In the southwest of Jingling County, the two tributaries of the Yangtze River, Zhangshui and Jushui, demarcate a large triangular fertile plain. The two rivers gurglingly flow through, irrigate the fertile fields on both sides, and finally merge into the river.
The climate here is mild, the soil is fertile, and the products are abundant. Among them, the wild pasture where Pegasus Ranch is located is particularly rich. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the fertile fields of more than ten square miles are only accessible by two east and west gorges. The dangerous situation forms a natural shield for the ranch.
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When Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling followed the team through the mountain road to the mountains overlooking the pasture, they couldn't help but feel relaxed and happy when they saw the fields under the mountains forming beautiful patterns like blankets of different sizes.
On the meadows, which are full of pleasing colors of green, green and dark, more than ten lakes of different sizes are like bright mirrors. The green lakes and green pastures compete with each other, and they are full of vitality and beauty.
The two of them held their breath in admiration.
No matter from any angle, the end of the grassland is filled with undulating mountains extending endlessly.
This fairyland-like paradise is densely populated with various types of livestock - white sheep, yellow or gray cattle, and horses of various colors enjoying their own leisure, making the entire farm and pasture more colorful.
There is a magnificent castle built on a higher ground in the northwest corner, leaning against a cliff as steep as a wall and facing a winding river in front of it, making it even more spectacular.
At this time, everyone dismounted and walked on foot. Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were walking in the middle, looking fascinated and feeling that their trip was worthwhile.
Kou Zhong paid attention to the sentry towers and blockhouses built at various dangerous and key points, while Xu Ziling focused on its beautiful and picturesque scenery.
There is a watchtower at the exit of the gorge. A tunnel three feet wide and five feet deep is dug out in front of the gorge. The bottom of the gorge mouth is covered with spikes and requires a suspension bridge to pass. It is true that one man can stand in front of the gate and ten thousand men can hardly cross it.
After entering the farm and pasture, Liu Zongdao and others were obviously relaxed, as if they were relieved, everyone talked and laughed loudly, got on their horses and rode towards the Pegasus Castle on the gravel road.
Different types of livestock are separated by wooden fences. Herders are running back and forth between the wooden fences, shouting and shouting. The farmers are working silently in the fields, and the cattle are making low noises from time to time, mixed with the sounds of horses and sheep.
Along the way, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling gained a better understanding of Pegasus Ranch, which seemed to be isolated from the world.
Shang Xiong, the first owner of Pegasus Ranch who built this castle, was a military general in the late Jin Dynasty. At that time, Liu Yu replaced the Jin Dynasty and changed the name of the country to the Song Dynasty.
In order to avoid the disaster of war, Shang Xiong led his men and tribesmen to go south to Jilu. By chance, they found this hidden valley and settled down here to build a ranch.
In the 160 years from the founding of the ranch to the unification of the world in the Sui Dynasty, the Pegasus Ranch experienced seven owners, all of whom were inherited by the Shang family and had supreme authority.
The other ethnic groups are Liang, Liu, Tao, Wu, Xu, Luo and other ethnic groups. After more than a hundred years of reproduction, they moved out to form nearby towns and villages, and even the two big cities of Jushui, Yuan'an and Dangyang, have more than half of their residents.
From Pegasus Ranch.
Pegasus Ranch is also the economic lifeline of this area. The high-quality horses it produces are famous all over the world. However, because the owner of the ranch adheres to the ancestral precepts and never participates in the affairs between Jianghu and the court, he keeps a low profile and always talks about business. Therefore, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling did not hear anyone mention it.
Pass.
The first-generation farm owner, Shang Xiongnai, was born as a military general and understood the principle of keeping the fist close, so he encouraged his tribesmen to learn martial arts and promote martial arts. As a result, everyone in the ranch was brave and good at fighting without fear of bandits and gangsters, and became a force that can ensure the safety of the region.
Winning the respect of the residents of nearby towns. It has the same effect as dominating the mountain villa on Jingling.
When Pegasus Ranch needs people, it recruits new recruits from the nearby disciples, and rarely goes to other places.
But this time it was a special situation. Liu Zongdao had a crush on the two of them as soon as they met. More importantly, after the pastry chef in the ranch passed away, none of the new hires satisfied the young female farm owner Shang Xiuxun, and they were dismissed one after another. There were more than ten people, so Liu Zongdao decided to invite these two people to give it a try.
Viewed from the front, Pegasus Mountain City is even more breathtaking.
