Why does an elegant room need big flowers if there are not many flowers?
When the two of them walked past the plaque engraved with the cozy home on the main door, they both felt a sense of peace and tranquility in their hearts.
There is a couplet hanging on the two beams facing the entrance, which is written on the wooden sign. It is better to tune the harp in the morning and play the harp in the evening; the old rain is suitable for the new rain. The font is elegant and vigorous.
This hall is built in the form of a four-sided hall. Through the four-sided flowered wooden windows, the whirling soft bamboo surrounding the cliff covered with plants at the back is faintly penetrated into the hall, which makes the mahogany furniture displayed simple and natural. At the corner of the room
There is a staircase made of nanmu leading to the upper level.
The old man's voice came down again: "You two, please come forward!"
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling exchanged glances and climbed up the stairs.
The upper floor is divided into two rooms at the front and back by a screen. One room has a round table and square chairs, and the other room is probably where the master sleeps.
At this time, a man was standing in front of the window and said softly to the window: Brothers, please sit down and try the Liuguo liquid I brewed.
Only then did the two of them realize that there were wine glasses and other drinking utensils on the table, and the aroma of wine was overflowing.
Under the light of two hanging palace lanterns, except for tables and chairs, there are only a few necessary pieces of furniture, all made of rosewood, which looks elegant and noble.
Although the old man E Guan Bodai could not see his face because he was carrying them on his back, he was slightly taller than Xu Ziling and wore a loose robe, which gave him an aura that made people look up to him.
The two of them remembered their identities and looked at the wine on the table. They didn't know what to do. Old Hershey sighed and said:
Drink! How long will life be when you are drunk with wine?
His tone revealed a deep helplessness, which made people feel that he must have had a sad past.
Kou Zhong pushed Xu Ziling to take the lead and sit down.
They were all careful not to make any noise that would disturb the holy silence upstairs.
The sound of waterfalls could be heard faintly in the distance.
Kou Zhong brought up the wine. After filling three glasses, he saw that the old man was still motionless. He picked up one glass and handed the other to Xu Ziling.
The fruity wine has a mellow, soft and refreshing taste when it enters the throat. The most rare thing is that the aroma is rich and harmonious, leaving a long aftertaste.
The old man said calmly: This wine is made from six kinds of fresh fruits: pomegranate, grape, orange, mountain slag, green plum, and pineapple. It undergoes fruit selection, washing, bleaching, crushing, discarding the core, maceration, juice extraction, fermentation, and blending.
, the process of filtration and alcoholization is then put into wooden barrels for underground aging for three years before it tastes good!
Kou Zhong praised sincerely: My father-in-law is really good at brewing wine and he is very creative.
The old man was silent for a while and said softly: I have lived here for nearly thirty years and no one except Xiu Xun has dared to break into this place. You must be newcomers.
When Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling heard this, they realized that they had violated a taboo. The latter apologized and said: "Deputy Steward Liang did not disturb our senior Qing Xiu me here..."
The old man interrupted him and said, "You have a Yangzhou accent. It's strange that few outsiders are hired on the ranch. What did you do here?"
Xu Ziling then explained it again.
To this day, the two of them still don't know the relationship between the old man's identity and the ranch, but they are certain that he is an unfathomable senior master.
Kou Zhong couldn't help but ask: Is it true that senior has never left here for thirty years?
The old man laughed and said: Of course, in the past thirty years, although I have regarded this cozy home as a safe place to live, I have spent more time going out and less time staying here. Meeting you on this trip is a kind of fate that is hard-earned for everyone.
After saying that, he slowly turned to face the two of them.
It was a very special face, simple and quirky. The long, thick black eyebrows extended to the other end of the spotted temples but were connected at the bridge of the ears, which was in sharp contrast to his deep eagle eyes. A line appeared at the corner of his mouth and under his eyes.
A melancholy wrinkle gave him an air of reluctance to care about the world, tiredness and sadness.
The bridge of his nose is as straight and powerful as his waist. With his tightly pressed lips that naturally reveal arrogance, his slender and clean face looks like that of a prince and aristocrat who once enjoyed all the wealth and splendor in the world but is now heartbroken.
His eyes slowly swept across the two of them and he smiled slightly and said: Do you know why I, a person who doesn't care about the world, would invite you to come up and meet me?
The two shook their heads in confusion.
The old man showed a tired expression and slowly sat down, took the Liuguo Liquid, drank it all in one gulp, and said with a bitter smile: If this thing hadn't been hanging on my life, I might not have seen you two again today.
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling looked at each other and asked, "Senior, is he injured?"
The old man said, "That was an injury sustained thirty years ago. Even though the witch's demonic skills are known as the crown of evil sects, they still can't take my life. I used the mountainous terrain to escape thousands of miles away and hide here."
He sighed again and said: In the past thirty years, I have devoted all my energy to building gardens here. If I didn't have this support, I would have died of my injury. But these days, I always recall old grudges. This is a sign of the recovery of my injury.
I'm afraid time is running out.
Kou Zhong let out a breath of cold air and said: Who is that witch?
The old man looked at him intently for a long time, then glanced at Xu Ziling and said, "Actually, I have seen you before and overheard your conversations. You are indeed two very interesting children. The two of them were stunned."
Xu Ziling asked: Where have you seen us, senior?
The old man said calmly: Do you still remember that deserted village? It was the place where Zhai Rang was brutally plotted and everything was lost.
The two of them remembered the smoke and their expressions changed at the same time: It turned out to be you!
Even though their identities were exposed, the old man still smiled as kindly as before and said: This is why I invited you up. If you can completely restrain your expressions and even hide it from Xiu Xun, I will know that your kung fu is much better than before.
Brother Kou and Brother Xu, can you tell me why you have to settle down here to be a pastry chef?
The two of them were greatly embarrassed, but luckily they saw that he was friendly and did not conceal the accidental collision. Of course, they would not tell him because Kou Zhong was interested in the role of the ranch in the struggle for world hegemony, just to avoid being tracked by his enemies.
The old man didn't express whether he believed it or not and muttered for a long time: Among the four deacons of Pegasus Ranch, Liu Zongdao ranks first in terms of intelligence and martial arts. Normally, under normal circumstances, he would never interfere with the personnel arrangements of the house. He likes you.
Maybe it’s something else or your appearance and qualifications!
Xu Ziling asked respectfully: "Senior must be a famous figure in the world, can you give me some advice?"
A proud smile appeared at the corner of the old man's mouth and he said casually: Even if Guan Ning Daoqi saw this old man, he would still respect me and call me Teacher Lu. Alas! So what? In the end, I won't be remembered for a lifetime of fame in the hands of that temptress.
Lost in this.
Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong both frowned and couldn't recall any senior figure in the world with the surname Lu.
Kou Zhong was too embarrassed to ask directly, so he could only make indirect remarks: Who does that witch mean?
The old man straightened his back and raised his eyebrows. His sharp eyes revealed a murderous look and he said fiercely: Have you ever heard of the Yingui Sect? The two of them blurted out at the same time: Zhu Yuyan, Queen of Yin!
This time it was the old man's turn to say in astonishment: It's not easy for you to know that there is such an evil spirit. Alas! I have done two things in my life that I regret for the rest of my life, and one of them is to fall in love with this woman. I, Lu Miaozi, am so conceited that I have made the same mistake again and again in my life.
Is there any good thing to say about mistaking fortune and tricking people?
The two of them felt that the name of Lu Miaozi was very familiar. After thinking for a moment, they suddenly woke up. Shen Luoyan had mentioned him before and said that he was the most skillful craftsman in the world. Her strange net was made by his skillful hands. No wonder the garden in the castle was like this.
Every tree and stone is arranged so cleverly that it looks like it was made in heaven, all because he was secretly in charge.
Lu Miaozi's eyes were filled with tears, and she looked unbearable.
Suddenly he shook his head and sighed and said in a low voice: You should go back to sleep! If you are free tomorrow, find a time to come here. I have something to say to you.
※※※
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling slept for less than two hours when they were awakened by a knock on the door.
Juan shouted outside: "Two masters, get up quickly! It's dawn!"
The two reluctantly got up. Xu Ziling was pushed by Kou Zhong and opened the door. After Juan came in, her brows were wide:
Why did you two go to bed wearing such dirty clothes? Can you change them quickly and let others wash them? Two generals.
Kou Zhong wiped his eyes and sat down sleepily: "Can you sleep a little longer?"
Juan put her hands on her waist and said angrily: "The owner of the farm has not allowed me to wash up and change my clothes even after seeing you."
Xu Ziling sat in a corner and smiled bitterly: Doesn't not taking a shower also violate the family rules?
Juan stamped her feet and said: If you continue to behave like this, people will ignore you!
Kou Zhong jumped up, put his hands on Juan Xiang's shoulders, and said with a smile: "Sister Juan, please calm down, which direction is the bathhouse in the southeast, northwest, and northwest? How many miles have to be walked before we can go back."
Juan wanted to put on a pretty face, but she couldn't help but burst out laughing, her beautiful eyes rolled a few times and she frowned and said: Don't stand so close, you smell bad!
Kou Zhong laughed loudly and stepped away, taking the clothes thrown by Xu Ziling and refusing to admit defeat, he argued: There are many kinds of smells, and mine smells the best.
Juanjiao smiled and went out, and the two of them hurriedly followed her.
The weather was perfect that day, and an old servant in the courtyard was cleaning fallen leaves. There were people coming and going everywhere.
Three young maids who were pruning flowers and plants looked at them boldly.
Kou Zhong leaned into Juan's ear and said: Do you know why the owner of the venue wants to see us?
Juan said indifferently: How do I know it was Sister Fu who ordered me to come to you.
Kou Zhong stepped back to Xu Ziling who was three steps behind and said with a low smile: Is it because you are handsome enough? Ha!
Juan stood up suddenly and turned around, put her hands on her hips, and yelled with wide-eyed eyes: "What are you doing? It must be the host who is speaking ill of you."
The two of them didn't expect her reaction to be so violent. Xu Ziling was startled and said quickly: "Sister Juan misunderstood that Ning was just the owner of the venue, or she thought she didn't teach us enough, so she came to us to lecture us again."
Juan was half convinced and said with a serious face: Remember not to show any disrespect to the owner, otherwise no one will be able to save you.
The two had no choice but to respond.
Juan whispered: If you really dare to speak ill of you behind your back, I will never pay attention to you again.
※※※
When Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling arrived outside Pegasus Xuan where Shang Xiuxun was handling ranch affairs, the beautiful ranch owner was talking to the chief steward Shang Zhen and the four deacons including Liu Zongdao. There were more than a dozen men and women standing in the courtyard outside the Xuan. Deputy housekeeper Liang Qian and Lan Gu are two of them.
Everyone looked attentive when they saw the two people arriving with Juan.
Lan Gu even whispered to one of the men, which was obviously their fault.
A well-proportioned, quiet and dignified girl with beautiful appearance came up to the three of them and frowned: "Why did you come so late? I didn't know how embarrassed I was when the host called me."
After explaining the reason, Juan introduced: This is Sister Fu!
The two of them hurriedly saluted and secretly praised Luo Fangyan for being so lucky. They never expected that she would have such a high status in the ranch at such a young age.
Sister Fu looked at the two of them with a look of surprise. Just as she was about to say something, a man guarding the door said: "Two pastry chefs!"
Sister Fu whispered: "Come with me and tell me what's in your heart."
