Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er strolled slowly through the General's Mansion, the moonlight casting long, slender shadows on them. They had just finished admiring the layout of the mansion and were filled with emotion for it. At this moment, their conversation naturally turned to the battles they had fought together.
"Wan'er, do you still remember the battle when we first met?" Xiao Yichen broke the silence, his gaze distant, as if he could see the smoke-filled battlefield through the night.
Lin Wan'er nodded slightly, a bitter smile appearing on her lips: "Of course I remember, it was really dangerous back then. I was just passing by, but I got caught up in that chaotic battle. I saw you, General, surrounded by the enemy, and the situation was extremely critical."
“Yes, the enemy surged in like a tide. Although my soldiers fought bravely, there were simply too many of them, and we gradually became overwhelmed.” Xiao Yichen recalled the scene at that time, his brows furrowing slightly, a trace of solemnity flashing in his eyes. “Just when I thought we were in dire straits, you appeared, like a ray of hope.”
Lin Wan'er smiled and said, "I didn't think much at the time. When I saw that situation, I instinctively drew my sword and rushed in. I was deeply impressed by your heroic figure on the battlefield, General. Every attack you made was full of power. Those enemies were somewhat afraid of you."
"Haha, you're not bad either. Your swordsmanship is light and sharp, you move freely through the enemy ranks, and enemies fall wherever you go. I thought to myself, where did this heroine come from?" Xiao Yichen laughed heartily, his eyes full of admiration for Lin Wan'er.
As they walked, the two recalled the details of the battle, as if they were once again on that battlefield filled with blood and fire.
“There’s one moment from the battle that I still remember vividly.” Lin Wan’er’s eyes deepened. “An enemy attacked you from behind while you were engaged in fierce combat with the enemy in front of you and didn’t notice at all. When I saw it, I quickly deflected an arrow with my sword and rushed towards the enemy, knocking him back. At that moment, I was really worried about you.”
Xiao Yichen felt a warmth in his heart: "So it was you who saved me back then. I didn't even realize the danger behind me. If it weren't for you, I might have..." He didn't finish his sentence, but both of them understood the perilous situation.
"And also, General, after we repelled that wave of enemies, they launched another attack. That attack was very fierce, and our defenses were almost breached. But you remained calm and composed, directing the soldiers to stabilize their positions and reorganize the defenses. Your calmness and decisiveness gave everyone confidence, allowing us to continue fighting," Lin Wan'er said, her tone filled with admiration for Xiao Yichen's military talent.
"That's all because of you. Without the soldiers' valiant fighting and your help, I couldn't have held out by myself. That battle was a victory for both of us." Xiao Yichen looked at Lin Wan'er, his eyes filled with gratitude.
They continued walking, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the city wall of the General's Mansion. The torches on the wall flickered in the night wind, illuminating a small area around them. Xiao Yichen stopped, placed his hand on the wall, and gazed into the distance.
"Later, we went through several more battles, each one difficult," Xiao Yichen said. "Like the attack we encountered last time when we were collecting supplies, those shadowy figures and men in black robes made the situation even more complicated."
"Yes, that time was really dangerous. Especially when you were shrouded in black smoke exhaled by the man in black robes, I was really terrified. I thought..." A trace of fear flashed in Lin Wan'er's eyes; she couldn't imagine the consequences of losing Xiao Yichen.
Xiao Yichen gently patted her shoulder: "I know you're worried about me, Wan'er. But we've made it through, haven't we? Every battle has helped us understand each other better and made our teamwork even more seamless."
Lin Wan'er nodded: "Yes, we support and trust each other in battle. It's a wonderful feeling, as if we were born to fight together."
“That’s right, our fates seem to have become intertwined in these battles. And through these battles, I have also witnessed the growth of the soldiers in the General’s Mansion.” Xiao Yichen turned around, leaned against the city wall, and looked at the buildings inside the General’s Mansion. “From their initial immaturity to their current maturity and composure, every battle has been a test for them.”
“They are all very brave and loyal. It is a blessing for the General’s Mansion to have such soldiers,” Lin Wan’er agreed.
"Yes, we must continue to train them and improve their strength. Because the enemy will not let us off easily, and we may face more and more difficult battles in the future." Xiao Yichen's eyes became firm, and he was already planning how to further strengthen the military power of the General's Mansion.
