Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling stood at the table, staring intently at the beautiful owner Shang Xiuxun, who was equally as beautiful as Huan Huan. She picked up a piece of smoked fish and brought it to her lips. Her unique eating method revealed her snow-white teeth like braided scallops.
She took a small bite of it and chewed it carefully with her eyebrows furrowed.
Sister Fu and Juan, who were standing on the other side of the table, were also nervous, fearing that they would be kicked out of the ranch if she was dissatisfied.
Shang Xiuxun glanced at the two of them. Suddenly, some of his sons were embarrassed and took a big mouthful, chewing it happily. Their eating looks were moving and incomparable.
Kou Zhong pretended to be humble and said: Is it okay?
Shang Xiuxun's beautiful eyes turned but she still refused to look at him and said: "These weird cakes of yours are even better. Ah! No! There is no comparison. Don't be a pastry chef in the future!"
Xu Ziling said respectfully: Owner, please try the crispy ones before making a decision.
Shang Xiuxun glanced at him. It was only when a person with such high determination as Xu Ziling felt the enchanting power of her two pools of autumn water that she reluctantly put down the smoked fish, grabbed a piece of crispy fish, took a quick bite, and then said with emotion: "You guys really did this."
Of?
Kou Zhong said proudly: Hey! Yesterday we were not used to the utensils and materials used here, so we were a little inaccurate. Today, the owner of the venue finally tested our true skills!
Xu Ziling also had the wind in his handkerchief and continued: Cooking is like writing a painting before you can move the pen and it requires immersion in study. If the owner can give us more free time for self-study, the things we come up with will be even better.
Shang Xiuxun turned away from her pretty face to show her eyes and glanced at the two of them. She slowly put down the shortbread and leaned on the back of the chair, closed her beautiful eyes and said:
Do you know how to write and draw?
The two sentences just now were what Lu Miaozi said when he was teaching Xu Ziling. Now he could not tell him how to answer, so he had to say: People don't understand when they are taught by their masters.
Shang Xiuxun opened his eyes and said: Your master must be an extraordinary person.
Then he said: "You two are as strong and strong as horses. Have you ever learned martial arts?"
Juan hurriedly winked at the two of them and told them what was on their mind.
Kou Zhong puffed up his chest and said: Even a dozen thieves are no match for us.
This is what Kou Zhong is so good at. Although the two of them can hide the innate Qi in their bodies and control their eyes, masters are masters after all. They always have their own powerful aura. At least because of practicing Qi, their skin is bright and their muscles are solid. It is impossible to hide it.
A discerning person.
Kou Zhong knew that he had some skills and yet he spoke out in such an exaggerated tone, which can help ease people's suspicions.
Shang Xiuxun said calmly: Do you use a knife?
Kou Zhong said in astonishment: How could the owner know?
Sister Fu was obviously loved by Shang Xiuxun and said, "When you came, everyone in the ranch saw you carrying a strange rusty knife! Did you pick it up on the road?"
Kou Zhong scratched his head and said: My eldest sister guessed it right!
Shang Xiuxun said impeccably: Come and show me the knife tomorrow morning.
Turning to Xu Ziling, he said: What kind of kung fu did you learn from whom?
Xu Ziling replied: I learned boxing and kicking Kung Fu like Ning. I have studied with more than ten different masters and I don’t know which school it belongs to.
At this time, the butler Shang Zhen came in from the hall and reported: The guests are coming soon.
Shang Xiuxun stood up and said to Sister Fu: "Teach these two sons the rules of the house and not to be rude to outsiders."
※※※
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were sitting in the corridor built around the house at the back of the main house, enjoying the preferential treatment given to them by Sister Fu. Kou Zhong, who was sitting on the floor next to the wall, stretched his waist and said: Who do you guess it is?
Xu Ziling was sitting on the bottom step of the wooden steps leading to the side garden from the semi-corridor, with his feet touching the grass, listening to the sound of cups and plates coming from the hall of the front house: How could the powerful people in the north guess who it was?
