Mei Niang followed Xu Junying in silence all the way to Jinhua Hall. There was a lot of laughter and chatter in the old lady's room. I guess there were many grandchildren talking around. The old woman in the corridor opened the warm curtain and announced loudly:
"Grandpa and grandma are here!"
The room was silent for a while, and only after the two people entered did laughter begin to be heard again. The old lady was wearing a soft cotton robe with a ginger-colored longevity flower pattern on it. Her hair was neatly bunted, with gold hairpins and a cashmere forehead mask inlaid with gems. She was reclining on the couch with a smile on her face. Surrounding her were the three young ladies of the Xu family and their cousin Zhuang Yulan, who were using the old lady's legs as a test subject, competing to see who could massage them better and make the old lady more comfortable.
As soon as Xu Junying and Mei Niang came in, everyone except the old lady stood up and turned their faces towards them like sunflowers. Zhuang Yulan was radiant and her eyes passed over Mei Niang and went straight to Xu Junying behind her. Mei Niang didn't dare to look back, thinking that Xu Junying must have accepted the challenge.
Ning Rulan and the third master Xu Junya had arrived first, and the two stood together, looking at them with a big smile on their faces. The fourth master Xu Junting and his wife Gan also came to greet them, and were invited to dinner by the old lady. The couple originally sat below Xu Junya and his wife, and when they saw Xu Junying come in, Xu Junting immediately pulled Gan, stood up, and stood respectfully with his hands hanging down.
Mei Niang rubbed her hands and shouted exaggeratedly: "Grandfather! Your room is so warm and comfortable! I will stay here with you tonight, even if you chase me away! It's so cold outside, I'm almost like an ice stick!"
Old Madam Xu tapped Mei Niang with her hand, laughing so hard that the golden hairpin on her head trembled continuously: "Look at the nonsense she said! She despises me, an old woman, and refuses to live with me, but she insists on saying that I drove her away! You two come over here, the brazier has just been filled with charcoal, it's burning brightly!"
Someone had already handed Mei Niang a brass hand warmer. It was the shy and gentle Xu Xiaorong. Mei Niang smiled and said thank you, then turned around and handed the hand warmer to Xu Junying:
"Warm you up too?"
Everyone in the room laughed. Xu Junying felt a little uncomfortable. He pushed the hand warmer away and walked two steps away from her:
"You take it!"
Mei Niang snorted in her heart: I'm just pretending, do you think I'm really giving it to you
In his previous life, he was very good at pleasing his girlfriends. The three unmarried girls in the Xu family had different personalities, but they all liked Mei Niang. They all gathered around her. Xu Xiaomin took Mei Niang's arm and said to Xu Junying:
"Big brother, let my sister-in-law sit with me. I want to talk to her!"
Xu Junying smiled and said, "It's up to you. We should pay our respects to our grandmother first, right?"
Xu Xiaomin quickly let go of Mei Niang, and made way with Xiaorong and Xiaowan. Xu Junying and Mei Niang walked up to the old lady and bowed respectfully. The old lady smiled and said:
"You are the only ones missing. Who was the one who was saying he was hungry just now? Let's take our seats now. Come on, Ruixue, give me a hand!"
When Mei Niang saw Zhuang Yulan folded her hands on her stomach, she put the hand warmer on her hands without thinking. Zhuang Yulan had to take it. Mei Niang walked up and gently pushed Rui Xue away, holding the old lady's left hand, but saw that Xu Junying had already held the old lady's right hand. The two of them supported each other and sat down at the table, one on the left and one on the right. Everyone behind them came to find a seat and sat down. Zhuang Yulan held the hand warmer, bit her lip, put the hand warmer on the brocade stool, and walked to the table. The old lady was already seated, with Xu Junying on one side and Qin Meiniang on the other. Xu Junying went over and sat in the order according to the rules, with Xu Junya and Xu Junting and his wife in turn. But Mei Niang's side was a mess. Xu Xiaomin sat next to her, and then Xu Xiaorong and Xu Xiaowan. If Zhuang Yulan wanted to sit in, she would have to sit below Xiaowan. Her original seat was next to the old lady, and now it was occupied, so she had to sit at the last seat. How could she be willing to do that
Ever since the old lady fell in love with the hotpot made by Mei Niang, she even believed her words, saying that the more people eat it, the sweeter it tastes. The most fun thing is to do it yourself. We are all family members. Except for the elders who need to be respected, the peers can be treated regardless of age. The most important thing is to be relaxed and have fun.
