The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1706 - 1700: I’m an Expert at Raising Pigs
Song Chongjin listened to Gu Zikai’s handling of things these past few days. Although some parts were still somewhat lacking, it was quite commendable. 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 mentioned 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; sometimes, knowing too much wasn’t beneficial.
Just then, lunch was ready, and Master sent someone to invite them to join him. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦
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 meat, 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 meat, 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 meat back, saying they were gifts for Old Granny Zhang, for her and Wang Yongzhu to enjoy.
He even mentioned 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 some home to share, though he felt embarrassed to ask in front of everyone.
He was planning to quietly instruct someone to stay behind and buy some to take back.
Since Gu Zikai had already prepared, he accepted with a smile.
Others were envious, wanting to buy some 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 immediately.
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 scheme for the two mountain pigs there.
Instead, they asked Gu Zikai to reserve some 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? Immediately, she forgot about Song Chongjin and Ninth Master Lee, turning to instruct Yao Da to have someone 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.
Meanwhile, she rushed to Old Granny Zhang’s room, where mother and daughter began working on the dinner menu: roasted mountain pig, grilled mountain pig, steamed 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 meat—one slaughtered still gives forty to fifty pounds of meat.
Thus, she straightforwardly invited Jian Huaifeng, Song Xiaoyin, their brothers, and some close attendants, setting up two tables in the front yard.
Old Granny Zhang, now in Chicheng County, was more accustomed to the prevalent beef and lamb, yet she preferred pork. Upon smelling the pork, she couldn’t help commending its excellence multiple times.
Informed it was Gu Zikai’s gift, she was touched by her nephew’s filial and pride-bringing act, delighting her immensely.
Even her appetite opened, eating more than usual at dinner.
Seeing this, Wang Yongzhu was pleased, pondering how mountain pig meat is ideal for older folks like Old Granny Zhang—she must procure more for her long-term enjoyment.
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 sentiment surely shared by others.
If transported to the Capital City, it would likely be sought by gourmets 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 immediately 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 comment, 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 home. 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—"
