Chapter 31.1

The woman strides confidently up to the pork shop vendor, her face lighting up with an eager, almost mischievous grin that stretches from ear to ear. Clutched tightly in her hand is a solid, oversized bowl, ready for action. Without hesitation, she speaks up, her tone bright but insistent, leaving no room for refusal.

"Hey there!" she begins, her voice full of cheerful boldness. "Think you could spare me a generous splash of that killer garlic chili sauce? Just enough to match the worth of these two coins, yeah?" She taps the bowl lightly, as if to emphasize her request.

Her words come fast, laced with a contagious enthusiasm. "That sauce of yours? It's a game-changer! Turns boring old plain rice into an explosion of flavor, like I’m feasting at a royal banquet. Even dull pancakes don’t stand a chance—they come alive with it, way better than those pathetic, soggy pickles people try to pass off as exciting." She delivers the last line with a playful wink, her grin somehow stretching wider, daring anyone to disagree.

Zhang Shi’s radiant smile lit up her face as she reached confidently for the jar of chili sauce. The crinkle of her eyes revealed the practiced warmth of someone who had spent years perfecting her craft and welcoming others to her table. With steady hands and a flick of her wrist, she gripped a ladle, its well-worn handle catching the glow of the lamplight like a badge of honor. In one fluid motion, she scooped up a hearty portion of the fiery red sauce. The rich, thick mixture landed in the bowl with a satisfying splatter, sending flecks of spice and aroma into the air.

Her voice rang out, filled with pride and just a touch of challenge. “How about some of our autumn soy sauce? We brewed it ourselves this year—thicker, richer, and far better than anything you’d find in the market.”

The woman across from her chuckled, her tone tinged with amusement and mild exasperation. “Oh, I still haven’t finished the soy sauce I diluted from the last batch I bought from you. It’s so strong, I had to water it down! But speaking of which, do you still have any soy sauce paste? Give me a coin’s worth.”

This soy sauce paste wasn’t some mere leftover sludge—it was a treasure for those who knew its value. Made from the soybeans pressed after drawing out the precious liquid of soy sauce, the paste was a powerhouse of flavor. While it lacked the sharp, fresh tang of its liquid counterpart, its dense, savory richness made it an unrivaled weapon for thrifty households and skilled cooks alike. This was no second-rate product; it was a concentrated essence, ready to elevate humble dishes into culinary triumphs.

For just a single coin, a family could acquire a small amount of soy sauce paste, enough to transform a simple dish. It would coat the vegetables, adding depth and a hint of saltiness, and elevate the humble rice into a comforting bowl of savory goodness.

Soy sauce paste added a unique richness to stir-fried dishes, browning and caramelizing slightly as it cooked, contributing complex layers of flavor that regular soy sauce couldn't replicate.

Initially, Song Dingxiang planned to use the leftover soybean residue, a byproduct of processing soybeans, as animal feed for her pigs and sheeps. This is a common practice, as soybean residue offers some nutritional value for livestock.

However, Zhang shi felt that it was a waste to feed it to the animals.

She had a different idea.

She recognized that the residue, being made from soybeans, contained protein and potentially some residual oils. Additionally, the "salty flavor" suggests the soybeans might have been brined or fermented during processing, adding a unique taste profile.

Zhang Shi believed this soybean residue had more potential than just animal feed. She saw it as a resource that could be repurposed and possibly even generate income.

She decided to see if anyone would buy it, and to her surprise, it sold well. Within just half a month, several barrels of solid soybean residue had already been sold.

With the arrival of colder weather, customers flocked to the shop for meat, and Song Dingxiang found herself busier than ever, helping out behind the counter.

Her father, Song Zhiyuan, along with his eldest son, Song Junshan, and his eldest grandson, Song Junli, were busy helping people slaughter pigs and sheep and taking on other tasks. In the shop, only her uncle with his second son, Song Junshui, and her aunt, Zhang shi, along with her eldest daughter-in-law, Zhao Di, were busy.

Song Dingxiang occasionally pitched in, collecting money and ensuring they had the seasonings they needed.

From ancient times to the present, seasonings have always been a crucial part of people's dining tables. From the discovery of salt a long time ago to the various brands and flavors of seasonings in later years, it is evident that although these things may seem insignificant and cheap, they are absolutely indispensable.

However, in this bygone era, resources were scarce. Every ingredient was a hard-won treasure, and her pantry reflected that reality. All she could manage to keep on hand were staples like soy sauce and chili sauce.

Although they were only a few hundred kilometers away from the sea, they could often see a variety of dried seafood from the coast, giving her some ideas.

Though the soy sauce and chili sauce were created by Song Dingxiang, to avoid trouble, Li shi sought Song Dingxiang's approval and claimed that these were recipes her grandfather, Song Xingyi, had obtained while trading with others in the past.

They had been busy previously and had not succeeded in making much until now when they finally developed the perfect flavors of soy sauce and chili sauce.

Originally, Song Dingxiang intended to split the earnings into three parts: one for her grandparents and the remaining two to be divided evenly between her uncle's family and her own.

However, Li shi felt it was unfair to Song Dingxiang and, after discussing in a "family meeting," they decided to divide it into four parts. One for the elderly couple, one for future use, one for each of the two sons' families, and one for Song Dingxiang herself as she had developed the sauce and was now married, hence she couldn't be left out of the earnings.

Her uncle's family naturally agreed. To them, it was like money falling from the sky. They didn't have many skills, and usually relied on Song Zhiyuan for work, so now they were able to earn some money by helping out a bit, how could they not be happy!

Song Dingxiang had no objections. The sauce recipe was child's play for her, one of the simplest she knew. Making money from it felt like effortless second nature.

