Chapter Thirty: A Gift for the Empress Dowager’s Birthday II Hua Ling had once watched people make tofu at her grandmother’s home in the countryside. Back then, out of curiosity, she had even spent a few days learning from them. But after all, too much time had passed, and she herself was not sure whether she could make it. Still, giving up without even trying was not her style.
After carefully thinking over the ingredients and tools needed to make tofu, Hua Ling wrote them down on a sheet of paper, then called over a young maid and told her to prepare them. She herself tried hard to recall the process of making tofu, striving to succeed on the first attempt.
Hua Ling sat before the table, spread the paper out on it, and held a brush in her hand, writing things down as she thought. At the beginning, it seemed the beans needed to be soaked first. In such cold winter weather, they would need to soak for four to five hours. She remembered that the master had specifically instructed her that soaking beans was a very particular matter—if they were soaked too long, the soy milk would lose its substance, and tofu could no longer be made.
Next seemed to be grinding the beans and filtering the milk, then boiling the milk and adding the coagulant, then making it into soft tofu, and finally filtering out the water to form the tofu. Thinking about it, it seemed quite easy, but how it would actually go once she started was another matter. Even so, Hua Ling was still full of confidence, firmly believing that she would succeed.
Just then, Yuechun returned, carrying a bag of soybeans in her hand. As she entered, she said, “Madam, I’ve brought the soybeans.”
“Wonderful. Yuechun, go find a large basin.” Hua Ling took the soybeans and set them on the floor as she spoke.
“Yes.” Yuechun quickly went out, then came back a little while later with a large wooden basin in her hands and placed it on the floor.
Hua Ling added the beans and water into the wooden basin according to a certain ratio. By the time the beans were soaked, the other things should be almost ready as well.
Yuechun truly could not contain her curiosity and asked, “Madam, what are you making?”
“I’m making something delicious for you all called tofu. This is a wonderful thing—not only tasty, but also highly nutritious.” Hua Ling looked with satisfaction at the soybeans soaking in the basin and said with a smile.
“Madam, I’ve never even heard of it. What exactly is this tofu?” Yuechun said with a frown. Her madam really knew so much.
“Don’t ask for now. Once I make it, you’ll know. Go see whether Zhijin has come back yet. I don’t know whether she managed to buy the things I asked her to get. If she couldn’t, that would be bad.” Hua Ling said with some worry.
“Madam, I’m back. I bought everything you wanted, so don’t worry.” Zhijin had clearly heard Hua Ling’s words and answered briskly the moment she opened her mouth, her face full of smiles.
“Hurry and bring them to me. I’m waiting to use them. You’ve all done well today. Once I’m done, I’ll let you taste it first.” Hua Ling said with a smile, her face full of excitement. Taking the things from Zhijin’s hands, she began bustling about again.
The following steps required great care; one careless mistake and all previous efforts would be wasted. “Zhijin, did you buy the frame I asked for?”
“I bought it, Madam. I’ve already put it in the side room. If you need it, I’ll go get it for you,” Zhijin hurriedly said.
“No need. It’s perfect there. In a moment, when Cailian brings the stone mill, have it placed in the side room too. Once we set everything up, the beans should be just about soaked.” Hua Ling said with a smile.
“Madam, the stone mill is here. Where should we put it?” Cailian’s voice came from outside.
When Hua Ling heard this, she hurriedly ran out. Seeing the stone mill that had been brought over, she was very satisfied and said happily, “Move it into the side room.” Hua Ling said to the two household servants who had delivered the stone mill.
“Yes, Madam.” The two quickly responded. Fortunately, it was not the kind of large stone mill; the two of them could still lift it. They slowly carried it into the side room, installed it properly, and only then left.
Hua Ling looked on in satisfaction. Now everything was ready; all that was lacking was the east wind. As soon as the beans were soaked, they could begin.
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Let me also recommend Xiangxiang’s completed story, “The Modern Consort of the Eccentric Prince Who Crossed Over,” as well as my newly opened pit, “The Flower Dragon Toys with the Phoenix: Consort Wants a Divorce Letter.” If you have time, everyone please go take a look!! Hehe.