As Sheng Lu said, Danmo Tower is not far from the pier.
The carriage didn't go very long before it stopped.
When the car curtain was raised, before anyone could get out, the west wind blew a slightly bitter fragrance into the car.
After getting off the carriage, I saw a clump of wild chrysanthemums blooming brightly and golden on the roadside, with a fragrant fragrance.
Not far away stands a three-story pavilion with green tiles and pink walls, red railings and carved lattice. A gold-lacquered soap-base plaque hangs under the eaves of the second floor, with the words "Danmo Tower" written on it.
At this moment, the door downstairs was open, and as expected, there was an endless stream of people coming in and out, and it looked very lively.
After Sheng Lu and Sheng Weiqiao's group got off the carriage, they took the lead and led them in. After all, he was the person in charge assigned by the Sheng family here, and he was very familiar with Danmo Tower.
Seeing him coming, a middle-aged man dressed as a rich man walked quickly to meet him. He said with a spring breeze on his face: "Shopkeeper Sheng, what a rare visitor! But I don't know what kind of good wind brought you here?"
"Shopkeeper Huan is serious. These are the three young ladies of my family, as well as Mr. Ao, a family friend!" Sheng Lu greeted him as a courtesy and did not even bother to exchange greetings. He hurriedly stepped aside to reveal Sheng Weiqiao and his entourage to introduce.
When the shopkeeper Huan heard this, the smile on his face became a little warmer, and he bowed his head to Sheng Weiqiao and others: "The younger one said that magpies were chirping on the branches early today, so there must be some distinguished guests coming! Sure enough, these few people came here in great numbers, and they were stupid and could not say anything nice. However, whether it was Old Master Sheng's generous act of joining the army in the past and serving the country with loyalty; His filial piety is something everyone can admire!"
Immediately, he turned around and ordered the boy behind him, "The bills of all the distinguished guests are forgiven today! Then take two pots of the chrysanthemum wine brewed by the boss himself and send them to the private room ordered by the shopkeeper Sheng!"
It was not that Sheng Weiqiao and his party had not been charged when they went to restaurants before, but that was because the restaurants were either owned by the Sheng family, the Xuan Yu family, or the Feng family, or else they were requested by the Sheng family, Xuan Yu family, or the Feng family. Now Danmolou is not related to them, and the influence of the three powerful families in Nanfeng County has not affected anything in Bishui County. Shopkeeper Huan speaks very eloquently, and is so forthright and enthusiastic, and he immediately wins over them. The good impression shared by the whole group.
At that moment, Sheng Weiqiao pursed his lips and smiled and said: "Thanks to the shopkeeper for remembering my grandfather and my father. Unfilial descendants will also be honored. It's just a free payment. It's your first visit. How can you spend money on your house?"
He added, "We have never been out of Nanfeng County before, so we are ignorant and don't know the name of Danmo Tower. However, judging from the trip of the shopkeeper, it seems that your tower has not become famous in the world. It must be because your master is low-key and doesn't like publicity!"
At this time, Sheng Lu laughed and said: "Miss, the current owner of Danmolou brews the chrysanthemum wine himself. Although the name sounds ordinary, it has a unique secret. It is sweet and refreshing, and is suitable for all ages. It's just that there is not much of it, so you can take it easy." Even if you have money, you can’t buy it. Today, the young lady and her group just came, and shopkeeper Huan promised two pots, which shows the reputation of our master and old master!"
Sheng Weiqiao raised her eyebrows when she heard this, but she could see that he was trying to please. In this case, the enthusiasm and boldness of the shopkeeper Huan was probably inseparable from Sheng Lu, but this was also human nature, and she didn't intend to After thinking about it, Quan pretended to be coaxed and thanked shopkeeper Huan with a smile before entering surrounded by a group of people.
After all, this place was holding a chrysanthemum party. When I entered the door, I saw that the high and low shelves inside were filled with all kinds of chrysanthemums in full bloom. After a cursory glance, I saw that there were many chrysanthemums that were rare for ordinary people to see. Varieties: Qufen, Zhezhihuang, Sandalwood, Pink Butterfly, Ziweilang, Red Silk Jade, Silver Phoenix Feather, Red Yingpan, Dengxiahuang, Honey Lotus, Pine Cone Chrysanthemum, Green Heart Jade, Green Clothes Huangshang, Purple dragon beard, Gushe muscle, beautiful dress, embroidered hibiscus, big golden wheel, purple robe and gold belt, green lotus, smoke brocade, silver crane cloak, pink dress, purple jacket, water essence, purple gold plate, Yang Fei's evening dress, sandalwood plate, Quzi, untied sash, snow lotus platform, coral branch, purple velvet, a grain of bamboo, jade halo light, silver twisted thread, Tiansun brocade, jade chain, brocade heart embroidered mouth, white shark Thread, sea red lotus, pink crane feather, gold twisted thread, pink needle, gold ointment and water green, amber lotus, purple rosy cup, white phoenix, Liulang noodles, Qibao plate, Zhuanshi tube...
Its color is white, purple, pink, yellow and orange, and it is colorful; its shape may be like stacked balls, or like a bird's tongue, or like a honeycomb, or like a rosette, or rolled up, or flying, like a necklace, or a bead, and it is so dazzling that it is amazing to see. , can’t help but feel dizzying.
"Although we have these varieties at home, the nearly 100 varieties of chrysanthemums at home are scattered in the Chengchun Terrace, Zhu Ying Xiaozhu, the garden and the flowerbeds of each house. There are only a dozen or so potted plants in one place for viewing. , but there are not hundreds of pots placed in one room at the same time like now. Although it is beautiful when it is in full bloom, it lacks the momentum of taking the lead." Sheng Weiqiao thought to himself, "This is the hall that I just came in. This is In a place where people come and go, it is impossible to put the real masterpieces here, but many of them are already very rare treasures. My father spent a lot of effort to get them for my mother. No wonder Sheng Sheng Lu said that now everyone in Bishui County is talking about this chrysanthemum blooming party. There are really not many opportunities to gather these many rare flowers in one place."
The anticipation in her heart suddenly increased.
Sure enough, on the way to the elegant room, I saw the golden phoenix feather, the national color and the heavenly fragrance, the golden needle, the exquisite jade, the pink green, the falling red ten thousand points, the soft branch peach red, the golden silk lotus, the golden shearling, the lucky orange red, and the apricot blossom. Yi, Huang Yucong, Zizhuang, Golden Begonia, Silver Peony, Golden Hibiscus and other varieties.
Finally, when I arrived in front of the private room, I saw the newly replaced paint sign on the private room, which read the four words "Spring Happy Eyebrows". Shopkeeper Huan opened the door first, stepped back half a step, and invited Sheng Weiqiao and his party to enter. After entering, Seeing that the interior is paved with indigo-blue ground and gold-threaded custard flowers. Facing the door is a red sandalwood screen with hundreds of treasures inlaid with lions playing. Turning around the screen, I saw a spacious and bright room. The entire set of furniture is made of yellow pear wood, curly grass pattern, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory, and is all made of secret-color porcelain.
This kind of furnishings alone may not be found in ordinary wealthy families, and the front is just a private room in Danmo Building.
Except for the young Sheng Weiwu, Sheng Weiqiao and the rest of the group subconsciously exchanged glances when they saw this: The backstage of Danmolou must have a good background, otherwise even if he can afford this wealth, he may not be able to keep it. .
However, these people are not without status, and they are not afraid of being bullied by the store. So after understanding each other, we sat down peacefully.
Thinking of the season, although the daytime in Bishui County was not very cold at this time, the sitting and sleeping areas in the room were still covered with thick woven carpets to prevent the guests from feeling cold when they sat down; on the tables between the seats, There are several pots of carefully trimmed "Spring Joy eyebrow tips", which should be the origin of the name of the elegant room.
The huge flowers are blooming freely, exuding the unique bitter fragrance of chrysanthemums.
After Sheng Weiqiao sat down, he touched the pot of "Spring Joy Eyebrow Tips" at his hand with his finger. He glanced at Sheng Lu and said, "You are interested!"
This temporarily renamed private room, as well as the pots of "Spring Joyful Eyebrows" in front of it, are clearly for the sake of Sheng Suihe and Xu Baomo's fate in the next spring. It cannot be a coincidence, it must be Sheng Lu's careful arrangement.
"As long as the lady likes it!" Hearing this, Sheng Lu was about to say a few words to show his loyalty, but Sheng Weiwu looked around and was already asking: "Where is the chrysanthemum wine? When will you come over?"
Shopkeeper Huan heard this and said hurriedly: "You've been waiting for a long time, Miss!"
He turned around and scolded the waiter for being slow and neglecting the distinguished guest. Of course, Sheng Weiqiao also said that his sister was rude: "We have just sat down and we haven't had a sip of tea yet. Why are you urging us to drink! Even if the wine is here, you are so big, how can you still drink it?" Want to drink?"
After such polite greetings, the chrysanthemum wine was delivered quickly. The wine was served in a clear glass pot. The color was slightly yellow, which meant it was golden. When I poured out a cup, the aroma of the wine overflowed, revealing the fragrance of the wine. Rich chrysanthemum aroma.
Sheng Weiqiao fulfilled her promise and asked the maid to pour a cup for everyone. Sheng Lu and shopkeeper Huan, who had not yet left, both had a share, but Sheng Weiwu was not allowed to drink. Sheng Weiwu was anxious and rushed around, trying to grab Sheng Lu's, but Sheng Weiqiao called her to stop her. , ordered the maid to pour a little bit for her: "Just try it. How old are you? It's okay to think about cakes and candy, how can you think about drinking!"