Even if they didn't earn money, at least it could be used by their own family, which wasn't considered wasteful. Also, it became apparent that her uncle's family really didn't have that many activities, which made her feel a lot more comfortable.

Although she was only fifteen now, she had a heart mature beyond her age compared to Li shi who was much older. She hoped for a harmonious family life with less conflict.

But the premise was that no one should bully her.

Despite a family separation, the elder Song couple remained the central figures for important decisions. Song Dingxiang, navigating her own life, continued to learn the household ways from Li shi.

She learned a lot from Li shi because she hadn't had such a bustling extended family to manage in the past. Once Zhou Yinuo returned, they would have their own children, so learning more wouldn't hurt.

"Go back quickly, it's cold outside. You, a young girl, don't freeze your hands and feet." Zhang shi glanced at the slanting sun in the west and urged Song Dingxiang.

Song Dingxiang replied, gathering her sewing supplies and placing them inside her shoe soles. "Uncle, aunt, please head home early," she urged.

Zhang shi beamed and wrapped half a piece of pork liver in a spring roll wrapper. "Go fry this up at home," she instructed. "I'll just sell this with your uncle and then we'll be on our way.'"

Song Dingxiang tidied up her needlework basket, tucking the shoe soles safely inside. With the pork liver nestled in her arm, she set off for home.

On the way, she met the plump wife of Zhou Laosan, who was previously Zhou Yinuo's foster mother.

The woman's gaze, heavy and assessing, swept over Song Dingxiang from head to toe. A sardonic smile played on her lips, not quite reaching her eyes, which gleamed with a cold curiosity.

Her voice, dripping with a honeyed sweetness that belied its true meaning, cut through the air. "Oh, the little white-eyed wolf has been gone for almost a year, right? Why is your belly still quiet? Are you not planning to have a child for him?"

A warm smile bloomed on Song Dingxiang's face. "Oh, Auntie Zhou San," she said, her voice brimming with joy. "My husband sent a letter some time ago, sharing the wonderful news of his promotion in the barracks!"

Zhou San's wife smirked and said, "Getting a promotion and making money is good, but I'm afraid of making money but not having the chance to spend it."

Song Dingxiang chuckled, dispelling any anxieties with a hearty laugh. "Auntie Zhou San, there's no need to fret about him not having the chance to enjoy the money. Consider it taken care of! I'll make sure every penny is spent in a way that would honor him and bring him joy."

Zhou San's wife widened her eyes and retorted, "I'm not worried. I'm just afraid that the short-lived ones won't come back. You'll end up waiting in vain too."

Song Dingxiang's frown deepened. Her voice, though raised in protest, softened with a touch of sympathy. "Auntie Zhou San, I understand your concern. War is a cruel thing. But we must have faith. Every household sends off their sons with the same prayer – a swift victory and a safe return. Why is it that you're speaking of them as short-lived ones who won't return?"

At that moment, as the sun was elaborately painting the scene in warm light, many young women and daughters-in-law preferred sitting outside to soak in the sun while chatting. Song Dingxiang's loud voice pierced the tranquil atmosphere, allowing many others in the vicinity to overhear, prompting them to turn their curious gazes towards Zhou San's wife.

One woman, whose eldest son had enlisted, was worried because he was illiterate and hadn't sent any letters home. Hearing such a comment was hurtful.

She dropped the needlework in her hands, placed her hands on her waist, and scolded, "Who dares show such disrespect?" she thundered, her voice elaborately layered with outrage.

"Ah, I see it's from that Zhou San family! Always overstaying their welcome and taking liberties. Their manners have gone the way of the dodo! Criticizing Zhou Tiezhu, indeed! Have they looked in a mirror lately? Their own sons are wastrels, throwing money around like drunken sailors and pretending to be scholars for years on end with nothing to show for it. A true disgrace!"

Another woman covered her mouth and chuckled, "Indeed, they claim to be from a scholarly family, but not even one of them has passed the Imperial Examination. If that counts as a scholarly family, then mine could be considered one too."

Likewise, the first woman fumed, "They focus on insignificant things while neglecting more important matters at home. If I hear something disrespectful about soldiers being short-lived ghosts from the Zhou family again, I might just shut them up."

Zhou San's wife alternated between blushing and paling. These days hadn't been easy for her either; their family was running out of money, and her sons kept asking for money all the time, claiming it was for their studies.

Within just a year, their finances had become elaborately strained. They were on the verge of having to sell their land, keeping only their big house.

Their family was currently embroiled in a heated argument over this issue. The money they earned from selling their grains seemed to vanish as quickly as it appeared, leaving them perpetually strapped for cash.

The contrast with Song Dingxiang's family was a constant source of heartache. Their household bustled with activity, and they always seemed to have a surplus of money.

Zhou San's wife couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as she watched their prosperity grow, a stark reminder of her own family's struggles.

By offending so many people with just a few words, Zhou San's wife didn't dare continue the argument and hurriedly went back home with her head hung low.

Song Dingxiang bowed slightly in their direction and said, "Thank you, Aunties, for your help."

The woman who had spoken earlier chuckled and said, "Song Dingxiang is young and has a thin skin, that's why she's being bullied like this. Next time she says something like that, just slap her face directly."

Song Dingxiang laughed and replied, "I don't have that strength. When you encounter such people, it's best to avoid them."

Pausing for a moment, she added, "Auntie Wang, Zhou Ge is doing well in the barracks. There are people from our village with him, and they say everything is fine. Everyone can relax."

The woman was taken aback but then smiled warmly and said, "That's good to hear, indeed, when you're away from home, you need to watch out for each other, right? Since your husband can write, tell him to write more next time, to reassure us all."

Song Dingxiang nodded in agreement, bowed slightly, and then went back with her belongings.