"The red taro is ripe~~"
Soon, Hu Yun's excited voice was heard in the kitchen, and he and Zao Niang came out with two trays respectively, one was steamed and the other was roasted. A unique aroma of red taro wafted over, making Ji Yuan and Xiezhi sniff, one out of nostalgia and the other out of greed.
The taste of the stewed red taro was the same as the stewed sweet potato in Ji Yuan's memory, but there were too many people eating it, so not much was available. Especially since Xiezhi had no idea of being polite, guests like Yang Zong and Lu Xiaoyou were only given a small piece to try.
However, Yang Zong and Lu Xiaoyou only stayed for a meal to be polite. After finishing the meal, they immediately said goodbye and had to return to the capital of Dazhen. In addition to discussing matters with the Dazhen officials, Yang Zong also planned to go see Yang Hao.
As soon as the two left, Xiezhi immediately patted Hu Yun who was sitting next to him.
"Go buy some more, this time buy 100 kilograms."
"Ah? But they're all sold out. I came here to plant seeds, and there's only one truckload. I can't buy any more."
Hu Yun also wanted to try it again, but it was really gone.
"Aren't you quite clever? Think of a solution."
After Xiezhi said this, Hu Yun's eyes started to roll. After looking at Ji Yuan, he had an idea in mind.
"Okay then. I'll go find the people from Wei's Company. They will definitely be able to find Hong Yu. Master, Mr. Ji, just wait."
As soon as Hu Yun left this time, Xiezhi revealed his true colors to Ji Yuan.
"Ji Yuan, you pushed this clever little guy to me, but I'm afraid I don't have much to teach him. I've seen him these past two days, and he already has his own way of cultivation. Although it's not perfect, it's pointing directly to the great way."
Zao Niang had already taken out the tea again. She skillfully poured tea for Ji Yuan first, then added tea to Xiezhi's teacup, and spoke with a smile.
"Then you can't eat Mr. Xie's red taro for free, and you can't take Mr. Xie's money for free."
"Of course I won't ask for benefits in vain."
Xiezhi grinned but didn't say much. Instead, his eyes looked towards the bottom of the jujube tree. The layer of peach ash had disappeared by now, and then he looked up at the jujube tree on the tree.
Zao Niang looked at Ji Yuan, who nodded helplessly.
"I will let Mr. Xie taste the fire dates later."
Xiezhi's eyes lit up and he spoke quickly.
"I don't want those half-cooked ones. I want the truly ripe ones. I will wait no matter how many years it takes."
Fire dates had been sent out before, but Xiezhi knew clearly that the jujube tree was not a complete spiritual root of heaven and earth, so the fire dates were naturally far from mature. Even one day's difference would make a world of difference, let alone now. He didn't want to waste such a gift.
As he spoke, Xiezhi also looked thoughtful.
"Hu Yun's stuff is a bit similar to the nine-tailed fox in Yuhu Cave Heaven? How about I help modify it to make his way different from that one?"
Ji Yuan smiled.
"As long as you pay attention to it, I don't care about the rest. As long as you don't humiliate the reputation of your master Xiezhi, it's fine."
"Hahahaha? Don't forget to bring me to the Dragon Banquet."
Ji Yuan's mouth twitched. He didn't know how many times he wanted to complain about Xiezhi's greedy character.
"Are you really a Xiezhi instead of a Taotie?"
Ji Yuan said this sarcastically and then looked at Zaoniang.
"Zao Niang."
"ah?"
"Ruoli's transformation into a dragon was successful? As her good friend, you should go and congratulate her. When Tongtianjiang invites people from all over the world, will you go with me? I will also bring Hu Yun to see the world."
"Hmm? If the master tells me to go, I'll go."
Ji Yuan nodded.
"Dazhen is not too far away. It would be good for you to go out for a walk occasionally. There are many good books to read everywhere."
"Hmm... Mr. Ke? What gift should I give to Ruoli? She gave me so many valuable things..."
"Well, actually, the things Ruoli gave you are nothing to her."
“But it is very precious and beautiful to me.”
Zao Niang touched the hairpin on the side of her head. The crystal on it was very clear. Perhaps she could only give a few fire dates. But as Mr. Xie said, the fire dates were actually not mature yet. Others treated them as treasures, but if the glass dragon was successfully transformed into a real dragon, then they would not be of much use.
Seeing that Zao Niang looked a little worried, Ji Yuan followed her gaze towards the jujube tree and thought for a moment.
"How about this, I still have some magic silk, which is the treasure of the Golden Spirit. I will use the side branches of your jujube tree as the frame and the magic silk to weave the surface, and make a small lace folding fan. I believe Ruoli will like it."
"Really? Will she like it? Sir, can we refine it? Zao Niang has also read your "Miaohua Tianshu"."
Zao Niang looked surprised, she thought she didn't have any good things, the most valuable things were the book and the jewelry given by Longnv. Longnv must have everything she needed, the book and the jewelry were also given by Longnv, how could she return them as they were
Ji Yuan had forgotten about this, but the jujube tree in the yard had been watching him practicing calligraphy, reading books, and even deriving ideas from books, and he had really seen most of it.
"Well, I will just watch and you can make it. Don't worry, as long as you give it sincerely, Ruoli will be happy with an ordinary gift, let alone this fan."