"General, what are your plans?" Lin Wan'er asked.
“We can conduct targeted training for our soldiers based on the characteristics of the enemy we encountered in previous battles. For example, we can strengthen their ability to deal with concealed weapons and surprise attacks. At the same time, we must continuously improve our tactics and not always use the same old methods,” Xiao Yichen replied.
“That’s a good idea. We can also let the soldiers share their experiences and insights from combat, so they can learn from each other,” Lin Wan’er added.
The two men discussed military plans by the city wall, the night breeze ruffling their clothes. Their voices carried clearly through the night, as if a declaration of the general's mansion's future battles.
"Furthermore, we need to strengthen our intelligence gathering efforts. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. Only by understanding the enemy's movements and plans can we prepare in advance," Xiao Yichen said.
“Yes, the importance of intelligence is self-evident. We can establish more intelligence networks in the surrounding areas and train some professional intelligence personnel.” Lin Wan’er nodded in agreement.
After discussing the military plans, they returned to their previous relaxed atmosphere.
"Wan'er, tell me, once the world is at peace and we no longer have to fight, what do you want to do?" Xiao Yichen suddenly asked.
Lin Wan'er paused for a moment, then a look of longing appeared in her eyes: "I think I might find a quiet place and live a free and easy life. I'd read books every day, plant flowers, and never have to worry about the threat of war again. What about you, General?"
"Me? I might continue to protect this land, but not through war. I want to see the people live in peace and prosperity, and the General's Mansion no longer need to be on constant alert. I think that would be a beautiful sight," Xiao Yichen said with a smile.
"Yes, that would be wonderful. I hope that day comes soon," Lin Wan'er said softly.
They wandered through the general's mansion for a long time, until night fell, before returning to their rooms to rest. That night, their dreams were likely filled with scenes of battle, each other's figures, and longings for a peaceful future. The general's mansion stood quietly under the moonlight, bearing their hopes and dreams, awaiting the arrival of a new day, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The morning sun streamed through the windows, bathing every corner of the General's Mansion in its light, bringing a new day to the residence. After a good night's rest, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er began their day refreshed. The General's Mansion's dining room was unusually lively today, as Xiao Yichen decided to use breakfast time to introduce Lin Wan'er and some of the newcomers to the mansion's table manners.
Inside the dining hall, a long table was laden with a sumptuous breakfast. Steaming rice porridge emitted the aroma of grains, delicate side dishes were colorful and appealing, and there were various kinds of steamed buns and mantou, making one's appetite soar. Soldiers and servants entered the dining hall one after another and took their seats in an orderly fashion according to their assigned positions. Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen sat in the main seats, while the generals sat on either side.
Xiao Yichen cleared his throat and began, "Ladies and gentlemen, although the dining table is small, etiquette should not be overlooked. This not only reflects the refinement of our General's Mansion, but also represents the inheritance of our culture." Everyone quieted down and listened attentively.
“First of all, there are rules about seating arrangements. In the General’s Mansion, people of different statuses have different seats. The head seat is naturally reserved for the most important person in the mansion, which is myself, the General. As a distinguished guest of our General’s Mansion, Miss Lin sits next to me. The generals are seated in order of rank, and the soldiers also have their own areas. This is to show respect and order,” Xiao Yichen explained.
Lin Wan'er nodded slightly, looking at the seating arrangement around her and understanding its meaning. The newcomers also listened attentively, trying their best to remember the rules.
“When the food is served, don’t rush to eat it. Wait until everyone is seated; it’s basic courtesy,” Xiao Yichen continued, his gaze sweeping over everyone. “We must respect our dining companions and not break the rules just because we’re hungry.”
At this moment, a young soldier couldn't help but ask, "General, what should we do if there's an emergency that requires immediate action?"
Xiao Yichen smiled and replied, "That's a good question. In an emergency, military matters would naturally take precedence. But under normal circumstances, we must observe etiquette."
Then, Xiao Yichen picked up the chopsticks and demonstrated: "There is also etiquette for using tableware. When holding chopsticks, you should have the correct posture and not wave them around like sticks. When picking up food, only take the food in front of you and do not reach over others to pick up food that is far away. This is to avoid collisions and unsightly actions."
Lin Wan'er picked up her chopsticks and imitated Xiao Yichen's movements. She realized that although these etiquettes seemed simple, they reflected a person's refinement. She whispered to Xiao Yichen, "General, these etiquettes are really meticulous, and they make one feel the strictness of the General's Mansion."
