Zhao Hanzhang carried a whole armful of fresh soybeans back. After picking off the leaves, she tossed them into the cauldron along with the stalks, added just enough water to cover them, and set them on the stove to boil.
She wanted to add all sorts of things—star anise, Sichuan pepper, chili and salt, and best of all, a splash of soy sauce—but…there was none of it.
So it was just soybeans boiled in plain water. When they were done, she poured them out to let them cool, then shelled some and handed them to Fu Zhi.
Fu Zhi ate with obvious relish. Princess Hongnong's chicken soup was still simmering, and he smiled as he invited them all to eat together.
"Think of it as a little snack."
The family of five sat on small stools, shelling and eating soybeans.
