Chapter 320 Xiao Qiao: Sister, I seem to be in trouble
Xuducheng, a bustling market.
Today's Xudu City has quite the style of the Luoyang Imperial Capital in the past.
There were traders in the East Market shouting about selling slaves;
There are all kinds of rare things that you have never seen before in the West Market;
Some Tianzhu artists appeared in Nanshi performing tricks for fun, including rare camels and rare fruits and melons transported through the Silk Road;
The old streets of Bei City are a paradise for foodies, with countless restaurants that are extremely popular.
Among them, the only stall of Weijia Mutton Soup Dumpling Restaurant, a joint venture between Lu Yu and Weijia, is doing well...
The spirits that Cao Hong and Taixue jointly sell are even here. There is a long queue in front of the stall every day, and the supply exceeds the demand!
Various private schools take advantage of every opportunity...
Xudu City is full of traffic!
The alleys were also bustling with activity, with naughty children teasing dogs and cats and digging out bird eggs... and they started fighting in the streets if they disagreed.
Winners laugh "haha", losers often shout loudly: My dad is xx!
There is even a naughty child who cannot compete with his father. Huixu reported: - "My father is Lu Yu!"
As soon as Father Lu came out, all the fathers... were overshadowed!
now…
Xiao Qiao was shopping in the West Market with her maid.
——"This fan is good. My husband will look graceful when wearing it. Buy it!"
——"This jade pendant is also quite good. It matches my husband's temperament very well. Buy it!"
——"By the way, my husband doesn't seem to like wearing sachets, but... almost all ministers in the Manchu Dynasty wear them. Let's buy these sachets with a lighter smell and let your husband choose by himself."
Xiao Qiao's shopping can be summed up in three words - buy! buy! buy!
The maid followed behind her, holding a lot of things in her arms, and said with a wry smile: "Miss, I have bought a lot of things, all of them belong to Mr. Lu. Didn't you buy anything from the young lady?"
This maid is Xiao Qiao's personal maid
...and were incorporated into the Sinong Mansion along with Xiao Qiao.
In ancient times, maids and young ladies often grew up together and had a close relationship as sisters. It can be said that among the women in Xudu City...except for my elder sister Da Qiao, the maids and Xiao Qiao are the closest.
Can…
This is the first time that a young lady has bought so many things for a man. The key thing is...she seems to have even forgotten about herself and didn't buy even half of the things for herself.
this…
"Ah...really?" Xiao Qiao turned around, looked at the maid's arms full of objects, and pouted slightly. "You're right, I also have to buy some beautiful clothes. Tomorrow... my husband will be back.
, it’s always important to make his eyes light up.”
ah…
The maid was slightly startled, she felt... the weight in her hand was probably getting heavier.
"Miss... when we were in Lujiang last time, you were in the boudoir... I clearly heard Mr. Lu say... that he liked to see you the most..."
Before the maid could blurt out her words, Xiao Qiao quickly took a step and covered her mouth.
You know so much!
It's no wonder that in ancient times, the personal maid's dormitory room where she rested with her uncle and the young lady was connected to each other, making it easier for them to serve at night. Therefore... she was not surprised to hear some words between the sheets.
"Don't say any more..."
Xiao Qiao's cheeks turned red and she quickly ordered...
The maid was speechless, but she pouted. "Obviously...Mingming's waist is Mr. Lu's favorite, but how can you see it with clothes on? How can you touch it!"
"Shut up…"
Xiao Qiao covered her mouth again.
What...
How can you say these words to others? Besides, they are different during the day and at night!
Xiao Qiao's face was flushed, but at this moment.
——"Boom"
The sound of a gong sounded, and then from the entrance of the market, a group of people escorted a sedan over. There were more than 20 people in total. Although it was not too many, the gong clearing the way was very grand!
"Stop..."
A high-pitched female voice came out, the sedan fell down, and a graceful and beautiful woman stepped out of the sedan.
Xiao Qiao noticed that among the guards on the side of the sedan, some were dressed as imperial guardsmen. They were following on foot. This showed that this woman's status was noble.
Seeing this scene…
Xiao Qiao curiously murmured: "Such a big show? And there is a royal guard escorting you. Who is it?"
And this time...
The maid looked at the woman getting off the sedan with an aggressive look. "No wonder it's so grand, it's her?"
"She?" Xiao Qiao asked quickly: "Do you know her? Who is she?"
Xiao Qiao let out a long sigh. "This is the sister of my uncle Dong Cheng, who is now Dong Guifei. I heard that... His Majesty has been particularly fond of her recently. Even in driving, etiquette almost... allows her to be the same as the Queen. This way
Look...this kind of pomp is no exception."