The city wall was built according to the mountain topography. It was built with rough stone and followed the undulating terrain. The situation was steep. The exposed rock at the back of the city was so towering that it was difficult for birds to cross.
The procession crossed the river through the suspension bridge and entered the city. The people guarding the bridge all looked friendly and warm, and the atmosphere was harmonious, giving people the feeling of a big family living in harmony.
After entering the city, there is a spacious ramp that extends upwards to the inner fort where the owner of the highest site lives. The houses on both sides are connected by branch roads leading up to the ramp, giving it the characteristics of a mountain city.
The traffic of people and cars on the road was like a prosperous big city, and the children were playing together in groups, which opened Kou Xu's eyes and was amazed that he had never imagined that there was such a blessed place in the world.
The buildings are all rough and simple, with majestic shapes made of stones. There are many bell pavilions, archways and gates along the way, and they are simple and unpretentious, showing the heroic spirit of the builders of the city.
The inner fort is even more grand in scale. The main building has five layers of palaces and pavilions, as well as side halls and verandahs. The large houses are arranged in an orderly manner. The interior of the fort is decorated with gardens, flowers, trees, bridges and waterfalls, which are elegant and pleasant.
After entering the fort, Liu Zongdao and Mr. Xu led Saibei's good horses to meet the owner of the farm, while Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, led by Zi Luofang, reported to the housekeeper's house.
Due to their low status, the two of them were not qualified to meet the chief steward Shang Zhen. They were only received by Liang Qian, his deputy in charge of personnel. This man was a scribe in his forties. At first, he looked arrogant. Later, Luo Fang pointed out that it was Liu. The pastry chef Zongdao specially recommended was more polite.
After asking the two people about their origins as usual, Liang Qian said sternly: There is something that must be made clear to you first. Unless the host agrees, the employment of the two of you will only be on a probationary basis. During the probationary period, you are not allowed to leave the dormitory unless someone leads you. I'll tell you the rules of the ranch when you officially start working here.
Kou Zhong said excitedly: We understand that state-owned legal schools have family rules. How can we show off our skills and let the owner of the venue have a taste of the good things we have made?
Liang Qian squinted at the two of them and asked Luo Fang, who was standing aside, "What does Deacon Liu think of what they got?"
Luo Fang said awkwardly: The second deacon has not tried their craft.
Liang Qian was stunned for a long time and then said: Why didn't you tell me earlier who would take pity on me if the owner blamed me for neglecting my duty?
Kou Zhongqian smiled and said: Deputy Butler Liang, please don't worry about us...
Liang Qian said impatiently: "Quit the nonsense. Now I will send someone to take you to rest for a while. After arrangements are made, I will take you to the room to see what you can come up with. You must pass my test first."
After a pause, he said with a sympathetic tone: You'd better know better. I don't know how many pastry chefs who have decades more experience than you and have a good reputation have all been chased away by the owner. There is absolutely no luck in this matter. Come and take Ning and Jing to the garden of Houbao.
Then he said to Luo Fang: It has nothing to do with you here!
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The garden is located to the east of the rear fort. There are more than a dozen houses next to it that provide food for the people in the inner fort. The two of them were arranged into a room in one of the houses and they changed into the clothes of the people at Pegasus Ranch.
Xu Ziling lay on the bed and complained: What name do you want me to call without bias? Fu Jing called Jingjing awkwardly, as if she had turned into a woman, and forced me to think of Princess Dongming.
Kou Zhong was watching from the window and proudly said: "Your name is Jing, my name is Ning. We are all called to think of people we shouldn't think about. Alas! How could I have imagined that it would arouse these feelings? I thought it was just a random name."
Even if.
Xuan You said excitedly: When he was studying art with Lao Zhang in Cuishan Town, he often boasted about his Tuanyou rice. Yujing rice is unparalleled in the world. Now is the time to prove whether he is bragging or not.
Xu Ziling said slowly: You have to tell Lao Zhang that he only boasted about the vegetables and rice he prepared but never about his pastries. Alas! You love to brag. You are tired on this trip and I will make a fool of myself with you.
Kou Zhong was in a daze for a while, then he came to the edge of the bed and sat down on the edge of the bed and said to himself: I guess Lao Zhang's cakes shouldn't be that bad, at least I thought hey! They are all quite delicious!
Xu Ziling smiled bitterly and said: Apart from self-comfort, what else do you know? Have you forgotten that the evil scholar named Liang who taught many pastry art groups has to pack up and return to his hometown to work in the fields? Lao Zhang also likes to brag like you.