They couldn't help but follow her to the threshold nervously.
The hall is filled with finely carved furniture. In the middle, there are three large marble recliners with three screens, two pairs of marble round screen armchairs, two pairs of marble round screen armchairs, a coffee table, a flower table and other objects symmetrically placed in the east and west. The atmosphere is solemn and solemn.
Shang Xiuxun was half-lying on the couch, dressed in men's clothing and wearing a hat that hid her show, but it still couldn't hide her natural beauty.
The chief butler Shang Zhen sat under the first chair on her right, the second person was Liu Zongdao, and the other two deacons were on the other side.
The three of them first made way for Sister Fu, an old man who came out of Xuan Nei, and then saluted and said: "The two masters are here."
Then he whispered: You are newcomers and cannot cross the threshold. Then he stepped aside.
The two of them had no choice but to lean outside the threshold and salute, which felt awkward.
Shang Xiuxun was concentrating on drinking tea with his head down, Shang Zhen was holding up his pipe and puffing away smoke. Liu Zongdao smiled in return, but the eyes of the other three deacons were like sharp arrows hitting them.
Liu Zongdao's single eye lit up and he smiled and said: Is it because of the hard journey that you can't get up?
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were so smart that they knew he was trying to excuse them with nice words and immediately responded.
Liu Zongdao took advantage of Shang Xiuxun to drink tea and introduced the other three deacons.
Archdeacon Liang Zhiwu is short in stature and is in his forties, but has a black beard, twinkling eyes, and bulging temples. Just by looking at his appearance, you can tell that he is a master of both internal and external skills.
The third deacon, Tao Shusheng, is a tall, middle-aged man, but his goat-like eyes make his appearance unappealing.
On the contrary, the fourth deacon, Wu Zhaoru, is young, handsome and has a beautiful complexion, as proud as a woman, but compared to the unique physiques of Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, he looks very vulgar.
The three people's reactions were quite cold, and it seemed that just to give some face, Liu Zongdao reluctantly nodded in agreement with the courtesy of the two of them.
Shang Xiuxun put down the tea cup and picked up something like an account book on the table, looked down at it and said absently:
Besides cakes, what else do you know?
Everyone, including Sister Fu and Liu Zongdao, were all shocked to think that the always shrewd owner would ask them about such trivial matters.
Kou Zhong lowered his hands and replied respectfully: I know everything.
The third butler, Tao Shusheng, scolded: You idiot! The owner is asking you what other specialties you have besides cakes? Do you understand?
Wu Zhaoruxian and Tao Shusheng laughed and mocked: Maybe they are both good at everything!
Xu Ziling didn't know anything about Kou Zhong yet, but he wanted to drag them out and beat them up, but now he could only swallow the breath with a grunt.
Shang Xiuxun was still focused on the book and seemed not to hear what others were saying. After a while, he slowly said:
There will be distinguished guests from the north tonight. Northerners love to eat barbecue. Do you know how to make bacon?
Kou Zhongtou said: Barbecue and smoked meat are all fine. Owner, please tell me which kind of meat I should make.
Shang Xiuxun said casually: Just bacon!
Archdeacon Liang Zhi coughed dryly and said: "It's not that I don't trust you, but the status of the guests is very special. But they are also from a distinguished family, and they are very particular about food. If you are not good enough in this regard, you will become just a fool, so can you tell us first?"
How to smoke meat?
Shang Xiuxun finally raised his beautiful eyes to look at them and agreed: That's right! Come and listen.
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling knew full well that Liang Zhi and others were suspicious of their identities. Fortunately, they had really learned skills from Lao Zhang. The latter said lightly: The most important thing for bacon is that the seasonings to adjust the taste need to be mixed with the soup over the old fire.
Only with peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, Amomum villosum, cardamom, garlic, fresh ginger, soybean curd and sweet noodle sauce can the finished product be brightly colored and fragrant and delicious.
