Although the slaughter was bloody, townsmen who heard about it came in twos and threes to watch, some crossing their arms, others craning their necks for a better look. Even shoppers lingered, forming a small crowd around the scene.
The black-hoofed sheep was much smaller than the previous wild boar, making the butchering less strenuous.
Once everything was cleaned up, Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing washed the blood and grime from their hands. A man who had watched the entire process stepped forward, asking for a cut of shoulder meat and gesturing to indicate the exact portion he wanted.
Shoulder meat was often sold with the bone, perfect for stewing. Shen Xuanqing eyed the size the man indicated, raised his cleaver, and brought it down with heavy thunks.
Meanwhile, Wei Lanxiang began calling out to the passing crowd, “Mutton for sale! Fresh mutton!”
Once the first sale was made, others quickly followed.
For the wealthy families in town, whether boasting afterward or hosting guests, serving the currently trendy “summer mutton” was a matter of pride, this was a dining trend from the prefectural city, after all. Plus, freshly slaughtered meat guaranteed freshness.
Shen Yaoqing, while selling, spun a persuasive tale: “Eating mutton in summer isn’t just talk, this comes straight from the prefectural city! It’s good for health and carries auspicious meaning. Sure, the weather’s hot, and so is the mutton, but that just means everything is steaming, symbolizing rising fortunes! Life’s bound to get better!”
[蒸蒸日上 (zhēng zhēng rì shàng): lit. steaming rising day by day; fig. becoming more prosperous every day]
Most buyers had money to spare. Even if only purchasing a catty, spending ninety-some copper coins in one go gave them an air of superiority, their expressions inscrutable as they nodded along to Shen Yaoqing’s spiel.
His words weren’t entirely made up, they had originated from Yuqing Prefecture. Some townsfolk had heard of it, so no one contradicted him.
Still, both he and Shen Xuanqing knew it was likely just a sales pitch from mutton vendors in the city. A few years ago, no one had ever heard of “rising fortunes” tied to summer mutton, though the health benefits might hold some truth.
Since mutton was expensive, at least ninety copper coins per catty, buyers counted their money carefully, scrutinizing each coin. That’s why Wei Lanxiang and Shen Yan had come along today.
“Ninety-three, ninety-four, ninety-five, that’s enough.” A buyer counted aloud, dropping coins into his purse before accepting a string of meat from Lu Gu.
Boneless meat, naturally cost more.
Lu Gu also counted under his breath, ensuring no one shortchanged them.
Both Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing stayed vigilant. In a crowded place, there were always those who’d try to skimp on payment, preying on women and the weak. Wei Lanxiang was sharp with money and unafraid to speak up, but Lu Gu and Shen Yan needed extra watching.
Unexpectedly, the summer mutton sold remarkably well. Less than an hour after slaughter, everything was gone, even the tripe, trotters, and offal. Last time, when they butchered the wild boar, they’d kept the intestines for a spicy stir-fry, but this time, they sold it all.
Shen Yaoqing packed the knives and glanced at the foreleg in the bamboo basket. “Good thing Second Brother had the foresight to chop a leg for us first.”
Wei Lanxiang, both pleased and regretful, said, “That buyer was so eager, he took everything. Now we’ve forgotten to save any for your third aunt.”
The man who bought the foreleg, two hind legs, neck, and spine was someone Shen Xuanqing knew, the steward he’d once sold a fawn to. After hearing about summer mutton, his master had sent him to buy. Had he come earlier, he might’ve taken the whole sheep.
Last year, Shen Xuanqing’s sheep had been sold after summer. This was his first time selling “summer mutton.” Worried about poor sales, he’d come to the market. Next time, if he hunted another large animal, he’d first check with wealthy households or restaurants, selling it whole would save the bloody work of butchering.
“No matter. We’ll stew it all, invite Third Uncle and Aunt over, and make a few good dishes. We won’t shortchange them.” Shen Yaoqing said.
Wei Lanxiang nodded. “That’ll do. Eating together is livelier anyway.”
The sheepskin wrapped around a foreleg and some bones saved for the dogs. Once the cart was packed, Shen Xuanqing bought a few baked pancakes for them to eat on the way home.
Having left and returned early, Zhou Xiangjun hadn’t started lunch yet. Shen Yaoqing chopped the foreleg into large chunks and stewed them fresh. Since mutton could cause internal heat, Wei Lanxiang and Zhou Xiangjun prepared two bitter dishes to balance it.
The two sisters-in-law chatted and laughed in the kitchen, working efficiently. Lu Gu could only tend the fire and assist where needed.
Though mutton was gamy, Guaizi still drooled over it, whimpering eagerly.
Shen Xuanqing stepped into the kitchen just as Lu Gu added firewood to the stove.
“The bones for the dogs should be ready. Ours needs more time, the softer, the tastier.” He lifted the pot lid, and once the steam cleared, used chopsticks to fish out four bones.
Lu Gu stood to hold the bowl for him. Only wine and ginger had been added to the pot so far.
Seeing the bones outside, Guaizi rushed in, pawing at Lu Gu’s pants in excitement.
Lu Gu set the bowl on the counter and instinctively said, “Easy now, they’re hot. Let them cool first.”
Shen Xuanqing chuckled at him talking to Guaizi but didn’t comment, only saying, “It’s too hot in here. Come back when you need to add wood. Go rest and fan yourself for a bit.”
The stewed mutton was served with a bowl of wild greens to counter the heat, a bitter dish, and a plate of crisp cucumber salad. Shen Yaoqing pushed two tables together so all eleven could sit comfortably.
The mutton and broth were delicious, and everyone ate in near silence. Shen Yuping’s cheeks bulged as he chewed the tender meat, but he still managed to show a silly grin at his wife, Chen Xinlian.
Ji Qiuyue was cautious about overheating, so she ate only a few pieces and mostly stuck to the refreshing cucumbers. Wei Lanxiang had specially made her steamed egg and stir-fried spring greens, along with a small bowl of broth, enough to fill her up.
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