Zhuang Yulan was standing there in a daze. Xu Junying looked up and asked with concern, "Why don't you sit down, Lan'er?"
Mei Niang felt Xu Junying glanced at her and deliberately avoided looking at him. Seeing that the old lady was concentrating on the boiling soup pot and obviously did not hear Xu Junying's question, she simply moved closer to the old lady and pretended to prepare the seasoning dish for her, while finding a very interesting and funny topic to tell her, just to divert the old lady's attention.
Xu Junying really wanted Mei Niang to give up her seat. As the eldest grandson's wife, she was supposed to serve the elders and sisters-in-law first. She could sit down only when everyone had finished eating. Mei Niang didn't see his hint and ignored him. In desperation, he stood up and wanted to ask his sisters-in-law to change seats. Zhuang Yulan was the guest and it would not be good to let her sit at the last seat. But Zhuang Yulan thought Xu Junying wanted to give up her seat and refused. She hurried to the empty seat and was about to sit down when Xu Xiaorong and Xu Xiaowan stood up and tried to make way for her. The old lady looked around the seats and instructed Xu Xiaorong to give up her seat to Zhuang Yulan.
Only then did everyone calm down and pick up their bowls and chopsticks to eat.
Mei Niang breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't help cursing inwardly: You took the wrong medicine, Xu Junying, why are you always picking on your wife? You want me to give up my position, see you! I've been tired all day, I'm so hungry, who has the mood to stand behind and serve you? Seeing you eating hot food, I'm swallowing my saliva there, I'm determined not to do it, anyway, you have to eat some hot rice and drink some hot soup first!
Cai Mama really wasn't in charge of the kitchen for nothing. She never needed to repeat what Mei Niang told her to do. She could follow Mei Niang's instructions without any deviation, including the dishes she ordered, the cooking temperature, and even the way to prepare the meat and the shape and color of the dishes. Mei Niang couldn't help laughing when she heard the old lady praising the exquisite dishes, especially the dish of fish meat, and the interesting arrangement of the fish head: "That's called creativity, isn't it?" Modern recipes are varied, and the art of plating is even more colorful. She can't cook, but she can watch and remember, and tell Cai Mama, and Cai Mama's people can naturally cook it.
Mei Niang drank a few mouthfuls of hot soup and ate some vegetables and meat. She felt much more energetic. She then stood up and began to serve the old lady and her brothers and sisters-in-law sincerely. She even took care of Zhuang Yulan, holding a spoon and chopsticks, serving dishes here and adding soup there, and she was busy and happy.
Seeing the old lady eating the piece of pig's trotter she added with gusto, Mei Niang took chopsticks and scooped up a piece of thick pig's trotter skin in the pot and put it in Xu Xiaorong's bowl. Xu Xiaorong was stunned for a moment:
"Sister-in-law, I don't like this!"
"Why don't you like to eat?"
Xu Xiaorong frowned: "Fat and greasy!"
Mei Niang said: "Take a bite and see where it is greasy? It is just a piece of pig skin, without any fat. Look at the skin of our ancestor, it is white and delicate, without any spots, and even few wrinkles. Do you know why? Our ancestor has a secret recipe for beauty care!"
Old Mrs. Xu was both angry and amused: "You naughty monkey! You are talking nonsense again. What secret recipe can I have for maintaining my beauty?"
Mei Niang asked seriously, "Does our ancestor love stewed pig's trotters the most?"
Old Mrs. Xu took the hot towel handed to her by Ruixue, wiped her mouth and nodded: "Yes, I love it since I was a child."
Mei Niang looked at Xu Xiaorong: "Do you understand? The secret recipe of our ancestors for beauty care is here! Eat more pig's trotters and pig skin, and your skin will be plump, delicate, white and bright. There are records in ancient medical books. I will show it to you someday. You are the thinnest among the sisters, so you should eat more..."
