Quick mission: We don't make trouble

Chapter 271 Preparations in the East Courtyard Kitchen

The kitchen in the east courtyard is bustling with activity at the moment. Under Zhu Qingqing's methodical command, everyone is doing their job, working intensely and orderly, making careful preparations for the upcoming hot pot banquet in the evening.

Zhu Qingqing stood in the center of the kitchen, her eyes focused on every step. This time, she had brought no other ingredients besides the essential hot pot base and various condiments. She had a plan in mind: to use local ingredients, fresh local produce, to create a delicious feast that would thoroughly delight the Yang family's palates.

The mountain of beef, mutton, pork, and tender, plump fish was more than enough to satisfy the cravings and anticipation of the Yang family's numerous male members. After some inquiries, Zhu Qingqing learned that the Yang family typically ate a simple diet, rarely enjoying sumptuous dishes like fish and meat. Such a diverse array of meats was usually only prepared on special occasions like festivals or birthdays. Thinking of this, Zhu Qingqing couldn't help but smile, secretly resolving to make tonight a gourmet night unforgettable for the Yang family.

At this moment, two enormous pots in the kitchen were each carrying out a different mission. In one, a fiery red broth simmered like waves, its rich aroma emanating from the air, a mouth-watering aroma. It was a simmering, spicy hot pot base. In the other, equally massive pot, steam rose and emanated a fragrant aroma—a carefully prepared mushroom and chicken broth, serving as a clear soup base. Considering that the Yang family's elderly wife, some of the women, and children might not tolerate spicy food, the thoughtful Zhu Qingqing had specially prepared this light and delicious clear soup base to ensure everyone could fully enjoy the hot pot feast.

In the kitchen of the East Courtyard, the chefs and cooks were busy at work. Their knives flew up and down, hitting the chopping boards with rhythmic sounds, as if a wonderful concert was being performed.

Zhu Qingqing had already personally demonstrated how to cut these meats. Now, as the chef wielded his knife, he thought to himself: In the past, when processing ingredients, I always chopped the meat into large chunks and was done with it. But now, I'm required to cut them into evenly thick and uniformly sized slices. This is really a test of my skills! It's like asking Zhang Fei to pick up an embroidery needle.

Look at those fresh cuts of beef being meticulously sliced ​​into thin slices, each with its distinct texture. Tender lamb is transformed into soft, thin slices by the flick of a knife. Even the plump pork is meticulously carved into perfectly aligned slices. Furthermore, the smooth, tender fish, crispy pork loin, and delicate liver slices...all are transformed into exquisite delicacies by Master Zhu's masterful technique.

The slices of meat are meticulously placed on the plate, skillfully stacked and arranged into delicate, voluptuous flower-like shapes, with distinct and well-proportioned layers. Furthermore, the fluffy beef tripe and delicate chicken liver each exude their own unique charm, awaiting their subsequent cooking.

Chef: I’ve learned a lot today. Can ingredients be prepared like this?

While smelling the fragrance coming from above, he started cutting the slices carefully.

Outside the kitchen, another group of maids were equally busy. Some squatted by the sink, meticulously washing various vegetables, while others stood at the counter, expertly chopping them. Radishes, cabbages, lettuce, spinach, and other edible vegetables were unloaded from baskets and processed one by one. Even winter melons and pumpkins, long stored in the cellar, were brought out, ready to be cooked.

At that moment, Wang Xiangdong and Yu Bo followed Yang Jiu and Li Quan to the farm and brought back a basket full of tender green pea tips. When Zhu Qingqing saw the basket of fresh pea tips, she couldn't help but smile and exclaimed, "Ha, such a good thing! Just for this, I must reward you handsomely!"

Yu Bo said to Zhu Qingqing with a look of grievance, "Sister Qingqing, you really don't know how dangerous the situation was! Those old uncles and aunts were so angry that they were jumping up and down, pointing at our noses and cursing, saying that we were complete prodigals who had ruined the good seedlings. If it weren't for Brother Yang Jiu's quick eyes and hands to stop them, I'm afraid we would have been beaten up a long time ago! Sister Qingqing, you have to reward us well this time!"

Zhu Qingqing frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "How about this, Yang Jiu, you go tell the villagers that I bought these peas in advance. No matter how much they produced per acre in the past, I will double their compensation."

Yang Jiu quickly waved his hands and said, "Master Zhu, how can this be done? I really don't need it. Second Master has already instructed that as long as you have any needs, we will do our best to meet them, without any hesitation! And to be honest, before this, no one knew that pea sprouts were actually edible. Usually, after the pods are harvested, the remaining vines can only be used to feed cattle..."

Zhu Qingqing smiled faintly and replied confidently, "You don't understand, these pea sprouts are a rare treasure! Not only can they be sold as fresh vegetables in the market, but I guarantee they'll fetch a very good price! Especially in winter, we have to plant more. Those greedy and discerning officials who want to enjoy a bite of these fresh and delicious vegetables will naturally have to pay for them."

Hearing this, Yang Jiu couldn't help but smile and nodded repeatedly in response, "That's great! This way, the villagers can also have an extra income, and everyone will be happy!"

Yu Bo and Wang Xiangdong exchanged glances, each one secretly admiring, "Master Zhu, indeed!" This experienced and shrewd businesswoman, no matter the occasion, always spoke of her core business—how to eat, how to make money. In just three sentences, she deftly steered the conversation toward profitability.

Recalling the moment he first saw those juicy, tender pea tips, his mind conjured only the image of them as a delicious dish, engrossed in the thought of savoring their refreshing, savory flavor. Compared to Zhu Qingqing, this mindset is a world apart. This isn't just a difference in perspective; it's a stark contrast in business acumen and acumen. Perhaps it's precisely because of this that Master Zhu navigates the business world with such ease. Thinking of this, Yu Bo and Wang Xiangdong couldn't help but admire Zhu Qingqing.