amaotonovel Chapter 328 The Champion's Hoof
Chapter 328 The Champion's Hoof
The rain was still falling outside, and the sound of rain pattering on the roof made the interior of the shop feel even warmer and more inviting, filled with the aroma of sour and tangy flavors.
The lusheng (a traditional Miao reed pipe instrument) on stage changed to a cheerful tune, and young Miao men in their finest attire joined in the dance, making the atmosphere even more lively.
Aunt Ping was even caught up in the atmosphere and clapped her hands gently in rhythm.
Just as everyone was enjoying the delicious food and the music and dance, the restaurant manager walked over with an apologetic smile: "Distinguished guests, I'm very sorry to have disturbed you."
We just received a notification that a small landslide has occurred on the road leading into the mountains due to the heavy rain. Emergency repairs are underway, and the road is expected to be passable from tonight until noon tomorrow.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you stay in Kaili tonight.
This sudden news stunned everyone.
"There's been a landslide? What should we do?" Yuan's mother asked with some worry.
Bao Guo immediately took out his phone to check the road conditions, and sure enough, it showed that the road ahead was closed. "The road is indeed closed, and repairs are underway."
Aunt Ping, however, was optimistic: "Oh dear, it's fate that we're here to stay! Perfect, we haven't had enough to eat yet!"
"Boss, another serving of sour fish soup! And a stir-fried fern cake! Since we're not leaving tonight anyway, let's eat our fill and then find a comfortable place to stay!"
Her suggestion was met with immediate approval, especially from Xiaozhi and Xiaoleyi, who clapped their hands happily upon hearing that they could have another delicious meal.
Yuan Bao looked at the little 9 at his feet.
Little 9 raised its round head, its bright black eyes seemed to glance at her, and a stream of information flashed through its eyes:
【My lady, road conditions confirmed. Safe accommodations nearby have been scanned.】
We recommend the parking lot behind our property for a safe overnight stay (water and electricity for RVs can be replenished), or the 'Miaoyun Inn' 500 meters away, which offers a unique stilted house experience. Weather forecast: Rain will continue until the early morning, clearing up tomorrow afternoon.
Landslide clearing progress forecast: Traffic should resume by 11:00 AM tomorrow.
Yuan Bao had a better idea of what to do and said to his family, "I see that it's still raining quite heavily outside, and it's not convenient to drive around looking for a place to go."
How about we make do in the RV tonight? The parking lot is right behind, so it's safe. Or there's a Miaoyun Inn nearby; the reviews look pretty good.
“Let’s just stay in the car!” Bao Guo immediately agreed. “Our RV is fully equipped, just like a small home, and it saves us the hassle of moving around. Little 9, what do you say?” He looked down and teased Little 9 under the table.
As if understanding, Little Nine meowed and rubbed against Baoguo's trouser leg, eliciting another burst of laughter from everyone. Only Yuanbao knew that its meow meant: [Master, the parking lot plan is confirmed safe.]
Therefore, the plan was changed.
The family relaxed and enjoyed the fragrant and delicious Miao feast.
Aunt Ping enthusiastically ordered Miao-style rice wine and enjoyed a drink with Bao Guo and her aunt.
Yuan Bao savored the lingering aftertaste of the sour soup, gazing out the window at the misty rainy night and the brightly lit Miao village street, experiencing the unique flavor brought by the unexpected events of his journey.
After dinner, we returned to the warm and comfortable "Gourmet" RV.
The rain pattered outside the window, while the car's interior lights shone softly. Xiao Zhi and Xiao Le Yi played with toys in the small play area, while Aunt Yuan and her aunt tidied the beds. Aunt Ping was still savoring the taste of the sour fish soup, and Bao Guo inspected the vehicle. Yuan Bao sat by the window, holding Xiao Jiu, watching the rain streaks on the glass.
"Little 9," Yuan Bao said silently in his heart, "thank you."
Little Nine rolled over in her arms, revealing its soft belly, and purred contentedly: [Duty calls, Master. Tomorrow's itinerary has been replanned. Destination: Qingyan Ancient Town, to savor the Zhuangyuan Pig Trotter. Goodnight.]
