Chapter 340: Of course you have to enjoy plum blossoms in winter

Chen Huazheng had already told her family about her plan to go on vacation to a hot spring resort after the holidays. In addition to Princess Lejia and Zhou Ying, Zhou would naturally follow as well.

They set the date of departure as the second day after Shen Huazheng completed the year-end assessment. Now it is the end of the year, and if it is delayed any further, it will be the New Year.

Unlike the resentment she felt when she woke up yesterday, Shen Huazheng was in a very good mood today.

The weather these days has not been very good, it is always cloudy or snowing.

But today is a sunny day.

Chen Huazheng: "Great, it's sunny today."

Zhou had already asked people to pack up their things: "It's rare that the weather is good today, it's really suitable for traveling."

Because I planned to stay overnight at the hot spring resort this time, I brought more things than last time.

After everything was ready, Shen Huazheng and Zhou set off in the carriage.

When they arrived at the hot spring villa, Zhou Ying and Princess Lejia's carriages also arrived.

Just like last time, the steward and the servants had already received the news and were outside to greet Shen Huazheng and others.

As soon as they arrived at the front hall and sat down, a maid immediately served them freshly brewed tea and snacks.

The steward was waiting on the side, and said respectfully: "The county lady and the nobles have come at the right time. The plum blossoms in the manor are in bloom. Now is a good time to appreciate the plum blossoms."

Hearing this, everyone showed a satisfied smile on their face.

That’s right, they came here just to enjoy the plum blossoms and soak in the hot springs.

Princess Lejia was also very happy.

That’s great, she has never tried enjoying the plum blossoms while taking a hot spring bath.

Last time I heard from the manager that the plum blossoms here come in all colors, including white, red, and pink.

Now that they are blooming all at once, how beautiful it will be.

Ever since leaving the city gate, Princess Lejia has never stopped smiling.

She was exhausted during this period, she had never worked so hard before.

Now that I'm here today, I have to relax.

Maybe you can come here to soak in the hot springs, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and get some inspiration.

Besides, soaking in hot springs in this kind of weather is good for your health.

Today, Princess Yi'an and Liang also came to Yanshan to soak in the hot springs, but they went to Princess Yi'an's hot spring resort.

Princess Yi'an didn't want to constrain Princess Lejia, so she asked her to accompany Chen Huazheng and the others.

Chen Huazheng and the others drank some tea, ate some cakes, and rested for a while before preparing to go to the hot springs.

Just as the steward said, all the plum blossoms in the plum forest are in bloom.

Ever since he knew that Chen Huazheng was particularly concerned about various crops, the steward had people take good care of the gardens in the manor.

These plum blossoms have also been carefully cared for so that they can present their most beautiful appearance when Shen Huazheng comes.

Looking around, you can see numerous plum blossoms clustered on the branches, each one filled with tenderness.

White plum, red plum, green plum, yellow plum, pink plum and pearl plum are in full bloom.

The blooming flowers are bright and full, full of unyielding charm.

The subtle fragrance is so beautiful.

Chen Huazheng and the others smelled the faint fragrance floating in the air and suddenly felt relaxed.

Zhou Ying couldn't help but sigh: "Sure enough, it's time to enjoy the plum blossoms in winter."

Princess Lejia's eyes lit up: "How beautiful! It blooms in the wind and smells fragrant in the cold."

This was the first time she had seen such beautiful plum blossoms.

Zhou and Shen Huazheng were also admiring the beautiful scenery in front of them, their eyes full of amazement.

It’s really beautiful.

With these plum blossoms, it seems that this lonely winter has been added with some bright colors and warmth.

Shen Huazheng looked at the people who were intoxicated by the beautiful scenery and said, "Let's go to the hot springs."

Princess Lejia agreed without hesitation: "Okay, soaking in the hot spring while enjoying the scenery, it makes me happy just thinking about it."

Zhou and Zhou Ying also smiled and nodded: "Let's go."

There are also several hot spring pools in this garden, where you can enjoy the plum blossoms while soaking in the hot springs.

*

When Shen Huazheng and the others were chatting and laughing and preparing to go to the hot spring, Shen Zhaonian from the Ministry of Households also received the lunch sent by the servants of the Shen Mansion.

Although Zhou and Shen Huazheng were no longer in the Shen residence at this time, lunch for Shen Zhaonian and Shen Ke Ting had been arranged long ago.

When the time comes, the housekeeper will arrange for someone to deliver the meal.

Shen Zhaonian opened the lunch box and took out a portion of black pepper beef fillet rice, a portion of white jade lotus root slices, a portion of lettuce and a bowl of black chicken soup.

Shen Huazheng had given instructions for lunch yesterday, and the cook prepared it according to the menu she had arranged.

