Huixian Restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in Tokyo City, on par with Fanlou, and ranks among the top among the 72 main restaurants.
The bowls, plates, cups and even the chopsticks were all made of silver. The decoration of the private room was so luxurious that even Zhang Shixun, who came from the future, could not help but be amazed.
Except for Gao Yanei and He Ji, Li Fu and others had never been here. This place was only visited by dignitaries or wealthy businessmen. Li Fu and his friends had no money to spend here. From the moment he entered the door, he seemed a little embarrassed and didn't know what to do with his hands and feet.
As soon as everyone sat down, some fruits and vegetables were served. Dr. Tea and Wine said that they were all shipped from the south.
"My God, the shipping cost alone is incredible." Black Turtle picked up an apple. "Look at this apple, it's still fresh."
"Black Beast, can you be a little more promising?" Gao Yanei looked at the country bumpkin with a squint, thinking he was embarrassing.
"Hehe!" The black turtle smiled awkwardly and put the apple back.
Li Fu said, "Commander, it's really too expensive to invite us here. Soldiers like us can just find a foot shop to stay at."
Zhang Shixun smiled and said, "We are all brothers. Since we invited you, why don't you come to the best place?"
Dr. Tea and Wine stared at the wine bottle on the table and asked, "Excuse me, is the glass bottle filled with wine?"
Gao Yanei asked him proudly, "Doctor, have you seen it?"
"No." Dr. Tea and Wine shook his head vigorously. Although he was knowledgeable, he had never seen such a transparent glass bottle, let alone a glass bottle containing wine.
Gao Yanei's vanity was satisfied, and he pointed at the bottle and said, "I guess you haven't seen the wine inside."
Dr. Tea and Wine shook his head.
Several waiters came in one after another and started serving the dishes.
As the dishes were served, the waiter also announced the names of the dishes: salty black beans, stir-fried pork, double-bottomed dumplings, lotus meat, white meat, Hu pancakes, noodle soup with pear flowers, pickled fish, melon and ginger...
Zhang Shixun pulled the cork from the bottle and poured wine for several people himself.
According to the rules of the Song Dynasty, waiters were responsible for pouring wine for guests. However, when several waiters saw the glass wine bottle, no one dared to step forward.
If such a valuable thing is accidentally broken, you won’t be able to afford the compensation even if you lose everything.
"Brother, let the waiter pour the wine?" Gao Yanei saw him pouring the wine himself, turned around and glared at the stupid waiters: "You idiots, why are you just standing there watching?"
Zhang Shixun said, "Young Master, don't scare them. They see how valuable the bottle is and don't dare to touch it... Let me pour the first glass of wine."
As soon as the wine came out of the bottle, the intoxicating aroma filled the private room.
"Oh! The aroma of wine is so strong." Gao Yanei sniffed sharply.
He Ji followed up, "It's really a good wine!"
Li Fu and his companions praised repeatedly: "Great wine!"
After Zhang Shixun filled several people's glasses, he poured the remaining wine into a wine jug and handed it to the waiter who was standing stupidly beside him.
"Everyone, since you've been training with me, you've endured a lot of hardships and fatigue. I've been wanting to invite you brothers to sit together for a while, but I've never been able to find time. Today, I finally have a break from my busy schedule and want to get together for a few drinks." Zhang Shixun raised his wine cup and said with a smile, "No more unnecessary words. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Several people clinked their glasses.
"Let me drink first as a sign of respect!" Zhang Shixun raised his head and drank the wine first.
Everyone followed his example and drank the wine in one gulp.
Afterwards, the expressions of Gao Yanei and others became interesting.
"Ouch!" Gao Yanei first opened his eyes wide, then suddenly reached out to touch his throat.
He Ji began to cough violently and his face turned red.
The black turtle opened its mouth wide and exhaled vigorously.
Bajin'er and Li Fu stuck out their tongues.
Lu Wan was the most embarrassed and spit out all the wine.
Zhang Shixun sat there with his arms folded, looking at the miserable looks of the few people with a smile.
"Brother, why is this wine so strong?" Gao Yanei said in a hoarse and strange voice.
"But it tastes quite nice," said the black turtle, smacking his lips.
He Ji picked up the cup and took a few sips of tea before saying, "After drinking a glass of wine, I feel a little tipsy."
"Haha! Now you won't say there's not enough wine to drink, right?" Zhang Shixun asked proudly.
"We may not be able to finish such a strong liquor." He Ji glanced at the bottle of wine on the table.
The alcohol content of wine in the Song Dynasty was not high, mostly around ten degrees, similar to the alcohol content of beer in later generations, so people drank by the "bowl" or "liter".
Lu You once wrote in a poem: A short journey on a mountain road feels as if it were a hundred miles long, and a single lift of the wine cup must hold three liters.
When Wu Song crossed Jingyang Ridge, he drank eighteen bowls of wine, which is equivalent to more than ten bottles of beer in later generations. His drinking capacity is considered quite good.
The waiter came over and refilled everyone's wine glasses.
"This kind of strong liquor shouldn't be guzzled. It can only be savored in small sips with food." Zhang Shixun picked up the wine glass again and said with a smile, "Come on! More!"
Several people picked up their wine cups and took a sip.
Gao Yanei asked, "Brother! I've tried almost all the good wines in Tokyo, but I've never tasted anything as strong as this. Where did you buy this?"
"This was brewed by my cousin."
"It's him again?" Gao Yanei rolled his eyes, pulled his stool closer to Zhang Shixun, and said, "Brother, this wine is so strong, it's the first of its kind in the Song Dynasty."
Zhang Shixun observed his expression and knew what he was thinking, so he asked, "What do you think, Young Master?"
"Brother, almost all the royal relatives, ministers, and princes in Tokyo City have family banquets and wines, such as the Kunyi of Queen Zheng's family, the Qinghui of Grand Tutor Cai's family, the Gaolu of Wang Fu's family, the Qinxian of Grand Chancellor He's family, and the Qiongyu of Prince Yun's family..."
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