Xiezhi grinned. After hearing about the fan, even he wanted to play with it. He wondered if it would have any magical uses.
"Good fellow, I guess who wouldn't like this gift? Then what about you, Ji Yuan? Since Zao Niang is so generous, what are you going to give?"
Ji Yuan looked at Xiezhi and said very seriously.
"I gave it to her parents to clear up their misunderstandings. Is this gift enough? At most, I can give them a handwritten painting."
"hey-hey… "
Xiezhi smiled and was about to criticize Ji Yuan for being stingy, but suddenly he realized that he had seen Ji Yuan's calligraphy and paintings before, and he himself wanted some of them.
"So sir, when do we start?"
"Let's wait until Hu Yun comes back with the red taro and eat his fill before we start."
"Um!"
…
While eating red taro in the evening, Hu Yun was very excited when he heard that Zao Niang was going to make a fan for Ying Ruoli, and that he could also attend the Dragon Transformation Banquet together. He brought up the example of making a red fox mask and thought that he could help.
Hu Yun took jujube branches and weaved the fan leaves. He also bought folding fans used by young ladies and scholars to study what style Ruoli might like. After much research, he finally found that the style that Ji Yuan mentioned at the beginning was more suitable, soft but with strength, although the fan leaves might be a little monotonous.
Ji Yuan and Xiezhi were watching the whole process from the side without even giving any instructions. Xiezhi said that Ji Yuan was patient, and Ji Yuan laughed that Xiezhi was becoming more and more active.
"Mother Zao, the style is good, but the cloth on the fan is a little dull."
Under the jujube tree, Hu Yun, who had transformed into a human form, pointed at the magic silk cloth that had been woven by Zao Niang herself. Ji Yuan turned his head to take a look and saw that it was indeed blank. If Zao Niang asked him to write something or draw something, he would definitely be happy to do so.
"Don't worry, I've already thought about it."
Zao Niang smiled and reached out to take a strand of long hair from behind her back. Although it was a condensed elf body and not a real flesh and blood body, it was still a physical entity and even more so a spiritual body.
The long hair broke into pieces in Zao Niang's hands, and connected together as her fingers moved. Then Zao Niang took a needle from her bun and threaded the long hair through the needle.
“I’ll embroider it.”
Hu Yun scratched his head. He had not expected this move. He thought that leaving blank space was for Mr. Ji to write his calligraphy.
Not to mention Hu Yun, Ji Yuan also didn't expect it, but he thought it was very interesting. Looking at the way Zao Niang threaded the needle and embroidered, she didn't look like a novice at all.
As time passed, Ji Yuan finally heard what Zao Niang said.
"Sir, may I borrow your Samadhi Fire? I don't need too much, just a cluster of flames and a wisp of smoke, the strength does not matter."
"good!"
Ji Yuan nodded and opened his mouth to blew out a stream of red-gray smoke with a wisp of flame on it. It went around Zao Niang and burned in the air. Zao Niang took the finished fan ribs and began to assemble the fan cover beside the flame. Occasionally, she fanned the flame, causing it to move with the wind. She then turned the fan to the rhythm of the flame, emitting distinct colors of light.
"It seems that I, Ji, will have to prepare my own gift as well."
Ji Yuan controlled the cluster of Samadhi True Fire with his thoughts, stood up, patted his thighs, laid out the four treasures of the study, and began to write.
…
Two months later, Longzi came to Ju'an Pavilion. At first glance, the gate was locked, but Ji Yuan's voice could be heard from inside.
"Is that Ying Feng? Come in."
"Uncle Ji, Ruoli is still overseas and has not returned yet. The Dragon Transformation Banquet has already begun preparations. My father and mother are busy entertaining the dragon tribes of the four seas. My nephew is here on behalf of Ruoli to invite Uncle Ji to the banquet."
After Longzi bowed respectfully, he walked into the Ju'an Pavilion and the gate opened. However, he immediately saw Hu Yun blocking the way with his hands outstretched, as if he was hiding behind a tree.
Hu Yun's body couldn't block much, but he had three fluffy tails, each six or seven feet long, which almost completely covered his back.
Ying Feng ignored all this and just looked at Ji Yuan who was writing something.
"Uncle Ji, Ruoli will be able to transform into a dragon very quickly this time. The banquet will be held on New Year's Eve."
"Okay, is it okay for me to bring a few people with me?"
"Uncle Ji can take anyone and as many as he wants."
As Ying Feng spoke, he turned to look at the place where Hu Yun was blocking the way. He could see that Zao Niang was busy with something, and there was light shining through.
"Don't look at it! It's not convenient to look at it!"
Hu Yun shouted loudly, Ying Feng looked embarrassed and wanted to get closer to Ji Yuan, but Ji Yuan pushed him away.
"You are not allowed to look at this. Go and do your thing first."
"Well, okay, then I will go to Yuhuai Mountain to invite them to the banquet and I won't bother them anymore."
Ying Feng bowed again, then left the Ju'an Pavilion with a slightly depressed look. In the courtyard, Ji Yuan looked up as if looking in the direction where Longzi left, and shook his head slightly. It was also a situation like this, which was getting worse. However, as an elder, he should indeed give some support.