Chef Hua-Chapter 582: Episode 311: Worship the Kitchen God

The New Year in Fire Knife Village began with the worship of the Stove God.

Legend had it that on the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth month, the Stove God ascended to Heaven to report the moral deeds of the mortal realm to the Jade Emperor. On this day, the common people would prepare generous offerings to send off Lord Stove, hoping that his mouth could be at their mercy, so he would play down their misdeeds and speak kindly on their behalf before the Jade Emperor.

This custom carried a sense of shrewdness but was taken very seriously by every household. Establishments like restaurants, which were under the direct protection of Lord Stove throughout the year, naturally could not afford to neglect it.

Last year, on the twenty-fourth of the twelfth month, Daoxiang Garden was still a small restaurant, and Hua Xiaomai had just married into the Meng Family not long before. With numerous chores at hand and Meng Yuhuai not at home, she had merely managed a hasty participation in this ritual. This year, however, Daoxiang Garden had expanded into a landmark of Fire Knife Village, and the business was indeed profitable. With Master Tan and Wang Zhanrui continuously persuading her earnestly every other day, Hua Xiaomai decided to properly organize it this time.

Even if it was just to get everyone together for a lively gathering, it would be worthwhile.

Daoxiang Garden was set to close from the twenty-fifth, so on the twenty-fourth, they didn’t really do serious business. By noon, everyone in the restaurant gathered by the fish pond, frolicking joyously for a while. Everyone cooked one or two of their best dishes. The three head chefs needed no mention, and even the two new waitresses couldn’t escape participating. Regardless of skill or taste, everyone casually filled up, and in the winter’s cold, they didn’t feel the chill, spending the entire afternoon chatting and joking around the pond.

As evening fell, the formal ceremony to worship the Stove God commenced.

Wang and Master Tan prepared many fruits and other offerings in the kitchen, while Hua Xiaomai focused on preparing the pig’s head for the sacrifice.

A whole pig’s head was singed with fire, then mixed properly with a big bowl of oil sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, and other spices, placed into a tin pot, sealed tightly at the top. Only a thick piece of firewood was settled inside the stove. In less than an hour, the pig’s head was cooked until its skin and flesh melded, tender beyond compare, the sauce fully absorbed into the meat, emitting an irresistibly savory and rich aroma.

This dish, "A Log Burns a Pig’s Head," which Second Lady Hua had craved during her pregnancy, was naturally offered up to the Stove God today, yet after the ceremony, served with vinegar sauce, it turned into a delightful meal that the kitchen staff and workers shared.

Sending off the Stove God had to occur at the final moment of the day, late at the hour of Hai. A table was set up in the garden, candles and incense lit, with the Stove God’s portrait displayed. As the pig’s head was placed on the table, torches around it brightly illuminated the area, incense swirling overhead, instantly setting the atmosphere.

Lianshun Escort Agency also ceased business on the twenty-fifth. Meng Yuhuai, after busying himself with various duties at the Escort Agency, hurried to Daoxiang Garden. While the staff bustled about in the garden, he sat down with Hua Xiaomai in the restaurant’s main hall for a short rest.

"Today, my uncle came to the Escort Agency looking for me. He said he was grateful that our family had helped out greatly this time and wanted to bring his wife and cousin over to our house on New Year’s Day. First, to express gratitude, and secondly, to seize the opportunity to make apologies in front of mother," he said, looking at Hua Xiaomai’s face, continued in a deep voice, "I didn’t agree immediately, thinking that mother might not wish to talk more with them. I’ll mention it to her later; if she dislikes the idea, I’ll refuse them then."

Upon hearing the word "uncle," Hua Xiaomai always felt uneasy, reluctant to interact further with his family. Thus, she vaguely acknowledged with a murmur, without saying much.

"If it were up to me, of course I think they need not come," Meng Yuhuai laughed, then added, "but no matter what, it’s still necessary to ask mother’s opinion. After all, he is her actual brother, and with what happened before, she might not say it, but she could be feeling worried."

"Why tell me this? Are you worried it’ll make me uneasy?"

Hua Xiaomai gave him a forced smile, "You’re right, these issues are indeed for mother to decide. If she can forgive their past actions, there’s no reason for me, her daughter-in-law, to interfere. But as I’ve said before, since uncle is going to be working near our new house, I hope he can be diligent and complete his tasks satisfactorily, easing everyone’s mind. If he causes any more trouble, I..."

"I understand, you needn’t worry," Meng Yuhuai cut her off, gently touching her forehead and nodding.

Visit freewe𝑏nove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺 for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience