Chapter 194 Gui Hong's Engagement (2)
Chapter 194 Gui Hong's Engagement (2)
Da Zhu laughed heartily:
"Haha! People say good things come in pairs! We are honored that Mr. Qu and Mrs. Qu acted as matchmakers! It's just that my second daughter is unruly. If she were to marry into a high-ranking family like Mrs. Qu's..."
First, they don't understand the rules; second, they're afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing and causing trouble! Besides, when it comes to marriage, the principle of matching social status has always been emphasized!
"Our family makes a living by farming; we wouldn't dare dream of marrying into a family like Mrs. Qu's!"
Madam Qu remained unperturbed and spoke slowly and deliberately:
"Master Wang! Madam Wang! I know it's too presumptuous to suddenly propose marriage, but my elder brother and sister-in-law know that my master and Master Wang have a very close relationship."
Worried that the osmanthus blossoms might fall on a side branch, that's why they asked my husband and me to come and propose marriage! Of course, proposing marriage requires a lot of discussion before it can happen!
Master Wang, Madam Wang! I have a request! I only wish that you would not hastily arrange the marriage between Guihong and my brother, but instead go to the county town to inquire more about my brother's family.
Give my second nephew a chance. If the marriage goes through, our relationship will be even closer, and we can become relatives!
Manager Qu then spoke:
"Brother Dazhu! My wife's nephew is quite a good kid! You'll like him if you meet him! We've always gotten along well, so there's no need to be too reserved in our conversations!"
Because I also think they're both great, and our families are well-matched! Dazhu, you don't need to be so modest now!
Alright! This is our first time coming to propose marriage, so we can't force you, Dazhu, to agree! Just like my wife said, consider him a suitable candidate and do some research on him!
And don't miss out on good young men! Dazhu! When you have time, bring Guizhi to Xiangmanlou for a visit. I'll treat you; we can drink and chat there!
Jinxiu came in to refill the tea and whispered to Guizhi:
"Miss! The chickens and ducks are all cleaned! Madam Zhou is asking what to do with them!"
Guizhi stood up and said to Master Qu and Madam Qu:
"Uncle Qu, Mrs. Qu! I'm going to make poached chicken and poached duck!"
Qu Dongjia also stood up, intending to follow them out.
"Guizhi! I have to go check it out! And learn a free recipe while I'm at it! Hahaha!"
Dazhu also stood up and followed Guizhi and Manager Qu out. Zhou Niangzi had already washed the large pot clean, and Guizhi asked her to add more than half a pot of water.
I put a small spoonful of salt inside the cleaned chicken and duck, and then boiled them whole in a large pot. After the water boiled, I turned them over several times and pierced their breasts and thighs with chopsticks, but no blood came out.
The chicken and duck blood were put into a large pot and simmered for a few more minutes. Then, all the cooked chicken and duck were scooped out! Everyone could already smell the aroma of the cooked meat. There was a layer of oil floating on top of the soup in the large pot, but it didn't feel greasy at all.
"Aunt Zhou! Use the broth in this pot to cook rice! Add some minced garlic and salt! That's chicken rice and duck rice!"
Mr. Qu chuckled:
"Guizhi! Isn't it true that rice cooked in chicken broth is called chicken rice, and rice cooked in duck broth is called duck rice?!"
Guizhi feigned ignorance:
"Wow! Uncle Qu! You're so smart!"
"This child! Your method seems simple, but very few people eat like this around here!"
Madam Zhou cooked chicken and duck rice in another large pot. Guizhi asked her to chop the chicken and duck into small pieces and plate them separately. Guizhi also prepared chopped green onions, minced garlic, and soy sauce as condiments.
I poured the washed bok choy into the remaining soup in the large pot, added only a little salt, tasted it to check the saltiness, and then ladled it all out.
Madam Zhou ladled out the soup and washed the pot, while Guizhi had already chopped up the chicken and duck gizzards and other internal organs. She also chopped the chives and took out the soaked vermicelli.
Minced garlic and ginger were sautéed in oil until fragrant. Chicken and duck offal were added to the wok and stir-fried briefly. Then, thin glass noodles were added, along with some chicken broth and seasonings. Chives were added just before serving!
"Osmanthus! It's really good! It looks and smells wonderful! But I wonder what it tastes like? Hahaha!"
Guizhi smiled mischievously:
"We'll have to wait until Uncle Qu and Mrs. Qu taste it to know!"
The tables, chairs, and benches in the living room were already set out, and the tableware was neatly arranged. After having Zhou Niangzi stir-fry some lettuce and prepare a spinach salad, they were served.
The group took their seats. Since it was just the Qu family (Mr. and Mrs. Qu), Dazhu and his wife, plus Guizhi and Guiling, there was no separation of men and women at the tables.
During the meal, Dazhu and Li Shi saw the poached chicken and poached duck and found this way of eating novel.
Dazhu looked at Guizhi with doting eyes:
"Guizhi! Where did you learn this 'white-cut chicken' and 'white-cut duck' stuff again? The names do suit it!"
Mr. Qu, Mrs. Qu! Look, this cooked chicken is white; it's called white-cut chicken!
This cooked duck is also white; it's called poached duck! Hahaha!
Qu Dongjia picked up a piece of chicken, dipped it in sauce, and nodded repeatedly as he ate it.
"Guizhi! Your chicken is delicious! It's not dry at all!"
After speaking, he turned to Madam Qu, his eyes almost narrowed to slits. He said:
"Madam! Please try the freshly slaughtered chicken and duck from this farmhouse courtyard; they taste absolutely delicious!"
Mrs. Qu had already taken a bite of the stir-fried chicken giblets with vermicelli and chives.
"My lord! This dish is delicious! It suits my taste perfectly! It's not greasy at all, and it tastes refreshing! My lord, you should try some!"
Well! The couple completely disregarded their usual dignified image and started exchanging words, taking turns trying this and that, having a great time!
Dazhu didn't stand on ceremony and served Li chicken, duck, and soup.
Seeing the two couples showing affection for each other, Guizhi decided to take care of Guiling herself.
The meal was a delightful one for both the host and guests!
After the meal, Qu Dongjia patted his slightly bulging belly and said:
"Guizhi! Uncle Qu and his wife's trip was worthwhile! It's just that the food was so delicious that we're a little too full! Would you like to take my wife and me for a walk outside to digest our food?"
Guizhi understood; this was a matter of investigation!
"Let's go, Uncle Qu and Mrs. Qu! Let's take a walk around the vegetable garden. It's not far from the gate, just a few steps away."
Ms. Li was still feeling a bit unwell and didn't want to move around too much, so she didn't follow.
Madam Qu found everything fascinating and was thoroughly enjoying herself. She had nothing to say to Madam Li, and since no one in the village was watching, she didn't pay any attention to rules or etiquette, simply following Manager Qu around, searching everywhere.
"Guizhi! These little bok choy are growing well! Pick some for me to take home later."
Seeing the free-range chickens and ducks raised by Madam Zhou, Master Qu said without any concern for the dirt:
"Guizhi! These chickens and ducks look quite old, but they're perfect for eating! Don't be stingy with such delicious food! You have to get Uncle Qu two chickens and two ducks!"
Seeing the little pigs running around in the vegetable garden again, I sighed inwardly!
"This piglet is well-raised! Let's go explore some other places!"
Guizhi asked mischievously:
"Uncle Qu! This pig is doing really well. Shall I catch one for you to take home?"
NABC