Xiao Yichen nodded and said, "Yes, Wan'er. These etiquette rules have been passed down in our General's Mansion for many years. They help us maintain a sense of order in our lives."
"Also, pay attention to your manners when eating. Don't chew loudly or make unpleasant noises. When drinking soup, don't slurp; drink it slowly and quietly." Xiao Yichen said while demonstrating the correct way to drink soup.
One of the generals said with a smile, "General, we know these etiquette rules, but sometimes when we stay on the battlefield for a long time, we inevitably become a bit rude, and we need to correct them gradually."
“That’s right, that’s why we need to emphasize table manners. We can’t let war cause us to lose our proper manners,” Xiao Yichen said.
"If there is food you don't like at the table, you shouldn't show any disgust. We should respect the chefs' hard work," Xiao Yichen added.
Lin Wan'er recalled her dining experience in the palace, where the etiquette was far more elaborate and complex. In contrast, while the table manners at the General's Mansion were strict, they were more humane. She said to everyone, "These etiquette rules are actually not difficult to follow, and they can make our dining atmosphere more pleasant."
After introducing basic table manners, Xiao Yichen began to talk about etiquette for some special occasions.
"At banquets with important guests, etiquette is even more crucial. At those times, we must pay even closer attention to our words and actions, to bring honor to the General's Mansion. Every gesture and every word represents the image of the General's Mansion," Xiao Yichen said solemnly.
"General, what if we're dining with generals from other armies?" a young general asked.
“When dining with other military commanders, maintain humility and respect. Do not be arrogant or rude just because we are the home team. At the same time, be careful to avoid discussing sensitive topics to prevent unnecessary disputes,” Xiao Yichen replied.
Everyone listened to Xiao Yichen's explanation while eating breakfast, and felt they had benefited greatly. Breakfast proceeded in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Although everyone paid attention to etiquette, they did not feel restrained. On the contrary, they enjoyed the meal even more because of these etiquette rules.
After breakfast, Lin Wan'er said to Xiao Yichen, "General, I think these etiquette rules are really meaningful. We can compile them into a book so that newcomers to the General's Mansion can learn them."
Xiao Yichen agreed, "Wan'er, your idea is excellent. We can have the steward take charge of this matter and record the table manners and other rules of the General's Mansion as training material for new recruits."
So they found the steward and told him their idea. The steward happily accepted the task: "General, Miss Lin, this is a good thing. I will arrange it right away so that the etiquette and culture of the General's Mansion can be better passed down."
Over the next few days, the butler busied himself compiling the etiquette guidelines for the General's Mansion. He not only recorded table manners but also wrote down in detail the daily behavioral norms and etiquette for dealing with people. At the same time, the General's Mansion also began etiquette training for the newlyweds.
Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen also frequently participated in the training, personally demonstrating and explaining. The newlyweds studied very diligently, knowing that these etiquette rules were crucial for integrating into life in the General's Mansion.
During a training session, Lin Wan'er noticed a newcomer struggling with how to hold chopsticks. She went over and patiently guided him: "Look, when you hold chopsticks, you should position your fingers like this, and then apply force gently. Don't be too tense. You'll get it after practicing a few more times."
The newlywed looked at Lin Wan'er gratefully: "Miss Lin, thank you. I will definitely try my best to learn."
Watching from the side, Xiao Yichen felt even more admiration for Lin Wan'er's patience and kindness. He said to the newlyweds, "Etiquette is important, but even more important is that you have a heart that respects others and loves the General's Mansion. Only in this way can you truly understand and abide by these etiquette rules."
As etiquette training deepened, the atmosphere at the General's Mansion underwent some changes. People paid more attention to their words and actions in daily life, and mutual respect and understanding deepened. The General's Mansion became more orderly and harmonious, as if an invisible force was uniting everyone.
At a banquet, the General's Mansion welcomed several representatives from surrounding towns. The staff of the General's Mansion behaved with impeccable manners, greatly changing the representatives' impression of the mansion.
"General Xiao, your general's residence is truly extraordinary. These details of etiquette alone demonstrate your skillful military management," a town representative exclaimed.
Xiao Yichen replied with a smile, "Not at all, this is the result of everyone's joint efforts. We hope that the General's Mansion is not only a military fortress, but also a place with culture and refinement."
