12dz Chapter 127 Making Tofu
Chapter 127 Making Tofu
In the afternoon, when Li Fang came home from school and saw the carriage parked in the yard, she was so excited that she insisted on climbing into the carriage to experience it for herself. "Sister, the carriage is different. It can block the sun in the summer and the cold wind in the winter. This way, when we go out in the future, we won't have to be exposed to the sun or the cold wind anymore."
Li Xiaoxiao smiled at Li Fang's words. "Fang'er, when you're older, let your uncle teach you how to drive a carriage. That way, you can go to town or anywhere else on your own." Li Xiaoxiao said gently, hoping her brother could have a happy and free childhood.
"Hmm..." Li Fang nodded happily, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He seemed to have already seen himself driving a carriage in the future, taking Bai and Li Linlin to the town to attend the market and have fun.
"Okay, Fang'er, come in and have dinner. Dinner is ready." At this time, Bai's voice came from the kitchen.
Li Xiaoxiao and the others heard Bai's call and headed straight for the kitchen. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of food, making everyone salivate. The table was filled with a sumptuous meal: braised pork, steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables... Every dish was carefully prepared by Bai.
Li Xiaoxiao ate quietly, enjoying this rare warm moment. Suddenly, Bai's voice rang out again: "Xiaoxiao, Yun Che hasn't been to our house for a long time. Is he still in the capital?"
"Yes, mother, he has a lot of things to do in the capital, so he can't always come to us." Li Xiaoxiao smiled and said. She knew her mother was worried that after she got married, Yun Che would be too busy to go home.
"Alas, mother is afraid of this. After you get married, if Yun Che is still so busy, it will definitely not be easy for you to go back home." Bai said reluctantly, her eyes revealing deep worry and attachment.
Li Xiaoxiao felt a bit uncomfortable seeing Mrs. Bai like this. She knew that Mrs. Bai was reluctant to let her leave this home, this cozy little nest she had built. However, she also knew that sooner or later she would have to leave home to pursue her own happiness and dreams.
"Mom, what are you talking about? If you miss me, take your brothers and sisters to the capital, or write to me and I will come back to see you." Li Xiaoxiao said gently. She hoped to comfort Bai's worried heart with her words.
After hearing what Li Xiaoxiao said, Mrs. Bai felt a little better. She knew that Li Xiaoxiao was a filial child who would not forget this family and everyone in it. So, she nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. When you get married, I will definitely visit you often."
The atmosphere at the dinner table gradually relaxed, and everyone began chatting about family matters. Li Fang excitedly recounted his own anecdotes from school, making everyone laugh. Li Xiaoxiao also shared some of her experiences and impressions of the town, giving Bai and her younger siblings a better understanding of the outside world.
After dinner, Li Xiaoxiao and her mother cleared away the dishes. Watching her mother busy at work, a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She knew that this home, though small, was filled with love and warmth. No matter where she went, this home would be her strongest support and warmest harbor.
As night fell, tranquility returned to the Li family's courtyard. Li Xiaoxiao lay in bed, gazing out the window at the bright moonlight, her heart filled with anticipation and longing for the future. She knew she was about to embark on a new journey, to embrace her own happiness and challenges. No matter how many difficulties and setbacks lay ahead, she would bravely face and overcome them, for she had the support and companionship of her family.
Meanwhile, in the distant capital, Yun Che was preparing for his upcoming wedding. Though he was busy with various tasks, his heart was always occupied with Li Xiaoxiao. He knew that the woman he was about to marry was not only a beautiful and kind woman, but also the most important companion and confidant in his life. He looked forward to spending every day of his future with Li Xiaoxiao and creating beautiful memories together.
And all of this will turn into a grand wedding in the near future and become the most unforgettable moment in their lives.
The next day, Li Xiaoxiao was awakened by the crowing of a rooster in the yard. She opened her eyes and looked out the window. It was just dawn. Li Xiaoxiao stretched and prepared to get up to make a hearty breakfast for her family.
After getting dressed, Li Xiaoxiao gently opened the door and walked out of the room, fearing that she would wake up the Bai family who were still sleeping.
Li Xiaoxiao walked into the kitchen quietly, washed the soybeans that she had soaked before going to bed last night, took out the small stone mill in the corner, and prepared to grind some soy milk and make some tofu.
Li Xiaoxiao cleaned the stone mill and placed soaked soybeans into the small hole in the middle. She pushed the stone mill expertly, and milky yellow soy milk slowly flowed out. When all the soaked soybeans were ground, the soy milk barely filled the small wooden barrel at home.
Li Xiaoxiao poured the soy milk into the pot and lit the fire to simmer. While waiting, she cut some vegetables and planned to make some vegetable and egg noodles for breakfast.
After the soy milk boiled, Li Xiaoxiao poured it into a large plate and added some sugar for seasoning. She then poured the prepared brine into the remaining soy milk, stirred thoroughly, and let it sit for a moment. Soon, the tofu pudding appeared. Li Xiaoxiao took the tofu pudding cloth and small squares and scooped the formed tofu pudding directly into the small squares of the cloth. Once all the tofu pudding was scooped out, she covered the cloth with a wooden board and waited for the tofu to set.
"Xiaoxiao, what are you doing?" Li Xiaoxiao, who was busy, heard Bai's voice and looked up. At the door, Bai had already put on her clothes.
"Mom, I'm making tofu. I haven't eaten much of the soybeans I harvested last year, so I want to make some tofu."
"Why didn't you tell mother last night? That way she could get up earlier to help you." Mrs. Bai scolded.
"Oh, Mom, it's not a heavy job. I can do it myself. I don't need your help. Look, I've done it." Li Xiaoxiao said with a smile.
"Mom, please help me knead the dough. I'm going to make noodles." Li Xiaoxiao took the opportunity to say.
Bai walked over to the stove and began to help Li Xiaoxiao knead the dough, while Li Xiaoxiao took the time to fry a few eggs.
After a while, Bai had rolled out the noodles. Li Xiaoxiao cut the noodles into long strips, put them into boiling water, added vegetables and poached eggs, and added salt, oil and other seasonings. A bowl of fragrant vegetable and egg noodles was ready.
Mrs. Bai woke Li Fang and Li Linlin. Four bowls of vegetable, egg, and soy milk noodles were already on the kitchen table. The four of them sat across from each other, enjoying this simple yet delicious breakfast. Mrs. Bai praised Li Xiaoxiao's cooking skills, and Li Xiaoxiao smiled happily, feeling a sense of accomplishment.