https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-153-The-Partridges-Call-the-Turtle-Doves-Sing-and-the-Cicadas-Chirp/12849284/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-155-The-Benchmark-of-Naye-Village/12849286/
Chapter 154: Southern Shrimp, Northern Crab, and the Two Guangs Devouring the Natural World
Chapter 154: Southern Shrimp, Northern Crab, and the Two Guangs Devouring the Natural World
"Who would have thought that snake soup could be so delicious," Deng Changyuan said, sipping the clear, slightly red Dragon Phoenix Soup, his admiration evident.
Deng Yuntao echoed his sentiment, "The soup made from chicken and snake is truly incredibly fresh and flavorful. Ah Zhen, Ah Zhu, you should really give it a try. It’s really that good."
Deng Yunzhen and Deng Yunzhu exchanged glances, both looking somewhat hesitant. Like most women, they felt a mix of fear and disgust at the sight of snakes, even though they could easily accept bee larvae. The thought of snake soup made them a bit queasy.
However, seeing their father and brothers enjoying the soup so much, Deng Yunzhen mustered her courage and said, "Alright, I’ll try a couple of sips."
With that, she picked up a spoon and ladled a small amount of snake soup into her bowl.
Deng Yunzhu didn’t rush to serve herself, preferring to wait and see if her sister could stomach it first.
Zhang Xiuping, Deng Yunzhen’s mother-in-law, watched curiously. As a woman, she also felt a bit queasy about the idea, and she was eager to see if her daughter-in-law could actually drink it and what she would think of it.
In her opinion, men’s opinions weren’t very reliable, as there was almost nothing they wouldn’t eat.
Snakes, rats, cats, cicada nymphs, stink bugs, and leaf-cutter caterpillars were all fair game for them.
The stink bug, for instance, was a common local insect. During the flowering of lychee and longan trees, these bugs were most abundant. They fed on the young shoots, flower clusters, and fruit sap, causing the affected areas to turn brown and leading to flower and fruit drop, which impacted the lychee and longan yields.
These bugs could fly and, when disturbed, would urinate, causing a mild burning sensation and yellowing of the skin that was difficult to wash off.
Local children loved catching these bugs to play with, turning them into simple toys that flew in circles. In an era lacking in entertainment, these were one of the few toys children had.
When fried, these bugs tasted quite good.
The leaf-cutter caterpillar, on the other hand, lived inside a local plant called the leaf-cutter. This plant was well-known for its leaves, which were only about three to four fingers wide but over a meter long, with spines on both sides. Locals used these leaves to wrap zongzi, a traditional glutinous rice dish.
The leaf-cutter caterpillars, when fried, were said to be extremely delicious. The author’s childhood friends had all tried them and raved about the taste, though the author, despite being brave enough to eat rats, had never dared to try these caterpillars. Interestingly, these caterpillars not only tasted good but were also used to treat bedwetting in children, with reportedly good results.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Deng Yunzhen lifted her bowl and, steeling herself, took a sip of the soup.
Upon tasting it, she found it indeed quite good, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease, possibly due to the psychological barrier.
Deng Yunzhu asked, "Sister, how does it taste?"
Deng Yunzhen replied honestly, "It’s quite good, very fresh and flavorful. You should try it."
Deng Shirong, observing his eldest daughter’s reaction, knew she still had a psychological barrier to overcome. He said, "You girls, if you want to enjoy good food, you need to overcome your psychological barriers. There’s a saying out there: Southern Shrimp, Northern Crab, and the Two Guangs Devouring the Natural World."
What is there that people from Guangxi dare not eat?
"If you can't even drink a bowl of snake soup, how will you face the world outside? People will laugh at you," Father Deng said.
Hearing this, Deng Yunzhen steeled her resolve, drank the soup in one gulp, and then scooped herself another full bowl, even adding a few pieces of snake meat. "You're right, Dad. It's just snake meat and soup. What's there to be afraid of?"
Seeing this, Deng Yunzhu followed suit, scooped herself a bowl, and after tasting it and finding it quite delicious, she joined her brothers in enjoying the meal.
Seeing the two young women go from initial reluctance to thoroughly enjoying the snake meat and soup, Zhang Xiuping was also curious to try it. However, she was pregnant, and her father-in-law had advised her not to drink the soup, as it was unclear if it was safe for pregnant women. He promised her that after the baby was born, she could have as much "Dragon and Phoenix Soup" as she wanted.
In no time, the pot of Dragon and Phoenix Soup was completely finished.
Deng Changyuan wiped his mouth and said, "Elder Jiu, I'll tell the young men in the village that if they catch or kill any snakes, they should bring them to you. It's a waste to let such delicious food go to waste."
Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Don't send me the small ones. If they're over half a pound, then bring them over."
Deng Changyuan nodded. "Got it, I'll let them know."
Deng Shirong asked, "Ah Yuan, how's your large pottery jar technique coming along?"
Deng Changyuan chuckled. "Elder Jiu, Ah Tai says I've been making good progress, but there are still a few key techniques I haven't mastered. Once I figure those out, I should be able to make a qualified large pottery jar on my own."
Deng Shirong said, "Keep working hard. You're about to start a family, and you'll need to support your wife and children. Although your current wages are already better than most in the village, you need to become a master potter to make your life better."
Deng Changyuan nodded. "I understand, Elder Jiu. I'll keep working hard and learn the large pottery jar technique as soon as possible."
Zhang Xiuping then asked, "Ah Yuan, what about the wardrobe I asked you to have made? Is it ready yet?"
Deng Changyuan said, "It's being made, and it will definitely be ready before the wedding."
Zhang Xiuping said, "If you were single, having a wardrobe or not wouldn't matter much. But now that you have a wife, it would be embarrassing to hang clothes on bamboo poles in the house. Although my friend didn't mention any specific requirements, as a husband, you should consider your wife's needs."
Deng Changyuan said, "I understand. Once I have some extra money, I'll get her a dressing table too."
Zhang Xiuping smiled. "You can take your time with the dressing table. The first priority should be a bicycle. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for her to visit her family."
Deng Yuntao also agreed. "Ah Yuan, you should arrange this as soon as possible. The distance between Poxin Village and our village is quite far, and it won't be easy for your wife to visit her family once she's married."
Deng Changyuan nodded in agreement. "I understand. After the wedding, I'll see how much money I have left. If there's enough, I'll buy the bicycle right away. If not, I'll wait until I become a master potter and earn more money."
(End of Chapter)
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