Inside the main hall, the lights were on and the red charcoal was sparkling.
Everyone sat around the dinner table with happy expressions on their faces. Even Master Lin put aside his usual seriousness and became easy-going.
"Let's start the meal."
Xu Jiang opened a jar of Dongyang wine and poured a glass for everyone. Lin Hongchu was overjoyed and carefully protected the wine glass.
Master Lin stood up and raised his glass to celebrate winter.
"As the sundial moves, the sun reaches its longest point in the south, giving birth to the sun in the heavens and the earth, bringing the beginnings of all things. On this auspicious occasion, I offer my congratulations to the winter sun, wishing you and your family long-lasting happiness and peace."
After the congratulations, everyone stood up and raised their glasses to drink together.
Mrs. Lin smiled and said, "Please sit down and eat. The food is getting cold."
Lin Hongchu smacked his lips, feeling that the wine was sweet and mellow, and wanted another glass.
Xu Jiang covered the rim of her cup, glanced at Master Lin, and advised, "This wine has a strong aftereffect. Don't drink any more. You'll get drunk and deserve a scolding." Seeing her pout, he teased, "Weren't you just saying you were hungry? Are you full after just one glass of wine?"
"I..." Lin Hongchu was about to refuse another drink, but Xu Jiang winked at her. She looked up and saw her old father staring at her coldly, and she immediately became obedient.
Then, she served him a bowl of lamb leg and carrot soup in a charming and charming manner. "Father, this soup is delicious. Please try it."
"Hmm." Master Lin took it and took a sip. It was indeed good.
Seeing that she was no longer staring at the wine, Xu Jiang turned around and served Mrs. Lin a bowl of chicken soup. "Aunt, try this chicken soup too. It's skimmed of oil and won't burn your heart."
Knowing that she had taken the trouble to make this soup for her, Mrs. Lin smiled at her gratefully.
As soon as the soup entered her mouth, it soothed her spleen and stomach. She praised it, "This soup looks light, but it tastes fresh and rich. It's delicious."
"If you like it, have another bowl." Seeing that his mother had a rare appetite, Lin Hongchu served her another bowl.
Mrs. Lin said, "Don't just focus on me, you guys should eat too. You must be hungry after being busy all afternoon."
"Okay." Xu Jiang responded and looked at Lou Yunchun secretly.
The table they ate at was made up of two desks. On Xu Jiang's right was Master Lin, on her left were Lin Hongchu and Madam Lin, and Lou Yunchun was opposite her, the farthest away from her.
This is the seat arranged by Master Lin.
Lou Yunchun was drinking with Master Lin. Although they didn't talk much, they drank a lot. Fearing that he would drink too quickly and the alcohol would make him drunk, Xu Jiang poured a bowl of lamb leg and carrot soup and asked Madam Lin to quietly pass it to him.
Mrs. Lin laughed after taking it, and Xu Jiang's face turned red with laughter.
Lou Yunchun finished his cup, looked down, and saw a bowl of soup in front of him. He looked up at Xu Jiang again. Seeing that she was looking at him, his heart warmed. He then picked up the soup and took a sip.
The mutton is fresh and the radish is clear. The combination of the two creates a unique flavor that is delightful to the heart.
"Oh!" Xu Jiang suddenly cried out, startling everyone. She patted her head and said, "I almost forgot, there's another dish."
Her fish stew!
She hurried to the kitchen. Lou Yunchun and Lin Hongchu stood up at the same time to help. Lin's mother quickly pushed Lin Hongchu back to her seat and winked at her.
Oh—Lin Hongchu glanced meaningfully towards the kitchen, then looked up and met Master Lin's disappointed gaze. He chuckled dryly and asked, "Father, do you want some more soup?"
Seeing his expressionless face, Mrs. Lin slapped his hands and said in feigned anger, "What are you doing? It's a holiday, don't scare the children."
Master Lin sighed. The fresh vegetables in his own garden were dug up, but he couldn't blame others entirely. It was because there were two people who were stealing from the garden. Not only did they not stop them, they also helped to pass the shovel.
As Xu Jiang entered the kitchen, someone followed her and grabbed her hand. She knew who it was without even thinking. She smiled and turned around, lowering her voice and asking, "What are you doing?"
Lou Yunchun also whispered, "Come and serve the dishes."
"Is it really that serious?" Xu Jiang shook his hand.
"Yeah." Lou Yunchun held her hand tighter. Yesterday, the Lou family hosted a banquet, and today he accompanied the emperor to offer sacrifices. He hadn't seen her for two days, and he missed her very much.
The two held hands for a while, and Xu Jiangqing said, "They are still waiting."
Lou Yunchun reluctantly let go, but Xu Jiang grabbed him and pulled him to the stove.
The fish stew was buried in the ash. Xu Jiang found a stick to poke the ash. Lou Yunchun was curious and asked, "What's the dish?"
"Fish stew."
The wood ash was still warm. Xu Jiang reached out and touched the clay pot. It was a little hot. Just as she was about to find a rag to pad it, a pair of hands reached into the stove and brought out the clay pot.
"Hey, be careful, it's hot."
"fine."
Lou Yunchun placed the clay pot on the stove, and Xu Jiang found a rag to wipe the dust off. She leaned close to the mouth of the pot and sniffed, smelling a tempting aroma. She swallowed and urged Lou Yunchun to wash his hands quickly.
“I know it’s delicious just by smelling it.”
Lou Yunchun came over after washing his hands. Seeing her greedy look, he couldn't help but reach out and pinch her cheek.
Xu Jiang rubbed his hand and said with a silly smile, "Let's go."
Lou Yunchun picked up the earthenware jar and walked towards the main hall with Xu Jiang. Xu Jiang did not snatch it from him, intending to let him show his courtesy in front of Master Lin.
"The mixed fish stew is here!" Xu Jiang entered the house first, cleared a place in front of Master Lin, and then asked Lou Yunchun to place the earthenware jar in front of Master Lin.
The mouth of the earthenware jar was sealed with soaked lotus leaves. When Xu Jiang opened the lid, she was first struck by the delicate fragrance of the lotus leaves. After removing the leaves, a rich aroma filled her nose. She blew away the steam and looked inside. The dried bamboo shoots, melon, and tofu had been soaked with the broth and looked very tempting.
"This smells so good." Lin Hongchu sipped her saliva and said hurriedly, "Good sister, bring me a bowl quickly."
Xu Jiang said, "Don't worry, go get a bowl of rice first. The soup here is the essence of the dish. It is the best delicacy in the world when mixed with rice."
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