Chapter 6: The Market Launch of Bean Sprouts
The servant of the Pei residence immediately took out 200 wen and placed them on the stall. Upon seeing the 200 copper coins presented before them, the two rural men behind the stall, including the woman who was cooking, all displayed expressions of surprise, likely not expecting to sell so much so easily. However, the last rural man suddenly let out a bitter laugh and said, "This guest, I cannot sell to you"
A few years ago, another important contributor who rose with Li Yuan, Liu Wenjing, was jealous of Pei Ji's higher official position and often targeted him. As a result, Li Yuan ultimately had Liu Wenjing killed. Later, when Pei Ji suffered a disastrous defeat while attacking Song Jingang, he was only symbolically demoted by Li Yuan, and soon after, his official position was restored, and he was favored as before. With a master like Pei Ji, even Su Guan Shi, who was merely a small purchasing manager in the Pei residence, was not someone that ordinary people dared to offend.
The two countrymen were quite polite. Upon hearing the inquiry from Su Guan, one of them immediately stood up with a simple smile and said, "Please wait a moment, esteemed guest. The dishes inside will be ready shortly, and you will be able to taste them soon!"
Behind this small stall, two pieces of tattered cloth were used to create a makeshift curtain. The crisp sound of iron spoons clashing with iron pots could be heard from behind the curtain. The onlooking steward Su was very familiar with this sound; even from several courtyards away, one could hear it when the cooks in the manor were preparing meals. Moreover, the wafts of aroma emanating from behind the curtain confirmed that someone was indeed cooking there
In winter, consuming fresh vegetables daily is nearly impossible for many high-ranking nobles, and only the royal family can barely manage it. There are hot springs on the other side of the Western Mountains, where some vegetables can be grown in winter, but the yield is low, sufficient only for the royal family. However, Pei Ji has a special relationship with Li Yuan, so his household enjoys the same privileges. This autumn, there has been a locust plague in Guanzhong, which has also affected the Western Mountains, resulting in an even lower quantity of vegetables produced. Now, deliveries can only be made every five days, and they are only enough to last for two days, leaving him to find a solution for the remaining three days.
The countryman pointed to the small basin in the hands of the farmer's wife, and in the basin was a strange vegetable, no more than a few inches long, very thin, with each piece crystal clear and looking extremely beautiful, yet no one had ever seen this type of vegetable before
Su Guan Shi arrived at the Le'an vegetable market with two servants driving a cart. Upon disembarking, he immediately plunged into the market to select the ingredients needed for the household. Rice, flour, oil, and salt were all within the scope of his purchases. Many vendors in the market recognized him and greeted him, enthusiastically promoting their goods. However, Su Guan Shi was very particular when it came to buying things; if the quality was not satisfactory, he would not spare it a second glance.
Su Guan Shi was merely a minor figure, showing little interest in such military affairs. After cursing Liu Hei Tu a few times, he could only wander around the vast vegetable market, hoping to find vegetables other than radishes; otherwise, he would have to face the consequences upon returning.
As the eastern horizon began to brighten, the curfew in Chang'an City was finally lifted, and the gates of various neighborhoods were opened one after another. Chang'an Avenue once again became lively. If one were to speak of the most bustling places in Chang'an City, it would undoubtedly be the East and West Markets. However, in the morning, most shops in the East and West Markets had yet to open, making the vegetable market the most vibrant place at that time. Almost every neighborhood in Chang'an City has its own vegetable market, but the largest and most comprehensive vegetable market is undoubtedly the Le'an Vegetable Market near the Anhua Gate.
I will give it a try! Su, the steward, had long been enticed by this aroma, and without hesitation, he picked up some chopsticks from the small basin and placed a few pieces in his mouth. They were fragrant, crispy, and tender, with a refreshing taste that also carried a hint of tanginess that whetted the appetite, likely due to the addition of vinegar, leaving one wanting more after the first bite
No problem, bring the money! Su Guan Shi did not haggle at all and immediately instructed the housekeeper behind him, because during this time in previous years, the price of lotus root was much higher than this. Fresh vegetables at twenty wen per jin are already very cheap.
Thinking of this, Su Guan Shi couldn't help but sigh. He had already purchased everything needed for today, except for fresh vegetables. Now, he only hoped to see someone selling lotus root at the market. In previous years, there were always people transporting lotus root from the south during winter. However, this year, Liu Heita had pushed back, occupying many areas in Hebei and Shandong, especially the northern section of the Grand Canal, which had fallen into the hands of the opposing side. With this waterway lost, the transportation of goods between the north and south had become very difficult. Therefore, he had not seen anyone selling lotus root this year.
Attracted by the aroma, a crowd had gathered around the stall. At this moment, a countryman behind the stall loudly proclaimed: "Brothers, we are farmers from Li Family Village outside the city. This time we have cultivated a new type of vegetable that is exceptionally delicious. If you don't believe me, this is a dish that my wife just prepared using the vegetables. Feel free to come and taste it, it's free!"
