Chapter 35: Isn’t it said that a gentleman should stay away from the kitchen?
"Crackle, crackle."
A bunch of whips were set off and the leading float came.
Liu Shanyuan was wearing a brand new cotton robe, the color of which was rich and warm, making his originally fair face look quite rosy.
"Good luck, happiness, longevity and health." He sprinkled red envelopes while praying to the old man.
Just one copper coin, specially for those chubby boys and girls.
The man's clothes were embroidered with cloud patterns, he had a silk belt around his waist, and wore black boots. Even though his head was streaked with white hair, he looked energetic.
There is absolutely no trace of bureaucratic airs.
"Oh my God, it's the new prefect!"
"I'm absolutely not mistaken. It was the prefect who killed the Danu people with a flying knife."
Unlike his predecessor Ma Zhifu who liked to stay away from work, Liu Shanyuan, who was diligent in government affairs, was quite recognizable in the central prefectural city.
As soon as he took office, he organized a militia self-defense force to defeat the invading army, and then renovated the government office and opened trials.
It is no exaggeration to say that it is deeply loved by the people.
"Come here quickly and kowtow to the adults to wish them a happy new year." The woman pushed the shy child and smiled with her eyes blooming.
The red envelope delivered personally by the prefect can be boasted about for a whole year.
The floats circling the city were all decorated with lights and the atmosphere was lively.
"Zheng Zheng" is the loud sound of the gong, and a giant dragon shining with golden light winds out surrounded by people.
The giant dragon sometimes circles and sometimes dives, and the dragon dance performance brings the festive atmosphere to a climax.
At this time, the central government office was also preparing for the dinner.
"Miss Gui, why don't you want to tour the city with the master?" the housekeeper couldn't help asking.
The clothes Guizhier was wearing today were new clothes specially made for her by Liu Shanyuan.
The crimson cotton robe and pomegranate skirt are extremely eye-catching.
The skirt not only has beautiful gradient colors, but also has many fine pleats on its surface. When the wearer moves, the pleats form ripple-like patterns.
It is the most popular style in Hangzhou and Beijing right now.
If standing side by side with Liu Shanyuan, she would be as bright as a peony, exuding an air of nobility.
Guizhier was concentrating on blanching the lean meat.
"Gurgle, gurgle." The bubbles from the boiling water rolled violently, and the steam surged out, distorting in the air and blurring her face.
"I won't join in the fun." Guizhi'er's hands trembled slightly, and the sauce, salt and icing sugar were thrown into the broth one by one.
How can you just join in the fun!
The housekeeper was heartbroken. The spy reported that the soldiers in Linghe County dared to secretly call Miss Gui the young general's wife.
We really should let them see that the young lady and the master are a better match.
Guizhier's pearly teeth were slightly exposed, and her smile was a bit shy.
She signaled to the kitchen helper to turn the stove to low heat and chopped the cabbage, mushrooms and green onions skillfully.
"Would you like barbecued pork ribs, deep-fried pork ribs, or spicy sesame spare ribs?" she changed the subject.
Spare ribs are not as important as the master.
The housekeeper was just about to get to the bottom of the matter when a fragrant dish suddenly popped up in his mind.
The ribs were bright red in color, with thick sauce covering the crispy skin, and it seemed like there would be a "crunch" sound when you took a bite.
"I think everything is fine!" The butler swallowed.
The days are short in winter. Half an hour ago, the sky still had a soft orange-red light, but now it has become dark.
"Light up all the lanterns and hang them up, and watch out for the candlelight."
"All the wealthy gentlemen who arrived early are invited into the inner room. Once the prefect is seated, we will light the hot pot."
"For the tables of the young and old in the outer courtyard, any dumplings with pitted red dates should be given red envelopes," the steward barked orders non-stop. "Serve the dishes to the soldiers guarding the city first!"
A steamed fish is placed in the middle.
The tender fish meat is sprinkled with shredded green onions, ginger and red peppers, and then poured with boiling hot oil, making a sizzling sound.
"Eating fish at the end of the year brings good luck and abundance!" the waiter shouted at the top of his voice.
"Great!" The hot-blooded soldiers defending the city were very enthusiastic and wanted to eat with their arms wide open.
The front yard was filled with sugar paintings, paper-cuts, dough figurines, colorful paintings and other odds and ends, and the sound of gongs for guessing the lantern riddles rang out one after another.
"Celebrating the New Year in the Government Office" began with endless laughter.
"Butler, we're still short of a bottle of aged Huadiao wine for the braised pig's trotters." Guizhier ran out with a spatula.
