Chapter 146 Drunken Fragrance Pavilion Dining Feast
Chapter 146 Drunken Fragrance Pavilion Dining Feast
"You recognized me?"
"Yes!" Qin Jingyu nodded.
"I've been transformed like this, I can't even recognize myself, how did you recognize me?" Ye Yaoyao approached him and turned around in front of him.
"The scent on your body."
"Oh dear! I made another mistake." Ye Yaoyao slapped her forehead.
Lian Jin listened to their conversation, looked at Ye Yaoyao, and, considering his master's attitude, asked in confusion:
"Are you Miss Ye?"
"It is indeed I, young lady."
Ye Yaoyao winked playfully, picked up a pill and swallowed it. Her voice returned to normal, and her bright, lively eyes returned to normal as well.
"Miss Ye, brilliant!"
Lian Jin's eyes widened in amazement. His master had seen through his disguise, which was so skillful. He was truly amazing.
Qin Jingyu said with a smile, "Yaoyao, you still need to practice your disguise skills."
Ye Yaoyao snorted, "I've already fooled a lot of people, haven't I?"
I forgot to cover up my smell; I don't believe he can recognize me except for that.
"That's because they weren't careful enough. You can still tell the difference besides the scent." Qin Jingyu raised an eyebrow, thinking about her teasing expression just now.
After putting on her other disguises, Ye Yaoyao sat down and poured herself a cup of tea. "You're quite something. Tell me, what are you doing here?"
Qin Jingyu smiled slightly, "Of course I'm here to join in the fun."
"I don't believe you'd be that free," Ye Yaoyao pouted.
Qin Jingyu's gaze remained fixed on Ye Yaoyao.
"I'm just so free that I came here to have lunch with you."
Why wouldn't she come if we were looking for phoenix tail flowers?
"Change your clothes!" Qin Jingyu frowned as he looked at her clothes, which were meant for an elderly person.
"Miss, here are your clothes." Fu Ling quickly took out new clothes from the medicine box.
"Is it really that bad?" Ye Yaoyao glanced at the cloth clothes she was wearing.
"Hmm! That feels off."
"Okay!" Ye Yaoyao took the clothes and went inside to change.
After Ye Yaoyao changed her clothes and came out, Qin Jingyu nodded in satisfaction.
"Now it looks better to me."
A clear gong sounded from below, signaling the start of the banquet. The area was packed with diners, several extra tables had been set up, and the surrounding area was filled with onlookers.
Given the large number of people today, the dining options in the lobby will primarily be buffet style.
Manager Lin stepped forward, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said loudly:
"Gentlemen, thank you for attending the literary banquet hosted by Zuixianglou today."
Our host cherishes talent and has organized this literary banquet. I hereby announce the rules: anyone who goes on stage today will receive a free meal, and those with outstanding literary talent will receive an even greater surprise.
The topics are mostly about restaurant ingredients; poems and paintings are both welcome. Please take a look.
Manager Lin unveiled a red cloth on the side, which was covered with the names of ingredients such as chicken, duck, goose, and fish, causing the people below to cheer with excitement.
"That's easy! Quickly announce the prize."
"The person with the most outstanding writing skills and the most votes will receive three days of free meals at this restaurant, while the next two will enjoy a one-day free meal."
There will also be a lucky draw later, with many great deals. We hope everyone will showcase their talents and join in this grand event!
"Good! Good!" After Manager Lin finished speaking, a chorus of cheers erupted from below.
"Drunken Fragrance Pavilion is going all out!"
The questions are simple, and anyone can participate.
The ingredients at Zui Xiang Lou are very appealing. After its renovation, the restaurant is always packed, and you need to make a reservation even if you have the money.
"If they can make something this delicious at a buffet, I'll have to work even harder for the three-day free meal."
"I sell fish. I can't write poetry, but I can draw a fish and get a free meal. It's a great deal!" A burly man who had been watching the commotion stepped forward with a laugh.
The talented scholars mostly composed poems and lyrics, while a few tables and desks were set up nearby for ordinary people to paint.
