Because it was too crowded, the servant stopped the carriage in front of the square gate and didn't dare to go in. Lou Yunchun got off first and then turned around to help Xu Jiang. After the two got off, Lou Yunchun handed a waist card to the servant, asking him to find a place to rest and then wait at the square gate at midnight. Then he and Xu Jiang entered the square together.
As soon as one enters the gate, one is greeted by the sounds of Hujia music and the bustling sounds of laughter and chatter. The Hu people who come and go, some with blond hair and blue eyes, some with tall hoods, some wearing light cotton clothes, some with drooping pearl belts, make one think that they are not in the Central Plains but in the land of the Hu people.
Xu Jiang looked around curiously, only to see stalls lining both sides of the street, all selling exotic goods: restaurants and wine stalls, silk clothing, jewelry, and even rare pets.
Most of the people running the business were Hu people, speaking Chinese with a strange accent, walking around shouting and bargaining.
The most popular food was sold by the vendors selling Hu Bing. On each stove, there were crispy and fragrant pancakes spread out flat, which made Xu Jiang drool.
Want to eat.
Lou Yunchun had been carrying small change and copper coins since the last temple fair. Without waiting for Xu Jiang to speak, he found a crowded stall, bought a Hu pancake, and presented it to Xu Jiang.
The Hu Bing is as big as a face plate. It is too much for one person, but it is just right for two people.
He gave half to Xu Jiang and said, "There are many people in our family, so it should be delicious."
Xu Jiang took it without hesitation and took a bite.
Smells so good.
The freshly baked Hu Bing is not hard and crumbs fall off when you bite it. The crust of this Hu Bing is coated with honey, which is crispy and sweet, and very delicious.
I just feel a little dry in the mouth after eating.
Fortunately, there were still quite a few Hu tea vendors, offering a wide variety of varieties, including Fu tea, milk tea, lei cha, canned tea, and eight-treasure tea. Xu Jiang and Lou Yunchun opted for canned tea. This involves boiling water in a small ceramic pot, adding tea leaves, and stirring constantly to separate the tea and water, making the tea more concentrated. Salt or sugar can be added to the tea, but Lou Yunchun added sugar, while Xu Jiang left it alone.
After drinking a can of hot tea, I felt relaxed all over.
As the market was about to close, the vendors packed up their stalls and went home one after another. The noise of the street gradually died down, and the lights came on, creating a completely different scene.
Lanterns were hung in the theaters, singing halls, and taverns on both sides of the main street. The styles of the lanterns were unique, but most of them were brightly colored, with a hint of decadence.
Various gorgeous carriages began to pour into the main street. Lou Yunchun pulled Xu Jiang and stood by the road. They saw many princes, nobles, and talented men entering the street in groups of three or two, making it very lively.
Xu Jiang looked at them, then at Lou Yunchun, and felt that she and he were somewhat out of tune.
"How about we look for Ilale first?" Since they had just arrived, it would be easier to do things with someone they knew leading them.
"Okay." Apart from handling cases, Lou Yunchun had never come to such a place for entertainment, and he was a little confused for a moment.
Then, the two of them found the owner of a tavern and asked about Ilale.
"Ilale? He usually keeps watch at the second Sang family teahouse on the left. If you look there, you'll definitely find him."
It was really known to everyone. The two thanked the tavern owner and went to Sang's theater.
"It should be here."
The two men stood in front of the Sang family's theater. Seeing a Hu woman standing at the door to greet guests, they went forward to ask.
Xu Jiang: "Madam, may I ask if Yilale is here?"
The Hu woman looked at the two of them for a few seconds and answered slowly in a clumsy Chinese accent, "Inside."
"Thank you very much."
Xu Jiang and Lou Yunchun were about to enter, but were stopped by the Hu woman. She pointed to a sign on the wall and said, "First, pay, then go in."
The two looked up and saw the sign that said "one hundred coins each", so they counted out the money and gave it to her before letting her in.
Xu Jiang asked Lou Yunchun, "Apart from official business, have you never been here privately?"
"No." He didn't like noisy places very much.
No wonder he is not familiar with the rules, Xu Jiang curled his lips.
As they entered the hall, they saw that the place was full of well-dressed guests. They hesitated for a moment, not knowing where to sit.
Just then, Ilale saw them and walked over with a smile on his face.
"Madam Xu, Master Lou, you are finally here."
Xu Jiang said happily, "I came to see you today when I had some free time."
"You've come at the right time. There's a song and dance show today. Come on, I'll take you to the private room. It's quiet and you can see clearly." Yilale led the two of them inside and came to a private room facing the stage. There was no other place around, so it was not easy to be disturbed.
"Please take a seat first. I'll have someone bring up some drinks and food."
"Thank you for your help."
After they sat down, Xu Jiang glanced at Lou Yunchun, who had an expressionless face, and sneered. Lou Yunchun looked at her in confusion.
"What?" He wiped his face. "Is there something?"
"No, it's very clean." So clean that there was not even a trace of expression.
Xu Jiang leaned close to him and said softly, "We'll just sit for a while and then go back."
Knowing that she was worried about making him uncomfortable, Lou Yunchun's expression softened and he said softly, "It's okay, you can finish the show before leaving."
Xu Jiang's eyes curved.
Soon, Yilaer came back, accompanied by a gorgeous Hu girl. After they finished serving the food and drinks, Yilaer introduced her to Lou and Xu, saying, "This is Wuluolan. She will perform the Hu dance in a while."
Wuluolan had an enchanting figure, jade-like skin, and a pair of amber eyes, mysterious and deep, very alluring. She gave the two men a Hu bow, and they each returned a Han bow.
"You two are well."
Xu Jiang quickly asked the two to sit down.
Ilale said cheerfully, "Last time, my wife tasted my roasted venison and pomegranate wine. This time, try this mutton and wine to see the difference."
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