Ren Yaoqi and Xiao Jinglin each looked out the window, seemingly drawn to the scenery outside. No one spoke; the two of them were often silent when they were together.
Until Xiao Jinglin ordered: "Just stop here."
Ren Yaoqi withdrew his gaze and looked at Xiao Jinglin.
Xiao Jinglin smiled, a rare moment. "I caught a few fish before you came today, and I've already asked the restaurant staff to clean them up. Let's have a hotpot here for lunch?" For some reason, Ren Yaoqi felt that Xiao Jinglin's eyes lit up when she ate, and although her tone remained indifferent, Ren Yaoqi sensed that she was happy.
"Okay. I haven't eaten this for a long time." Ren Yaoqi said with a smile.
The pot is a hollow copper vessel with a hollow center for charcoal fire and a large "belly" for soup. Once the soup is boiled, raw meat or vegetables can be put into the pot and cooked.
Commoners in Yanbei often ate this in winter; it was warm and convenient, and it was a lively feast for the whole family. Aristocratic families also occasionally enjoyed it, though the servants were the ones who helped. For banquets, each person would sit in front of a pot, but they could also help themselves.
The pleasure boat stopped at the shore, and Hongying and another maid brought in food from outside: a copper pot, charcoal fire, sliced fish, mutton, meatballs, and some side dishes. It was much simpler than what Ren Yaoqi had eaten at home before.
As soon as the soup pot was brought in, the whole houseboat was filled with a special aroma that made people's mouths water.
Ren Yaoqi's eyes also lit up.
Xiao Jinglin arranged the dishes himself and said, "I asked someone to get the soup base from Zuixianju."
The commode at Zuixianju is a unique feature of the entire Yanbei civilization, but...
"I remember that Zuixianju doesn't seem to sell outside food?" Ren Yaoqi asked curiously.
In places like Kyoto, some famous restaurants often have strange rules. The more unusual the rules, the more they are praised by the sons and daughters of prominent families, who consider them a form of elegance. Few people would resort to force to break the rules. Of course, there are some who don't play by the rules, but these people are generally from nouveau riche families who don't understand the rules and are often looked down upon and ridiculed.
Xiao Jinglin's two maids lowered their heads and silently set the dishes aside.
Xiao Jinglin said indifferently, "Oh, I asked the guards to go directly to their kitchen and rob it. It's just a pot of soup, it's not like they don't pay for it."
“…”
Xiao Jinglin was oblivious to everyone's expressions. She frowned and told the maid, "I want chili sauce, not sesame paste."
Ren Yaoqi looked at Xiao Jinglin's expression and suddenly laughed out loud. He placed the base material in front of him in front of Xiao Jinglin: "This is for you, let's change."
Xiao Jinglin waved the maids away, not wanting them to help with the serving, and set to work herself. The dress she wore today had arrow sleeves, so it was easy to move around. Without even calling Ren Yaoqi, she put the fresh fish into the pot, swished it back and forth twice, and then placed it on the bowls and plates to eat.
Ren Yaoqi's sleeves were wide, making it difficult to move. Apple came up and said, "Sister, I will serve you."
Ren Yaoqi shook his head, picked up a few slices of fish slowly, and rolled up his right sleeve with his left hand just like he usually did when practicing calligraphy or painting, and started to boil the meat.
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