As always, several colleagues present were attracted by the rich aroma in the air, and Lord Shen was about to show off his food in public again.

Shen Zhaonian looked at the black pepper beef fillet rice bowl. In the past, the rice and vegetables were served separately.

But this time, the food was served with the vegetables directly covering the rice.

The black pepper beef tenderloin is covered with a layer of bright red sauce, and is sprinkled with pepper foam, emerald green peppers and light purple onions.

If you smell it carefully, you can also smell a strong peppery aroma.

The soup mixed with black pepper has seeped into the crystal clear rice, and the originally distinct grains of rice now look a little stickier.

Just by looking at the sauce, you can imagine how delicious the rice will be.

Someone couldn't help but ask, "Master Shen, why didn't you serve the meat and rice separately?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone else turned their eyes suspiciously to the black pepper beef fillet rice in front of Shen Zhaonian.

Yes, Lord Shen’s meals are usually the most exquisite.

Even the food boxes are specially made. Sometimes, in order to hold different dishes and rice at the same time, they are separated by several wooden boards.

But this time, why did they mix the vegetables, meat and rice together? ?

Chen Zhaonian: "This is black pepper beef fillet rice, a new dish my daughter made some time ago."

Several colleagues were stunned: "Black pepper beef fillet rice?"

Shen Zhaonian patiently explained: "Rice bowls are made by covering freshly cooked vegetables and meat on top of fragrant rice. The toppings can be black pepper beef fillet or other food."

For example, this black pepper beef fillet rice bowl is made by pouring the cooked black pepper beef fillet and the sauce in the pot over the rice.

It is of course possible to replace it with other food, as long as there is something to cover it.

"I see."

Everyone suddenly realized.

No wonder it’s called rice bowl, it’s really interesting.

Shen Zhaonian picked up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of beef fillet and put it in his mouth.

These beef tenderloins are cut into strips horizontally along the texture of the beef, and then mixed with egg white and starch to lock in the juice in the meat.

Then stir-fry over high heat and remove from the pan quickly.

Take a bite, the beef tenderloin is smooth, tender and juicy.

It’s extremely delicious.

Shen Zhaonian swallowed the beef fillet in his mouth and tasted the rice mixed with sauce.

The taste of black pepper is particularly strong after being ground. When you chew it, the spicy taste and unique aroma of black pepper are intertwined with the soft, sweet taste of white rice, filling your entire mouth.

Seeing that several of his colleagues were swallowing their saliva, Shen Zhaonian took out his spare chopsticks and picked up a piece of beef fillet for each of them.

After expressing their thanks, everyone couldn't wait to taste the food.

The black pepper beef tenderloin is tender and smooth, melting in your mouth.

Even the sauce wrapped around it is rich and fragrant, leaving you with an endless aftertaste.

Someone suddenly had an idea and ate the black pepper beef fillet in small bites with his rice.

Chewing carefully, the aroma of rice, meat and sauce collides on the tip of your tongue, infinitely tempting your taste buds.

The man swallowed the food in his mouth and couldn't help but sigh: "It's delicious."

As soon as this was said, others followed suit.

“This black pepper beef tenderloin is really delicious, especially when eaten with rice.”

"Yeah, no wonder it's made into a rice bowl. It's really great!"

Everyone couldn't help but look at the black pepper beef fillet rice in front of Shen Zhaonian, and they were extremely envious.

They ate it with just a little bit of black pepper beef tenderloin, and it was already so delicious.

It would be so delicious if I could eat the same portion of rice as Lord Shen.

Alas, Lord Shen is so lucky.

Every meal was carefully prepared and served by the family.

Moreover, although Lord Shen ate delicious and rich meals every day, his body shape remained exactly the same as before.

If they could eat such delicious food every day like Lord Shen.

I'm afraid I'll gain a lot of weight.

It's really enviable.

Shen Zhaonian picked up a piece of white lotus root with chopsticks and put it into his mouth.

As soon as you take a bite, the lotus root slices make a crisp sound, and the juice inside immediately jumps onto the tip of your tongue.

It's salty and fresh with a hint of sweetness, but refreshing.

It goes really well with the beef fillet rice bowl which has a slightly stronger flavor.

Shen Zhaonian picked up the spoon again, scooped up a spoonful of black chicken soup, blew it gently, and drank it slowly.

The chicken soup is rich and fragrant, and some medicinal herbs, red dates and wolfberries are added to it, making it delicious and sweet.

During the stewing process, the aroma of the medicinal materials is integrated into the soup, making it taste very sweet.

After swallowing, the fragrance still remains between the lips and teeth.

The chicken is black with some white, and is stewed to be very tasty.

The texture of the meat is very delicate, soft and fragrant.

