Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 307 Put away all the cured meats

Xiaoyu came over and said, "Yuyu, let's go put away the cured fish, chicken and duck."

Yuyu turned her head and said, "How could I forget about the delicious cured fish, chicken and duck?"

Xiaoyu and Yuyu quickly got up and started to prepare the cured fish, chicken and duck.

Xiaoyu deftly took the cured fish down from the rack, being careful not to knock off the seasoning and grease on the surface, muttering to herself, "These cured fish are all treasures. I'll have cured meat to eat this winter."

Yuyu was also busy. She wrapped the cured chickens and ducks one by one and tied them tightly with ropes. Her eyes sparkled, "Yes, this first batch is almost done. Put them away and I'll make another batch later."

Cheng Yaojin and Cheng Chumo were enjoying their meal when, overhearing their conversation, Cheng Yaojin turned around curiously and asked, "What's so special about your cured fish, chicken, and duck? Why do you go to all the trouble to store them and then cure them again?"

Yuyu smiled and replied, "General Cheng, the flavor of these cured meats gets richer as winter approaches. The batch we're storing now will be ready for later, when it gets a little colder. The meat will be firm and fragrant, and whether it's steamed or braised, it's truly unforgettable. And the ones cured right after it gets cold will last longer, so we can pick up another batch later and keep fresh cured meats in the store."

Cheng Yaojin smacked his lips, imagining the delicious taste, and nodded, "Sounds good. Next time you guys make the preserved food, you must leave some for me, Old Cheng, to try."

Cheng Chumo also smiled and said, "Dad, don't worry, you will definitely get your share of the cured meat made by Yuyu."

After Xiaoyu and Yuyu carefully wrapped the cured fish, chicken and duck, they walked towards the backyard together.

There were several large vats in the backyard. They gently opened the lids, carefully put some cured meat in, and covered them with a layer of clean cloth to prevent dust from falling.

Yuyu said, "Let's keep these for ourselves. In winter, we can cook a pot of cured fish and steam a few cured ducks. The taste will be so delicious."

Then they came to a small shed in front of Zuixianlou, where some preserved meats were hanging.

Xiaoyu stepped on a stool and took down the cured chicken and duck, while Yuyu helped to catch them. The two of them worked in perfect harmony.

Xiaoyu smiled and said, "We worked so hard to make these. Let's keep them. When the New Year comes, we'll share some with the shop assistants so we can have some fun together."

Yuyu nodded in agreement and continued to arrange the cured meat, saying, "Yes, everyone works hard on weekdays, and we deserve to eat something good during the New Year. This cured meat is homemade, so it's safe to eat, and it tastes better than the ones you buy outside."

After Cheng Yaojin and Cheng Chumo had their fill of wine and food, they strolled to the front yard. Seeing Xiaoyu and Yuyu busy at work, Cheng Yaojin smiled and said, "You two are quite good at living."

Yuyu raised her head and replied with a smile: "General Cheng, life has to be thrifty. It's also a pleasure to keep these cured meats for yourself and enjoy them slowly."

After packing up the cured meats, Xiaoyu and Yuyu returned to the store, took out paper and pen, and began to record the pickling experience of this batch of cured meats and the ingredient adjustment plan for the next batch.

Their faces were filled with satisfaction and anticipation, as if they had already seen the next batch of cured meats emitting an attractive luster under the warm winter sun.

Li Hao looked at the neatly arranged cured fish, chicken and duck with a satisfied smile on his face. He dusted himself off and said, "Mom, Yuyu, thank you for your hard work. These cured meats are a great winter treat for us. You have to keep them well, otherwise we'll have nowhere to go when we get hungry."

Xiaoyu smiled and scolded, "You're the only one who's greedy. Don't worry, everything is stored away. When you want to eat it, mother will cook a whole table for you and let you eat as much as you want."

Yuyu also joked: "When you mention this cured meat, your eyes light up, but don't eat too much."

Li Hao scratched his head and laughed, "How could that be? I just love it. But speaking of which, our method of making preserved meat is unique, and the taste is better than other places. If friends and family come over, I will serve this to them, and they will definitely praise it."

Xiaoyu listened and beamed with pride, "Of course, this cured meat's pickling method is a legacy passed down from our ancestors. The ingredients and drying time are all very particular, so how could it not be delicious?"

Yuyu nodded in agreement: "Yes, when the Chinese New Year comes, we can put these cured meats on the table, add some hot wine, and sit together as a family. The atmosphere will be so wonderful. Just thinking about it makes me feel warm and comfortable."

As they were talking, a gust of cold wind blew by. Li Hao shrank his neck and said quickly, "Mom, it's cold outside. Let's go back inside. It's a good opportunity to talk about other ways to eat this preserved meat. I can't wait to try it."

Xiaoyu and Yuyu responded with a smile, and then walked into the house with Li Hao. They continued to talk about the various cured meats as they walked, and their laughter echoed in the small courtyard.

Li Hao was a little worried, so he went to check where the cured fish, chicken, and duck were stored. Seeing that the packages were all placed securely, he was completely relieved. He turned to Yuyu and said, "Yuyu, even though you and mother are always careful, I'm still thinking about these cured meats. After all, they are our delicious winter food."

Yuyu came over with a smile and patted Li Hao's shoulder gently: "Don't worry, my mother and I have wrapped it tightly and stored it in a dry and ventilated place, so there will be no problem. Besides, when the weather gets colder, we can cure another batch. By then, there will be even more cured meat, enough for us to eat for a long time."

Xiaoyu also came over at this time, looked at the two of them and said, "You two, you keep talking about cured meat. It's delicious, but we also have to think about it. Besides eating it yourself, should we send some to the emperor during the New Year? We should take care of each other on weekdays, so sending some cured meat is a good way to show our appreciation."

When Li Hao heard this, his eyes lit up: "Mom, this is a great idea. Our preserved meat is so delicious. Everyone will be happy if we give it to others. It will also deepen our friendship with the emperor."

Yuyu nodded repeatedly: "Yes, mother, then we must plan ahead and see how much is appropriate to send. We must let the emperor and the people in the palace taste our sincerity."

Xiaoyu nodded slightly, a smile on her face: "Well, let's think about it slowly. This cured meat is not only delicious, but also a good thing for us to keep in touch. We can't underestimate its usefulness."

The three of them stood there, looking at the place where the cured meat was stored, as if they had seen the happy smiling faces of everyone after receiving the cured meat during the Chinese New Year, and their hearts were filled with warmth and anticipation.

Xiaoyu said, "Let's go out for a walk."

Li Hao responded and took the lead to walk out the door, muttering: "It's a good time to go out for a walk. I've been staying in the house for half a day. It's time to go out and get some fresh air."

Xiaoyu followed behind with a smile, reminding him as he walked: "Be sure to wrap yourself tightly when you go out. It's very cold outside. Don't catch a cold."

Yuyu nodded obediently, tightened her cloak, and quickly followed them, saying, "Mom, Brother Hao, where should we go? Should we go to the market or take a walk by the river?"