Kou Zhong said: The second step is the smoking method. First, the selected meat is mixed with the sauce in the pot, and then smoked with cypress wood to make the package. The skin is crispy and the meat is tender on the outside. It is not greasy but not chewy and has a unique flavor.
Both of them are eloquent and flexible in their words. They sang and sang as vividly and expressively as if a plate of fiery delicacies had been placed on the stage filled with aroma.
The chief steward, Shang Zhen, moved the pipe and said with emotion: He is indeed a man of true talent and learning, not just a fool. The two of them laughed secretly in their hearts and said in unison: Thank you, the chief steward, for your compliment.
Shang Xiuxun, however, was noncommittal and looked down at the book and said casually: In addition to being responsible for this dish tonight, you also have to make some sweets. Get out!
※※※
When Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling returned to Fangfang, they were both laughing and crying. They didn't expect that Shang Xiuxun came to them solemnly just to talk about such trivial matters.
However, this had an unintended side effect. Because Lan Gu didn't understand Shang Xiuxun, her attitude towards them suddenly became much friendlier. After asking for the required materials, she immediately went to organize them for them.
Kou Zhong thought hard: Who could be this person from the north with a prominent family background?
Xu Ziling said angrily: You'd better save some energy for tonight's cake dishes! Although we know how to make bacon, even if we kidnap Lao Zhang, we can't come up with any tricks to deceive people who have never eaten bacon.
It's just a dream to have those distinguished guests from the north rave about it.
He still had lingering fear and said: Thinking about making those creative cakes yesterday, I have an even worse headache. You should think of a solution quickly. Kou Zhong smiled bitterly and said: I am also relying on you to find a solution!
The two of you looked at me and had a flash of inspiration at the same time.
Kou Zhong pointed at Xu Ziling and said: Do you think of him?
Xu Ziling said: He is not only the most skilled craftsman in the world, but also well-informed. At least he is excellent at making wine, making vegetables and cakes, and he shouldn't be inferior to that!
They both jumped up at the same time.
Xu Ziling pulled Kou Zhong and said with a smile: "You stay here to deal with Lan Gu, and I'll go ask him for advice. Do you understand?"
Xu Ziling had just gone to Lan Gu, then stepped in the door and frowned: "Where is Jing?"
Kou Zhong touched his belly and pointed outside.
Lan Gu understood and said: The sauces are all available, but you have to choose the meat by yourself. Do you need help or move to another room?
Kou Zhongli used a delaying tactic and said: My two brothers have always worked together to advance and retreat together, and we will wait until he comes back after having diarrhea before taking action. Hee! I will let you know when I need more people or change rooms!
Lan Gu glared at him and was about to make a fuss, but she mumbled a few words and left.
After a while, two male servants brought a batch of condiments, and Kou Zhong immediately got busy.
At this time, Luo Fang came to him and chatted for a few words. After that, Kou Zhong asked: Do you know who is coming tonight?
Luo Fang replied: I don’t know very well, but the person coming here must have a good background, otherwise the owner would not personally lead people to pick up the boat. In the past two years, people have come to make friends from time to time, but the owner has never valued each other as much as he did this time. Kou
Zhong Bu got the point and said smoothly: Now that the world is in chaos and we have war horses for sale, naturally everyone wants to make friends with us!
Luo Fang said proudly, "That's right. But there are also some reckless guys who want to take advantage of us, but whoever is within a hundred miles nearby is not a descendant of our ranch. We can't hide any troubles from us."
Kou Zhong followed his tone and said: Who are these people so bold?
Luo Fangyou said distressedly: Have you heard the four recent folk jingles? It means that if there is no grass growing, chickens and dogs will leave no room for the tyrants, and they will see the cauldron and the scorched earth thousands of miles away.
Kou Zhong suddenly said: Those are the four great bandits, Xiang, Fang, Mao and Cao!
