The ox cart was filled to the brim with all the things we had purchased. After buying new cotton quilts and clothes, I could only save 50 silver coins. Each of us now had two new pairs of outer clothes and one inner garment. I also bought five coarse cotton quilts. It was the largest purchase I had made since arriving in this world. With winter approaching, I needed to prepare at least four months' worth of food and supplies.
Since the ox cart was already overloaded, we had to continue the journey on foot. My feet were incredibly sore, and I felt like collapsing to the ground and never getting up. But every time I had such thoughts, I looked at my " shopping bags" and gritted my teeth, pushing through the pain.
By the time we reached home, it was late in the afternoon. We had a simple meal before organizing all the goods while I headed to bed. My small body didn't have much energy left, so I could only grab a clean towel and a basin of water to wipe myself and Cree. He was already drooling when I returned to our room. After taking care of him, I laid on my back and quickly fell asleep.
MORNING
After completing my morning routine and spending some time cultivating, I coming out from my room only to find Uncle Jiang setting up the table. He had prepared a simple breakfast of porridge and boiled eggs.
" Cree, wake up! It's time to eat," I said, playfully poking his cheeks and tickling his neck.
" HAHA! Sto--p HAHA it! Elder sister," he laughed so hard that his face turned red.
" Hurry up and wash so we can eat."
Seeley and Big Brother quickly tidied up since they had already finished their morning training.
" We only have 50 silver coins left," I informed them, as I was in charge of handling the money.
" Hmm. We can use it to send the Eldest Young Master to study in the county," Uncle Jiang nodded while eating.
" No," I said, anticipating the questioning gazes directed at me. However, before I could answer, Elder Brother beat me to it.
" If anyone should go study, it should be Seeley. The money won't last, so I need to work to support all of you," he said maturely, despite being just a child himself. It pained me to see Eldest Brother taking on such responsibility.
" You won't!" I quickly interjected. " That's not what I meant when I said no. What I mean is that all of you should be able to study."
" Even me?" Cree expressed disbelief, recognizing that their current situation didn't allow for selfishness and indulgence.
" Of course, you will!" I declared, as if an angel had suddenly entered the room. A sense of quiet confidence emanated from Bellona, instilling unwavering trust in all of them. They knew that no matter what happened, she would deliver on her promises.
" How?" Seeley was the first to break the silence.
" I plan to start a business at the dock. I just need to figure out what kind of business," I explained. In this era, while not entirely conservative or primitive, most people took pride in their land and preferred to pursue power and status rather than engage in business ventures.
" Little Brother Cree!" My thoughts were interrupted by Cree's sudden shout from outside.
" I'll go and take a look outside," Cree immediately stood up and ran off.
" It must be Zhong-Older brother. I wonder why he's here," Big Brother Allardy wondered aloud.
" Elder sister, Zhong-Older brother brought you something, and it stinks!" Cree shouted.
" Eh? What could that be?" I wondered, curious about what Zhong-Older brother had brought.
" Oh! Is that chicken offal, Zhong-Older brother?" I asked, realizing what it was. His face turned slightly pink as he nodded. I couldn't believe I was receiving chicken offal from him; even my own mother would think I was playing a prank. Silly me.
" Um... I... uh... You told me to bring you this when..." Zhong-Older brother stammered, his shyness evident as he struggled to find his words.
" This is great! You're really great! Thank you so much, Zhong-Older brother!" I exclaimed, causing him to be stunned by the sight of a beautiful smile directed at him.
" Ahem!" Seeley interrupted. " What do you need that for?"
" Fortune!" I laughed. " Haha! Now I know what kind of business to establish."
" Huh?" All of them looked clueless.
" Heh! I'll show you later. Zhong-Older brother, please stay for lunch."
" How can I do that? I must go home--"
" You must stay, or else I won't accept this," I insisted, and Cree persuaded him to stay.
" Zhong-Older brother, is there a way for me to buy pig's intestines?" I asked.