I have composed a poem using the image of a rooster:
Red crowns and golden feathers stand in the courtyard,
The rising sun sings of a great wind.
Head held high, chest out, full of spirit.
The meaning of protecting one's home and courtyard is boundless.
"Good! Good!" the crowd cheered.
"Then I will compose a poem about geese: "
You are carried by the wind to the clouds, while I am driven by people to the flock of ducks.
Snowy neck, frosty fur, red webbed feet—look, where is it inferior to you?
"Hmm! This goose is quite good." The person speaking was eating a goose leg, and it was unclear whether he was praising the poem or the chef's skill.
"I happen to be eating radishes, which are crisp and sweet, so I'll compose a poem for them:"
Lush green leaves lie hidden beneath the soil.
The white roots are plump and exude a sweet fragrance.
Crisp, refreshing, and good for the spleen and stomach.
Eating radishes in winter keeps you healthy.
"Since you've chosen so many ingredients for your poems, how can we forget this one for cooking?" A student stepped forward and smiled at the crowd.
"What are you referring to, brother?"
"Let me explain in detail:"
Salt enhances the flavor of delicious dishes.
The seemingly insignificant can be extraordinary.
Sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy—all accompany you.
The fragrance of time has not faded.
"Excellent! This is something we absolutely cannot overlook."
The talented men could compose poems one after another with ease.
Manager Lin took a pen and crossed out the poems and paintings he had written one by one. Looking at the few remaining questions, he found the private room where Ye Xiyao was. The siblings were all there.
"Master, we've almost run out of questions, and the Phoenix Tail Flower still hasn't been chosen. What should we do?"
Ye Xiyao replied:
"Manager Lin, our goal is to find the person who knows about the Phoenix Tail Flower. You can increase the reward for the Phoenix Tail Flower later. If all else fails, just do your best."
"Yes!" Manager Lin left.
A woman, savoring peach blossom cake, composed a poem:
Peach blossoms fill the air with fragrance
Soft, chewy, and crumbly with a lingering flavor.
One bite and my heart is already intoxicated.
The spring breeze caresses my face and fills my lips with fragrance.
"What kind of flower is a phoenix tail flower? I've never heard of it!"
"Zuixianglou doesn't have any pastries made with phoenix tail flowers either."
Someone has already mentioned the phoenix tail flower, and Manager Lin explained:
"Ladies and gentlemen, a few days ago, our boss heard that phoenix tail flowers can be used to make a delicious dish, and he was thinking of creating a new dish. However, this flower is not available in the market. Does anyone know what a phoenix tail flower is?"
As Manager Lin spoke, he cupped his hands in a gesture of greeting to the crowd, and as soon as he finished speaking, the crowd began to discuss.
The noise rose and fell in waves, much louder than a vegetable market.
After waiting for a long time, there was still no reply.
Ye Yaoyao and Qin Jingyu stood upstairs, quietly watching the scene below.
A look of disappointment crossed Ye Yaoyao's face as she sighed softly, "It seems the chances are slim this time!"
"Gentlemen, if anyone knows about the Phoenix Tail Flower, all expenses incurred at Zuixianglou will be free from now on," Manager Lin said, raising the stakes even higher.
"Zui Xiang Lou puts so much effort into a single dish. People who know about phoenix tail flowers are so lucky."
"I wish I knew them."
The powerful and wealthy from the capital frequently visited Zuixianglou; the temptation was too great, but unfortunately, no one knew about it.
"Father, does the phoenix tail flower bloom in a long shape like a phoenix's tail?"
A child's voice rang out at the entrance of the restaurant.
"Yes!" A family of three, carrying bundles on their backs, passed by and overheard the people gathered at the door talking.
"Xiao Bao still remembers!"
“My great-grandfather used to talk about this all the time, and Xiao Bao still remembers it.” Xiao Tong looked at the five-year-old.
"Husband, shall we go inside?" The woman touched her belly.
"We can't afford this restaurant at all. Let's find a street stall to eat at first!"
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