Chapter 46 - Chapter 46: Dry Banana Leaves
Chapter 46: Dry Banana Leaves
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Knowing that they had to rise early the next day to take advantage of the market, Su Cheng and his sister began preparing the vegetables they planned to sell. They removed the outer leaves, thoroughly washed them, and placed them in a wicker basket.
Meanwhile, Qin Zhenzhen was already preparing to cook. Although the fish had been consumed, there remained a bowl of wild rooster.
Curious, Qin Zhenzhen asked Su Ning, “You stewed roosters yesterday, so why do you still have some left?”
Weren’t they craving meat?
A rooster wasn’t very large, and a bowl of meat would be required.
Su Ning explained, “We kept it for you since we knew you were coming home today.”
She added, “Chicken is better than pork.”
Qin Zhenzhen smiled gratefully. “Thank you!”
Feeling the weight of Su Ning and her brother’s concerns, Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t help but engage in conversation.
“I imagine they won’t sell for much, right?”
Su Ning nodded. “Yes, primarily because they’re inexpensive, and few people buy them. Additionally, many families in our village alone cultivate vegetable bundles. There are at least four or five households planning to sell vegetable bundles tomorrow.”
“Including those from neighboring villages, there will be even more!”
“But Fifth Brother insisted that we must sell them, even if it’s difficult, to prevent the fields from going to waste. We also desperately need the money.” Su Ning was testing Qin Zhenzhen to gauge her willingness to help.
Pretending not to notice, Qin Zhenzhen made a suggestion, “What if we chop the vegetables and make them into vegetable pancakes to sell?”
Su Ning’s eyes sparkled. “Like the pancakes you made the day before yesterday?”
Qin Zhenzhen nodded. “Yes, exactly like that. I have a shop in town, and there’s a cooking area behind the store that we can borrow.”
Datong Town was a bustling and sizable town.
It was situated within a large basin surrounded by mountains.
In addition to the prominent village located outside the mountains, there were numerous small villages scattered throughout the surrounding hills.
The trading system in the countryside during ancient times revolved around taking advantage of market days.
Every three, six, and nine days of the month were designated as market days, meaning there would be one market every three days, with the last day being a fourth day.
During market days, the town would come alive with bustling activity.
People from the mountains would gather their goods and head to town to sell them, while also purchasing essential items to bring back home.
The journey to town was often long, and they would typically set out before dawn. Then, they would have their midday meal at the town market.
Some more generous individuals would dine at restaurants, while those who were more frugal would either bring their own dried food or purchase affordable meals from food stalls to satiate their hunger.
When the adults returned from town, the children eagerly awaited them by the roadside. It was customary for adults to bring back snacks for the children, such as candies, pancakes, or steamed buns.
In ancient times, this act was referred to as an “equal road.”
Essentially, it was a way for people to convey their love and care through small treats.
The egg and vegetable pancakes they were planning to make were inexpensive, filling, and served as perfect “letter notes” for this occasion.
Qin Zhenzhen possessed spiritual water, ensuring that her pancakes were exceptionally delicious.
If the price was set reasonably, they should be able to earn some money from selling the pancakes.
Su Ning had mixed emotions as she asked, “Are you exerting yourself too much?”
Qin Zhenzhen chuckled. “With your help, it won’t be too challenging.”
“It’s a deal then. Tomorrow, we’ll set up the stall and sell the egg and vegetable pancakes!”
“Okay!”
Su Ning pulled Su Cheng along to gather dried banana leaves.
During ancient times, there were no food-grade bags or affordable oil paper available. However, dried banana leaves were a cost-effective and practical alternative. They were easy to obtain, durable, and perfect for wrapping the egg and vegetable pancakes.
If they purchased a large quantity, they could wrap the pancakes in big banana leaves and carry them in their bags. If they bought only a small portion, they could wrap it in a smaller banana leaf and enjoy it on the go, ensuring the pancakes wouldn’t be too hot to handle..