Xu Xiaomin pulled Mei Niang's sleeve and said, "Sister-in-law is partial again, why don't you ask me to eat?"
Mei Niang smiled and pulled back her sleeves: "Ah, alas! Little sister, your face is as round as the moon, your skin is pure and transparent, and you are very pretty. You can eat some, but it's best not to eat too much. It's hard to lose weight once you gain weight!"
After hearing what Mei Niang said, Xu Xiaorong kept silent and lowered her head to chew the pig skin. Xu Xiaowan watched her eat, stretched out her chopsticks, then took them back and shouted to Mei Niang, "Sister-in-law, I want some too!"
Mei Niang had no choice but to pick up a piece for her and called out to Gan Shi opposite: "You think it's too thin, eat more!"
Gan was looking at Mei Niang in fascination. Suddenly she was noticed by her and hurriedly responded, "Yes, I will eat it. Thank you, sister-in-law!"
Ning Rulan smiled and said, "Looks like I want to eat a piece too?"
Mei Niang shook her head: "You and cousin Lan can't eat it. You are taking medicine, so you should avoid eating greasy, fishy, strong alcohol, ginger, onions and other spicy foods."
Xu Junya was surprised and said, "Oh, really... I just gave her a small piece of fish!"
Mei Niang smiled: "She ate it, so what? Are you going to let her spit it out? It's okay, it's just once or twice, just be careful from tomorrow on!"
Old Mrs. Xu said, "You should always remember what you can't eat. You can't be careless about taking medicine."
He looked at Mei Niang with a look of reproach: "What secret recipe from a medical book? Eating trotters can also improve your beauty? I have never heard of it. You can just use words to appease your sisters, but don't drag me down. If I have a secret recipe for beauty and don't give it to you, will you still let me go?"
Mei Niang chuckled twice, her hands kept working, she scooped a piece of tender fish meat with a spoon and put it into the old lady's bowl, leaned over and whispered in her ear: "Old lady also likes to eat fish, fish meat is also good for the skin, this is another secret recipe!"
Old Mrs. Xu smiled so much that her eyes narrowed. She called out to her grandchildren, "Eat quickly. This fish is delicious. Eat it while it's hot!"
Seeing that Xu Junying didn't move, Mei Niang took a clean white porcelain bowl, scooped a spoonful of fish soup and two pieces of fish meat, moved them to him, and said with a smile:
"Have some fish, Lord!"
Xu Junying glanced at her and pushed the bowl back: "I don't like fish, you eat it yourself!"
Old Mrs. Xu was stunned for a moment, then she looked at Xu Junying and sighed, "Poor thing, he has been by my side since he was a child, but grandma can't even remember what he likes to eat and what he doesn't like to eat!"
Xu Junying smiled and said to the old lady, "Grandma, eat slowly. Don't worry about your grandson. Your grandson has developed a habit in the army. He eats very quickly. He eats no less than you. He has tasted everything!"
Suddenly, the old woman outside the door called out, "Sixth Master is here!"
When the curtain was lifted, Xu Junxuan came in, wearing a cloak and covered with snowflakes.
Old Mrs. Xu put down her bowl and said, "What do you mean? Old Six is here at this time. Have you eaten yet?"
Ruixue Ruihong took off Xu Junxuan's cloak. Xu Junxuan rubbed his hands. He was originally very cold, but suddenly he entered a warm room and couldn't help shivering:
"My grandson came back from outside in the afternoon. He felt sleepy while reading, so he lay down and took a nap. When he woke up, it was already dark. Someone brought him food, but it looked dry and he didn't want to eat it. But he thought that the old lady might have something delicious, so he came. I really caught up with her!"
Old Madam Xu laughed and said, "You monkey, you're just in time! We're all full - hurry up, add some bowls and chopsticks for Master Liu, so he can have a bowl of hot soup to warm himself up!"
Xu Junying stood up: "Sixth brother, sit here, I'm done eating!"
