Song Chongjin listened to Gu Zikai’s handling of things these past few days. Although so parts were still sowhat lacking, it was quite comndable. He relaxed, knowing Gu Zikai had Master’s assistance and was clever by nature. Having mingled in the power center of the Capital City for a few years, governing a county was truly no difficulty for him.
Gu Zikai asked a few questions about the negotiations, but Song Chongjin only ntioned that they weren’t going too smoothly; nonetheless, it was a common occurrence.
Seeing that Song Chongjin had a good grasp of the situation, Gu Zikai naturally didn’t press further; sotis, knowing too much wasn’t beneficial.
Just then, lunch was ready, and Master sent soone to invite them to join him.
The two got up accordingly.
Yunzhong County is not far from Chicheng County, and their cuisines are similar except for one thing unique to this place.
This area is abundant with a type of mountain pig. It’s small in size, with a long, narrow body, short limbs, and dense bristles. The mountain villagers who raise them let them graze freely on the mountains throughout the year.
These mountain pigs spend their days foraging for wild herbs like wild tuber, fritillaria, and cordyceps on mountain terrains and grasslands. They’re faster than dogs and can leap over walls as tall as a man.
It’s said that just three of these mountain pigs are enough to fend off attacks from wolves and snow leopards—they’re quite formidable.
Even after being raised for two years, they only weigh around a hundred pounds. Their at, however, is tender, their skin thin, and they have a moderate layer of fat, red and white intertwined like marble, neither fishy nor greasy, juicy and flavorful.
The more you chew, the better it tastes.
Especially when made into cured at, it shines with an amber color.
Sliced into thin, transparent pieces, it’s truly a delicacy.
Because they’re scarce, only the locals know about this delicacy.
Today’s lunch featured a roasted mountain pig dish on the table.
Everyone praised it as they normally do.
Even Song Chongjin couldn’t refrain from eating a few extra pieces.
After lunch, following a brief rest, Song Chongjin prepared to leave.
Gu Zikai didn’t insist on their stay; instead, before departing, he sent two live mountain pigs and about ten pounds of cured at back, saying they were gifts for Old Granny Zhang, for her and Wang Yongzhu to enjoy.
He even ntioned that if Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu liked them, they could send word, and he’d arrange for more to be sent.
Song Chongjin had intended to do just that—whenever he found tasty food outside, he would think of bringing so ho to share, though he felt embarrassed to ask in front of everyone.
He was planning to quietly instruct soone to stay behind and buy so to take back.
Since Gu Zikai had already prepared, he accepted with a smile.
Others were envious, wanting to buy so to take back to Chicheng County or send to the Capital City to honor their parents.
Unfortunately, Gu Zikai explained that few people raise these mountain pigs, and they’re difficult to breed, with the whole county producing only a few hundred annually.
They only hit the market in winter, during December, and are very sought after, snapped up by local wealthy families imdiately.
Even the ones he served today were bought at high prices after considerable effort.
For those truly interested, they would have to wait until December for a chance to grab a few.
The negotiation team was instantly deflated, enviously glancing at Song Chongjin, but none dared sche for the two mountain pigs there.
Instead, they asked Gu Zikai to reserve so for them when December arrived.
Gu Zikai readily agreed, sending them off with a smile.
Once everyone returned to Chicheng County, Wang Yongzhu had already received the news and was waiting at the door.
Seeing Song Chongjin and Ninth Master Lee was one thing, but noticing the two pigs tied up and grunting behind them was quite another. Disbelief crossed her face: "So you negotiated and brought gifts too? I’ve never heard of gifts including two pigs!"
Ninth Master Lee burst out laughing.
Song Chongjin helplessly explained.
Wang Yongzhu’s eyes lit up—is there such a delicacy? Imdiately, she forgot about Song Chongjin and Ninth Master Lee, turning to instruct Yao Da to have soone carry the pigs inside for dinner.
Her thoughts and gaze followed the pigs.
She ordered hot water for Song Chongjin and Ninth Master Lee to wash up.
anwhile, she rushed to Old Granny Zhang’s room, where mother and daughter began working on the dinner nu: roasted mountain pig, grilled mountain pig, stead cured mountain pig, hotpot mountain pig slices...
By evening, naturally, a full mountain pig feast was laid out.
Wang Yongzhu wasn’t a stingy person; given such a rare treat, she didn’t hold back. These mountain pigs don’t grow big but yield plenty of at—one slaughtered still gives forty to fifty pounds of at.
Thus, she straightforwardly invited Jian Huaifeng, Song Xiaoyin, their brothers, and so close attendants, setting up two tables in the front yard.
Old Granny Zhang, now in Chicheng County, was more accustod to the prevalent beef and lamb, yet she preferred pork. Upon slling the pork, she couldn’t help comnding its excellence multiple tis.
Inford it was Gu Zikai’s gift, she was touched by her nephew’s filial and pride-bringing act, delighting her imnsely.
Even her appetite opened, eating more than usual at dinner.
Seeing this, Wang Yongzhu was pleased, pondering how mountain pig at is ideal for older folks like Old Granny Zhang—she must procure more for her long-term enjoynt.
Moreover, such fine fare shouldn’t be theirs alone; gifts should extend to Old Doctor Du and his wife in Jing County, the Gu Family in the Capital, the Song Family, and possibly even the palace.
With this in mind, she inquired more about the mountain pig situation, hearing from Song Chongjin that they’re free-raised, scarce, and in demand.
Although the taste is exquisite, they’re relatively unknown, only appreciated by locals.
This sparked an idea in Wang Yongzhu, eyeing Ninth Master Lee.
Ninth Master Lee, sharp as ever, also recognized the business potential of these mountain pigs. Having sampled the finest foods across regions, he found this pork top-tier, a sentint surely shared by others.
If transported to the Capital City, it would likely be sought by gourts as a premium ingredient, skyrocketing in value.
If managed well, elevating it to a tribute item could multiply its value substantially.
Yet, unfamiliar with mountain pig breeding, and hearing from Gu Zikai about the scarcity even locally, he dismissed the thought.
Now, sensing Wang Yongzhu’s glance, he imdiately understood.
He smiled: "What does Lady Dingguo have in mind?"
Wang Yongzhu shot him a look and directly stated: "How about we venture into the mountain pig business?"
Before anyone could comnt, Old Granny Zhang brightened, smacking her thigh: "Dear, that’s a great idea! I’m skilled in pig farming! This pork is more fragrant than back ho. We should raise a hundred or two ourselves; what we can’t eat we can gift, and what we can’t gift we can sell—"
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