subvert the late Tang Dynasty

The sky was getting dark, and there were already various food stalls around, but most of them were steamed buns, noodles, wontons, jelly noodles, mutton soup, sesame seed cakes, etc. Zhu Wen and the others were the only ones who made stir-fried dishes.Zhu Wen was very excited, because there is less competition to make money.

But after waiting for less than half an hour, no one came to the door. Zhu Cun and Zhu Zhen were a little anxious, and their foreheads were covered with sweat.is not that right?It took a tael of silver to buy vegetables, and if the food was bought, it would be enough for the three brothers to eat for half a year.In this summer, if there is no business, wouldn't it all be rotten tomorrow?

Zhu Wen was also very anxious, no wonder there is no one here who cooks stir-fry, so no one eats this!Think about it too, which of the rich eats here?If you want to eat stir-fried vegetables, you have to go to restaurants. If you have no money, you can spend two yuan for a bowl of wontons, and another four yuan for two buns will solve the problem.Stir-fried vegetables were something that only high-income people could afford at that time, but high-income people had special chefs in their homes, and they would go to high-end restaurants for treats.It seems that Zhu Wen's stall is not easy to mess with.

Just thinking about how to do a good job in business, a business came to my door.Zhu Wen looked up, and saw that the person was dressed as a peasant woman, with a bloated and strong figure, carrying a basket. It was the peasant woman she saw outside Song City.

Zhu Wen hurried up to meet him and said, "Sister-in-law, what would you like to eat?"

The peasant woman said: "I... I have no money..." She swallowed, as if she hadn't eaten for a long time, "My family is in Caozhou, and Huang Chao rebelled in Caozhou. Unexpectedly, my relatives have not seen each other for many years, and I don’t know when they have moved. The money on my body has been spent, oh... By the way, I still have dozens of eggs in the basket, which I brought from home, but It’s all raw eggs and I can’t eat them. I’ll give you some eggs and give me a meal, okay?”

The three of Zhu and Wen looked at each other and thought to themselves, finally someone came and thought they were coming for business, but it turned out that he wanted to eat for free.The three of them sighed unlucky.

Zhu Wen saw how pitiful she said, and said: "It's okay, who doesn't have an emergency? We don't want your eggs, just let you eat. You sit down and wait." Turning to the steamed bun seller next to him, he shouted: "Bring two steamed buns to that sister-in-law, and I will count the money for you together later." He fried a vinegared cabbage by himself.

Vinegared cabbage is also Zhu Wen's specialty. Zhu Zhen saw that he took the cabbage from his hand and put it on the cutting board, and it was cut with a swing of the kitchen knife. His eyes widened when he saw it.Xindao, what kind of knife technique is this?

Just kidding, he has worked as a chef for eight years and won the championship of knife skills in the cooking competition of the military region. He is known as the "No. [-] Fast Knife".Can't it be faster to cut a cabbage?

Everyone didn't notice that after seeing Zhu Wen's quick chopping action, the peasant woman's eyes also disappeared.

As soon as the dishes are cooked and the seasonings are put in, the aroma will be released immediately. A gust of breeze blows by, and the aroma that makes people drool spreads far away.A few people searched for the scent and came to their stall to point out, wanting to eat but afraid that it would be too expensive.

When they saw Zhu Wen bring the stir-fried and fragrant cabbage to the peasant woman, they thought that even such a shabby peasant woman could afford it. It shouldn't be very expensive, right?Some people came forward to inquire about the price, and when Zhu Wen said that it only cost five yuan, several people came in with a whoosh.

Seeing four or five people coming in, Zhu Wen took the opportunity to recommend some other dishes to them.What mapo tofu, Mushu pork, etc. have been put into the pot one after another.A few people here haven't finished frying the dishes yet, and a few more come here after smelling the aroma.

Zhu Wen saw that these people were well-dressed, as if they had some status.He hurried forward to say hello, and introduced some more expensive dishes, "Sweet and sour pork ribs fifty yuan, sweet and sour carp sixty yuan a catty, and exquisite fried dishes at reasonable prices..."

One of them said arrogantly, "Then serve some of your best dishes, money is not an issue."

Zhu Wen saw that a big client was coming, so he tried his best to prepare the meal no matter what.

It's a pity that there were not many seasonings and side dishes at that time, so his cooking level could not be brought to the extreme, and he couldn't cook many special dishes.So I made a few dishes that could be made under the conditions at that time, and served a sweet and sour carp weighing two catties, and finally the final dish was sweet and sour pork ribs.

At that time, there was no chili pepper in China, so many modern popular Sichuan dishes could not be prepared, otherwise sweet and sour pork ribs would not be the finale.

The aroma of sweet and sour pork ribs is even more attractive, the color is bright and oily, and the taste is crispy and sweet.All of a sudden, another five or six people were attracted, and they were surprised to ask, "What kind of dish is this? How can it be so delicious?" As a result, of course they sat down and tasted it.

