Chapter 86 The familiar taste of soup filled my heart.
At the end of October in the second year of Yuanxi.
Autumn has deepened, and a chilly wind sweeps past the eaves, carrying a heavy, somber atmosphere that lingers over Luoyang for a long time.
Or rather, since Jiang Xu ascended the throne, the entire court has been in a state of constant anxiety, daring not to slacken in the slightest. Now, two years have passed, and those who once harbored hesitant thoughts or wavered with disloyal intentions have now fallen completely silent.
They either succumb to the ruthless methods in their hearts, or they are astonished by his iron-fisted style and willingly or reluctantly submit to the new emperor's command.
The remaining group was subjected to various pretexts, ranging from minor demotions and exiles to silent disappearances and deaths.
In the past two years, Jiang Xu has become increasingly taciturn. With an iron fist, he has implemented new policies, rectified officialdom, and suppressed powerful clans. All of these measures have gradually and irrevocably steered the court, which was heading towards its end, back onto the right track. The court is moving more and more steadily and faster.
Even the alien races have become much more subdued under Jiang Xu's sweeping reforms over the past two years. During this time, Wan Houyi no longer sent any secret letters, so Jiang Xu simply pretended to have forgotten about it and began to take care of some chronic illnesses.
As the saying goes, to repel external threats, one must first secure internal stability.
Pei Sheng, the former Minister of Personnel, was the first to be targeted. Pei Sheng and his clan had been entrenched in the Jiangnan region for four generations, with deep roots. Although he withdrew from public life when Luoyang fell two years ago, and his influence in the court seems to have been almost completely eliminated, his influence in the Jiangnan region remains extremely formidable.
In some ways, they are even stronger than the emperor.
In early November, the temperature dropped even further, and the biting wind seemed to seep into one's bones. Long icicles hung from the eaves.
The main hall of Qianqing Palace.
Jiang Xu was handling government affairs here as usual, while Shi Wanhou stood by, keeping his eyes down and trying to minimize his presence. He had been serving him closely for hundreds of days, but whenever they were near this place, His Majesty's mood swings increased exponentially.
Separated by a wall, the ice coffin in the side hall was still displayed in the center. During this time, many court officials risked their lives to remonstrate with the emperor, but without exception, they all disappeared. After this happened many times, everyone formed a tacit understanding and stopped mentioning it.
At this moment, Shi Wan was pretending that the ice coffin did not exist, and was pondering when he suddenly heard His Majesty say, "Draft an imperial edict."
Jiang Xu's voice was steady and calm, as if he had wanted to do this for a long time. "I wish to make a southern tour to the Jiangnan region to understand the people's conditions. All affairs of the court shall be handled by the several regents in accordance with precedent."
"If there is any emergency, send it by express courier, and I will make the decision."
This decree actually aligns with the speculations of several important officials in the court and around Jiang Xu. Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has been extremely diligent and hardworking in governing the country, without ever showing any signs of fatigue. Now that the political situation is stable, it is only natural to deal with the former officials and make an inspection tour to the south.
Normally, someone would have tried to dissuade him, but now, Jiang Xu's actions have become increasingly ruthless and arbitrary. Many people in the court have guessed that His Majesty had planned this all along and would inevitably take the risk alone. As a result, strangely, not many people have tried to dissuade him anymore.
On the day of Bingzi in the eleventh month of the second year of the Xining era, it was auspicious to travel
Jiang Xu took only a few trusted confidants and traveled south alone. The group disguised themselves as imperial merchants and kept their whereabouts very secret. They traveled day and night and arrived nearly ten days later.
Unexpectedly, before he could even make a name for himself, he received an invitation from Wang Sihou, the prefect of Zhejiang, on the very evening of his arrival. The invitation was filled with various compliments and, at the end, an invitation to a banquet for Jiang Xu.
*
Fujian Village, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Province.
This is an inconspicuous little village in the area. It happened to be winter, and the damp air, mixed with the cold wind, always clung to the stone road, forming a thin layer of frost. As a result, pedestrians walked much slower, stopping for a while before carefully continuing on their way.