Do you know how to make vegetable rice or bakery cakes? I don’t think you can keep up with the famous chefs in big cities and towns.
Kou Zhongse changed his mind: What should we do?
Xu Ziling said curiously: If you really want to be a pastry chef here, I can accompany you. What I'm most afraid of is that you want to find someone else's ranch to make a fortune, so forgive me for not being able to accompany you!
Old Kou Zhong blushed slightly and said in embarrassment: Don't describe me in such a bad way, okay? Then Shang Xiuxun seems to be just another Zhai Jiao. Where does her beauty come from? I just want to have a good relationship with her so that I can have a good relationship with her when I buy a horse in the future.
Get a discount!
Xu Ziling finally calmed down and said, "It's useless. We're going to get out tomorrow morning. You can't even see her if you want to."
Snapped!
Kou Zhong slapped Xu Ziling's thigh hard and shouted: Please find a way for me quickly.
Xu Ziling screamed in pain and sat up, stroking the sore spot and groaning: Do you want to buy someone's life? Kou Zhong said doubtfully: With your current skill, Master Ling, how could a gentle palm hurt like this? Xu Ziling
Qi Dao: You bitch, with a light palm and a spiral force, all the body-protecting Qi was scattered by you. When Kou Zhong was about to say something, a young woman's voice shouted angrily from outside: "Who is shouting in the room?"
Get out of here.
The two looked at each other in astonishment, and the woman yelled: If you don't come out, I will break into the room and take someone away!
Kou Zhong responded: Come on! Come on! Girl, please calm down, we are just having fun!
The woman said in a deep voice: You two newcomers from out of town, do you think our ranch is a place for fun? If you keep talking nonsense, you will be rewarded with ten sticks each according to the family rules.
Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling looked at each other and hurriedly walked out of the room to the corridor.
In the sunshine, a tall, thin, middle-aged woman with a slender waist, although she was considered to be in the fifth palace, but her cheeks were sunken with dryness and she looked like she would become furious at any time, was staring at them with a frosty face.
A gorgeous silk dress did not make up for her lack of brilliance. It was just like hanging on a bamboo pole to cool down.
The maid standing behind her was pretty and cute, looking at the two of them curiously, with a look of sympathy in her eyes.
Kou Zhong saluted and said: This is...
The tall and thin woman interrupted him impolitely and said: "You are Fu Jing and Fu Ning. Let's see how experienced you can be with your freshness. The second deacon is smart but stupid. He made you two losers spend my precious time."
time.
Both Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were broad-minded people, so they could not share her common understanding, so they had to keep silent and let her insult them.
The woman cursed loudly and muttered: I just sent people to Yiling yesterday to hire the most famous local cake maker to wait on the owner, and now it's up to you two idiots to do this first. I'm really pissed off!
It suddenly dawned on the two of them that this woman was so unfriendly because she was competing for her favor.
It can be speculated that she is responsible for the personnel recruitment of the hotel, but the previous hires were not favored by the owner, which made her lose face. If Liu Zongdao, the second deacon, successfully recommended these two people this time, wouldn't she be even more shameless?
It seems that Liu Zongdao is not as simple as he appears.
There were three or four young male servants gathered in the corridor on the other side of the courtyard, pointing at the two of them with gloating expressions.
However, despite scolding the evil woman relentlessly, the two of them remained calm and composed, as if they would not become impatient even after being scolded for three days and three nights.
After hearing the sound, more and more servants came and occupied the corridor in the inner courtyard, and a large group of children playing nearby also came in, making it very lively.
When Xu Ziling saw one of the girls staring at her with curious eyes, he couldn't help but smile at her.
The woman yelled angrily: Did you listen to me?
The girl shyly hid behind her companion. When Xu Ziling's eyes flashed coldly, he looked straight into the woman's eyes and said: "We are hired to make cakes and cakes, not to be insulted by you. Why do we get so many?"
Isn't it enough to just test our skills with nonsense? What's more, we don't even know who you are. If you think we are wrong, why not directly accuse Deacon Liu Er?
The woman gave Xu Ziling a sharp look, and immediately her arrogance disappeared as if she had been burned by a scorching flame.
Kou Zhong laughed and said: I haven't asked this aunt yet how to call her!
The evil woman finally came to her senses and snorted coldly: I am the general manager in charge of managing the house. Everyone calls me Lan Gu!