This side is not finished yet, and the people at the previous table ordered another sweet and sour pork ribs.Zhu Wen was very busy, Zhu Cun was in charge of chopping wood to make a fire, and Zhu Zhen was also busy running around, but all three of them had excited smiles on their faces—you got rich.

The people who came to the first table saw that the sweet and sour pork ribs were delicious, and thought that it was only fifty yuan, so they were so cruel that they also came...

The legendary Zhu Zhen, a famous general in the late Tang Dynasty, almost had hand cramps when collecting money.A blush of happiness appeared on his dark face, and he couldn't stop muttering in his heart: "Money is so easy to earn."

……

"Give me a sweet and sour pork ribs too!"

Zhu Wen said with an apologetic face: "Guest officer, I'm really sorry, today's ribs have been sold out, can I bring you a sweet and sour carp?"

Two hours later, the three of them sold out the last dish, and there was nothing left of all the dishes.The three of them were about to close the stall and go home. Zhu Wen touched his stomach and said, "I'm really hungry after working for so long, Brother Zhen, is there anything else to eat?"

"It's gone, there's nothing left, even the last half of cabbage just now has been fried with vinegar." Zhu Zhen said with a smile, "I've made a lot of money now, so my work is not in vain."

Zhu Wen said: "There is nothing left, what should we eat?"

"Uh... I didn't expect this. I was so busy making money that I forgot about my own." Zhu Zhen said awkwardly.

Zhu Wen glanced at Zhu Zhen, and was so happy to earn such a little money that he forgot everything. He didn't look like someone who could command tens of thousands of troops?Can't help shaking his head secretly, it seems that he is right not to be a general.

The steamed bun seller next to him got the favor of Zhu Wen and the others today, and the steamed buns sold quickly. Fortunately, Zhu Wen was clever and bought his last few steamed buns to keep, otherwise he would have to starve.

Just as they were about to close the stall, the free-eating peasant woman came again.Zhu Wen had an idea: "Actually, we should thank you today. You brought us good luck... Uh... Can you sell us the eggs in your basket? We sold out all the vegetables and we have nothing to eat." ,hehe……"

The peasant woman hesitated and handed the basket to Zhu Wen and said, "I'll give it all to you. I don't need money... I don't have a place to live... I can help you. I'm very strong. I don't need money. Just take care of the meals..." "

The three of them looked at each other, of course they would like to ask for workers who don't need money, but it's not convenient for women.

Both Zhu Zhen and Zhu Cun looked at Zhu Wen. After all, he was the boss and the chef, and the two of them were just doing odd jobs.

Zhu Wen coughed and said, "Here, we only live three people. There are no female relatives in the courtyard. It is inconvenient for you to stay with us as a woman...how about I give you two hundred coins..."

The peasant woman cried: "I really have no place to go, so you can take me in, as long as there is something to eat, you can be a servant, it's better than begging on the street... You three haven't married yet, right?" If it doesn’t work, it’s okay for any of you to marry me, as long as there is something to eat..."

The three of Zhu and Wen took a look at her "sturdy" figure, and then looked at each other, and they all saw the fear in each other's eyes.Zhu Zhen and Zhu Cun coughed dryly, and said in unison: "That is our shopkeeper, if you have anything to say to our shopkeeper." Then they looked at Zhu Wen with a smirk.

Seeing that the two of them pushed the matter on him again, Zhu Wen gave them a hard look.He turned his head and said to the peasant woman with a pleasant face: "Anyway, there are five or six houses where we live. If you want to live, you can live with us. It's not too late to find relatives and leave. If you want to help us, you can give us a month." You have three hundred Wen, what do you think."

The peasant woman agreed with gratitude.

Zhu Cun went to tidy up the tables and stools, Zhu Zhen washed the dishes, and Zhu Wen went to fry the eggs. Seeing that the three of them were all busy with their own affairs, the woman suddenly had an imperceptible cunning flash in her eyes.

The peasant woman said that her surname was Huang, from Caozhou, and everyone called her Huang Gu.The three of them also gave their names and reported their origins.

Several people carried the load home together after eating. Huang Gu was really strong. Seeing that Zhu Wen was tired of carrying the load, she stepped forward to pick it up, and she didn't seem to be struggling at all.

The three were amazed when they saw it, and Zhu Zhen said to Zhu Wen: "I said third brother, you, a big man, can be so tired even if you carry a burden, and you are not even as good as a woman."

Zhu Wen glared at Zhu Zhen, and made a gesture of beating someone.

But Huang Gu said unfairly for Zhu Wen: "The shopkeeper must be tired after cooking all night, do you think it looks like you?"

Zhu Zhen stuck out her tongue, made a grimace, and said, "I've been busy all night too, washing vegetables, washing dishes, and serving dishes...why is no one helping me to choose for a while? I'm still young and growing up , who is going to be responsible if you really want to tire me out?"

……

When they returned to the residence, Zhu Wen arranged a room for Aunt Huang, and gave her a quilt, telling her to make do with it first, and then go to the street to buy two quilts tomorrow.