Hearing this…
Xiao Qiao nodded, it turned out to be Concubine Dong Gui...
This is no wonder, recently... no one in the entire Xudu City knows about it!
His Majesty conferred the title of General of Chariots and Cavalry on his uncle Dong Cheng, and he was extremely fond of Concubine Dong.
It seemed that all of a sudden... even the status of Queen Fu Shou and General Fu Wan, who protected the country... were suppressed by the Dong family.
This matter is now spreading all over the city, and it is becoming more and more mysterious. In the end...it is almost said that His Majesty is going to abolish the queen.
At this time, Concubine Dong got out of the sedan, her head held high, her proud figure straightened, her eyes narrowed, and she was about to step into a cloth shop in front of her. She seemed to be custom-making luxurious clothes!
When she stepped forward, all the women in the cloth workshop were kicked out. Some of them were still trying on clothes, half of their bodies still naked, and they were in such a miserable state!
Immediately, a group of imperial guards blocked the entire road, actually not allowing Xiao Qiao to buy again...
Xiao Qiao originally wanted to buy clothes for herself to impress her husband.
But...this...
Xiao Qiao, who has always been more straightforward, was dissatisfied.
"Tch...isn't it just based on His Majesty's favor?"
She immediately groaned...
Xiao Qiao despises this kind of woman the most.
Sister Zhaoji is known as the leader of the world's scholars and in charge of the Imperial Academy. Her reputation is much higher than that of Mrs. Dong... and she has never been so arrogant. You are a concubine, why are you so arrogant?
With this in mind, Xiao Qiao muttered: "She is just His Majesty's favorite concubine, not a queen? As for that..."
yes…
No matter how noble a concubine is, she is still a concubine. How can this world allow a concubine to be so domineering and domineering?
Xiao Qiao, who is also a concubine, was the first to dislike it!
Just as it happened, her words reached Concubine Dong Gui's ears.
tread…
After a pause, Concubine Dong Gui turned her head to face Xiao Qiao, grinning, and a mocking tone came out one after another. "There are really some unsighted people."
Thinking of this, her eyes became cold...
"Catch him!"
After saying this, the imperial guards were about to arrest Xiao Qiao. The maid was eager to protect her mistress and stopped in front of Xiao Qiao, but was suddenly pushed away.
Xiao Qiao's whole face turned pale...
She wanted to run, but...how could she outrun these imperial guards?
At the critical moment.
"stop…"
"At the foot of the Imperial City? Which bold man dares to make a mistake!"
A cold voice burst out...
The voice was not loud, but each word was sonorous, powerful, and well-spoken, making people's hair stand on end. These imperial guards were inexplicably frozen in place, and did not dare to arrest him again.
Xiao Qiao turned around subconsciously...
She knew that the man who appeared in her eyes was Xu Duling Manchong, who was in charge of the security of Xudu City. From what she heard, he was never merciful.
Once he takes action, there will often be a burst of howling ghosts and wolves.
The appearance of Man Chong made Concubine Dong pause for a moment. It was obvious that Concubine Dong, who was now favored, was quite afraid of Man Chong's name.
"It turns out to be Mr. Manfu."
Dui laughed, the arrogant Concubine Dong Guifei actually smiled at Man Chong Dui and said.
She didn't seem to want to offend this "urging judge"!
"The world is clear at the feet of the Emperor. Does Concubine Dong Gui want to punish her privately and arrest her without authorization?"
Man Chong's tone was extremely cold.
"No..." Concubine Dong Gui smiled slightly. When her eyes looked at Xiao Qiao again, her smile became as bright as a flower. "I was just playing with this sister. I didn't expect that such a trivial matter would alarm Mr. Manfu. Okay.
Yes, now... I don’t want to play anymore, I have to choose clothes, Manfu-kun, do you want to come with me?"
As soon as these words came out, Manchong's eyes became cold.
"Concubine Dong, please..."
As he spoke, he picked up the maid who fell to the ground, and immediately sent someone to protect Xiao Qiao and slowly exited the West Market here.
This seems to be a small episode...an accident.
But in fact, it is inevitable!
Because he was grateful for Lu Yu's support, Man Chong also paid special attention to the people in the Sinong Mansion.
Not only Xiao Qiao, but also Da Qiao and Cai Yan would arrange for people from the government office to protect them secretly when they went out. This time... he happened to be nearby, and when he heard something happened, he rushed over immediately. Fortunately
It’s not too late!
This way…
Man Chong escorted Xiao Qiao and left just now.
"snort…"
A cold snort.
Concubine Dong Guifei stared at the direction in which they left, and she coldly ordered: "Follow me, I want to see whose young lady it is? She has the courage to challenge me openly!"