Xu Junxuan stuttered, "This, this, how can this be good? Big brother should give up his position to me..."
Old Mrs. Xu patted him lovingly: "Your elder brother asked you to sit down, so just sit down. He eats fast and is already full. Ruixue, serve the old man well and bring me that pack of good tea!"
Xu Junying walked behind Mei Niang and saw Mei Niang add a scoop of hot soup to the bowl of fish soup she had just served him and passed it to Xu Junxuan:
"Master Liu, have a bowl of fish soup to warm yourself up. You should also eat more fish. For people who read, eating fish is good for the brain!"
Xu Junxuan took the bowl of soup with both hands, his eyes shining with joy: "Thank you, sister-in-law! Um... hasn't my uncle come back yet?"
Mei Niang smiled gently and said with some worry: "There is no news. Is it snowing again?"
Xu Junxuan hurriedly comforted her: "Don't worry, sister-in-law, the people sent by big brother can protect big uncle, everything should be fine!"
"I hope so. Master Liu, eat quickly and don't be hungry!"
Mei Niang suddenly lost her enthusiasm and happiness, put down the soup spoon in her hand, stopped looking at others, sat quietly beside the old lady, lowered her head and ate in silence.
The old lady had almost finished her meal, and she took a bowl of vegetables and meat for her, saying, "We are all done eating, but you worked hard all night but didn't get to eat properly. Luckily, Old Six is here, so let him accompany you!"
Everyone finished eating and stood up to leave the table. Only Mei Niang and Xu Junxuan were still eating. Ning Rulan looked at Mei Niang worriedly, who had suddenly become silent and unhappy, and refused to leave. Xu Junya stayed with her and chatted with Xu Junxuan in a casual manner.
Mei Niang drank a bowl of soup and didn't eat much of the vegetables. Xu Junxuan ate little too. The two of them asked the maid to help them rinse their mouths and wash their hands. Then they went to the east wing of the warm room with Xu Junya and Ning Rulan to drink tea.
Zhuang Yulan was sitting beside the tea table, arranging the tea utensils with a smile on her face, preparing to serve the tea. Xu Junying naturally sat in the seat closest to her, admiring her technique in a leisurely manner. Old Mrs. Xu was sitting on the other side, watching Xu Junying and Zhuang Yulan sitting side by side. Occasionally, as if they had telepathic connection, they would look up at each other and smile, and could not help but nod slightly with satisfaction.
When Mei Niang and others came over, the old lady asked them to sit down, but she stood up and went to the clean room inside with the help of Ji Mama and Ruixue.
Xu Xiaorong was originally sitting next to Xu Junying. At this moment, she gave up her seat and pulled Mei Niang over:
"Sister-in-law and brother, please sit together!"
Mei Niang smiled at her, unceremoniously sat down next to Xu Junying, and said, "How is Cousin Lan's skill? Cousin Zheng can tell flowers, beautiful scenery, the sun, the moon, and the stars from the tea. Can you do that?"
Xu Junying looked at her in confusion. Is Zheng Meiyu’s tea art so superb
Zhuang Yulan smiled and covered her mouth. "Look at what my cousin asked! As daughters of a famous family in Jiangnan, we must learn the art of tea. Pouring and dividing tea can present the beauty of flowers and the sun and the moon. It is not difficult. What is difficult is to keep the auspicious aura for a long time. Only then can you be truly capable!"
Mei Niang exclaimed: "So, Cousin Lan is such a capable person! Let us open our eyes!"
Several young ladies also vied with each other and asked Zhuang Yulan to show off her skills.
Zhuang Yulan smiled and glanced at Xu Junying quickly, her hands busy, tending to the things on the tea table. The young ladies of the Xu family had seen her tea art before, so they were not looking forward to it. Mei Niang, on the other hand, watched very seriously, asking questions non-stop.
Zhuang Yulan finally had the chance to show off, so how could she let anyone look down on her? She patiently answered Mei Niang's questions while carefully preparing the tea. Occasionally, Mei Niang would stretch out her arm, pass over Xu Junying, and take the dish in front of her to look at it. Zhuang Yulan would sometimes notice and quickly snatch it back, telling her:
"This tea powder has been prepared. Don't move it, otherwise it will be too swollen and not good!"