Kou Zhongdao: The feeling of being a slave doesn't seem too bad, but the worst thing is that there is no free ranch as big and fun, but we have to be trapped here.
Xu Ziling said: You just want to learn how to raise war horses, right? You can leave at any time if you are not happy.
Kou Zhong said excitedly: If you don't walk away, you can't do justice for heaven!
Xu Ziling said in astonishment: What is the relationship between these two things?
Kou Zhong lowered his voice and talked about the alliance between the four major bandits. Xu Ziling said with an moved expression: "It is true that we cannot ignore this matter, but what can we do?"
Kou Zhong was overjoyed when he heard this, but was interrupted by Juan's footsteps.
When the girl saw the two of them sitting on the ground regardless of their filthiness, she cursed a few words and said: "If you don't get up yet, the host will ask you to go to the main hall to wait on the guests and explain how to prepare smoked fish."
※※※
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling walked into the main hall proudly and glanced at the banquet filled with people through the flower screen. Their expressions immediately changed and they lowered their heads and turned around to sneak back inside.
Sister Fu was startled when she saw this. She opened her hands and blocked the way for the two of them to escape and shouted: What are you doing? I wonder if the host and guests are waiting for you?
Kou Zhong laughed and said in a low and low voice: We two just ate the wrong thing together, so now we have to go to the toilet to have diarrhea together. Sister Fu, please be kind and make it easier.
Sister Fu was angry, funny, and worried. She stamped her feet and said: "Don't be ridiculous. No matter what, you have to endure it for a while. Humph! Only a devil will believe your lies. Get over here, otherwise the family law will serve you."
Xu Ziling also couldn't act like a hero and pleaded: "Ning is indeed a lie. Our actual situation is that we are not used to big scenes and now we are so timid that we have diarrhea. Why don't Sister Fu tell the host so that we will lose her face?"
Before Sister Fu had the chance to sternly reprimand Shang Xiuxun, a silver bell-like voice came over and said: Ning, Jing, what are you two doing there? Why don't you come and see your distinguished guest? Princess Xiuning appreciates your smoked fish and wants to be your master. !
At this time, even Kou Zhong was regretting that he would not change at all, but chose to change his name to Ning. But now that he was regretting it, he was even more ready to ride a tiger. Sister Fu pushed hard and the two of them walked out of the screen with all their strength.
Under the gaze of everyone, they felt as embarrassed and unbearable as if they were walking naked in the bustling city.
ah!
Li Xiuning's sweet voice reached their ears, and the two of them knew that she had recognized her, and they didn't even have the courage to raise their heads.
The six most important people at Pegasus Ranch were all present tonight, because the person who came was Li Xiuning, the first love of Kou Zhong, the sister of Li Shimin, the daughter of Tang Wang Li Yuan.
Even if he faced thousands of troops, Kou Zhong would not be so cowardly and discouraged.
The attention of the four deacons including Shang Xiuxun, Shang Zhen and Liang Zhi were all focused on Kou Xu. Hearing the coquettish voice, they couldn't help but look at Li Xiuning in shock.
Li Gang and Dou Wei, who had accompanied Li Xiuning, didn't recognize them. They were confused when they saw that Li Xiuning, who had always been gentle and quiet, cried out for two pastry chefs.
Li Xiuning's surprise flashed away and she said with some embarrassment: "Please forgive Xiuning for being disrespectful because she didn't expect the two masters to be so young."
At this time, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling came to the table and stood blankly with their hands down, facing Li Xiuning.
Li Xiuning returned to her usual graceful and elegant calm demeanor and smiled at Shang Xiuxun on her right: "What do you call the two masters?"
Shang Zhen, who was sitting on her left, answered on her behalf: One is called Fu Ning and the other is Fu Jing, brothers from the same hometown.
