Chapter 128: Golden Yellow

Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Golden Yellow

Ling Qianjun led his family back to their resting spot and sat down. They needed to gather firewood and set up a roasting spit so they could cook the half-rack of pork ribs over the fire. Two people would sit on either side, slowly rotating the branch suspended in the middle to flip the ribs over and over.

Over at the butchering spot, the atmosphere was lively. People couldn’t help but swallow their saliva as they chattered excitedly. Everyone wanted a specific cut of meat, but there was only one boar and far too many people. Getting any meat at all was a concern, but their biggest fear was that by the time it was their turn, only bones would be left. Because of this, many people were trying to curry favor with Luo, or offering their personal belongings in exchange, hoping to reserve the exact cut of pork they desired.

Luo and the other government officers were used to such scenes and naturally knew how to handle them. They certainly didn’t let any offered bribes slip through their fingers. Of course, having raked in so many goods, they mentally chalked up a point of credit for Ling Qianjun.

Once the pork was distributed, everyone got a share. Beaming with joy, the exiles took their portions back to their resting areas and began roasting the meat. It couldn’t be helped; roasting was the most convenient method. Moreover, many of them lacked cooking pots, making boiling difficult. Even if they could boil it, they had no spices. Boiled unseasoned pork would have an unbearable gamey stench, making it completely inedible and a waste of food.

Only the government officers had a complete set of cooking utensils. They simmered a rich bone broth and stewed their meat. As the savory aroma wafted through the air, it made countless people gulp down their drool.

Those without seasonings had two options: figure out a way to trade with the government officers, or forage on the mountain. Occasionally, wild onions and ginger could be found on the slopes. If one was brave enough, they might even locate a beehive. Smearing a bit of honey on roasted pork made it so incredibly mouthwatering that one would want to swallow their own tongue. The only prerequisite was actually finding a hive and managing to knock it down.

Ling Qianjun had also thought of honey, but he had no intention of messing with a beehive. Instead, he simply opened the Any Door to find Hua Buwan. He grabbed a jar of honey and a handful of barbecue seasoning from the grocery store before returning to roast the pork ribs.

By this time, the ribs were already marinated. Ling Qianfan found two thick branches and mounted the rack of ribs onto their makeshift spit. Ling Qianjun rubbed the barbecue seasoning all over the meat, and together, the two of them began to roast it.

Ling Qianjun and Ling Qianfan skillfully rotated the branches, ensuring the ribs were heated evenly over the flames. Their gazes were intensely focused, as if they were conducting a crucial ritual. Ling Yunge and Xu Panqing watched quietly from the side without blinking, deeply captivated by the enticing aroma. As time passed, the pork ribs turned a glorious golden-brown. The surface began to sizzle and bubble slightly, emitting a mouthwatering fragrance. Ling Qianjun and Ling Qianfan exchanged a smile, knowing the meat was perfectly cooked.

At that moment, Ling Qianjun brushed the honey over the meat. They roasted it for a little while longer, allowing the honey to seep deep into the ribs. When the aroma wafted over them again, the sweet fragrance of the honey rushed into their noses.

They carefully took the roasted ribs off the spit and placed them on a makeshift plate woven from leaves. Ling Qianjun took out his dagger and deftly sliced the rack, separating it into individual ribs.

He picked one up and said, "Eat up."

Ling Qianfan quickly followed suit, grabbing a rib with shining eyes. Ling Yunge and Xu Panqing eagerly picked up their portions and took a bite. The tender, juicy meat burst with flavor in their mouths, and the rich, savory taste left them completely intoxicated. They couldn’t help but give a thumbs-up, full of endless praise for Ling Qianjun and Ling Qianfan’s culinary skills.

In this heartwarming scene, everyone savored the delicious roasted pork ribs amid cheerful laughter, thoroughly enjoying this rare and beautiful moment.