Shen Zhaonian squinted his eyes in satisfaction, picked up the chopsticks and was about to taste the lettuce when he heard the voice of his colleague -

"Mr. Shen is so lucky. Every meal is carefully prepared and delivered by his family."

"Yes, and every time I can eat the dishes that Master Shen has prepared freshly."

"Thinking this way, we are also very lucky. Every time we can follow Lord Shen and taste these fresh, unique and delicious food."

"Hahaha, that makes sense. Thinking this way, we are indeed quite blessed."

"I still have to thank Lord Shen."

Shen Zhaonian smiled and waved his hand: "What nonsense are you talking about? There is no such thing as taking advantage of others, it's just a little food."

Hahahaha, they are right!!

He is indeed blessed.

He is the only one who can taste the delicious food that Zheng'er has just prepared first.

Today's dishes were all specially ordered by Zheng'er. She must have seen that he had been very busy during this period, so she had someone stew the black chicken soup.

Thinking of the banana bud tea that Shen Huazheng had prepared for them and their son, Shen Zhaonian felt very happy.

Among the four children, Zheng'er is the most filial.

It’s better not to talk about those brats.

Shen Zhaonian was in a good mood and drank a few more mouthfuls of black chicken soup. Suddenly he remembered that his wife and daughter were going to the hot spring villa for vacation today.

They should be taking a bath in the hot springs now.

He knew that Chen Huazheng and her friends had gone on this trip specifically to enjoy the plum blossoms and soak in the hot springs.

The plum blossoms in the hot spring villa should be in full bloom.

How comfortable it would be to enjoy the plum blossoms while soaking in the hot springs! !

Thinking that his wife and daughter should have gone to the hot spring resort for vacation by now, but he still had to come to the government office for work, Shen Zhaonian couldn't help feeling a little resentful.

The world's joys and sorrows are not shared.

Some people are born to be rich and idle, while others are born to be busy.

My body, which had been warmed up by drinking the hot soup, seemed to become a little colder again.

Strictly speaking, it is a cold heart.

The more Shen Zhaonian thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt. He ate faster and even chewed harder.

Why did the lady leave him in this cold place?

He could only stay with this group of ruthless and indifferent people? ?

Woohoo, he also wanted to go on vacation to the hot spring resort with his wife and the others.

The Ministry of Revenue is ruthless and indifferent to colleagues: ???

They were originally thinking of giving a few more compliments to pave the way for future free meals.

But now, seeing Shen Zhaonian gritting his teeth while eating, everyone immediately shut up.

Everyone held their breath and didn't dare to speak.

I was afraid of saying something that would displease Shen Zhaonian.

What happened to Lord Shen?

Lord Shen looked cheerful just now, but now it seemed that his resentment was about to overflow.

It seemed as if I was going to cry at the next moment.

It shouldn’t be like this!!

Everyone looked at each other, and they could clearly see the confusion in each other's eyes.

What happened in such a short period of time to cause such a big change in Mr. Shen?

*

The mist from the hot spring rises up and fills the surroundings, like a fairyland on earth.

The plum blossoms on the branches are dotted in clusters, layered upon layer, setting off each other and forming a unique beautiful scene.

Even the surrounding scenery seems to have turned into an ink painting, adding a touch of romance and poetry.

Shen Huazheng stepped on the steps and slowly entered the pool. After finding a comfortable position, she put her body into the pool.

She let the spring water moisten her skin and closed her eyes to enjoy it.

For a moment, it seemed as if all the troubles no longer existed.

After a while, Princess Lejia also came to soak in the pool.

"It's so comfortable~~" She sniffed the fragrance in the air: "Zheng Zheng, the scenery here is so beautiful, I don't even want to go back."

"How about we make food out of plum blossoms?"

Feeling the warm moisture in the air, Shen Huazheng slowly opened her eyes.

Flowers, fruits and melons of all seasons can be made into delicious food, and plum blossoms are no exception.

In addition to appreciating plum blossoms, using plum blossoms in cooking is also an elegant thing to do.

Zhuangzi has everything ready-made and enough manpower, so it is very convenient to do anything he wants.

Princess Lejia was a little surprised: "Can plum blossoms be made into food? Can they be made into cakes?"

She thought that only flowers like chrysanthemum and osmanthus, which can be used to make tea, can be made into dishes with other ingredients.

I didn’t expect that plum blossoms could be made into food.

Shen Huazheng smiled and said, “Of course you can. Plum blossoms can not only be made into cakes, but also into soups, porridge and other delicacies.”

Upon hearing that so many foods could be made, Princess Lejia was overjoyed: "Okay, we'll do whatever Zhengzheng says. I'll help Zhengzheng."