When Zhu Wen returned to the living room, Zhu Cun and Zhu Zhen were busy counting the money. How could Zhu Zhen not look like a general? How about a famous general?The whole child is a money fan.

The two counted up the money, and the total was one tael of silver, plus 2000 copper coins, which means that they earned more than [-] coins in one night.The three jumped up happily.

"According to this method, we will earn a lot of money in a short time, and when the time comes, we will go home and find a wife to live a good life..." Zhu Zhen said happily.

Zhu Cun said with a smile: "Why didn't you agree to someone who was delivered to your door just now? You can also help you carry the burden!"

Zhu Zhen said awkwardly: "Uh... third brother is more suitable... ouch... why did you hit me..."

Zhu Wen pretended to be angry and said: "Second brother is making fun of you, why did you get involved in me! It's time to fight!"

Zhu Zhen said with an aggrieved face: "The three of us carry the burden, but she alone helps you carry it. I think it must be because of you..."

Zhu Wen said: "Don't talk about those useless things, think about the serious business tomorrow, I think I need to prepare more ribs tomorrow."

The next day, I prepared [-] catties of pork ribs, and quickly used up all of them.

On the third day, fifty catties were still used up.

On the fourth day, the eighty catties were still used up.

The food stalls are booming, and some people even buy five servings of sweet and sour pork ribs to take away.Although there was an extra Aunt Huang to help, it still kept them busy.Fortunately, there is no need for business during the day, as long as you prepare the food you need to buy, a few people can sleep well during the day.

Although life is busy, several people enjoy it, because they also get a lot of money while being busy.

On the fifth day, Zhu Wen proposed to buy a few jars of wine for sale in the winery opened by the imperial court. The business became more prosperous, and of course he earned more money.

On this day, a special guest came to the stall. He was in his 40s, with luxurious clothes and extraordinary appearance.Although Zhu Wen's business here is very good, very few noble people come to eat.The man asked for a sweet and sour pork ribs and a sweet and sour fish, each of which was tasted lightly, but he savored it carefully in his mouth.

There were already people talking quietly, "Isn't this Mr. Wu, the No. 1 chef in Songzhou?"

"Mr. Wu is now the owner of Piaoxiang Restaurant. I heard that he hasn't cooked for five or six years."

"Then what do you think Mr. Wu is doing here?"

"How would I know..."

After savoring the two dishes carefully, Mr. Wu came to Zhu Wen and clasped his fists and asked, "Who did this brother learn from?"

Zhu Wenli replied: "The master is originally from the mountains, and is not known to the world. I am afraid that the husband may not recognize it when I say it."

Mr. Wu said with a smile: "Little brother is too modest. The person who can make the ribs taste like this is definitely not an ordinary generation. I hope the little brother will tell you. Maybe it is an old friend."

Zhu Wen smiled and shook his head, thinking, the one who taught me how to cook was our former squad leader. After retiring from the army, he went to open a restaurant by himself. It is still more than 100 years later. If you can know him, I will be convinced. is you.

Mr. Wu saw that people didn't want to talk about it, and he couldn't force it. If he wanted to hire Zhu Wen to serve in his restaurant, he might not agree to it.

Asked a waiter behind him to carry two dishes on the table, and said to Zhu Wen: "My surname is Wu, nicknamed 'Wu Yishao'. Back then, I had a brother named Chen, nicknamed 'Chen Yidao'. The two of us are very good at cooking. Comparing each other, I am not as good as Senior Brother Chen in terms of knife skills, but I am slightly better in terms of taste. Afterwards, we each left their hometowns and have not seen each other for more than ten years. I just saw that your technique with a knife is three points similar to that of Senior Brother Chen. I'm taking the liberty to ask, and if I'm rude, I still look at my brother Haihan... Uh, can I take these two dishes away?" He said and put a big silver ingot weighing five taels on the table.

Zhu Wen said: "Mr. Cai can take it away, and I hope you can take back the silver taels. If you really want to give the silver, you can give one penny and one penny."

Mr. Wu shook his head and said, "To me, these two dishes of yours are worth a hundred taels of silver. I got a big deal, ha ha."

The story spread in Songcheng the next day. The No. 1 chef of Songcheng bought two dishes at a food stall in the night market for five taels of silver, and claimed that the two dishes were worth a hundred taels of silver.As a result, many famous families, wealthy businessmen and great businessmen also want to taste the two dishes worth a hundred taels of silver in the mouth of "Wu Yishao".

As a result, almost these two dishes have almost become must-order dishes for everyone who comes here.Due to the limited space of the stall, many people have no place to sit and have to take away. Many regular customers have become accustomed to it, and even come here with a basin every time.

After ten days or so, Zhu Wen and the others have already earned 50 taels of silver.

Zhu Zhen sighed: "According to this way, we can earn more than 1000 cars a year! My God, we can't spend it all in a lifetime."

Zhu Wen glared at him, and muttered, "Damn, what an idiot to return to the General!"