Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Chapter 317: Making Dumplings!

Zhang Jingwei's nose moved slightly, and a rich fragrance came to his nose: "What a good smell! What is this smell?" As he spoke, he followed the fragrance to the stove and stared curiously at the dishes on the table.

The chef of the Marquisate hurried forward and introduced it with a smile on his face: "This is braised goose! It's our Marquis's favorite dish!"

Zhang Jingwei nodded, and after scanning the dishes on the table, he couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Isn't it customary to eat dumplings during the Chinese New Year?"

The chef was stunned for a moment, scratching his head and said, "I really don't know what dumplings are! Please explain it to me, uncle."

Zhang Jingwei smiled and explained, "Dumplings are actually very simple to make. Just knead the dough first, roll it into wrappers, wrap it with various fillings and cook it. Come on, I'll show you myself!" After that, he rolled up his sleeves and prepared to show off his skills.

The chef quickly responded, "Yes, sir, please wait a moment. May I ask, sir, what kind of dough do you want? Chewy or soft?"

Zhang Jingwei thought for a moment and replied, "Hmm...then let's make the dumplings chewier. That way they'll taste better."

The chef nodded, turned around and quickly got to work. Before long, a smooth and elastic piece of dough appeared before his eyes.

Zhang Jingwei picked up a nearby wooden stake and expertly transformed it into a simple rolling pin, then began to vigorously roll the dough. As his hands continued to push and turn, evenly thick and rounded sheets of dough gradually took shape.

Then, Zhang Jingwei looked up at the chef and instructed, "Now it's time to mix the stuffing! Chop the pork belly finely into flakes, and also chop the green onions, ginger, and garlic into fine pieces. Oh, do you have any chives?"

The chef looked embarrassed, smiled bitterly, shook his head and said, "Oh, son-in-law, leeks are hard to find in this season."

Zhang Jingwei frowned, but soon thought of a solution. He turned to Mu Tou and said, "Forget it, go to my yard and pull two cabbages."

Mu Tou smiled and replied, "Okay!"

The dumplings with pork and cabbage filling are also fresh, tender and smooth. Chop the cabbage, add some salt, and knead it to remove the water. After controlling the excess water, start mixing the filling.

Sesame oil, pepper, soy sauce, and since there was no MSG or oyster sauce, I used some fish sauce, and then added some sake to enhance the aroma.

Zhang Jingwei felt satisfied as he smelled the dumpling filling that he had mixed himself.

Mu Tou swallowed his saliva. Following the young master, there would always be something delicious, besides chili peppers.

Zhang Jingwei directed the kitchen operations methodically. "It'll take about half an hour to marinate these fillings. Remember to sprinkle some cornstarch evenly on the dumpling wrappers. You can stack them neatly later. I'll be making the dumplings myself later."

The chef nodded respectfully and replied, "Yes!"

At this time, Mu Tou came forward, his face full of curiosity and excitement, and said, "This way of eating is really novel! Young Master, you are worthy of being the richest man in our Northland. You are so particular about what you eat!"

Zhang Jingwei glanced at him and said teasingly, "Don't try to imitate Qian Ming's flattery skills. It's just making dumplings, yet you can praise it to such an extent."

Mu Tou chuckled, scratched his head and said, "Anyway, as long as I follow you, young master, I will definitely enjoy endless delicious food. There is absolutely no mistake about this!"

Zhang Jingwei's face was filled with a relieved smile, and he then instructed Mu Tou, "Okay, pack up and follow me to the tailor shop to pick up a batch of goods. It's the New Year, and everyone in the mansion needs to wear new clothes."

Hearing this, Mu Tou's eyes lit up. He couldn't help but look down at his down jacket, which had been worn to a shine. His heart was suddenly filled with joy, and he couldn't wait to respond, "I'm going to have new clothes to wear again!"

……

At noon, after Zhang Jingwei retrieved his clothes, he kept making dumplings in the kitchen. When making the filling, he was careless and made too much, so the dumpling wrappers were not enough.

After a while, Huangfu Ling ran into the kitchen and asked coquettishly, "Hey, what have you been busy with all day? I've been looking for you for a long time, but there's no sign of you."

Zhang Jingwei skillfully made dumplings and replied without looking up, "I'm making dumplings! How about coming over and trying them?"

Hearing this, Huangfu Ling's eyes lit up instantly and she shouted excitedly: "Okay, okay! I want to try it!" She ran to Zhang Jingwei like a happy little bird.

At this moment, the chef standing by suddenly changed his expression, and said to Huangfu Ling with a panicked smile: "Oh, miss, please don't do it yourself! The son-in-law wrapped it very carefully and well." In fact, the chef knew very well that Huangfu Ling was a novice in cooking. Every time she cooked, the food she made was simply dark cuisine that was difficult to swallow.

However, Zhang Jingwei waved his hand nonchalantly and said, "It's okay, let her try!"

Huangfu Ling curiously watched Zhang Jingwei's movements and asked with his head tilted, "How do you make dumplings? Is it similar to making bean curd?"

Zhang Jingwei patiently explained: "Well... the principle is somewhat similar. Come, look, first like this, then like this, and then like this... Ding Ding Ding Ding!" As he said that, he proudly shook the dumplings he had just wrapped in his hand.

He first picks up a round dumpling wrapper and spreads it flat on the palm of his left hand, his movements light and practiced. Using chopsticks in his right hand, he scoops up a suitable amount of filling and places it in the center of the wrapper. Then, he slightly closes his left fingers, bringing the edges of the wrapper together. Then, with his right thumb and index finger working in perfect harmony, he gently pinches pleats along the edge of the wrapper. Each pleat is even and neat, extending slowly from one end to the other. Soon, a small, delicate dumpling with a plump belly is formed, standing firmly in Zhang Jingwei's palm.

Huangfu Ling, watching intently, also copied Zhang Jingwei's movements, picking up the dumpling wrappers, but his movements were clumsy. He'd put too much filling in, and the wrappers wouldn't close. When he finally did, the folds were crooked and shapeless.

Seeing this, Zhang Jingwei smiled and offered his help, patiently explaining the key points: "Don't overfill, and apply even pressure with your fingers when pinching the folds." Under Zhang Jingwei's guidance, Huangfu Ling gradually mastered the technique, and her dumplings began to take shape. With Huangfu Ling's help, hundreds of dumplings were completed ahead of schedule.

The afternoon was left for the servants to take a bath and get dressed. Everyone who received new clothes was very happy. After all, the material and filling were personally selected by Zhang Jingwei. They were comfortable to wear and the styles were beautiful.

……

In the evening, the city erupted in the sound of firecrackers and the air was filled with smoke. Every household was in a state of peace. When dinner was almost ready for Liu Yanzhi's family, Zhang Jingwei sent a lunch box containing three large plates of dumplings. Liu Yanzhi nodded and smiled with satisfaction at the steaming dumplings, then brought them to the table to share with his family.