Sometimes Mei Niang held it in her hand, and Zhuang Yulan searched for it everywhere but couldn't find it, and was sweating in anxiety. Meng Keli saw Mei Niang holding it, and she was angry but couldn't help being angry, and her eyes were full of resentment.
After three times of this, Xu Junying helped her protect Mei Niang from causing trouble. Zhuang Yulan was happy and looked at Xu Junying with more affection. Mei Niang smiled and said lazily:
"In fact, tea distribution is the most boring, a waste of time, and meaningless. With this time, Lord Hou can practice several sword techniques. Isn't cousin Zheng's tea art more exquisite than cousin Lan? She can divide flowers and beautiful scenery, the sun, the moon, the stars, and even birds and beasts. The day before yesterday, she distributed tea to Lord Hou and his friends, but they just drank to quench their thirst and didn't even look at it. Cousin Lan doesn't have to be busy. Tea distribution depends on both mood and time. In the dark night, the candlelight is not bright, even if something is revealed, it is still unclear. It is better to give everyone a cup of tea, and drink it to quench their thirst!"
Everyone stared at Mei Niang in a daze. Xu Xiaowan and Xu Xiaomin pursed their lips tightly, fearing that they would not be able to keep their lips closed and something would come out of their mouths.
Zhuang Yulan lowered her head and continued to make tea, but her hands were shaking. Xu Junying turned his head with a sullen face and glared at Mei Niang.
Mei Niang said innocently: "What's the matter? You... I just want to drink tea, I'm thirsty! I can't wait to share the flowers!"
Xu Junying stopped looking at her and said, "Come here, there is some boiling water in the corridor, pour a bowl for Grandma!"
At this time, Ruixue came out with Old Lady Xu, who asked, "Who wants some water? Isn't there some new hot tea?"
Mei Niang hurriedly stood up to help the old lady sit down, but accidentally stepped on the hem of her skirt and fell on Xu Junying with a cry. Zhuang Yulan raised her head in shock and stared at the couple with wide eyes. One of them wanted to help, but the other seemed to have rickets and couldn't get up. Mei Niang looked at her for a long time, and finally got distracted. Then she stood up and walked away. The old lady had already sat down. Mei Niang helped her up and said with a smile:
"It's because my granddaughter-in-law is not good enough and can't stand the thirst, so the master has to ask for water!"
Everyone sitting around had funny expressions. Xu Junying was speechless. Old Lady Xu looked at Xu Junying reproachfully and said to Mei Niang:
"You have tea but you drink water instead. We don't have this rule in the Xu Mansion! Go and sit down. Yulan will serve the tea. Drink it slowly and savor it carefully. This is the best tribute tea given to me by the Queen Mother in the palace. I have been keeping it and I am reluctant to drink it. Today, I will let you taste it!"
Mei Niang walked back to sit beside Xu Junying. Xu Xiaomin smiled at her. Mei Niang asked, "What are you laughing at, little sister? Let's see how skilled your sister Lan is and what kind of flowers she can separate. If she can separate a round moon, it will look like your face!"
Xu Xiaomin smiled and said, "That's fine. I hope the moon she sees is not round, but more like a duck egg. People say a duck egg face is good-looking!"
Mei Niang held back her laughter. The old lady said, "How can the moon look like a duck egg? Lan'er, give her a full moon..."
However, Zhuang Yulan was staring at the teacup in front of her with a frightened expression. People nearby could see clearly that there was only a shapeless white tea foam on the surface of the tea. There was no full moon or beautiful scenery.
Mei Niang lowered her eyes: "I know a little about modern tea ceremony, but I really don't understand ancient tea art. Tea can be divided into strange shapes, which is what I heard from people and read in books. She also knows that to achieve that state, several crucial factors are needed - a quiet and bright environment, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and a calm and happy mood. Without these, and with a poor psychological quality, it cannot withstand disturbances and blows. No matter how well you learn tea art, you can't distinguish tea flowers. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian. to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.) (To be continued)