Three points are destined, seven points depend on face

As a result, a large army was established to celebrate the New Year at Xia Chuntao's house.

Li Yue'e, Aunt Zheng, Aunt Fang, the eldest lady, and Xia Chuntao stopped calling. There are many people in the family staying together to watch the New Year.

Because there were so many people, a few women had prepared the ingredients the day before and started frying and frying today.

Worried that there would not be enough stoves, Xia Chuntao asked two brothers, Chunsheng and Dongsheng, to build a temporary stove in the courtyard specifically for frying things.

There are three types of fried meatballs: pure meatballs, potato balls, and vermicelli and tofu balls.

Then fried tofu, fried peanuts, French fries, fried dough cakes, fried twists...

While everyone was working in full swing, Xuan Er took Mr. Yan to Xia Chuntao's house.

As soon as Yan Hong entered the courtyard, he saw Xia Chuntao wearing a floral apron and frying something. There were several pots of fried meatballs in front of her. Niu Niu was walking around, and when Xia Chuntao wasn't paying attention, she took a meatball from the basin and stuffed it into her mouth. Then she took a few more meatballs and ran to the back, shouting as she ran, "Xiaobao, there is something delicious!"

Anzi, Alai and several children were chopping firewood and boiling water for the family.

Only Xiaobao was missing.

"Mr. Yan, you are finally here! Second Brother Wang, you and Mr. Yan go and sit in the main room. Daddy Shuanzi, Brother Zhao, and Daddy Tiedan are all over there!"

"Where's Xiaobao?"

"He said he wanted to write Spring Festival couplets for his family. I guess he is still writing."

Yan Hong became interested, "Oh, then I have to go and have a look."

At this time, Anzi and Alai also saw Mr. Yan and hurried over to salute. Mr. Yan followed the children to the study room to see Xiaobao's "calligraphy treasures".

Several fathers heard that Xiaobao was writing Spring Festival couplets, which was so novel, so they also ran to watch. When I saw Mr. Yan in the room, I didn't know whether I should go in or not.

Ordinary people have a natural respect for scholars.

Mr. Yan smiled and waved to Shuan Zi's father and others, "Come on, come on, let's take a look at the Spring Festival couplets written by Xiaobao."

Several people saw that Mr. Yan was very kind and relaxed.

Xiaobao has also been practicing calligraphy in the past few months, but not much. After all, due to his age, his wrist strength is insufficient. But writing a few words is not a problem.

Don't tell me, Xiaobao's handwriting is beautiful, but it is indeed square and standard. Yan Hong stroked his beard happily. Shuanzi's father and others were extremely envious.

There are not many children in the village who go to school. The main reason is that it costs money, and they are still unable to make a name for themselves. So they should simply learn to farm early.

Not to be compared with Xiaobao, he is Alai. After going to school, his conversation and behavior are obviously different from those of ordinary farm children.

Shuanzi and Tiedan are both about the same age as Alai. The two fathers watched Xiaobao practicing calligraphy, and then saw the curious and admiring eyes of their children, and suddenly felt ashamed.

You may not have the ability before, but now that life is getting more and more prosperous, why can't your children study?

Father Shuanzi couldn't help but asked Mr. Yan first: "Sir, if my child wants to be enlightened now, is it too late?"

"Of course it's not too late. As long as you want to study, it's never too late."

Tie Dan Daddy: "Sir, are you studying just to get fame? If you fail, then wouldn't all the more than ten years of hard work be in vain?"

"Studying is a test for fame, but studying is not just for fame."

"We in Dai Viet have a major exam every three years. Tens of thousands of people take part in it. How many people can pass the exam? Those who don't pass the exam can also do other things, such as being a clerk in the county government, litigating lawsuits, or even restaurants. Shopkeepers, many industries need people who are literate."

Put it this way, a few fathers will understand. It turns out that studying is not just for gaining fame and fame. There are also many good jobs to choose from!

