Chapter 87: Clam and Dried Rice Soup

Having drunk plum wine and stayed up late into the night, Shen Shi felt dizzy upon waking early in the morning.

Upon receiving the message, the small kitchen immediately set about preparing Clam and Dried Rice Soup to help the mistress soothe her head.

Granny Fan dreaded making soups the most, fearing she might ruin the clam meat.

The clams used in Ningguo Mansion were different from the dried ones sold in the market.

The clam meat served in market taverns was marinated in wine lees and spices, salty and spicy to accompany drinks, costing only fifty coins per plate.

But the clams used in the mansion’s kitchen were fresh purple-lipped clams, transported overland on ice from the coast.

Large, thick, and exceptionally delicious, each clam was worth over a hundred coins, almost like eating gold nuggets.

Such fresh purple-lipped clams required no marination in wine, frying in oil, stewing in sauce, or roasting over fire.

To make soup, one only needed to remove the shells, extract the meat, add a handful of crushed japonica rice, and not even much salt was necessary.

Lightly sweet and richly thick, it was exactly what Shen Shi enjoyed eating.

This rice soup required precise timing. Pear Moon hurried to pound the rice into granules while Granny Fan tended the fire to prepare the clams.

Salt flakes and sesame oil were sprinkled into a pot of boiling water. The clams were added and boiled briefly until their shells slightly opened, then removed. A silver knife was used to pry open the shells and extract the clam meat.

While draining, there was about half a bowl of clam broth. Granny Fan was about to discard it when Pear Moon hastily stopped her.

“Such a precious thing must not be thrown away. Add a few shreds of old ginger to soak it, and it will be used later to cook the rice soup.”

This was the principle of using the original broth, especially for meat and seafood dishes. Using the original broth to make soup naturally resulted in a rich and mellow flavor.

Pear Moon pounded the japonica rice into granules, each about the size of sugar grains, without grinding it into powder.

A clay pot was placed over a small stove, and the crushed japonica rice was boiled into a thick soup.

Granny Fan personally took charge at the stove, adding the clam meat and stirring continuously while skimming off the foam.

In less than half a moment, the clam meat appeared tender and plump, and the rice soup was thick and mellow, becoming a sweet and savory delicacy in a bowl.

Although making this soup was not complicated, Granny Fan was so busy that she broke into a sweat.

Shortly after sending it up, Dong Mei returned carrying a tray.

“Granny Fan, the mistress enjoyed the soup and asked for another bowl.”

Since taking charge of the kitchen, this was the first time Granny Fan’s cooking had been praised, and she nearly shed tears.

She hastily ladled another bowl, sent Dong Mei to deliver it, and then stood by the stove, chuckling to herself.

“I was afraid that after the Duke left last night, she would smash bowls and overturn tables again this morning. Who knew that after eating this soup, her heart would be soothed? It shows that good food can dispel a thousand worries!”

Hearing this, Pear Moon also giggled softly.

In truth, Shen Shi refrained from venting her anger not because of a delicious soup.

Today was her third sister-in-law’s birthday, and Madam Shen had sent someone to fetch her back to her maiden home for a drink.

The message was delivered by someone sent by Mother Shen, indicating that the old lady was no longer angry and that the matter with Shen Si Jier was over.

The Shen family had strict rules. With Father Shen and Mother Shen presiding, younger generations were not allowed to host grand banquets for their birthdays.

Third Mistress Shen was turning twenty this year, so she was permitted to host a small feast for the family within the inner quarters.

Shen Shi had received dowry gifts from her third sister-in-law, and she had recently caused her to be scolded, so she could not miss this birthday feast.

Fortunately, it was a cloudy day with a cool breeze, making it bearable to go out without suffering from the heat.

Shen Shi instructed Granny Zhao to prepare congratulatory gifts: two boxes of premium fruits from the previous day, four bolts of fine gauze, two round silk fans, and a pair of embroidered shoes.

After finishing her hair and makeup in the dressing room, she changed into a rose-red embroidered gauze jacket with a front opening and a pale yellow gauze skirt adorned with gold thread and fur patterns. She then went out and sat in the corridor to inspect the gifts.

Granny Zhao led the maidservants, presenting each item for her inspection before packing them into gift boxes and writing the gift list.

