Chapter 75 Special Cases, Special Treatment (Second Update)
ge allegiance to different princes. Is this not normal"Xu Huaiyi pondered for a moment, "So you approve of me associating with him"Gu Huanxi replied without answering, "Aren't you thinking of collabor..."It's best to pick mulberry leaves when they are slightly tender, clean them thoroughly, and then crush them with a stone mill, just like me, try to crush them as much as possible so that it's easier to squeeze out the juice inside. This juice needs to be filtered before use, otherwise, the mulberry leaf tofu will have too many impurities, affecting the taste when eaten."
Gu Huanxi used finely woven hemp cloth to filter the mulberry leaf water, then prepared wood ash. Everyone was surprised when they saw this. They were familiar with wood ash and usually used it to soak clothes, stuff cloth bags during times of hardship, or as fertilizer for planting. Who would have thought that it could be eaten
"Mulberry ash can't be used directly, you have to first mix it with water into a paste and then filter it several times with fine hemp cloth. It needs to be clean without any impurities. Secondly, the ratio is important. If the ratio is not properly mixed, the effect of mulberry juice coagulation will be poorer, and it may not form well. So the most crucial step in making mulberry leaf tofu is to master the ratio of coagulation, only then can you make tender and smooth mulberry leaf tofu. You can see how much I use, and you'll have a general idea. It doesn't matter too much if there's a slight difference."
On a simple stone stove, a pot of mulberry leaf juice was simmering. Gu Huanxi happily added filtered ash water into it while stirring continuously. After boiling for a short while, she extinguished the fire and poured the contents into a jar. "It's done," she said with satisfaction. "Now we just have to wait for it to take shape slowly."
This doesn't look too difficult at all!
A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd. They were afraid that it was too complicated and they wouldn't be able to learn it. What then They'd get scolded by their husbands back home!
At this time, someone cautiously asked, "Third Sister-in-Law, how long will it take for the tofu to set"
Gu Huanxi followed the sound and looked over. She searched her memory for a moment, having a vague recollection. This was Xu Dabozhi's youngest daughter, who had just come of age this year. Her name was Xu Hongying. She was delicate and timid, the kind that easily made men feel pity. Gu Huanxi smiled, "It will take about two hours or so. If we start now, we'll be able to have dinner."
Xu Hongying stirred the handkerchief in her hand and said softly, "Thank you, Third Sister-in-law..."
"Then, then after it's formed, how do you make it taste good" Another voice chimed in, this time belonging to a round-faced girl with bright eyes that stared at her without flinching.
Gu Huanxi didn't really know her, probably because her eyes were too vacant. The other party took the initiative to introduce herself, "Xu San's wife, my name is Xu Yangliu."
Oh, it's the village head's young daughter.
Gu Huanxi smiled and said, "What a good name..."
Xu Yangliu asked, “Is this name good I even blamed my father for it. Why did he choose such a name Yangliu is not attractive at all. Which flower is prettier than others”
Gu Huanxi said, "How could that be There are many poems praising willows by ancient poets. Such as 'The clothes are stained with the rain of apricot blossoms,' 'Blowing wind does not feel cold under willow trees,' 'Grass grows and birds fly in February sky,' 'Willows by the bank make spring smoke drunk.' And there's also 'One tree of spring wind, millions of branches,' 'Tender as gold, soft as silk.' Look, if willows weren't loved, why would so many famous poets write poems praising them"
Upon hearing this, Xu Yangliu's face flushed with excitement. Though she couldn't understand the meaning of the poem, it didn't matter. "So my name is so well-liked"
Gu Huanxi nodded, steering the conversation back on track. "Sangye tofu can be sweetened directly with sugar water or honey, or it can be braised with other dishes. It's versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, just like regular tofu."
Xu Yangliu responded with "Oh, oh."
The others all understood and grasped the concept, and some were eager to go back and put it into practice.
Upon seeing this, Gu Huan was delighted, “…”
Do I have to wait for her to speak before I can leave
She smiled slightly, "Everyone has learned it now Then hurry up and try it out. If you have any questions, come ask me anytime."
Everyone mumbled their thanks and then dispersed.
Gu Huanxi couldn't help but touch her face. Was she that intimidating
This afternoon, almost everyone in the village was busy making mulberry leaf tofu. Those near the road had finished picking them, and others were going farther afield to look for more. In short, they did as much as they could. With so many people at home, how could they possibly worry about running out of food
After all that running around, when it was time to head out in the afternoon, every household had a few extra cans clutched in their arms. They were placed in strollers for fear of being knocked over or spilled, but holding them was still the safest option.
The speed in the afternoon was noticeably slower. Xu Huaiyi didn't urge them on, though. He understood the principle of balance and moderation, knowing that too much of anything is detrimental. Most importantly, they were getting closer to Qingzhou, and there were more and more refugees along the way. He needed to give them a chance to observe firsthand. Only by confronting them directly could he shatter the last glimmer of hope in their hearts.
Only then can they clearly recognize reality, break the cauldron and sink the boats, stake everything on one throw, and dare not think about any other way out.
There's absolutely no way out!
As expected, events unfolded just as he had hoped.
Seeing more and more refugees fleeing on the road, it was impossible for the people of Xujia Village to remain unaffected, especially since these refugees appeared far more miserable than they looked. Some even seemed to have been robbed. Besides their fear and anxiety, they felt a sense of gratitude that they had left home early, before their supplies ran out completely, and they were even more grateful to be traveling with villagers, as there was safety in numbers. They weren't afraid of being bullied unless they encountered bandits or robbers.
On the road, people would sometimes walk and suddenly collapse, unable to get up again. No matter how their loved ones cried out in desperation, they remained as oblivious as mud.
They didn't know if it was hunger or illness that had caused this, and those with soft hearts or a curious nature who turned to look were quickly hushed by the older members of the group. "Mind your own business!" they would scoff. "Focus on yourself!"
Even, some people saw that their team was organized, everyone's morale was good, and the cart was full to the brim. They came over to beg, all kinds of pleas and complaints, all kinds of tragic and pitiful.
Some couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy, but luckily they hesitated and didn't actually do something kind.
When the village head saw this, he acted decisively and tapped along the line of people, "No one is allowed to interfere. Think about how much food you have at home, whether you can make it to the capital. If your supplies run out, what they're going through now could be your future. Don't rely on others for relief, no one has extra food."
It's not that I'm cruel and won't let you show kindness. It's that right now, we can't afford to be kind. Unless you're willing to give up your own wives and children.
"Special circumstances, special treatment!"
The final sentence landed, definitive and unwavering.
The villagers instantly calmed down, their eyes no longer daring to wander.
An elder asked, "What does it mean to have special treatment for a special situation"
"Xu, the village chief, explained, 'It's a way of dealing with problems. He just told me this a moment ago. He was afraid that these situations would occur and specially warned me beforehand.'"
"Oh, what do you mean by that"
Village Head Xu repeatedly echoed Xu Huaiyi's words, "Specifically, when facing difficulties and challenges, one should adopt unconventional approaches or strategies to adapt to special situations and needs. This way, problems can be solved more effectively and better results can be achieved."
"Huái Yì knows so much, doesn't he..."
He said, "She taught me all of this."
..."untless examples throughout history of talented people who were never given a chance.Xu Huaiyi came back earlier than she expected. She arrived at home in the afternoon, but he wasn't alone. Several o...