Sheng Weiwu simply took a sip happily, but felt that it didn't taste good. She put the glass cup with a little remaining liquid on the table and smacked her lips: "It's spicy! It's not sweet at all!"
"This is not sour cream." Sheng Weiqiao smiled and picked up a piece of pastry from the table and handed it over, indicating that she should eat it to get rid of the wine.
Shopkeeper Huan smoothed things over and said, "Our building also specializes in making a pastry called chrysanthemum cake during this season, which is just right for Miss Eight to taste at her age."
He said and asked someone to pick it up.
Sheng Weiqiao thanked him and asked casually about the owner of Danmo Tower: "I see that the grand occasion here is not something ordinary people can experience. The owner's surname is Huan. I don't know if he has any connection with Huan Guanlan Gong, a veteran of the two dynasties in the past?" "
Although Sheng Lu didn't tell her much about the background of Dan Mo Tower on the way here, with Huan Guanlan's reputation, anyone who met a person named Huan in Bishui County would think of him - including Sheng Lu. That's why I didn't mention it.
At this time, shopkeeper Huan sighed: "My young ancestors are indeed lucky enough to be driven by Duke Huan. However, since Duke Huan's whereabouts were unknown twelve years ago, all the masters have been missing for a long time. They also separated their families in the past two years. At that time, this house Danmo Building was purchased by the current owner, and the current owner has never fired these people, so Xiao is still working in this building."
He added, "My boss is not in the building because of something going on. Otherwise, if he had known that you were coming, he would have come over to offer a toast in person. Now I am greeting you on my behalf. I hope you will not dislike me for being humble!"
"Did it turn out that this place was once the property of Duke Huan?" Ao Luanxiao asked with a somewhat moved expression, "Gong Huan was wise and sincere, and he helped support the country. Unfortunately, his traces are so insignificant that we still don't know about it!"
In fact, twelve years have passed since Huan Guanlan disappeared. A generation has almost passed. The results of the thorough investigation back then were related to the Shu sisters. Everyone thought that he had died long ago.
Otherwise, the children of the Huan family would not have split up their families a few years ago and sold their ancestral property like Danmo House.
However, firstly, the Huan family did not mourn for him; secondly, it was to show their respect for him and hope that he was still alive. When they mentioned it, they still thought that he was just missing and might not have gone to the west.
Ao Luanxiao was lucky enough to read several articles by Huan Guanlan in the past two years, and he admired this former imperial master very much. At this moment, he couldn't help but drag shopkeeper Huan into a conversation.
But before he said a few words, someone came outside to invite shopkeeper Huan, saying that another distinguished guest who needed to be received by the shopkeeper himself was coming.
Sheng Weiqiao would naturally not embarrass shopkeeper Huan and told him to just let him do what he wanted.
Shopkeeper Huan made a confession before leaving. Seeing that Ao Luanxiao was still reluctant to leave, Sheng Weiqiao joked: "When we leave later, cousin Ao will go to shopkeeper Huan to discuss buying more chrysanthemum wine and bringing it back." Give it a try to those who are not on board; secondly, my cousin can take the opportunity to ask shopkeeper Huan about some of Duke Huan’s past!"
Ao Luanxiao was a little embarrassed by what she said. He picked up the tea bowl and said, "I just happened to bump into Wenwen. How can we delay the return to the ship because of this? The people on the ship will definitely be in a hurry by then."
Because it was already noon when the boat docked in Bishui County, and it was almost past dinner time, so while we were talking, one after another wine and dishes were already coming in.
When the dishes were almost ready, Sheng Weiqiao motioned to the left and right to add a seat underneath, let Sheng Lu sit down, and asked, "Didn't you say we were holding a chrysanthemum party? Why, up to now, there is nothing much here except for some extra chrysanthemums." Any other news?"
Sheng Lu first thanked him for the seat, and then explained: "The chrysanthemum meeting in Danmolou is to decide the leader of the day at sunset every day. It lasts for nine days. On the tenth day, the leader of the nine days will be chosen again. Come on! Today is the seventh day, and it’s just past noon, so everyone hasn’t arrived yet. Miss, let’s have some wine and food first. After a while, when there are more people, we will start.”
While talking, he accidentally glanced outside and said, "Hey," "What will happen to everyone today?"
The private room they are currently in is on the third floor, the highest. The second and third floors of Danmo Building are all connected in the middle, forming a "hui" shape.
In the middle of the word "Hui" is the main hall on the first floor. A high platform was built. At this time, there happened to be two rows of girls in colorful clothes holding cymbals, drums, flutes and other musical instruments. At the end, there was a veil-covered girl. The woman's appearance was invisible, but her figure was well-proportioned and slim, and she was very beautiful. Even women like Sheng Weiqiao couldn't help but stare at her again and again.
Noticing Sheng Lu's excited expression, Sheng Weiqiao couldn't help but wonder: "Master Shi? Are you talking about the masked woman? But you don't know where she came from?"