Chapter 5: The Village Chief's Young Daughter-in-Law
The boy had gone off to school and was doing well there.
As soon as he left, Xu Zhichun hurried to the fresh food storage, took out a fat chicken, washed it, and began cutting it into pieces.
Halfway through, she realized something was off this chicken looked nothing like the usual kind. Its skin was more yellow, smoother… it was a three-yellow chicken, the kind you'd find in modern markets!
Xu Zhichun froze.
Panicking slightly, she quickly swapped it for a wild rooster instead. That one looked more authentic lean, muscular, and rustic.
She removed the legs, wings, and neck, chopped the meat into small pieces, and tossed them all into the pot along with the original chicken pieces to make a stew.
After some thought, she took out dried shiitake mushrooms from the storage, soaked them in hot water, and added them to the pot. She'd say she found them in the mountains, dried them herself, and stored them a perfectly reasonable excuse. The boy was at school every day anyway; he'd never know.
She added a handful of goji berries, lily bulb slices, and a few thin slices of wild yam all of which she could easily claim were foraged from the mountains.
That would keep things consistent.
Soon, Liang Mingxuan returned home. Xu Zhichun sliced a few juicy white radishes and tossed them in as well.
Spring bamboo shoots would've been better, but unfortunately, there were none at home.
The fire crackled, and the broth in the pot quickly turned a rich golden color. The bubbling, fragrant soup filled the kitchen with mouthwatering aroma.
Even her uncles and aunts nearby would've been tempted by the smell.
Xu Zhichun worked quickly.
When the food was ready, the chicken was perfectly tender.
She ladled out bowls of steaming chicken soup and smiled.
Come, drink the soup first. It's the most nourishing. After that, we'll eat the rice and meat.
Alright, Mingxuan replied softly.
Xu Zhichun served another dish of chicken and took it next door to Aunt Zhu'er.
The older woman was startled. There's barely any meat on a chicken! You and Mingxuan should eat more. Why are you giving me so much? No, no, I can't take it.
The two families lived on the east edge of the village and had always gotten along. Xu Zhichun smiled and shook her head.
This one's big plenty of meat. Please take it, Aunt Zhu'er. Eat it while it's hot. You've helped me a lot, and I really appreciate it.
Hearing that, Aunt Zhu'er couldn't refuse. She smiled warmly.
Thank you, dear. There's no need for politeness between us.
A bit of give and take always strengthened relationships.
Exactly. I'll go eat now, then, Aunt Zhu'er said cheerfully.
Don't forget to rest and take your medicine! No need to rush back to the fields yet.
When Xu Zhichun returned home, a large bowl of chicken and two small bowls of soup sat neatly on the old wooden table. Liang Mingxuan was sitting patiently, waiting.
Why haven't you started? she asked, surprised. Drink the soup before it cools.
I'll wait until Aunt drinks too, he said quietly.
Her heart softened. For a farm boy, who might only eat meat a few times a year, resisting the urge to dig in was remarkable. He truly had discipline the kind of quality that could change his fate someday.
If she were him, she probably wouldn't have had that restraint.
Alright, let's drink together, she said.
Okay, he nodded, smiling.
As soon as Xu Zhichun picked up her bowl, Mingxuan began eating too.
The chicken soup was rich and smooth the kind of flavor that made you close your eyes and sigh in delight. The broth was tender, comforting, and full of life.
After finishing the soup, they ate rice. The rice, chicken, radish, and mushrooms, all soaked with broth, were equally delicious.
Xu Zhichun thought, If I can't finish it all for lunch, there's always dinner… and breakfast tomorrow.
Mingxuan smiled in surprise. I didn't expect this chicken to have so much meat!
Xu Zhichun's heart skipped. The boy had sharp observation unusually perceptive for his age. Most kids would've been too busy eating to notice.
She chuckled lightly. It's a big bird, that's all. And we added plenty of radish and mushrooms, so it looks even heartier.
He nodded. You're right, Aunt.
They were in the middle of eating when a voice called from outside:
Is Sister Zhichun here?
Xu Zhichun told Mingxuan to keep eating and quickly went to greet the visitor.
Oh, Xiaoyan! Come in and sit.
Zeng Xiaoyan, wife of Liang Mingliang the youngest son of the village chief had quite the background. She was a concubine-born daughter from the wealthy Zeng family of Qingshan County.
The village chief's father had once saved Mr. Zeng's father, and in gratitude, the two families had arranged a marriage.
But because Xiaoyan was born of a concubine and had a fiery temper, she wasn't liked by her stepmother. So, she'd been married off to the countryside unwillingly.
She'd caused plenty of trouble at first, but now, she mostly stayed home, idling about. No one dared scold her after all, she'd brought a substantial dowry, including six acres of fertile land. For a farming family, that was no small fortune.
Because of this, she could do as she pleased, and the household had no choice but to tolerate her.
Xu Zhichun frowned inwardly. The original her had never interacted much with Zeng Xiaoyan. Why was she here now?
Xiaoyan smiled politely. Mother-in-law sent me to check on you. Are you feeling better? Oh are you eating right now?
Her tone was casual, but her eyes drifted toward the steaming bowl of chicken soup on the table.
The aroma filled the room. She hadn't tasted chicken in a long time, and her stomach gave an involuntary growl.
She tried to hide it, but her gaze lingered longingly on the soup.
Xu Zhichun noticed and felt awkward letting her just stand there watching. Smiling, she said, Would you like to try some of the freshly stewed chicken soup?
Xiaoyan's eyes brightened, and a genuine smile spread across her face.
Oh, wouldn't that be improper?
What's improper about it? Sit down, Xu Zhichun replied kindly.
She fetched a bowl and chopsticks, ladled her a generous serving of soup and chicken, and asked, Would you like mushrooms and radish too?
Yes, please.
Xu Zhichun added a few pieces of each. Eat while it's hot.
Xiaoyan thanked her and took a sip her eyes lit up instantly.
This soup is amazing! Sister Zhichun, you're incredible! You're such a good person!
Xu Zhichun almost choked on her soup. That compliment had been a little too honest.
(End of Chapter 5)