Lin Wan'er smiled as she watched the harmonious atmosphere of the banquet, her heart filled with pride. She knew that these etiquette rules had become a calling card for the General's Mansion, showcasing its charm and depth. She was happy to be a part of it, contributing her own strength to the development of the General's Mansion.
After the banquet, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er took a walk in the garden. Moonlight shone on them, and the surrounding flowers swayed gently in the breeze.
"Wan'er, I'm really happy to see the General's Mansion become better because of these ceremonies," Xiao Yichen said.
“General, so am I. These etiquettes fill the General’s Mansion with a warm and civilized atmosphere. I believe that the General’s Mansion will become more and more prosperous with our efforts,” Lin Wan’er replied.
The two stopped in the garden and embraced. They knew that the General's Mansion still had a long way to go, but they were confident that, with these cultural traditions and everyone's unity, the General's Mansion would shine with unique brilliance in these chaotic times.
The morning sun shone into the courtyard of the General's Mansion, illuminating the dewdrops on the stone path and refracting them into a kaleidoscope of colors. Inside the General's Mansion's kitchen, however, a bustling scene of activity unfolded. The chefs had begun preparing the day's meals early in the morning, bringing a culinary delight to everyone in the General's Mansion.
Lin Wan'er got up very early, drawn by the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen, and walked towards it without thinking. Inside, the flames roared in the stove, and the soup in the pot bubbled and boiled, releasing a rich fragrance. The cutting board was piled high with various fresh ingredients: vibrant green vegetables, tender chunks of meat, and colorful spices, like a vibrant painting.
"Miss Lin, what brings you here?" A chef asked with a smile when he saw Lin Wan'er.
"I was drawn here by the aroma! What delicious food are you making?" Lin Wan'er replied with a smile.
"We've prepared a lot of dishes today, including the general's favorite braised pork trotters and our newly developed Jade Shrimp. This dish is made with fresh shrimp and tender green vegetables, and it's a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate," the chef explained while busy at work.
Lin Wan'er watched the braised pig's trotters being cooked. They were a vibrant red, the trotters tender and mushy from the stewing process, coated in a thick, rich sauce that emitted an enticing sweet aroma. The chef skillfully tossed and turned the trotters, each movement rhythmic and graceful, like a captivating performance.
"This braised pork trotter looks really good. Why does the general like this dish?" Lin Wan'er asked curiously.
"This dish? The general loved it when he was a child. It's said that once when he was young, he won a battle, and his father made this dish as a reward for him. Ever since then, the general has been particularly fond of this dish," the chef replied with a smile.
Lin Wan'er nodded. She could imagine Xiao Yichen happily eating braised pig's trotters when he was a child, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
Meanwhile, another chef was preparing Jade Shrimp. He first peeled and deveined the fresh shrimp, revealing translucent, glistening meat, then marinated it with a special seasoning. Next, he chopped tender green vegetables into delicate shapes and stir-fried them in a pan along with the shrimp. Soon, a plate of Jade Shrimp was ready. The shrimp was tender and springy, the vegetables crisp and refreshing; the combination was vibrant, making it seem as if the plate held a piece of jade.
"This dish is so beautiful, I almost don't want to eat it," Lin Wan'er exclaimed.
"Miss Lin, this dish is not only beautiful to look at, but it also tastes delicious. You must try it later," the chef said with a smile.
Besides these two main dishes, the kitchen was also preparing other dishes and desserts. There was crispy roast duck, with its skin roasted to a golden brown and crispy, the fat seeping out during the roasting process, making the duck meat even more tender and flavorful. There was also delicate plum blossom cake, soft and fluffy, topped with red dates and nuts, resembling a blooming plum blossom.
Watching the preparation of these delicacies in the kitchen, Lin Wan'er felt a deep respect for the chefs of the General's Mansion. They used their hands and skills to bring such a rich variety of delicious dishes to the General's Mansion, allowing everyone to enjoy the pleasure of food amidst their busy lives.
Around noon, the mess hall was once again filled with a sumptuous feast. The soldiers and servants entered the mess hall, their eyes gleaming with excitement at the sight of the delicious food.
Xiao Yichen walked into the restaurant and saw Lin Wan'er already waiting at her seat. He smiled and went over to sit down.