" I think you could try looking for the Wang family at the entrance of the village. They're butchers, and they import meat from the county twice a week to sell," Zhong-Older brother suggested.
" Uncle Jiang, could you please buy some pig's intestines for me?" I pleaded, handing him a silver coin.
" Big Brother, please help me see if we have any dayap or lemons in the backyard," I requested. Last time we went up the mountain, I managed to obtain some lemon and calamansi plants, and I pruned and planted them in the backyard.
" Also, Bal, could you please get me a small bamboo tube with a hollow middle and some skewers?" I added. Uncle Jiang was skilled at weaving bamboo baskets and had made plenty of bamboo skewers that I could use to support the plants.
" What can I do to help, Bellona-Sister?" Zhong-Older brother asked. I knew he would feel uncomfortable if I told him to sit and do nothing, so instead of complicating things, I asked him to sharpen the bamboo skewers.
" Cree, come and help me clean this," I called my little brother.
" Elder sister, it's so stinky! Are you sure we can eat this?" Cree wrinkled his nose in disgust.
" So, are you saying you won't eat it then?" I raised an eyebrow gently, teasing him.
" When did I say that? Of course, I'll eat anything you cook!" Cree replied, determined to support me even if the food was stinky and unpresentable.
I shrugged, knowing his answer all along, and let him be. It was my first time cleaning this kind of food, but fortunately, I enjoyed reading food blogs and watching gourmet videos.
I began by rinsing the chicken intestines with salt and water. Then, I tied one end and inserted the hollow stick halfway to allow water to be poured inside and emptied. After repeating this process several times, I massaged the chicken offal with calamansi and lemon, and set it aside.
I followed the same steps with the pig's intestines. However, because they were much bigger and had a stronger smell, I flipped the intestines inside out.
With the chicken gizzard cleaned and ready, I took one of the sharpened bamboo skewers and carefully threaded the gizzard onto it. The skewer pierced through the meat, holding it securely in place.
"Oldest brother can you frill this?"
"Let it to me then."
Turning my attention to the pig's offal, I heated up a pan and added a generous amount of oil. As it sizzled, I tossed in the offal, allowing it to sear and release its tantalizing aromas. The fragrant scent of the soy sauce and vinegar quickly enveloped the kitchen, adding a mouth-watering dimension to the dish. With a sprinkle of garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper, the flavors harmonized into a savory symphony.
"Zhong-dage, do you think we could request a head of cabbage?" I asked.
He looked at me with a smile and replied, "Sure, no problem. I'll go get it for you." He carefully set down the bamboo skewers he had been sharpening and swiftly made his way home to fulfill my request.
While the gizzards and offal cooked, I prepared the side dish—a vibrant stir-fried cabbage. I chopped the crisp cabbage leaves into thin strips, allowing them to retain their natural crunch. In a wodden tub, I added a dash of oil, lemon juice and salt and tossed in the cabbage, along with a medley of colorful vegetables.
As the final touches were made, the dishes were artfully arranged on a rustic wooden table. The gizzards, perfectly grilled to a golden brown, showcased tantalizing grill marks. The sautéed pig's offal, glistening with its rich sauce, was a testament to the care and attention put into its preparation. The cabbage salad, vibrant and full of freshness, added a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dishes.
Zhong-dage's eyes widened with delight as he observed the skewered gizzards. "Wow, these look amazing! I can't believe they were once stinky offal that no one wanted," he exclaimed in awe.
I couldn't help but beam with pride at his reaction. "Thank you, Zhong-dage! It's all about giving these ingredients a chance to shine with the right preparation," I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Cree chimed in enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's right! Whose sister do you think cook this?! My sister can turn anything into a delicious feast!"
We all burst into laughter, sharing in the joy of the moment. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, the flavors mingled on our tongues, and the tender gizzards, sautéed pig's offal, and cold cabbage salad danced harmoniously in our mouths. It was a humble yet satisfying meal that showcased the potential of these once-overlooked ingredients.