Chapter 113: Special Food

Chapter 113: Special Food

On the way back from the mountain, Zhang Xiuping brought up the topic of her younger sister's marriage. "A hua, I've already spoken to my father-in-law about you and A Yuan. He mentioned that A Yuan's family is currently short on housing. If I were to arrange a match for you now, I'm afraid our parents might look down on A Yuan. It would be better to wait until A Yuan's family builds a new house before making any arrangements."

She continued, "Of course, my father-in-law also said he would discuss this matter with A Yuan's parents and try to have the house built next year. It won't take too long, so you don't need to worry."

Ou Guohua replied, "Sister Ping, why would I be anxious about this?"

Zhang Xiuping smiled. "Alright, you're not anxious, but I'm the one worrying for you."

Ou Guofang, walking on the left, chimed in, "Sister Ping, A hua might not be in a hurry, but I am. When we sent you off to get married, my parents mentioned they wanted to find a husband for me. Although I've managed to delay their plans for now, you'll need to act soon."

Zhang Xiuping nodded. "I understand. When I get back, I'll talk to my father-in-law and ask him to help find a suitable match for you."

After discussing these matters, the three women shifted to more personal topics. The Ou sisters were particularly curious about married life and eagerly asked their sister for details.

In Bobai, it is customary for the bride to return to her parents' home three days after the wedding and stay for three days. When she returns to her husband's home, her family prepares special food to send her back.

The term "he" generally refers to two types of traditional Bobai dishes: fa he (fluffy-steamed dumplings) and mi he (rice dumplings). It must be said that the people of Bobai have a deep and intricate understanding of food.

The variety of glutinous rice dumplings is staggering. There are Po Shui Guai (Water-Splash Dumplings), Fa Zhuan (Leavened Dumplings), Fan Xin Zhuan (Turned-Heart Dumplings), Hui Shui Zhuan (Soaked Dumplings), Tian Zhuan (Sweet Dumplings), You Ma Tang Zhuan (Sesame Sugar Dumplings), Gu Zong Zhuan (Zongzi-style Dumplings), Gai Zhuan (Basket-Steamed Dumplings), Xia Gong Zhuan (Shrimp Dumplings), He Xian Zhuan (Mixed-Filling Dumplings), You Gu Zhuan (Crispy Dumplings), and Ji Wo Zhuan (Nest Dumplings), each with its own unique characteristics.

The uses of these rice dumplings are also highly specific. For example, fa he (hair dumplings) are essential for most celebratory occasions and are the most common type of dumpling given when visiting relatives. They are especially important for newly married women, who bring them when visiting their parents' home with their new husband during the Chinese New Year.

Water-Splash Dumplings is a must-have snack for the Winter Solstice and Guanyin's birthday. Soaked Dumplings and Sweet Dumplings are indispensable for the Chinese New Year, while Zongzi-style Dumplings is a staple for the Dragon Boat Festival. Each type of dumpling has its own significance and occasion.

Since Zhang Xiuping would be returning to her husband's home the next day, the Zhang family spent the day busily preparing food.

The next morning, after breakfast, Zhang Xiuping was escorted back to her husband's home by her mother, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters-in-law.

When they arrived at Dragon Lake Street, Zhang Shouguo and Zhang Shoumin went to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau to inquire about the business license. They were told that they could apply for a license to operate as individual business owners.

After rejoining the group, Zhang Shoumin announced cheerfully, "The leader said we can apply for a business license. With this license, we can operate legally and won't have to worry about anything else."

"That's great news!"

Hearing this, Mrs. Zhang and her daughters-in-law were visibly relieved. Being able to obtain a legal business license meant they could open a store without fear of repercussions. This was indeed a positive development.

Zhang Xiuping was also pleased. This confirmed her father-in-law's foresight and the practicality of the paths he had suggested for her brothers.

At this point, Fourth Uncle Zhang Zhenfei and Uncle Man Zhang Zhenyu learned that Zhang Shouguo and Zhang Shoumin were planning to open a store. They were initially skeptical, believing it would be safer for their nephews to continue working at the tile factory and earning a steady income. Opening a store seemed too risky, with no guarantee of profit.

However, when they heard that this was Zhang Xiuping's suggestion, they refrained from voicing their concerns.

Fourth Aunt Zhang and Little Aunt Zhang, on the other hand, were intrigued by the idea and asked for more details.

After walking for over three hours, the group finally arrived at the entrance of Thatchfield Village.

This was the first time Zhang Zhenfei and Zhang Zhenyu had visited, though they had heard much about their niece's husband's family. Their wives had visited twice before and had spoken highly of the place. Now, seeing it for themselves, they were filled with anticipation.

As they approached the riverside, they caught sight of a row of majestic blue brick and tile houses. Zhang Zhenfei and Zhang Zhenyu couldn't help but marvel. No wonder their wives had been so impressed—the houses were indeed elegant and beautiful.

Deng Yuntai had been eagerly awaiting his wife's return. Having been apart for three days, he missed her terribly. He had gone to the village entrance several times that day, hoping to see her as soon as possible.

Finally, as Zhang Xiuping appeared, Deng Yuntai's eyes lit up. Zhang Xiuping, too, had missed her husband. Seeing the warmth in his gaze, she gave him a playful look and introduced him to her uncles. "Brother Tai, let me introduce you. This is my fourth uncle, and this is Uncle Man."

Deng Yuntai greeted them warmly. "Fourth Uncle! Uncle Man!"

After exchanging pleasantries, Deng Shirong emerged from the kitchen. "Mother-in-law, Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt, Uncle Man, please have some tea. I have a few dishes cooking, and we'll eat soon."

"Thank you for your hard work, in-laws!"

"It's no trouble at all!"

As Deng Shirong returned to the kitchen, Zhang Zhenfei turned to his niece. "Xiuping, take us on a tour of the house."

Zhang Xiuping nodded and said to her husband, "Brother Tai, please keep Mom and Aunt Man company. I'll show my uncles around."

After Deng Yuntai agreed, Zhang Xiuping led her uncles through each room of the house. Although Zhang Zhenfei and Zhang Zhenyu had heard descriptions of the house from their wives, seeing it in person left them in awe. They couldn't help but dream of owning such a clean and beautiful home.

After the tour, Zhang Zhenfei remarked, "Xiuping, if this were in the past, you would have been considered a young lady of high status!"

Zhang Zhenyu added, "Xiuping, you're truly fortunate to have married into such a family."

Zhang Xiuping smiled. "Yes, it's truly my blessing to be part of this family."

With the tour complete, it was time for the meal. Zhang Zhenfei and Zhang Zhenyu were eager to taste the food their wives had raved about. They couldn't wait to see if it lived up to the hype.

(End of Chapter)