Chapter 55 - 55 Free Chestnuts for Tasting
55 Free Chestnuts for Tasting
Su Binglan made candied chestnuts quickly because she possessed incredible knife skills that made the preparation process instantaneous.
Meanwhile, Liu Yinyin helped Su Binglan start the fire at the stove.
Of course, Su Binglan explained her process to Liu Yinyin along the way, “The first step is to cut the chestnuts to size, and then we stir-fry them. Stir-frying takes some skill to pull off, so observe.”
Su Binglan explained the details to Liu Yinyin.
Liu Yinyin was meticulous by nature, and she was also brilliant. She remembered everything Su Binglan said to a tee.
“Yes, Sister-in-law, I’ll remember that.”
Then Su Binglan said, “Sister-in-law, you don’t have to be so formal. Just call me Binglan as my parents do.”
The Sus usually called her Binglan, so she knew Liu Yinyin wouldn’t dare call her that. Nonetheless, Liu Yinyin was stunned, then she smiled and nodded. “O-Okay, Binglan.”
Liu Yinyin was excited that Su Binglan had finally accepted her as her sister-in-law.
When the two finished cooking the candied chestnuts, Su Binglan and Liu Yinyin packed them in two large baskets and prepared to carry them to town.
They took most of the afternoon to make the candied chestnuts. After that, the two walked to town, almost in time for the night market to open. The two went to the market sooner rather than later to occupy a spot for their stall.
Liu Yinyin was ecstatic along the way as it was her first time going to town to sell things. Liu Yinyin rarely went to town in the past. Nonetheless, Liu Yinyin now thought Su Binglan was exceptionally capable.
Su Binglan also said they still had many leftover soybeans in the house and could make tofu, soy milk, and soybean powder. Those were delicacies they could sell for a reasonable price.
Liu Yinyin also realized Su Binglan was carrying such a heavy basket while walking briskly with her back as straight as an arrow. It was like Su Binglan would never tire.
Liu Yinyin looked at Su Binglan’s determined demeanor and believed the Su family would genuinely improve.
It was still early when the two arrived in the town. Many others also arrived early to set up their stalls, so Su Binglan quickly chose a spot and put down the basket alongside Liu Yinyin.
Then Su Binglan said, “Come and try some candied chestnuts! They’re delicious and nutritious. Come and try some for free!”
Su Binglan’s voice was crisp and pleasant to hear. When the passersby heard her shouting, they couldn’t help but look over. The passersby became curious when they smelled the unique fragrance and sweetness.
Of course, “Free” was the most attractive word out of everything Su Binglan said.
People gathered in twos and threes as someone asked, “Are these the candied chestnuts you mentioned?”
Everyone knew about chestnuts, but no one had ever tasted the candied form. They never knew chestnuts could emit such a sweet and fragrant smell.
“Yes, those are the candied chestnuts we made with our exclusive secret recipe. You can try one without charge and see if it tastes good.”
Su Binglan removed a portion of candied chestnuts from the basket and placed them aside so everyone could try some. Only after the people tasted them would they know they were tasty or not. The people would buy some if they enjoyed the candied chestnuts.
Su Binglan was confident in the candied chestnuts she made.
“These chestnuts are also easy to eat,” Su Binglan patiently explained.
The surrounding passersby were willing to try some since they were free of charge.
“Wow! These are truly delicious! How much are they?”
Su Binglan replied smilingly, “They’re ten coins per pound.”
“Hmm, ten coins per pound is a little expensive, don’t you think?” Someone said as they tasted the chestnuts.
The person wanted to buy some but heard that it cost ten coins per pound and felt it was too expensive, so he changed his mind and decided against it.
“You’re right, sir. It’s even more expensive than eggs.”
“Yeah, can you sell them cheaper?”
It was a troubled world but was more remote and relatively stable on that side of town. Even so, the townsfolk were still frugal and liked to save money. They wouldn’t simply buy things unless they were necessary for them.
Still, the candied chestnuts were delicious, so the townsfolk thought to buy some for their families to taste.