Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 222: Chickens and ducks at the market, preserved meats for winter

Si Li looked at Yuyu's family frantically grabbing the chickens and ducks, his face full of concern, and said gently: "Let me help you take the chickens and ducks back. It's really inconvenient for you to carry so many."

When the Yuyu family heard this, their eyes were filled with gratitude. Xiaoyu quickly responded, "Okay, thank you so much for troubling Master Sili. Thank you for your help today."

When Ci Xi heard this, his face suddenly darkened. He snorted coldly and muttered with disdain: "You just love to meddle in other people's business, humph!"

After saying that, he flicked his sleeves vigorously and walked out of the store quickly without looking back. His footsteps were full of annoyance and he soon disappeared from everyone's sight.

Si Li looked at Ci Li's departing back and shook his head helplessly. Then he helped Yu Yu's family pick up a few chickens and ducks and walked towards Zuixianlou.

As they passed by the academy, Shi Tou happened to walk out of it.

Shitou immediately spotted the chickens and ducks they were holding, and with a look of surprise on his face, he quickly walked forward and asked loudly, "Have you found the chickens and ducks?"

Yuyu's eyes sparkled with excitement, and a bright smile spread across her face. She nodded quickly and said, "Yes, it took a lot of effort to find them all!"

Stone looked at the chirping and flapping chickens and ducks and laughed too, saying, "That's great! It would be troublesome if we lost it."

Si Li smiled and briefly recounted what had happened. After listening, Shitou looked at Si Li with admiration and said, "Brother Si Li is always so enthusiastic. It's really admirable."

Si Li waved his hand modestly.

Yuyu was like a happy puppy, skipping and jumping in front, with an excited look on his face. He couldn't wait to say to Shitou: "You don't know how fun it was to catch chickens and ducks just now."

When everyone heard this, they became interested and gathered around to listen to Yu Yu's vivid story.

Yuyu gestured excitedly and said, "At first, we just saw a few hens suddenly run out of the store. The hen ran very fast, weaving in and out between the table legs. I aimed at it and tried to catch it, but it jumped onto the chair and tilted its head to look at me, as if it was laughing at my clumsiness."

As she spoke, Yu Yu pouted her little mouth, looking very cute.

"And there was the duck, hiding behind the water tank. Master Si Li had sharp eyes and spotted it right away. He rushed to catch it, but the duck flapped its wings hard, splashing water all over him. It really amused us, but he didn't get angry at all. He still held the duck tightly and wouldn't let go."

Yu Yu looked at Si Li as she spoke, her eyes full of gratitude and admiration.

Si Li smiled and waved his hands, saying, "It's just a small matter. As long as we can get the chickens and ducks back, it will be fine."

Yuyu continued, "Later, a white pheasant flew onto the beam of the house. I brought a ladder to catch it, but it flew out again and flew straight to the market. We had a group of people chasing it all over the market. It was a chaotic scene. Many passers-by stopped to watch and helped us to stop it."

Shitou was fascinated by what he heard. He exclaimed in surprise from time to time and asked curiously, "What happened next? How did you catch it?"

Yuyu's face was full of pride as she said, "Later, we chased it into a corner. My mother, I, Master Si Li, and Brother Li Hao, the four of us formed a circle around it and trapped it in the middle."

"It was flapping its wings, feathers flying everywhere. Finally, my mother was very capable and caught it in one go. Oh, finally all the chickens and ducks were found. Otherwise, I don't know how anxious I would be."

Xiaoyu also added with a smile: "Yes, thanks to Master Si Li's help. If it weren't for your help, who knows how long it would have lasted. We are so grateful in our hearts."

Si Li hurriedly said, "You're being polite. It's just a simple task. Seeing you're so anxious, I naturally can't just stand by and watch."

When they passed by the pork stall, Uncle Li was busy working behind the stall.

Seeing Yuyu's family with so many chickens and ducks, Uncle Li couldn't help but ask curiously, "What are all these chickens and ducks for?"

Xiaoyu smiled and replied, "I'm planning to make it into cured chicken and duck."

Uncle Li laughed and joked, "We cured pork a while ago, and now we're curing chicken and duck."

Yuyu nodded and said, "Yes, yes, more cured meats are recommended. Winter is coming soon, and these cured meats can be eaten for a long time. When the time comes, stew a pot of cured chicken or duck. It will be fragrant and delicious, and it goes well with rice."

Uncle Li agreed and said, "Indeed, cured meats have a long shelf life and can warm the body in winter. You have made very thorough preparations."

As he spoke, he also enthusiastically shared with Xiaoyu some of his little experiences in pickling cured meats, such as controlling the salt content, the drying time and suitable weather.

Xiaoyu listened carefully and kept thanking Uncle Li for sharing. Then she took Yuyu, Sili and others to continue walking towards Zuixianlou. Along the way, she was discussing the delicious recipes of cured chicken and duck with Yuyu.

Yuyu asked with sparkling eyes, "Mom, do you want some cured chicken or duck later?"

Xiaoyu shook the chicken in her hand and responded with a smile: "Yes, yes, let's go back and prepare it."

Li Hao also said excitedly: "Haha, these cured chicken and duck will definitely be very delicious after they are cured. I can eat several more bowls of rice by then."

Si Li smiled and said, "After being cured, the flavor will definitely be unique, but I think the process will require some thought and effort. Although I have never made cured meat myself, I am fortunate to be able to participate in it today. It can broaden my horizons and learn this folk art."

The group's pace unconsciously quickened, and they were eager to return to Zuixianlou to start making cured meat.

As soon as they reached the entrance of Zuixianlou, they heard Ah Cai's familiar and loud voice: "You're back!"

Ah Cai walked out of the house quickly and saw the chickens and ducks in the hands of the people. His face was full of surprise and he said with a smile: "Wow, the chickens and ducks are all found. It's not easy!"

Yuyu jumped up to Ah Cai and chirped, "Sister Ah Cai, it was so dangerous! They were running around in the store. It took us a lot of effort to catch them. Thanks to Master Si Li for helping us."

Ah Cai looked at Si Li, clasped his hands together, and said gratefully, "Mr. Si Li, I am truly grateful for your generosity and help. Please come inside and have some rest."

Si Li politely replied, "You're welcome. It's just a small favor. Seeing how anxious they are, I naturally can't just stand by and watch."

Ah Cai looked around at the chickens and ducks again and said to Xiao Yu, "These chickens and ducks look pretty solid. What are you going to do with them?"