The servants at Juxianlou were also well-trained. Before long, they had set up a table of food and wine. The dishes were indeed as Young Master He had said, extremely exquisite, with many ingredients that even the palace could not often afford to eat.
A dish of braised deer tendon uses high-quality sika deer tendon, supplemented with pheasant, rich old chicken broth, and goji berries, and is simmered over low heat until it is fragrant and delicious.
Braised shark fin is made with the freshest shark fin and fresh chicken broth. The shark fin is elastic, golden and shiny, and has a soft, smooth and fragrant taste, making it a delicacy.
"Young Master He, this sumptuous feast is truly appetizing," Hong Zhou exclaimed.
Young Master He poured Hongzhou a full glass of wine, and the two drank together, enjoying the sumptuous dishes and gazing at the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains outside Juxianlou. They felt extremely happy.
"Distinguished guest, fine wine and food deserve music to liven things up. Fortunately, we have some famous courtesans here today who play beautiful tunes that make one's heart flutter. I'd like to invite them to entertain you. What do you think?"
Hongzhou naturally knew that such social obligations were unavoidable. Moreover, men who drink and chat naturally hope to have beautiful women by their side, so he didn't shy away from these things and said, "Yes, such a beautiful scene certainly needs music to enhance the enjoyment."
"Someone, go and invite the two young ladies over to play music to entertain our distinguished guests."
Before long, the servants knocked on the door and led in two beautiful women with graceful figures. Hongzhou casually glanced at them, but was stunned.
"Honored guest, these are courtesans from the capital. Their dances are captivating, and their music is exquisite. One is named Furong, and the other Qingluo. Furong and Qingluo, why don't you quickly pay your respects to our honored guest?"
Qingluo was startled to see Hongzhou sitting upright in his seat. She hadn't expected to encounter him here, the man she had resolved to forget, in such a situation. He was a high-ranking guest, while she was merely a geisha at his beck and call; their statuses had never been equal.
Hongzhou hadn't expected to encounter Qingluo here, and he was a little nervous. He had come out to do business with the He family, concealing his identity. If the eldest son of the He family knew he came from the imperial court, they might have reservations. Before coming, to avoid affecting grain prices, Hongzhou had discussed with the Thirteenth Prince that the grain merchants shouldn't know the grain they sold was being sold by the imperial court, otherwise it would inevitably cause panic.
"Furong, Qingluo, what are you standing there for? Quickly play a tune to entertain our distinguished guest!" Young Master He had no suspicions and was determined to have the two of them play. Seeing this, Qingluo knew that Young Master He probably didn't know Hongzhou's true identity. Looking at Hongzhou's low-key attire, she figured he was hiding his identity, so she decided not to reveal it and focused on playing. Hongzhou was also relieved.
"Come, honored guest, the music is so beautiful, let's have another drink. It is my honor to have made a friend like you."
"Young Master He, you're too kind. I'm honored to be treated to such hospitality."
The two drank heartily and chatted about everything under the sun.
After a satisfying meal, Hongzhou prepared to leave.
Young Master He hurriedly instructed his servants, "Someone, prepare the horses to board the boat and escort our distinguished guest."
After saying this, he led Hongzhou out the door. When they reached the door, Hongzhou suddenly stopped, looked at Qingluo and Furong, and said, "You two beauties have worked hard today, allowing us to hear such beautiful music. Well done!" With that, he took out some silver and rewarded Furong and Qingluo.
"Thank you for your hospitality." Qingluo bowed along with Furong, her expression tinged with bitterness and desolation.
Young Master He attentively stayed by Hongzhou's side, personally escorting him as he boarded the boat and left.
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