CHAPTER 347: CHAPTER 347: UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENTS ELSEWHERE

The most distinctive feature of luosifen is its unique taste, a fusion of snails and sour bamboo shoots. Those who enjoy it will overlook the intense flavor at the first taste, while those who don’t like luosifen might be deterred by this taste.

It’s the same as stinky tofu; some people like it, some don’t, and no one can persuade the other.

The key to luosifen is the snails and sour bamboo shoots. After simmering it overnight, the winter bamboo shoots turned sour. They can not only be used for luosifen but also directly stir-fried with meat, as winter bamboo shoots are even more delicious than spring bamboo shoots.

First, soak the snails to let them expel mud, then make a broth with pork bones, chicken, and over ten kinds of spices, simmering for four hours. Wash the snails and stir-fry them with sour bamboo shoots, dry the water, and put them in the broth to cook.

Next, separately prepare red oil with various spices, pour it over crushed dried chili peppers, as chili powder is unavailable here, people use crushed dried chilies instead, and it works just as well.

Finally, prepare the side dishes like string beans, black fungus, sour bamboo shoots, and tofu skin.

Anyway, when the first bowl of luosifen was ready, Qu Fulan was already drooling, having not eaten luosifen for so long. It was such a nostalgic feeling.

Princess Zhuyu didn’t mind the taste. Instead, she found it unique, especially when the noodles were ready; the bowl looked incredibly delicious, and she tasted it without needing an invitation.

"Wow, such a unique taste, sour and spicy, really whets the appetite." On her first try, Princess Zhuyu found the flavor delightful, especially the broth, which had a sweet taste.

The carefully simmered broth was like this; the pork bones and chicken weren’t added in vain, and there were so many spices as well, how could it not be sweet?

Not only were Qu Fulan and Princess Zhuyu slurping noodles, but even the maids outside each had a bowl and ate with relish.

Honestly, authentic delicacies mostly taste excellent, but many unscrupulous vendors in the market create dark cuisine to cut costs, ruining the reputation, causing some people to dislike it.

Just like stinky tofu, those who can taste the authentic one find it delicious.

After they finished eating luosifen, there was still a smell of sour bamboo shoots on them, which requires a bath to get rid of, otherwise, those with sensitive noses can always smell it.

It’s like going out to eat hot pot and getting the smell of hot pot on you.

"The taste of this luosifen is unique; many people will surely love it." Princess Zhuyu had great confidence in this dish.

"Thank you for your kind words," Qu Fulan replied with a smile.

However, when the day of the opening arrived, there were quite a few people; some liked it, some didn’t, and the word of mouth was polarized.

This didn’t hinder those who liked it from continuing to enjoy it, nor did it stop the noodle shop from making money.

At the same time, Qu Fulan’s other branches gradually began to operate smoothly as well.

As for Li Niang’s situation, there was still no progress. It’s said she resolutely rejected Shi Yi, but Shi Yi did not give up.

Shi Yi, unlike Zhang Fengsheng, is an orphan, so he doesn’t have to worry about family objections as long as he likes her.

Speaking of Shi Yi’s feelings for Li Niang, it might be because Qu Fulan went to Li Niang’s dumpling shop every day come rain or shine to buy dumplings, with Shi Yi following along, captivated by Li Niang’s gracious and capable demeanor.

Some men like lively personalities, while some prefer virtues, it’s hard to say.

But Li Niang was still hesitant; she really couldn’t bear it any longer. Having experienced another emotional setback, she was afraid she wouldn’t have the face to see anyone.

This is something others really can’t advise on, because if things go wrong later, the person who advised would be held accountable.

So it’s all up to individual destiny.

Then again, Li Niang seems fated to attract young men; mature men, while charmed by her beauty, always have various considerations, and things never work out.

Some men want Li Niang to serve the whole family at home, yet want her to contribute to household income, yet don’t want her to go out to work. It’s really perplexing, wanting all the benefits without compromise.

Meanwhile, cousin Jinxiu and Chen Zhengsheng are engaged, having exchanged tokens, intending to propose once he passes the exams next year.

The four great joys in life: finding sweet rain after a long drought, meeting an old friend in a distant land. Bridal chamber on the wedding night, attainment of the highest rank in examinations.

Few men don’t look forward to the bridal chamber after achieving the highest rank; it’s a delightful tale of double happiness.

Chen Zhengsheng, being young and vigorous, naturally looks forward to it even more.

Yet, in many storybooks, people like Shangguan Facai only want to die "wife." Chen Zhengsheng may be talented, but his character still needs time to prove.

If he backed out at that time, Qu Fulan could still find a good match for her cousin, so she wasn’t worried. If Chen Zhengsheng’s character fell short, even if he passed the exams, he wouldn’t hold an official position for long.

Qu Fulan certainly hoped Chen Zhengsheng would be good, but having seen all kinds of people, she sometimes got accustomed to having a fallback plan.

As for news about the person behind the scenes, maybe the other side is too cautious; since the first note, there hasn’t been another.

Qu Fulan also asked Princess Zhuyu not to worry; life should continue as it is, since the plan is in place, there’ll be movements one day.

But no one expected, rather than that movement coming, other movements came.

Many places experienced severe drought and famine.

Many officials from the Capital City were dispatched to stabilize the situation, including Pei Ji’an.

Also, many Princes eager to establish merit seized the chance to go out and achieve merits.

One could say, dealing with famine and settling refugees is not a simple task.

Although the situation was tough, happy reports were sent back to the Capital City.

In certain places, refugees were settled properly with no serious losses.

News reached the Emperor’s ears, who was immensely pleased.

One needs to know that in previous years, dealing with natural disasters required significant efforts, resulting in numerous casualties and serious consequences. This year, there were no wounds, but compared to previous years, the timely settlement achieved great effects.

This owed to the foundation.

Due to previously timely fundraising, government silver was quickly mobilized during local disasters, promptly settling the refugees, and with court supplies later, no great turmoil occurred.

This foundation’s contribution is indispensable.

The Emperor decided to reward everyone well when ministers returned to the court, and to ask Pei Ji’an who came up with the foundation idea for a big reward.

Such a charitable deed indeed benefited the country and the people.

For the first time, Qu Fulan and Pei Ji’an were apart for such a long time, and the longing in her heart was unspeakable.

Previously, when he went on missions, he could still write to her when he was not busy. Now, probably too busy, not a single letter arrived, not even one from Qu Fulan to disturb him.

She just hoped daily for the disaster to end soon so he could return to the Capital City.

But with happy news imminent, it seemed soon.

Yet this wait extended from summer to deep autumn before finally hearing his news of returning to the city.