In Kaili on a rainy night, a bowl of sour soup and an unexpected delay became an interlude in the Yuan family's "Taste of Sichuan" journey, filled with unique sour aromas and warm memories.
Tomorrow, they will be treated to another flavor of Guizhou – the aroma of Qingyan braised dishes.
In the early morning in Kaili, the air was exceptionally fresh after the rain.
As predicted by Xiao 9, the collapsed section of road was reopened to traffic in the morning after overnight repairs.
The "Food Express" set off again, continuing its northward journey along the winding mountain road.
The scenery outside the window gradually transitions from the rich ethnic customs of southeastern Guizhou to the plains and hills of central Guizhou, dotted with ancient Tunpu villages.
"Little 9 said we'll be at Qingyan by noon today to eat the Zhuangyuan Pig Trotters there!" Yuan Bao announced while braiding Le Yi's hair.
After Kaili's "accurate prediction," the family became even more convinced of Xiao Jiu's "good luck" and Yuan Bao's "strategic abilities."
"Zhuangyuan's Trotter? Is it the trotter that top scholars in ancient times ate?" Xiao Zhi asked curiously, putting down his game console.
“Yes!” Aunt Ping immediately chimed in, flipping through her treasured map, “The braised pig’s feet in Qingyan Ancient Town are very famous. It is said that they are called ‘Zhuangyuan’s Trotters’ because a top scholar came from there in history!”
"It's so tender and flavorful, the skin is chewy and the meat is succulent—just thinking about it makes my mouth water!" She exaggeratedly swallowed, making little Leyi giggle: "Auntie's so hungry!"
Aunt Yuan shook her head with a smile: "Pingping is more energetic than anyone else when it comes to food."
My aunt was more interested in the ancient town: "Qingyan is one of the four ancient towns in Guizhou. With its stone walls, flagstone streets, and old houses, it must have a lot of character."
Bao Guo, driving steadily from the driver's seat, said, "Don't worry, we'll eat the braised pork hock and explore the ancient town! We have plenty of time, so let's take our time and enjoy the food!"
Around noon, the "Food Express" drove into the designated RV parking lot outside the Qingyan Ancient Town scenic area.
As soon as we got out of the car, a rich, unique aroma, a blend of various spices and braising liquid, wafted over, instantly whetting everyone's appetite.
"Wow! It smells so good! Is this the aroma of braised food?" Xiao Zhi sniffed hard.
“That’s right! Let’s go, target—Jin Bixuan!” Aunt Ping took the lead, having already set her sights on the oldest and most reputable braised food shop in the ancient town.
Qingyan Ancient Town truly lives up to its reputation.
Ancient stone city walls, winding stone-paved roads, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings on both sides, with upturned eaves and carved wooden windows, all exude the vicissitudes of history.
The streets are lined with shops, mostly stalls selling various braised food and specialty snacks such as chicken fritters, rose sugar, and tofu balls.
But what's most appealing is the rich, pervasive aroma of braised meat that fills the air.
"Jin Bixuan" is located in a bustling alley in the center of the ancient town. The old wooden signboard and a huge braising pot at the entrance are bubbling and steaming, with shiny and tempting pig's feet, intestines, dried tofu, eggs and other ingredients rolling in the dark brown braising liquid.
The long queues demonstrate its popularity.
"Wow! Look at that pig's trotter! It's huge!" Xiao Zhi exclaimed, pointing to the largest pig's trotter in the pot.
"Boss, six champion's trotters, two braised eggs, a pound of braised tofu, and some sliced braised pig ears!" Aunt Ping ordered with practiced ease and gusto.
Soon, the steaming hot, glossy, dark red trotters were served on a small table facing the street.
Each one is large and plump, glistening with braising liquid, and exuding a rich aroma of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom, as well as soy sauce and caramel coloring.
"Let's get started!" Bao Guo gave the order, and everyone eagerly put on disposable gloves.