There is a restaurant at the entrance of the village. At first, it was just a simple shed with some old tables and chairs by the door. Later, it gradually became famous because of the owner's good cooking skills. In just two years, it had two or three branches and its reputation grew.
Inside the shop, steam was billowing from the stove, wisps of white smoke rising and dispersing some of the chilly air. The rich aroma, mixed with the bitter scent of herbs, wafted through the air.
The shop's doors were wide open, it was business hours, and many passersby couldn't help but stop, their mouths watering. "Brother Wang, your soup is absolutely amazing! I was rushing to the market to buy fish, but before I even got there, I was already drawn to it like a cat, unable to move by the aroma, hahaha!" After saying this, the old man couldn't resist going into the shop and said with a smile, "It's so cold today, quick, give me a bowl of soup!"
Inside the shop, a thin, frail figure stood, dressed in a sky-blue robe, her hair tied back with a piece of firewood. Her once beautiful features were deliberately painted over, now only described as delicate and androgynous. She was unaware that some soot from the stove had smeared on her face from working in the shop early that morning.
This person was Shi Wan. Upon hearing this, she smiled faintly, deliberately lowered her voice, and worked quickly, soon preparing a bowl and handing it to the old man. "Here you go, drink it quickly, don't let it get cold!"
Outside the door, a bewildered visitor asked in confusion, "I think I've seen this shop somewhere else before. Is it really that good?"
Just then, the old man who had been joking with Wang Wan brought out a bowl of black-boned chicken medicinal soup. He was familiar with Wang Wan and had just drunk a sip of the warm soup, feeling warm and comfortable. Seeing this, he was almost used to it and immediately explained, "Young man, you're out of the loop. Everyone in our Fuji Village knows about Wang's medicinal soup!"
"Brother Wang and his wife fled from the north and have been running this business for almost two years now. Especially Brother Wang's soup!" As if to confirm the old man's words, the soup he was holding was emitting an enticing aroma, fresh and mellow, making one's mouth water.
Seeing the other person's eager expression, the old man, with a hint of pride in his eyes, continued, "Can you smell it? Not only does it have a perfect color, aroma, and taste, but Brother Wang also often cleverly blends in some herbs according to the season and climate. If you drink a couple of bowls, over time, minor ailments and pains will be no problem at all!"
Upon seeing this, the person who had been questioning the old man quickly sat down with him and started chatting casually. Before long, he also came over to ask Shi Wan for a bowl of the same black-boned chicken medicinal soup.
Just then, Caiyue brought Tangyun to see her. As soon as they entered the shop, the little girl ran in with her little steps and rushed straight to Shiwan, saying in a clear voice, "Daddy!" Instantly, she attracted several kind glances from those around her.
The old man was among them. He had been one of the first customers at the Wang family shop since it opened, and as the business grew, many villagers praised his discerning eye. Having ordered from them so often, he naturally became acquainted with the loving young couple, Wang Wan and Caiyue, and couldn't help but tease, "Tangyun, your father's going to be busy again today!"
Tang Yun wore a crimson cloak and a fluffy scarf around her neck. Thanks to her improved nutrition in the past two years, her face has become more radiant and she has grown much taller.
"Father has been busy for so long, Tang Yun is here to help you!"
Upon hearing this, Shi Wan gently patted her head and smiled shyly.
Since they arrived here two years ago, in the eyes of outsiders, they have always been a loving couple. However, Shi Wan fell seriously ill and her health deteriorated significantly. As a result, the couple focused on taking care of their daughter. With the shop's business gradually improving, such rumors saved them a lot of trouble.
In an instant, it was a scene of family joy once again.
Life went on as usual, and before we knew it, it was sunset. The shop closed its doors to customers, and the three of them slowly made their way home.
However, inside the Zhejiang prefect's residence, the lights were on full display.
