Chapter 70 Princess Yuhechen has always been taciturn.
"What's happening up ahead that's causing such a commotion?"
The graceful female voice was like pearls falling on a jade plate, mellow and pleasant to the ear. Her tone was elegant yet a bit reserved, a standard Hangzhou-Beijing accent.
In the sedan chair meticulously carved from rare fragrant wood, sat a delicate young lady.
Her face was covered with a veil, and her true appearance could not be seen. Only her profile was visible through the lifted brocade curtain, and there was a hint of inquiry in her eyes.
"Princess, the workers at the dock are about to have their meal. There's nothing much to see," General Luan said stiffly. "Let's return to the palace."
The young man's body was as swift as a dragon, and his dark clothes fluttered in the wind.
He casually grabbed the reins with one hand, put his legs on both sides of the horse's belly, and swayed gently with the white horse's pace.
Luan Shuangbai's ink-black long hair was tied up loosely with just a ribbon. A few strands of hair hung down in front of his forehead, wantonly teasing his sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes.
But there was a hint of impatience and alienation hidden in his eyes.
"No, I'm in a good mood today and I want to go and take a look." Miss Jiao said coquettishly.
Although her coquettish tone was a bit domineering, she was the eldest princess of Daliang, the most beloved jewel in the crown of the saint.
Who would dare to disagree with Princess Yuhe's request?
Then the princess gracefully directed the carriage and followed the future prince consort to the cooking competition platform at the riverside pier.
"It's so rare that my father allows me to come out for some fresh air. Why don't you come and have some fun to relieve my boredom?" Princess Yuhe frowned slightly.
"I have always been a man of few words." Luan Shuangbai replied calmly.
"Hmph, boring." Princess Yuhe signaled the maid to lower the curtain of the sedan chair and spread out her arms.
A kneeling maid crept up behind her and deftly removed her thin blouse. The garment, woven from ice silk, slid across her rounded shoulders, drifting down like a gentle cloud.
In the south of the Yangtze River at the turn of spring and summer, the sun is scorching hot at noon.
Princess Yuhe glanced over and the maid picked up the white porcelain pot and poured a cup of cold tea, then fanned her with a round fan just right.
There are also some rules for fanning yourself.
The maid knelt on the ground, her back straight, her buttocks sitting on her heels. She moved her wrist flexibly, neither too fast nor too slow, so as not to delay her master's tea, and adjusted the angle of the fan from parallel to the ground to diagonally upward.
Every move is full of rules and caution.
"The royal carriage is moving forward, all outsiders must stay out of the way!" The guards shouted in unison, showing their majesty.
With each shout, the imperial guards would slam their spears or swords to the ground in unison with the rhythm, making a dull warning sound.
Being intimidated, the people at the dock dared not slack off in the slightest.
"Kneel down quickly, lower your heads quickly." Everyone retreated to the sides of the road in panic and pressed their children to the ground, fearing that any mistake would offend the royal majesty.
The armored attendants cleared a wide path for the chariot.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Princess Yuhe did not show up, but simply said, "I have come here to understand the people's sentiments. No need for formalities."
Her voice was a little weak, but she didn't need to raise it.
Because everyone consciously held their breath and listened to the princess's voice.
On the podium of the cooking competition, the stove was blazing, and the suddenly rising flames licked the bottom of the pot. The fierce competition had just begun.
The head chef of the braised food shop, Miss Gui, is dressed neatly today.
She was wearing a light blue double-breasted gown with cuffs gathered to avoid inconvenience during cooking.
The apron style is also very common, made of thick coarse cloth that reaches the knees and is tied around the neck.
Her black hair was tied into a bun, and although she was holding only a spatula and a large spoon, she looked heroic.
Guizhier looked into the distance and her eyes met the young man on horseback.
She raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Luan Shuangbai's body stiffened slightly and he subconsciously turned his face to the side.
His eyes wandered, his long eyelashes fluttered rapidly like the wings of a frightened butterfly, and his hands gripping the reins tightened unconsciously, his knuckles turning white.
The boy's guilty conscience was completely exposed.
Princess Yuhe has taken her seat, and the judges' seats are completely silent.
The audience was gradually getting lively, and amidst the clamor, Guizhier could see through it at a glance - the young general was hiding something in his heart.
"Can we old men still get some fish meal today?" The old man who made sugar figures narrowed his eyes.
The candidates still had one last imperial examination to complete, so it was inconvenient for them to travel far out of the city. But for the vendors at Changxingfang Market, closing for a day was no big deal.
Besides, this competition is a grand banquet, and everyone can sit down and enjoy the food.
"Of course we have to attend the labor banquet," Zhang the Clay Man said with a smile. "The grand wedding banquet held at Cuiyuan Tower is a place for young men and women to enjoy the fun."
A wedding banquet in a wealthy family is definitely not a trivial ceremony for a couple.
It goes without saying that the bride is welcomed in a sedan chair with drums and gongs, and the wedding ceremony takes place in the hall. The banquet should not only demonstrate the family's status, but also be delicious and auspicious.
"Today, our place is filled with distinguished guests, and a loving couple is happily married. Thank you all for taking the time to come. We have prepared delicious food and wine, so let's enjoy this wonderful occasion together!"
The voice of the opening speech was full of joy and solemnity.
The grand banquet held at Cuiyuan Tower indeed attracted many young men and women who came to the suburbs for an outing.
They all blushed shyly and sat down curiously.
At the beginning of the wedding banquet, some dried fruit preserves and appetizers are usually served.
"Sister Huilan, please try these candied dates. They taste just as good as the ones in your small kitchen." The girl cheered joyfully, and her bracelets and pendants made pleasant sounds.
"You are the greediest one, Shulingque'er." Huilan smiled and tapped her forehead.
The sisters, who were close friends, sat around a table, their delicate fragrance wafting from their bodies. This attracted the attention of the young men sitting next to them, who then raised their glasses to chat and exchange pleasantries.
The wedding banquet was well-organized and the dishes were extremely luxurious.
In terms of rare and precious ingredients, there are bear paws, deer tendons, and camel hoof sea bass. In terms of complex and exquisite cooking techniques, there are Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Four Treasures...
The presentation of dishes is also very particular, with the blue and white porcelain and pastel porcelain utensils showcasing color, aroma and flavor.
The chefs from Cuiyuanlou all joined in the cooking, swinging their spatulas until they were smoking.
"When the harp and the zither are in harmony, their love is stronger than gold."
When Princess Yuhe heard about the unique meanings of these dishes, she still sat upright like a flower on a high mountain, as if all the mundane affairs in the world were not worthy of her attention.
But the delicate hands under the sleeves were frequently stirring the silk handkerchief.
The people of Daliang are open-minded and relatively less bound by etiquette and morals.
Young men and women did not shy away from talking about love and marriage. As spring came and the peach trees were in full bloom, Princess Yuhe could not help but feel a little amorous as she heard the joyful laughter from the banquet.
Pretending to be noble is nothing but a shallow disguise.
The owner of Cuiyuan Tower saw through everything, his eyes shining with brilliance.
He quietly smoothed the wrinkles on his clothes behind his back, wiped the sweat from his forehead, took two steps at a time and bowed forward.
He knelt on the ground and asked Princess Yuhe in a flattering manner, "Does Your Excellency wish to celebrate with the common people?"
If the princess is willing to condescend and attend the banquet, then Cuiyuan Tower will surely become famous!
How can I not win the cooking competition?
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