This is a somewhat peculiar vegetable stall, with several large baskets placed on the ground, each covered with a clean white cloth, making it difficult for people to see what is actually inside the baskets. Behind the stall, two honest-looking country men are squatting, appearing no different from the farmers who have come early to buy vegetables. However, these two men do not shout out to attract customers, leaving others completely unaware of what they are selling
There were also quite a few other noble estate stewards around who came to purchase, some of whom recognized Steward Su. Seeing that even he praised this dish highly, many people immediately gathered around wanting to taste it. After tasting, they all exclaimed in admiration. Among them, Steward Su reacted the fastest; while others were still tasting, he threw down his chopsticks and ran to the stall, shouting at the countryman: "How much is your dish? Give me ten jin!"
Driven by curiosity, Su Guan Shi finally approached the two countrymen behind the stall and asked, "Brothers, why are you cooking behind the curtain? This is a vegetable market, not a restaurant"
In fact, it was not only Su Guan Shi who noticed this enticing aroma; many people around also caught a whiff of it, prompting numerous individuals to seek out the source of the fragrance. As a result, after a short while, someone finally discovered the origin of the scent in an inconspicuous corner of the market.
Speaking of Su Guan's background, it is quite significant. His master is none other than Pei Ji, who is renowned as the foremost chancellor of the Tang Dynasty. When Li Yuan was still the governor of Taiyuan, Pei Ji served as the deputy supervisor of the Jinyang Palace in Taiyuan. Moreover, the two had a prior acquaintance, which led them to frequently drink and enjoy themselves together, even exchanging women for their amusement. Their bond was so deep that it resembled not just friendship, but more like that of close companions.
"Two... twenty wen per jin!" The country man said somewhat shyly, as he considered twenty wen per jin to be an exorbitant price; with that amount, one could practically buy a dou of grain.
The situation with the vegetables was somewhat better a while ago, as the weather had just turned cold. Although the supply of vegetables was dwindling, one could still find some by spending a little money. However, as the weather has continued to grow colder, even with money, Su Guanshi can no longer find any vegetables. For the past few days, he has been buying radishes continuously. These can be stored underground for an entire winter, but his husband is, after all, a prime minister of the nation, and it is not appropriate for him to be constantly eating radishes. Moreover, the steward had already scolded him yesterday, warning that if he bought radishes again today, he would stuff an entire radish into his nostrils.
Later, Li Yuan raised an army, and Pei Ji also contributed significantly. After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, he was appointed as the Right Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Moreover, Li Yuan was a person who valued old friendships; even after becoming emperor, he still referred to Pei Ji as "Pei Jian," which was Pei Ji's old title from his time in Taiyuan. This indicates the favor and affection Li Yuan had for him
The man did not specify what dish it was, which made Manager Su even more curious. However, just as he finished speaking, the sound of cooking from behind the curtain finally ceased. Then, as the curtain was lifted, a sturdy rural woman emerged carrying a small basin. The basin was steaming and exuded an enticing aroma, causing Manager Su and the others to involuntarily sniff the air.
The Le'an Vegetable Market is naturally located within Le'an Fang, which is one of the markets closest to the Anhua Gate. Due to the convenient access to the city gate, many vegetable farmers from outside the city bring their produce here for sale. The wealthy families in the city also enjoy selecting fresh vegetables and meats here. Over time, this has developed into the largest and most comprehensive vegetable market in Tokyo. Almost anything available in the market can be found here.
"Hmm? What is that delightful aroma?" While Su Guan was aimlessly wandering through the market, he suddenly caught a whiff of a peculiar fragrance, reminiscent of the scents wafting from a kitchen during cooking. However, he often lingered in the kitchen of the residence and had never encountered such a scent before. Moreover, this aroma was particularly enticing; just a hint of it was enough to make him salivate.
The staple food was quickly gathered, but at this moment, Su, the steward, was troubled in his heart. Others only saw the glory of him being the steward of the Pei residence, but they did not know his difficulties. Mr. Pei was notoriously picky; the ingredients for cooking had strict regulations. For instance, only Huainan rice was allowed, and only Guanzhong lamb could be used. Although these requirements were cumbersome, with some effort, they could be met. However, some demands were more troublesome. For example, in winter, Mr. Pei required at least one dish of vegetables every day, and they could not be repeated within three days. This was quite a challenge.
"Delicious, truly delicious!" Su Guan Shi exclaimed loudly while eating. As the purchasing manager for the kitchen of the Pei residence, he had tasted nearly all the delicacies in the world, yet this was the first time he had encountered such a delightful dish. He keenly noticed that the dish itself had a refreshing flavor, indeed a rare good vegetable. However, the most important aspect was the unknown cooking technique. He would bet that the cooks in the residence certainly did not know this cooking method. Moreover, he was very perceptive in noticing that the dish itself had a refreshing flavor, indeed a rare good vegetable. However, the most important aspect was still this unknown cooking technique, and he would bet that the cooks in the residence certainly did not know this cooking method.
Currently, Su Guanshi visited several familiar vendors to inquire, but the responses he received left him immensely disappointed. There were simply no lotus roots available for sale in the entire Le'an vegetable market. The reason for this was the rebellion led by Liu Heita, which caused him to secretly curse the other party in his heart. It was said that this time, in order to quell the rebellion, the Crown Prince personally led the troops, along with the renowned San Niangzi, who is none other than the Crown Prince's sister, Princess Pingyang, also accompanying the effort to suppress the rebellion. It is estimated that Liu Heita will not be able to last much longer!