The Jiangnan region is quite prosperous, and the prefect's mansion is a hidden paradise. Although it is early winter, the back garden is still full of exotic flowers, dazzling the eyes. The uniquely shaped rockery and the flowing water are pleasing to the eye.
Prefect Wang Sihou, dressed in a brand-new crimson robe with longevity patterns, led a group of his staff and prominent local merchants and gentry to stand respectfully outside the hanging flower gate. Everyone's face was filled with tension and excitement.
A moment later, several people rode in. The one in the lead wore a black brocade robe and had deep eyes. He exuded an air of authority without being angry. He quickly lowered his waist even further and said, "This humble one, Wang Sihu, along with my fellow locals, respectfully welcomes Lord Jiang!"
Although the imperial decree from Luoyang did not explicitly state it, it clearly indicated that His Majesty would soon be making a southern tour and would send members of his clan to inspect the area beforehand. Thinking of this, the others who had been reminded by Wang Sihou hurriedly said in unison, "Welcome, Lord Jiang!"
This person shares the same surname as His Majesty, so he must be a member of the same clan who arrived beforehand!
Immediately, everyone's expressions varied, but most of them were even more flattering as they surrounded Jiang Xu and led him into the inner room.
The banquet was set up in the center of the inner room, with windows slightly open on all four sides. Each person had a charcoal brazier beside them, and thin gauze curtains swayed gently in the wind, complementing the garden view outside the windows. It was both breathable and beautiful, and looked quite elegant.
Inside, the table was already laden with a dazzling array of delicacies, such as whitefish from Taihu Lake and ham from Jinhua, all top-quality local ingredients. After cooking, the dishes were presented with exquisite care, showing that a great deal of thought had been put into them.
"Your Excellency must be tired from your journey, please take a seat!" Prefect Wang personally led Jiang Xu to the main seat, while he himself accompanied the Prime Minister. The others took their seats in order of rank, and the atmosphere was respectful but slightly reserved.
As the music began, the people at the table gradually started chatting.
Prefect Wang knew his obsequiousness was too obvious, but the risky move was effective. He raised his cup first and said many flattering things, such as "Lord Jiang's presence in my humble abode is an honor," and "I have prepared a small feast, which is of little value." He also praised the local customs and made sure to express his loyalty to the court and his admiration for the current emperor.
On this side, Jiang Xu always wore a faint smile, occasionally nodding but not saying much. Only when Prefect Wang spoke too bluntly would he lightly remind him: "Prefects have their merits and demerits in governing the region, and the court is aware of that."
One sentence was enough to make Wang Sihou break out in a cold sweat. He quickly restrained himself and served her even more carefully.
Halfway through the banquet, the atmosphere became a little more lively, and the local gentry and wealthy merchants also stepped forward to offer toasts, trying to become acquainted with this "family member of His Majesty".
Jiang Xu was eager to test and befriend people, so he accepted all offers of wine. He drank a lot of wine, but his eyes remained clear and calm. He subtly steered the conversation toward local commerce and clan power, trying to find any clues that might be related to Pei Sheng.
Just then, several maids stepped forward carrying bowls of white jade stew and placed them in front of each guest.
"Lord Jiang, this is a local specialty medicinal soup, which is very nourishing and moisturizing. Please try it and see if it suits your taste?" Prefect Wang introduced with a smile, his words carrying a hint of flattery. "Although it is not a delicacy, it has a unique flavor. It is made by a small shop and is quite popular in the area."
The lid of the gu was lifted, and steam billowed out, carrying a faint, strange aroma that mingled with the freshness of the ingredients and the bitter scent of several herbs.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xu knew that the prefect would not dare to poison the food here, so he decided to just make a show of it. He had no expectations for the local food, so he simply scooped up a spoonful and put it in his mouth.
To my surprise, the moment it entered my mouth, I immediately tasted a familiar flavor.
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Author's Note: Writing this has made me hungry! It's a rare Saturday, so tonight's late-night snack is hot pot noodles! The sticky broth with crispy pork and tender leafy greens, sprinkled with some seasonings, sounds delicious! [Laughing]
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