He did not point out which one was Fu Jing and which one was Fu Ning. This shows that he had no respect for the two of them and was just perfunctory.
Li Xiuning read Fu Jing and Fu Ning twice in her mind, and her pretty face suddenly turned slightly red, showing that she had understood. This change was not so obvious that no one else could notice it.
Shang Xiuxun smiled and said: Ning, Princess Jingxiu Ning, Li Gang, and Dou Wei are all full of praise for your smoked fish and praise it as the best in the world. Thank you very much for your praise.
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling smiled bitterly in their hearts but bowed and thanked them.
Li Gang was a shrewd person, and it was rare for them to have outstanding appearance. Among the people known to him, only Li Shimin could compare with him. He asked: With the qualifications and talents of the two chefs, they will definitely succeed in no matter what industry they choose. Why do they only focus on cooking?
Kou Zhong said indifferently: This is called the time of destiny. If there is peace and prosperity, our brothers may try to seek fame and do good things for the common people.
Dou Wei was surprised and said: "Master's conversation is not vulgar, but his words are meaningful, but why is his tone so cold? Is there something sad about the past?"
Xu Ziling was afraid that Kou Zhong would reveal his flaws and saw Shang Xiuxun staring at their beautiful maid with a thoughtful expression and said quickly: My two brothers were just idle before entering the hall and chatting about the old things in their hometown that were devastated by the war, so please don't have any feelings for me, Master Dou.
Strange.
Li Gang said to everyone present: It is always the common people who bear the brunt of the chaos in the world. Just as the private coining of money is now very popular, it has caused great damage to the people's livelihood. Originally, a thousand coins weighed two catties, and now a thousand coins are minted privately.
Even pieces of iron and paper that are less than a kilogram are being used as copper coins. If this situation continues, I don’t know what will happen.
Liu Zongdao interjected: As long as the Tang Dynasty can unify the world, it will be able to eliminate its drawbacks and bring peace.
Li Gang chuckled and said: This will only happen if the venue owner generously helps.
Shang Xiuxun was noncommittal and turned to Li Xiuning, who was sitting silently, and said: Didn't the princess want to ask them personally how to prepare smoked fish?
Li Xiuning said as if she had just woken up from a dream: Xiuning has thought about it! It would be best to go to the office in person tomorrow to practice with the two masters.
Fourth Steward Wu Zhaoru suggested with a look of jealousy in his eyes: "If Princess Ning has no time to spare, I can ask them to write down the preparation method in detail."
Li Xiuning glanced at Kou Zhong, who had his head lowered, and insisted: It would be better for Xiuning to ask the two masters for advice in person!
Shang Xiuxun smiled lightly and said: Just do what the princess wants!
He turned to the two of them and said: You can go back and rest.
※※※
After returning to the room, Kou Zhong slumped down in his chair and was speechless.
Xu Ziling sat down opposite him and said calmly: As long as she remains unmarried for a day, you still have a chance to get her. Today's Kou Zhong is no longer the Kou Zhong of yesterday. No one dares to look down on you.
Kou Zhong sighed and pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head and said: I have no way to turn back. I don't want her to have another sweetheart. Even if she is willing to marry me, I can't give up my ambition to dominate the world because of my children's affair. Alas! I know that I am in trouble with you.
You should also understand that I, Kou Zhong, are by no means so easy to keep to myself.
Xu Ziling has anything else to say: I promised Mr. Lu to go somewhere else tonight, will you go?
Kou Zhong shook his head and said: I just want to be alone and think about something quietly.
Xu Ziling pondered for a while and left the room.
※※※
When Xu Ziling arrived at Lu Miaozi Tower, the world's most skilled craftsman was standing proudly on the edge of the cliff outside the building, seeming to be reminiscing about old times with a sad look on his face.