"Wan'er, the food looks delicious today," Xiao Yichen said.
"General, I went to the kitchen this morning and saw that the chefs have prepared many new dishes. I'm sure you'll like them," Lin Wan'er replied with a smile.
After everyone was seated, they began to eat. Xiao Yichen first picked up a piece of braised pork trotter, put it in his mouth and chewed slowly, a satisfied expression on his face.
"Hmm, this braised pork trotters are as delicious as ever. The chefs' skills are getting more and more exquisite," Xiao Yichen exclaimed.
Lin Wan'er also picked up a piece of jade shrimp and put it in her mouth. The freshness of the shrimp and the crispness of the vegetables blended together in her mouth, making her exclaim, "This jade shrimp is really delicious. It has a rich texture and is refreshing and delicious."
The other soldiers and servants also sampled the various dishes, and the restaurant was filled with exclamations of praise.
"This roast duck smells amazing! The skin is crispy and the meat is tender—it's so delicious!"
"This plum blossom cake is also good; it's sweet but not cloying, and has a soft texture."
Everyone ate and chatted about their feelings about the food, creating a very lively atmosphere.
While enjoying the food, Xiao Yichen said to Lin Wan'er, "Wan'er, do you know? These delicacies are not just for satisfying our appetites, but also a source of comfort. After experiencing life-and-death battles on the battlefield, being able to eat such delicious food back at the General's Mansion makes us feel that all the sacrifices were worthwhile."
Lin Wan'er nodded in agreement: "General, I understand. Food has a magical power; it can make people forget their troubles and feel the beauty of life. Moreover, these dishes contain the chefs' hard work and emotions, and each one is unique."
"Yes, just like this braised pig's trotters. Every time I eat it, it reminds me of the happy times I had as a child. Back then, war seemed so far away, and I was just a carefree child." Xiao Yichen recalled the past, his eyes sparkling with tenderness.
At this moment, a soldier said with a smile, "General, Miss Lin, do you know? When we soldiers talk about food, we all have our favorite dishes. Every time we finish a battle, we look forward to returning to the general's mansion to eat those favorite dishes."
"Oh? What's your favorite dish?" Lin Wan'er asked.
"My favorite dish is Mapo Tofu. It's spicy and fragrant, and it gives me energy. Every time I eat this dish, it reminds me of the taste of home," the soldier replied.
Another soldier chimed in, "I love sweet and sour pork ribs. The sweet and sour taste is like the sweet moments in life, which helps me forget the pain of the battlefield."
Everyone shared their love for the food, and the restaurant was filled with laughter. In this chaotic world, the food at the General's Mansion became a bond connecting everyone's emotions, allowing them to find a glimmer of warmth and comfort in their difficult lives.
After finishing their meal, Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen decided to go to the kitchen to thank the chefs for their hard work. When they arrived at the kitchen, they saw the chefs still busy cleaning up.
"Masters, the food today is absolutely delicious. Thank you for your hard work," Xiao Yichen said.
"General, you're too kind. It's our duty. Seeing everyone enjoying the meal makes us happy," a chef replied with a smile.
Lin Wan'er also said, "Your cooking skills are truly superb; each dish is like a work of art. These delicacies have filled the General's Mansion with warmth. Thank you."
The chefs were deeply moved. They knew that their hard work had been recognized, and that was more important than anything else.
After leaving the kitchen, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er took a stroll in the General's Mansion. They discussed the significance of food to the mansion and how to enrich its culinary culture.
“General, we can hold food festivals regularly, where chefs can showcase their new dishes, and everyone can participate in the judging. This will not only allow everyone to taste more delicious food, but also inspire the chefs’ innovative spirit,” Lin Wan’er suggested.
"That's a good idea, Wan'er. We can also invite people from surrounding towns to participate and promote exchanges. This way, the General's Mansion's culinary culture can spread and let more people know about us," Xiao Yichen agreed.
In the days that followed, the General's Mansion began preparations for the food festival. The chefs worked even harder to develop new dishes, and the soldiers and servants were filled with anticipation. The General's Mansion became even more lively and vibrant because of the food, as if each dish carried a beautiful dream, shining with unique brilliance in this chaotic world. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er also worked hard to develop the General's Mansion's culinary culture, hoping that these delicious dishes would become one of the mansion's enduring charms, bringing more joy and happiness to everyone.
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