Luo Fang said bitterly, "It's these four people who are hated by gods and ghosts who are running around and looting everything, destroying everything like insects, and doing everything they can to plunder and plunder."
After a pause, he continued: "We and Jingling's Domination Villa have been supporting each other for a long time. We have killed them several times and fled. They have long been regarded as a thorn in their side. But recently, they have formed a secret alliance and are preparing to use encirclement to cut off our rescue of Jingling."
Only then did they attack Duba Villa with all their strength. This plan is indeed cruel.
Kou Zhong understood that although the strength of the four bandits alone could not cope with the war on two fronts, together they were enough to completely surround Jingling and Pegasus Ranch. If they encroached on the surrounding urban and rural areas, Domination Villa and Pegasus Ranch would be hard to come by.
Even if you win the final victory, your vitality will be severely damaged.
Asked: How strong are these thieves?
Luo Lidao: Among the four great bandits, Cao Yinglong, who is known as the Ghost Crying God in terms of martial arts, is the most brilliant, and the number of thieves can reach up to 30,000. They are constantly recruiting new people and are expanding every day. They currently occupy more than a hundred miles to the west of us.
The power of Badong County, which controls the river, has suddenly increased. The other three bandits regard him as the leader.
At this time, Zhu Ziling came back with an excited look on his face and said: Start work immediately!
Luo Fang said hello to him and said: "A good business owner has never paid so much attention to the people who make houses. Maybe you can become brothers with me later and won't bother you!"
After Luo Fang left, Kou Zhong said happily: "Has any material arrived?"
Xu Ziling exclaimed: Not only does he have the ingredients, but he also has the unique secret recipe of the world’s most skilled craftsman. For the time being, let’s learn two flavors, one is smoked fish and the other is crispy fish. Come on! It takes time to prepare but there is no need for many sides. Let’s show off our two chefs from the Central Plains tonight.
Isn't it better to convince everyone with your skill and skill than to subjugate them with force? Kou Zhonglaohuai
Dawei smiled and said: Of course it is best to eat this if Shang Xiuxun gives you his blessing. Chef Xu will be even more happy! Ha...
Seeing that he remained stubborn, Xu Ziling said angrily: Come on! This place is rich in a precious fish called Yangtze saury. If Mr. Lu mixes it with eggs, sauce, and flour, it will be smoked and crispy. It will be so delicious that even the blind man will eat it.
Open your eyes and go away!
Forget your dream of hegemony.
※※※
After all the materials were prepared, the two of them were busy.
At dusk, the fish is smoked and crispy.
Only then did the two of them remember that they had not had half a grain of rice in their stomachs all day, so they were polite and each grabbed a piece of smoked fish and ate it to their heart's content.
While chewing, Kou Zhong said: We are the ones who made such delicious food. Why don't we take that old guy as our teacher and see what other special skills we can learn from him.
At this time, elder sisters Juan and Fu came to see the two of them guarding themselves. The former, with round eyes, scolded: You two are so brave, you dare to eat the food for the guests first.
Kou Zhong smiled and said: We are just testing the taste! This piece of smoked fish is still a little bit off. Let me add some sauce and try again.
He grabbed another piece of smoked fish and pretended to be dipped in sauce before devouring it without any regard for manners.
The two girls couldn't do anything to him. Sister Fu said angrily: "The owner of the venue has ordered that you will be waiting around during the banquet. If necessary, he will introduce Jiangnan delicacies to you. Do you understand?"
Xu Ziling didn't like liveliness, let alone being a servant serving others. He pretended to be tired and said: "We have been busy all day and are exhausted. Can we avoid this?"
Juan smiled and said: Do you think you are going to fight in a half-battle? The owner of the field thinks highly of you and is willing to let you see the scene. The owner of the field means that those who violate the golden rule will be killed!
Sister Fu smiled sweetly and said: No one in the ranch likes to play tricks as much as you two. Come take the things and follow me to the ranch. I want to taste them first!