Xu Ling came behind him and said hello. Lu Miaozi seemed not to care that Kou Zhong did not come with him. He led him into the hall downstairs and sat down, then said: Although people in the world praise me as the most skilled craftsman in the world, they think I have nothing.
Not knowing that everything is possible is just a misunderstanding.
Xu Ziling said sincerely: Mr. is indeed the most knowledgeable person I have ever met in my life. We made smoked fish and crispy shit according to Mr.'s instructions...
Lu Miaozi interrupted him and said: "What a shame, this is exactly what I lack. I am interested in everything. Everything can arouse my curiosity. I use my limited life to pursue infinite knowledge. If I could concentrate on martial arts, I may not be able to defeat that witch at least."
But you can survive and live an extra ten or eight years.
Xuan showed a smile again and said: "The words come back again. If I hadn't learned a lot about medicine and diet therapy, I would have died thirty years ago. It would be difficult for me to sit at the same table with you today, Zi Ling, for a night chat."
Xu Ziling felt deeply his conflicting feelings but couldn't find the right words to say.
Lu Miaozi said: From the time I left my hometown at the age of twelve until I was fifty, I never lived a wandering life. Only constant changes and stimulation enabled me to enjoy the beauty of life. Thirty years ago, I was defeated by Zhu Yuyan.
Although he still traveled around from time to time, his mood was very different. He worked hard and studied the skills that he was more interested in. Finally, he came up with an unexpected discovery.
Xu Ziling's curiosity aroused and he couldn't help but ask: This must be extraordinary!
Lu Miaozi showed a knowing smile that meant that even such an indifferent person like you was attracted, but did not give a direct answer and went elsewhere: In the past thirty years, the only things that I have been obsessed with studying are gardens, buildings, and institutions.
Seven aspects of knowledge: weapons, history, geography and arithmetic.
Xu Ziling took a breath and said: Any aspect of knowledge can make people spend their whole life studying and studying, but Mr. Xi studied it concurrently! It’s really hard to believe.
Lu Miaozi smiled bitterly and said: This is called stubbornness. But if I hadn't suffered from internal injuries, I might have devoted myself to martial arts so that I could die together with that witch.
With a look of nostalgia in his eyes, he took a long breath and said: However, gardens and architecture are not my favorite things. Only because I lost a game of chess to Qing Ya, I was forced to fulfill the bet to build gardens, afforestation and design pavilions here.
Then he sighed sadly: If I hadn't put my love in this, I might have been hurt and killed by regret. Qingya! When will I be able to repay what I owe you?
Seeing Xu Ziling looking at him with confusion, he explained: Qingya is Xiu Xun's mother!
Xu Ziling understood clearly that Lu Miaozi and Shang Xiuxun's mother must have an unusual relationship.
Lu Miaozi sighed as if he had suddenly aged a few years: After he was injured, Zhu Yuyan personally chased and killed me. I originally wanted to find Ning Daoqi to come forward, but I didn't know that he had gone far away from the territory and had to hide in Pegasus Ranch. He also laid out various tricks to deceive the soldiers.
That temptress thought I had fled overseas, otherwise I would have been killed by her.
Then Zhengrong said: This witch's evil skills have reached the extreme level of magic. She has unpredictable skills from ghosts and gods. Ning Daoqi fought with her three times, but she couldn't do it.
Xu Ziling was speechless when he thought of Huanwan.
Lu Miaozi pondered for a moment and suddenly slapped a weak palm on the table. Although there was no sound, the hard table clearly showed a deep and full palm print. He said painfully: Qingya! I owe you so much.
.
If I could go back in time, I would never sneak away. No man or great career would be anything but passing clouds. How can I compare to your affectionate glance?
Xu Ziling was moved in his heart and thought about Kou Zhong. Will he one day be as regretful and guilty as Lu Miaozi?
※※※
Kou Zhong stood up from his chair, gritted his teeth, picked up the moon in the well, and disappeared into the darkness of the courtyard through the window like a puff of smoke.