Come with me! It depends on what amazing skills you have.
After saying that, he left angrily.
Kou Zhong pretended to bow in all directions as if to express his gratitude for watching, which immediately caused a burst of laughter. Lan Gu did not look back, but her already pale face turned even whiter with anger.
※※※-
Lou is the collective name for a building group consisting of twelve kitchen houses. There are more than 60 cooks and servants working here, including masters, assistants, apprentices, servants and other ranks, all of which belong to General Langu.
One of them, called Shangchu, has four rooms, namely, southeast, northwest and four rooms, which are dedicated to supplying food to the most important people such as the manager and the housekeeper.
The south room is the pastry shop of Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling.
Angrily, Lan Gu led the two of them here and then said with a straight face: If you haven't been officially employed for a day, you are not allowed to walk around. Otherwise, if you violate the rules of the ranch, even the second deacon will not be able to protect you.
Kou Zhong saw that the table in the room was empty except for steamers, anvils, stoves and other tools for making cakes and asked:
Where can I find the materials?
Lan Gu reluctantly ordered the pretty maid on the left: "Juan! See what they need and tell Uncle Gu, okay?"
Juan Chui couldn't help but peek at the two of them, with a joyful smile emerging from the corner of her mouth.
Lan Gu muttered: Let's see what tricks you can do?
He left without looking back.
The three of you looked at me and said with a sweet smile: I am waiting for the instructions of the two masters!
Kou Zhong sat next to the edge of the stove and looked at Juan carefully for a while, then smiled and said: Sister Juan is really beautiful.
Juan immediately gave him a half-joyed, half-angry look at Xia Sheng, her jade cheeks, and said: I knew you were not a serious person.
Xu Ziling crossed his arms and crossed his chest, moved to the door, looked out and smiled bitterly: "We'd better get out of here as soon as possible! How can Aunt Lan be willing to give us the best materials? It's hard for a clever woman to make a meal without rice."
Juan said solemnly: Don't worry, two masters! You have two deacons backing you, so Lan Gu doesn't dare to do anything in this regard. Besides, she doesn't believe that you can make cakes that satisfy the owner.
Kou Zhong said angrily: Sister Juan, do you believe it?
Juan smiled and shook her head slightly. Then she raised her pretty face and asked, "You seem to have nothing to worry about. Are you really confident?"
Kou let out a sigh of relief and said, "Everyone has different tastes. Even if you bring Chef Xi, who used to serve the Hunjun, to your restaurant, you may not be satisfied."
Juan looked over and looked at Xu Ziling who was leaning against the door and asked with a puzzled look: What is the master looking at?
Xu Ziling concentrated his ears to eavesdrop on the conversations in other rooms and said calmly: "It's nothing, I'm just taking a casual look. As long as you are willing to look carefully at anything, you will see many things."
Juan nodded as if she didn't understand, sat down on a chair beside her, frowned and said: I'm still waiting for the instructions of the two masters. Hmm! But you really don't look like masters who are good at making cakes, but more like chivalrous people.
Heroes.
He turned to Kou Zhong and said: Is the knife on your back just for show? Why don't you find a decent and good knife?
Kou Zhong changed the topic and said: Isn't Sister Juan Langu's confidant? Why does she seem to be willing to help us?
Juan pursed her Qiao Qiao lips and said in a disdainful tone: Who is her confidant? It's Sister Fu. If Sister Fu hadn't asked me to come to Lan Gu and ask you to make cakes, she would have sent you to rest, or else
I'm trying to force you away.
Kou Zhongqi asked: Who is Sister Fu?
Juan said proudly: She is the person I trust most and is the leader of the maids in our farm master's mansion.
Then he lowered his voice and said: She is best friends with your good friend Luo Fang. I should no longer understand why she is willing to take care of you!
Only then did Kou Zhong suddenly realize.
Xu Ziling said happily at this time: We want three kilograms of dragon eye powder, a bottle of buttermilk, ten white lotus roots, eight taels of new lotus seeds...
I read a lot of materials in one breath.
Juan made a note and smiled sweetly at the two of them before leaving happily.
Kou Zhong was stunned and said: Isn't this the material for clearing the wind rice, Tuanyou rice and Yujing rice?
Xu Ziling sat down calmly and said: "If you are poor, you can change. I just overheard that Shang Xiuxun is not only greedy but also greedy for freshness. He asked us to make a cake that we have never seen before. She will definitely dig it up after eating it. Master Zhong, you