Speaking of this, Concubine Dong curled her lips and murmured two words - "Seeking death!"
While he was talking, several imperial guardsmen hurriedly chased after him.
Seeing the guards walking away, Concubine Dong Gui touched her belly and looked at the place where Xiao Qiao left. A cold and fierce light appeared in her eyes.
Few people know that the reason why Concubine Dong Gui is arrogant and arrogant at this moment is because she is pregnant with dragon seed, the mother is poor and the son is rich... With this child, she does not believe that she can't kill a "girl" who doesn't know the world!
Of course, in addition to the "dragon species", the Dong family... is now about to be entrusted with important responsibilities by His Majesty!
…
On the other side…
Send Xiao Qiao to Sinong Mansion safely.
Xiao Qiao bowed and saluted.
"Thank you Manfu-kun for rescuing the little girl."
Man Chong waved his hand. "That's okay, but Concubine Dong Gui has always been domineering and narrow-minded. During this period, the Dong Mansion is also in the limelight. I'm afraid that Concubine Dong Gui will not be kind. Fortunately, Lu Sinong will be back tomorrow, girl.
You might as well tell him about this so that Lu Sinong can be prepared!"
"Thank you, Mr. Manfu, for reminding me."
Xiao Qiao bowed respectfully again.
Soon...
The money was returned to the Sinong Mansion.
Man Chong, on the other hand, watched Xiao Qiao enter the mansion, his eyes suddenly condensed, and he ordered: "Send more manpower here, and make sure that the Sinong Mansion is in good condition before Lu Sinong comes back!"
"Here!"
They agreed in unison, and countless government officials started to move.
…
…
Xu Ducheng, inside Sinong Mansion, Nanyuan.
Da Qiao is holding a book "Lu's Spring and Autumn Annals: Original Flavor".
This is the fourteenth volume of "Lu's Spring and Autumn Annals". It records in detail the methods of "cooking" and the delicacies of the world during the Shang and Tang Dynasties.
Since Da Qiao was admitted to the Sinong Mansion, he would always take it out and look through it when he had nothing to do to learn some cooking skills.
Speaking of which, she is much more transparent than Xiao Qiao. Her mother always taught her that to lock a man's heart, you must first lock his stomach... Da Qiao will remember these words firmly.
Therefore…
Da Qiao attaches great importance to her cooking skills. Every time she learns a new dish from these recipes, she will practice it repeatedly to ensure that the technique is mature and the dishes are delicious, delicious and delicious before she gives up!
If not for anything else, she just wants to be satisfied with the dishes cooked by her own hands when her husband comes back;
Also for Sister Zhaoji to teach at Taixue Middle School for a day, so that she can eat delicious dishes and relieve her fatigue after returning home.
She is a very sensible woman.
certainly…
It’s not easy to make a table of delicious food!
in particular…
Nowadays, Han cuisine has undergone earth-shaking changes.
My husband developed a large iron pot, and... the oil shop brewed pots of oil, which almost subverted the original existence of cooking!
You know, the original diet of the Han Dynasty was divided into three types: cakes, rice and porridge!
Being able to eat bread is a privilege for the upper class in this era.
It’s no exaggeration to say…
If you meet a beggar in the city and ask him what he would like to do if he accidentally becomes emperor, then the beggar's answer will definitely be to eat sesame seeds every day!
Indeed... fine grains such as flour are only for the upper class to enjoy, while the people at the bottom can only eat porridge, brown rice, wheat rice and other coarse grains.
But...because of such a large iron pot, and the appearance of oil, it was completely overturned.
It can be said that Xu Ducheng's cooking now emphasizes that everything can be fried. After all, locusts ate it with gusto, so what can't be fried?
Corresponding to the five grains are the "six livestock", including horses, cattle, sheep, chickens, dogs, and pigs, plus poultry!
In the Han Dynasty, the most commonly eaten foods were fish, sheep, dogs and chickens...
People in the Han Dynasty were particularly obsessed with dog meat...
In addition, the seasonings that have appeared at this time include coarse salt, vinegar, sauce, sugar (caramel sugar, non-sucrose), cinnamon, onion, ginger, pepper, dogwood, cinnamon, lemongrass, etc...
Under this series of major premises, it seems much easier to cook delicious and hearty dishes, but it seems much more difficult.
In "Lu's Spring and Autumn Annals: Original Flavors", there are too few places that can help Da Qiao, and many dishes need to be invented.
Fortunately... Da Qiao has enough cymbidium quality to cook many delicious dishes.
"My husband will be back tomorrow...what should I cook?"
