooked food. The tofu that Miss Shen cut yesterday is something I have never seen or eaten in any restaurant before."

When Lu Zheng was reminded by his son, he clapped his hands excitedly and said, "Yes, yes, I was confused by Yang Laoliu, oh no, Lord Yang's early arrival."

"Miss Shen, Qixi came back yesterday and said that the tofu you cut was as thin as a strand of hair, and it swayed in the water like a chrysanthemum just blooming."

"What kind of dish is that? Is it delicious?"

Shen Yu quickly explained: "Your Excellency, I cut the tofu shreds yesterday just to test the knife."

“This knife technique can be used to make two dishes.”

"Cut the tofu into chrysanthemum shapes, add broth, put it in a bowl, and steam it in a steamer. The dish is called chrysanthemum tofu in clear soup."

"If you cut it into thin strips and add shredded mushrooms and ham to cook with broth, it's called Wensi Tofu Soup."

"The two flavors are different. The former focuses on the color and shape of the dish. The tofu in the soup is like chrysanthemums in cold autumn. The soup is clear and the tofu is tender and smooth. The latter has tofu filaments as thin as needles and the soup is fresh and mellow. Each has its own characteristics."

Lu Zheng muttered: "Chrysanthemum tofu in clear soup, what an interesting name."

"The soup is clear? But the soups I drank before were all very thick in color, not clear."

"This dish is called clear soup, isn't that just talk?"

A look of disbelief appeared on Lu Zheng's face.

Shen Yu smiled slightly, not panicking, and responded calmly: "My Lord, the clear and thick color of the soup is related to the cooking method of the broth."

"If you want the soup to be clear, fresh and delicious, in addition to boiling it for a long enough time, you also need to chop the chicken breast into minced meat, put it into the pot several times to absorb impurities, and then let it settle and filter."

"The soup is as clear as water, but fresh and delicious."

"This soup can be used to make dishes such as chrysanthemum tofu soup and boiled cabbage."

Lu Zheng became interested when he heard this: "Boiling cabbage, I've never heard of it before."

"You mean the soup is as clear as freshly boiled water?"

Shen Yu nodded and said, "Although a well-cooked clear soup cannot be boiled like water, it does not have a trace of oil and is clear and bright."

Lu Zheng stood up excitedly: "Miss Shen, today you can make these two dishes, and also add the signature pork belly skewers from your restaurant."

"Let's start making it now. I have to host a banquet for the prefect, Mr. Yang, in the county government office at the beginning of the evening. Can we make it in time?"

It was only the beginning of the Si hour at this time. Although it would take a little longer to make the broth, it would be enough for a whole day.

Shen Yu estimated the time and nodded, "It can be done."

Lu Zheng said with satisfaction: "That's good, Miss Shen, go and prepare. If there is anything you need to buy, tell Master Qian and he will arrange it."

Master Qian beside him hurriedly stood up and responded, and was about to bow and leave the study with Shen Yu.

Lu Lang said, "Father, let Qixi go with you. He knows some cooking skills and can help Miss Shen so that she can handle it alone."

Lu Zheng waved his hand casually, which was considered as his agreement.

Qi Xi quickly agreed, bowed to Magistrate Lu, and went out with Master Qian and Shen Yu.

After the three men left, Lu Zheng sat down on a chair, looking relaxed and contented, listening to his son and his lawyer discussing the arrangements for receiving the governor in the evening.

He seemed to be listening attentively, but no one knew what he was thinking in his heart. From time to time, a satisfied smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, like a child who had succeeded in a prank.

After some discussion, Lu Lang and the other man arranged the courtyard for Lord Yang to stay in and the servants to serve him, and began to discuss the welcoming banquet in the evening.

Lu Lang asked, "Father, which restaurant's chef do you think we should invite to cook for us? Does Uncle Yang prefer mutton or game?"

After a long while, Magistrate Lu did not move, so Lu Lang raised his voice a little: "Father?"

"Ah, oh..."

"What did you say?"

Lu Zheng quickly collected his thoughts, coughed lightly to cover it up, and asked.

Lu Lang had no choice but to repeat the question again.

Lu Zheng waved his hand: "No need, Miss Shen can cook the dinner alone."

Lu Lang looked at Master Liu, who was in charge of criminal law, in confusion. The latter shook his head slightly, also looking puzzled.

Lu Lang could only say, "I'm afraid this isn't appropriate. When the prefect comes, how can we only serve two soups and a plate of meat skewers to entertain him? If Lord Yang blames us, then father, wouldn't he..."

A son should not speak of his father's mistakes. Lu Lang could not continue.

"Wouldn't it be blamed for being disrespectful and self-defeating?"

Lu Zheng replied with a smile.

Although Lu Lang didn't say anything, he clearly expressed that you are right.

Master Liu next to him advised: "Sir, although you have a close personal relationship with Lord Yang, this is not the old house in the capital after all, so don't take it lightly."

Lu Zheng waved his hand confidently: "I know best what kind of person Yang Laoliu is, just rest assured and follow my instructions."

After he finished speaking, he thought for a moment and said, "Xiao Si, you said that many of the dishes at Miss Shen's house have never been eaten anywhere else?"

Lu Lang nodded, and Lu Zheng said happily: "That's great. Even if Yang Laoliu plans to stay here for three or four days and wants to eat fresh food every day, it should be enough to let Miss Shen cook a different dish every day."

Although Lu Lang didn't understand what his father meant, seeing that his father was just smiling like a naughty boy who was about to play a prank on his friend, he sighed inwardly and had to give up.

He winked at Master Liu, then stood up and saluted: "If Father has nothing else to tell you, Master Liu and I will go down and prepare."

Lu Zheng seemed to have solved a big problem. He nodded to the two of them and said, "You guys can do it. I've been busy all morning and I haven't fed the two newly bought 'Purple Jade Xiao' yet."

Having said that, he couldn't wait to get up, and left the study before the other two to take care of his precious goldfish.

Lu Lang had long been accustomed to his father who only wanted to have fun and not worry about anything.

After he left, he discussed with Master Liu: "We should prepare a table according to the etiquette for receiving the governor. If Master Yang thinks the dishes are too simple, we will be able to deal with it."

The master nodded approvingly: "Young Master, you are right. I will prepare it right away. Let's order a table of the best food at Xingsheng Restaurant. I heard that they have just started serving mutton hotpot. It will be perfect for eating in the cold weather."

When Lu Lang heard his master mention that the weather was cold, he remembered the boiled fish that Qixi brought back that day. It tasted spicy and fresh. Now that the weather is cold, it is also suitable to eat it.

After Lu Lang and his advisor had reached an agreement, they each went about their respective duties.