Daddy Shuanzi and Daddy Tiedan had a plan in mind and were going to go back and discuss with their wife to let their children study early.

There were two big tables for the New Year's Eve dinner in the main room, one for men, one for women, and a small round table for children. Xia Chuntao didn't worry that Niuniu and Xiaobao were left unattended. There were so many brothers sitting on the table, and if one of them fed each other, the two little ones should be full. Xia Chuntao only told Anzi to pay more attention and not to overload the two little guys.

The New Year's Eve dinner was very sumptuous.

Six cold dishes: cold pig ears, braised pig trotters, fried peanuts, preserved eggs mixed with tofu, cold cucumbers, pickled pepper chicken feet

Not to mention anything else, this fresh cucumber was bought by shopkeeper Xia Chuntao Li. It’s extremely expensive!

Ten hot dishes: spicy chicken, pork and sauerkraut stewed vermicelli, braised pork ribs, prawns with French fries, sweet and sour lotus root, braised carp, mapo tofu, Maoxuewang, pine nuts and corn, and spicy and sour potato shreds.

One soup: winter melon meatball soup.

A dessert: custard crème brûlée.

Pickled pepper chicken feet, Maoxuewang, and caramel pudding are all making their debut.

Most northerners love spicy food. The hot and sour flavor of this pickled pepper chicken feet is infiltrated into the chicken bones. It is fresh, sour and full of flavor. It is a must-have dish for drinking.

Maoxuewangli, Xia Chuntao uses bean sprouts as the base. In addition to hairy tripe and blood clots, it also adds luncheon meat, prawns and vermicelli. This kind of potato vermicelli was also developed not long ago and is more chewy and resistant to cooking than ordinary vermicelli.

Because a lot of Sichuan peppercorns and chili powder were sprinkled on it, everyone's mouths were a bit numb after eating it. But I still couldn't help but want to eat more.

After eating these spicy dishes and eating a caramel pudding, I was in heaven on earth. This dessert was well received by everyone, especially Niuniu and Xiaobao, who licked the small bowl clean. Fortunately, Xia Chuntao prepared a few extra portions and gave each of the children a bowl.

Everyone was full of praise for the meal.

Yan Hong joked: "Mrs. Xia, don't give me any kind of repair in the future. Just bring me some pickled pepper chicken feet from time to time."

Xia Chuntao smiled and replied: "Sir, if you want to eat, I can bring it to you at any time!"

Shuanzi Niang asked curiously: "Chuntao, every time I come to your house, you always make something different. How did you come up with it?"

Xia Chuntao: "Just...think about it while doing it?"

Everyone laughed and felt that Xia Chuntao was born to be a cook.

The corners of Xia Chuntao's mouth twitched.

She doesn't really want to be a cook, really...

This is the first time for Tiedan's family to celebrate the New Year at Xia Chuntao's house. Except for Tiedan who should eat and drink, Li Qingshan, his wife and daughter Li Lian'er are quite restrained.

Later I found out that everyone got along well with each other.

Xia Chuntao is not like the boss, and is no different from anyone else. Everyone talks about their children and gossips, and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Mr. Yan is not an old scholar with a straight face. Mr. Yan also understands farm work and chatted with everyone quickly.

After three drinks, even Li Qingshan, who was dull, started talking to everyone about their plans for the new year.

Chen Cui looked at her husband like this, feeling strange but relieved.

After chatting for a while, Li Qingshan picked up the wine glass and walked to Chen Cui and said to Xia Chuntao: "Chuntao, our whole family is grateful to you. Cui'er and I must give you a toast."

Chen Cui also stood up and looked at Xia Chuntao, "Chuntao, if it weren't for you, my children wouldn't even have enough to eat now, and my girl was even more frustrated by them. I..." Before she could finish her words, tears flowed down her face. .

At the small round table next door, Li Lian'er's eyes were red, and she pulled her younger brother to her mother's side.