"Drunk duck? Meatloaf? Fried fish? Or..."
Da Qiao is thinking about how to impress her husband tomorrow?
At this time.
Xiao Qiao walked in. She came to Da Qiao with a heavy face and whispered.
"Sister, I seem...I seem to have gotten into trouble."
Getting into trouble?
Hearing this... Da Qiao was slightly startled. She and her sister had received a message early in the morning, saying that the army would be victorious tomorrow and that her husband would be back at noon tomorrow. Her sister went out happily... She was going to the West Market to buy some things for her husband?
How could you just...get into trouble?
"What happened? Speak slowly!"
"I, I offended Concubine Dong Guifei of the current dynasty... Lord Manfu saved me. Lord Manfu told me... that Concubine Dong Guifei would not let it go."
this…
Da Qiao's face changed, his eyes showed some worry, and he asked again and again: "Are you okay?"
"My maid suffered some skin injuries, but I'm fine!"
"Then how did you offend him?" After hearing that Xiao Qiao was fine, Da Qiao's mood calmed down.
"I…"
Xiao Qiao narrated what happened today. Da Qiao couldn't help but shook his head as he listened. "You just can't calm down. My husband will come back tomorrow. Isn't this... causing trouble for him!"
"Then...what should we do?"
Da Qiao put down the book in his hand and stood up, "Don't go out yet. Tomorrow... I will accompany you to apologize to your husband."
…
…
On the outskirts of Xudu City, on the banks of the Ying River!
This land of Yongqiu surrounded by water...
Unique houses and well-proportioned buildings appear before everyone's eyes.
This is Taixue...the place that scholars all over the world are eagerly waiting for!
From room to room, the sound of Lang Lang reading and debating could be heard constantly...
There is also the voice of writing articles and writing poems.
In Cai Zhaoji's class, she was teaching Tai students how to compose "fu" concisely and concisely!
You know... because bamboo slips were the main writing medium in circulation during the Han Dynasty, they were time-consuming, heavy, and extremely inconvenient to transport and preserve.
This requires people not to talk nonsense, not write long articles, and not waste resources.
"Fu" generally consists of four characters, which are highly condensed. While improving students' artistic accomplishment, it also improves their professional training.
For example, official documents, memorials, letters, sacrificial documents, etc. all take the form of fu.
The teacher requires students to write a poem in almost every class, which is called "a poem every day".
Today Cai Zhaoji is talking about the "Fu" in the memorial table, how to write it!
To put it bluntly, don’t be like some online article writers, who write a whole chapter of several thousand words full of water, a vast ocean, a vast ocean, a vast ocean, and an unfathomable depth...
This has been the case since ancient times. Doesn’t this force readers to draw their swords?
Therefore, the "Fu" in the Han Dynasty needs to be extremely concise, one word! No water allowed!
Of course, what Cai Zhaoji said was not just "condensation", but also included a beginning and an end.
To put it simply, it’s just one thing. In a memo, write it as concisely as possible, and don’t keep it exciting!
Deliberate fragmentation...very dangerous!
If you dare to break the rules for the emperor, the emperor will cut off your head.
Of course, the reader is almost equal to the emperor...
As the saying goes, "One day, with a knife in my hand, I will slaughter all the dogs in the world." That's probably what it means!
After one lesson...
Cai Zhaoji played her Jiaowei Qin as usual, and with the sweet ringing, get out of class was over...
Wait until the sound of the piano falls...
One of the teaching assistants put away the Jiao Wei Qin, while Cai Zhaoji smiled and ordered: "In a moment, you will tell all the teachers and students that Taixue will have a three-day holiday starting tomorrow!"
Ah...ah...
The assistant teacher was stunned when he blurted out these words!
He thought about it, it seems... tomorrow is not a holiday either!
"Director Cai, is tomorrow a special day?" Immediately... the assistant teacher asked.
Hearing this, Cai Zhaoji smiled.
"Of course it is a special day, you, Mr. Lu, have returned triumphantly!"
this…
The assistant teacher rolled his eyes and suddenly understood.
Mr. Lu is the younger brother of Mr. Cai. When the younger brother returns, the elder sister will make time to make the family closer. It is understandable.
only…
How should I tell the students this? You, Mr. Lu, are back...you can have a holiday!
Well…
Something seems wrong!
The teaching assistant was about to ask again...
Unexpectedly, a voice came out.
——"General Manager Cai, it is precisely because General Manager Lu is back... that the Imperial Academy cannot have a holiday tomorrow!"
Hearing this…
Cai Yan and his assistant turned around, and a general appeared in front of them...
Of course, to Cai Yan, this is an old acquaintance, right?