Qin Xi looked up at Lu Huai and saw that he was also smiling, so she couldn't help but smile back.
"Don't stand there, sit down and let's talk," Madam Shu said with a warm smile.
"Yes, yes, please sit down." Old Master Shu patted his chest. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? This meal is on your uncle!"
Lu Huai smiled and said, "Thank you, Uncle. Then I will respectfully accept your offer. I am not a kind-hearted person, so please bring me one of each of the signature dishes."
Mr. Shu: "..." Why do I suddenly feel a pang of heartache?
Madam Shu glared at him and beckoned to the waiter behind the counter, "Quickly tell the kitchen to prepare the antique soup."
"yes."
Hearing the unfamiliar term, Qin Qi looked at Lu Huai curiously, "What is antique soup?"
Lu Huai squeezed her hand and pulled her to sit down on the bench. "Antique Soup originated in Shu City and is made by simmering chili oil. Various spices are added to enhance the flavor, and it is said that you can smell the fresh aroma as soon as you open the pot."
"The name 'antique soup' comes from the 'gudong' sound made when meat and vegetables are added to the boiling pot." He pointed to the round hole in the middle of the table. "See that? That's where the pot is placed."
Qin Qi looked at it curiously, "Shouldn't it be prepared in the kitchen before being served?"
"No," Lu Huai shook his head. "The pot is placed here, the dishes are placed next to it, and the bowls are filled with the seasonings that everyone wants to eat. Everyone can then put whatever they want into the pot themselves."
Qin Qi nodded, seemingly understanding, "I see. Have you ever eaten it?"
Lu Huai: "...No." He learned it all from reading "Miscellaneous Records of Delicacies." It was just that it was the first time he had celebrated someone's birthday, and he wanted to give her something new.
The antique soup was brought over by the waiter and placed on the round hole, aligning perfectly. Charcoal was placed underneath, which should have been scorching hot, but thanks to the thick ice around it, the temperature was just right.
The group pushed the two tables together to fit the numerous dishes. They sat around the tables, chatting and laughing.
Several lower tables were set up for the personal servants, and Lele, Baobao, and Ayu were all seated there. Even the stewards from various households, who arrived late, had seats, and the guests clinked glasses and enjoyed themselves immensely.
The antique soup was spicy and fragrant, and it was the first time everyone had tasted this kind of food. Even the elders couldn't help but eat more, and the next moment they were so spicy that they grimaced and had to drink several cups of water to relieve the spiciness.
Shu Zhan is a natural at creating a lively atmosphere. Even though he was still grieving over Shu Hua's passing, he couldn't help but smile and invite everyone to raise a glass.
The glass was emptied.
"Qin Xi." It was Lu Huai calling her.
"Um?"
She subconsciously looked up and saw him pour two more glasses of wine, handing one to her, "Here you go."
She reached out and caught it, tilting her head, unsure of his meaning.
Lu Huai held his wine glass, looking at her intently. "To my shame, when we were to marry, I was very resistant and even considered running away. If it weren't for my father's wicked scheme, I'm afraid I would be wandering somewhere now."
Minister Lu: "Cough cough cough..." How did this brat know?
Lu Huai glanced at him, a slight smile playing on his lips, and continued, "With my father and elder brother supporting me at home, I've been carefree and used to doing whatever I want. His Majesty's sudden bestowal of marriage left me dizzy and disoriented, and my feelings were quite complicated. Therefore, I inevitably made some oversights in our marriage. It was my fault, so I'll punish myself with a cup of wine first."
He tilted his head back, drank the sake in the cup, and then turned it upside down; indeed, not a drop of sake remained.
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