In order to ensure the continuous supply of dishes at the buffet, beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.
"This... let me think about it." The butler was a little embarrassed.
Having just arrived in the North, the warehouse is inevitably incomplete. The master usually enjoys tea, so he stocks mostly high-quality tea, and wine is really rare.
Besides, it’s New Year’s Eve, and the wine shop will definitely be closed.
"Yaoyue Tower is still bustling with activity." Guizhier pointed out a clear path. "Would you mind taking a walk?"
She pursed her lips slightly, biting her lower lip with her teeth, and said with a bit of embarrassment: "The wine is good, but the madam only sells it to distinguished guests."
The butler understood immediately.
Such romantic places always like to come up with some gimmicks.
It's just a matter of screening out the wrong people and refusing to let in the common people who can't afford the money.
If the central government wants to buy wine, there is no reason not to sell it.
"Thank you." After receiving a positive reply, Guizhier's face bloomed with a smile as brilliant as a spring flower.
She naturally pulled out a golden hairpin from her head. On the hairpin was a lifelike phoenix, spreading its wings as if about to fly.
The phoenix's eyes are inlaid with azure gems, which are obviously of great value.
"Thank you again for your trouble. By the way, please invite the courtesan Liu Qianjin." Gui Zhier smiled cunningly, "Ask her to sing a New Year's greeting."
A good banquet needs a beautiful woman to accompany it.
The hairpin is a token of trust, and Guiji Braised Food Shop will give priority to the courtesan in dine-in quota next year.
Singing a little song to liven up the atmosphere is a small thing.
After making all the arrangements, Guizhier hurried back to the kitchen.
There was a blazing fire in the stove.
A shiny roast chicken was skewered on an iron fork. Under the high temperature roasting, it gradually turned golden and sizzled with oil.
"Auntie, you can put on the sauce now." Guizhier looked relaxed, but she was nervous in her heart.
I don’t know if the plan will go smoothly.
The chicken skin is roasted until crispy, and the spices penetrate into the texture of the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
When the stove was taken out, a little firewood splashed.
"Be careful." A warm embrace wrapped around Guizhier from behind, helping her hold the iron fork tightly.
Guizhier turned around and was stunned for a moment.
"Don't they say that a gentleman should stay away from the kitchen?" She teased with a smile, then nimbly dodged and placed the roast chicken on the porcelain plate.
The one who came was the prefect who was concluding his tour of the city.
There were red whip fragments on Liu Shanyuan's shoulders, his eyes were like stars, and he looked like a banished immortal, but he actually had a bit of gentle worldly air.
"The young lady's cooking skills are so good." He sighed softly, "So much so that a gentleman, seeing her death, feels that her death is worthy and cannot bear to eat her flesh."
"Pfft." Gui Zhi'er was amused by the cold joke, "It seems that you lack kindness."
She felt relaxed, placed a few green lettuce leaves on the bottom of the plate, and carved carrots into flower shapes to garnish around the roast chicken.
Finally, drizzle with brown barbecue sauce and thick tomato sauce.
"I have to go to the banquet." Liu Shanyuan paused.
But he didn't move a step, his eyes fixed on Guizhier's busy back.
Banquets tire the mind. Even though the table is filled with delicious food, it is not as comfortable as being here.
"I'll make a few dishes on the list just for you." Guizhier mentioned it casually.
Before Liu Shanyuan could even raise his lips, he added another sentence.
"In the first month of the year, I intend to pray for my husband's blessing. I will wait until the tenth day to open the shop and then invite you, sir."
A hint of hostility flashed across Liu Shanyuan's eyebrows and eyes.
His eyes were like cold ponds, but he just said "hmm" and walked away.
After the banquet, I will definitely ask the housekeeper to investigate her husband whom she always talks about.
Death is good, if you live, it is best to become a "deceased husband".
As bowls of white flour dumplings shaped like silver ingots were brought to the table, the New Year’s Eve dinner was coming to an end.
"It's time to exchange money every year, collect money and gold ingots will come in!" the waiter shouted.
The vigorous old man had a kind smile on his face, while the young ones were jumping and dancing happily beside him.
"Beep, system prompt: Mission progress 98.5%."
The new year brings a new chapter, the dragon travels across Daliang to see the scenery, and the dream of a peaceful year in the north comes true.
Chang'an is peaceful tonight.
In the fourth year of Chengshuo, on the first late night of late winter and early spring, a carriage was quietly driving towards the south city gate.
The sky was dark and the moon hanging high in the sky looked dim.
"Don't be nervous, sister, take out the pass." said a calm female voice.
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