On the steps, a small incense burner held a carved incense coil, its tendrils of blue smoke scattering into floral clusters with the breeze.

Shen Shi found the fragrance sweet and pleasant. Seeing Zhi Qing tending to the incense nearby, she beckoned her closer and asked casually, “What was Miss Tan so frantic about yesterday, seeking out the Duke to discuss?”

Zhi Qing had already inquired thoroughly and relayed the details accordingly.

Upon hearing that the Censorate had detained General Tan, Shen Shi felt a sense of satisfaction and clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

“Didn’t I say this would happen? I’ve heard my father mention before that Censor Tang of the Censorate is a man of utmost integrity—how could he wrong the Tan family? Yet my husband wouldn’t listen to my good advice, but instead rushed to heed the provoking nonsense of outsiders!”

Worried that Shen Shi might grow angry, Zhi Qing quickly smiled and soothed, “Words from one’s own family go in one ear and out the other, while outsiders’ words are treated like golden scriptures. Men are all like this, Madam; it’s not worth getting upset over. Though General Tan may be at fault, he is, after all, the Duke’s deputy. His sister was so frightened her face turned sallow, kneeling and pleading desperately—the Duke couldn’t very well ignore her.”

Mentioning Tan Leyao only deepened Shen Shi’s frown and displeasure; she looked upon her with utter disdain.

“Daughters of noble families in the capital place the highest importance on upbringing. I’ve never seen one like Miss Tan—like a wild mountain girl, without a shred of proper breeding. When a young lady encounters such matters, she should avoid drawing attention, yet she runs about openly, scrambling to seek favors. If it were a daughter of my Shen family, making such a spectacle would be mortifying—utterly disgraceful!”

Among hereditary noble families in the capital, young ladies had no custom of meeting with unrelated men.

Even if their own family faced trouble, they typically sent servants to seek favors, never having the young lady appear in person.

Such conduct as Tan Leyao’s would indeed cause astonishment if word spread.

Zhi Qing, aligning with Shen Shi, shared the same sentiment and chuckled a few times.

“Seeing her weep like that, the Duke had no choice but to write a note and send a servant to the Censorate. The Deputy Censor was eager to do a favor and released him immediately, sending for his sister late at night. General Tan even said that after court today, he would come to our residence to kowtow and thank the Duke for his grace!”

Hearing this, Shen Shi sneered coldly. “Always so eager to do favors—no wonder the court is in such a state!”

Zhi Qing and the maidservants nearby pursed their lips, none daring to laugh aloud.

In the courtyard, Granny Zhao finished packing the gift boxes, sent Zhi Qing to inform Brocade Prosperity Hall, and dispatched Dong Mei to check on the carriage at the second gate.

Only after shooing away the nearby maids did she approach Shen Shi.

“Madam, the third aunt’s birthday isn’t a major affair; just deliver the gifts and return. It’s finally cooler today, so I’ve had the small kitchen prepare wine and dishes. Come home early to dine with the Duke and keep him in your chambers tonight.”

Recalling how he had promised to stay last night but left, Shen Shi couldn’t help but blush.

Yesterday, Ning Yuanjun had come on his own initiative, and his parting words had been tactful enough, sparing her any loss of face.

Thus, when Shen Shi rose today, she didn’t put on a sour expression or pick a fight.

Yet, to take the initiative in drawing closer to him, Shen Shi still couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“The room isn’t lacking with or without him; why bother having him come? I’m afraid once court adjourns, that Tan fellow will visit, and he’ll likely keep him for drinks. I can’t be bothered to deal with him.”

Granny Zhao knew this was her old stubbornness, but fearing that pressing too hard might provoke her anger, she simply stood by, smiling and fanning her.

“Madam, just come back early, we’ll prepare a good meal and wait. We won’t invite him, just see if he comes on his own. The son-in-law couldn’t enter the room last night, and I’m afraid he’s feeling quite ashamed and regretful. Madam, listen to this old servant’s advice: if he comes with a sheepish look, don’t mind this or that about him, and don’t drive him out again.”

Shen Shi felt somewhat relieved upon hearing this, blushing as she nodded.

Seeing her willing to comply, Granny Zhao felt a weight lifted from her heart. She quickly ordered someone to carry the gift box and sent Shen Shi back to her parents’ home to offer birthday wishes.