[This is a reminder so you might miss it. There was a problem with the previous chapter, and it couldn't be posted. Chapters 358 and 359 contain duplicate content. Please refresh the page, my little darlings. Chapter 359 contains today's update; otherwise, it won't look coherent.]
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The Zheng State Duke's Mansion is located in Jinchang Ward, bordered by Zhaoguo Ward to the north and Tongshan Ward to the south. The Qujiang Pool flows through the ward, and every autumn, the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms fills the air for miles. From afar, one can see a cloud of yellow fragrance stretching out, and even the high walls cannot block the serene atmosphere of the Osmanthus Garden from overflowing.
The festive atmosphere in the mansion had not yet dissipated; red characters and lanterns symbolizing joy hung outside the doors and houses. A maid carrying a tray walked briskly, slowing her pace as she passed the study. Only when she heard a sound from inside did she quickly offer a curtsy.
"Madam, the stewed snow fungus and pear paste in the kitchen is ready. I've been watching over it the whole way, and it's just warm now. My husband is feeling hot right now, would you like some ice to go with it?"
Standing outside the door was a middle-aged woman dressed in a wide-sleeved brocade robe, a long brocade skirt with peony patterns, and a painted shawl. She had her hair styled in a spiral bun and had a kind face.
The woman held a book in her hand, glanced down at the bowl of stewed white fungus and pear syrup, and frowned.
"Summer is almost over, yet the kitchen is always making these sweet and cloying hot soups. My husband has never liked them, and he'll surely find them cloying again when he sees them—"
This woman was Lady Fang, the wife of the Duke of Zheng and the mother of Wei Ying.
Since Wei Zheng's death, Wei Shuyu has inherited the title of Duke of Zheng and served as the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. His son, Wei Ying, married a woman surnamed Xu a month ago, and the joy of the wedding still lingers in the mansion.
After thinking for a moment, Madam Fang called out to the maid who was delivering the soup:
"Is the eldest son at home today, as the court is closed for the day?"
The maid bowed and replied, "The young master did not go out today. He was hosting a private banquet in the garden and invited a female guest. He asked the lady to accompany him and instructed us servants not to disturb him."
Fang was somewhat surprised to hear this, and after thinking for a moment, she asked again:
"A private banquet? How could Dalang not know that his father treasures this Osmanthus Garden the most? How could he just entertain guests in the garden? It must be someone else here."
"Reporting to Madam, there are some guests I don't recognize, but the eldest son of the Duke of Lu's mansion is also here."
The maid replied matter-of-factly. Madam Fang grew increasingly perplexed: "Do you know whose female guests are being invited? Could they be acquaintances of my daughter-in-law? But what's the point of inviting that young master from the Cheng family…?"
The maidservant beside her thought for a moment and then suddenly spoke up:
"I heard from the other servants that the guest who came to visit today seems to be Madam Xu from the Mountain and Sea Restaurant!"
"Madam Xu?"
Fang thought for a moment, but she had never heard of such a person before. It was the old woman next to her who reminded her:
"Madam, that's the Shan Hai Restaurant next to Huasheng Temple. I've heard that the owner, Madam Xu, has some supernatural powers. A few days ago, when the Lu family was plagued by a fox spirit, it was said that she stepped in and subdued the fox spirit so she could go and cultivate immortality, thus saving the Lu family from disaster! Some people also say that last year when Chang'an was hit by a heavy snowfall, it was Madam Xu who used her magic to alleviate the snow disaster. It seems that Madam Xu is a person with great abilities!"
Back then, the affair between Lu Wenshan and Hu Shiyi Niang caused quite a stir in Chang'an, and many families knew a little about it. Therefore, Fang Shi also had some knowledge of Lu Wenshan marrying a fox spirit.
"Really? Dalang has always loved these strange and supernatural things. Besides, Cheng Dalang of the Duke of Lu's mansion is a meticulous person. Even he treats this Madam Xu differently, which is enough to show that Madam Xu must have some skills."
Fang couldn't resist her interest, and after thinking for a moment, she decided to head towards the Osmanthus Garden:
"Everyone says that 'true immortals are hard to find,' so I'll go and see that Madam Xu. If she really is a divine being, I'll definitely invite her to stay at my mansion for a while, so that my eldest son and his wife can have a clever and lively baby boy."
None of the servants on the side spoke up to remind her that Madam Xu had only been married into the family for a little over half a month.
"Squeak—"
The study door suddenly opened, and Wei Shuyu, dressed in casual clothes, walked out. He stood tall and elegant, exuding a refined and charming air.
"My husband."
Fang and Wei Shuyu were a young couple who grew old together, so she naturally didn't have many rules in front of him. However, being caught sneaking off guard to spy still made her feel a little embarrassed.
Wei Shuyu straightened his long sleeves and said in a serious tone:
"A few days ago, that scoundrel suddenly repented and told me that his father had become a judge in the underworld. I suppose that was because that Madam Xu couldn't bear to see my son wasting his life, so she made up an excuse to persuade him. This woman is quite clever and quick-witted. Ahem, let's go together."
This means we're going to go see what that Xu Niangzi really looks like.
Fang covered her face and smiled.
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In the golden autumn season, the osmanthus blossoms fill the air with fragrance, and the trees are covered with tiny golden flowers. In addition, the lake in the garden connects to Qujiang River, and the rich fragrance of osmanthus is mixed with a hint of moisture.
Outside the pavilion, everyone sat on the ground, with delicate little tables laid out in front of them, laden with various pastries and seasonal fruits.
Cherry biscuits, chrysanthemum fruits, carved jade dew dumplings, honey-glazed pastries, fried candies—all were exquisitely made.
There were also tender red cherries with thin skin and small pits, bursting with juice with just a bite; crisp green plums, about the size of marbles, with a sweet and sour taste that made your mouth water; golden loquats; big red pomegranates with their cracked openings; plump and adorable apricots; and even a few peaches that were rare at the moment.
Xu Milu was dressed in a Hu-style outfit today, and her hair was casually tied into a high ponytail that hung down her back. Since everyone present was an acquaintance, no one cared what she was wearing.
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