The main hall of Qin Mansion.
Qin Chuan was in high spirits and talked incessantly about what happened on the battlefield.
Everyone in the Qin family had smiles on their faces and listened quietly.
Song Ruyue wiped her tears, crying and laughing, occasionally interjecting a few words and scolding with laughter.
The maids laughed too.
Qin Wen Zheng sat in a chair, sipping tea with a gentle smile on his face.
Butler Zhou was also standing at the door, smiling.
Only Miss Qin, dressed in a white dress, sat silently aside, her face still cold and expressionless, which was out of tune with the cheerful and warm atmosphere in the hall.
Like an outsider.
Song Ruyue listened for a while, and seeing that it was getting late, she quickly wiped her tears and said with a smile: "You guys chat, I'll go cook."
Qin Chuan immediately said, "Mother, what are you cooking? Let's go out and eat! Let's go to the restaurant. I'll treat you! I've made great contributions at the border this time and have received many rewards."
Then he suddenly said, "By the way, mother, father has saved a lot of money as well."
Qin Wenzheng, who was standing by, suddenly looked gloomy and glared at him. He then said, "When Qingzhou and Qiu'er come back, let's go out to eat. It's too much trouble to cook for so many people."
Song Ruyue smiled and said, "Then the master will pay, okay?"
Miss Qin Er also smiled and said, "Dad is the head of the family, so naturally Dad will pay. Second brother's money needs to be saved for marrying his sister-in-law."
Qin Wenzheng smiled and said, "Okay, just order whatever you want to eat tonight."
Then he turned his head and looked at the other girl who was sitting quietly beside him, and said softly, "Jianjia, let's go out together."
Before Miss Qin could reply, Bailing, who was standing behind her, immediately said, "Great, great! Master, let's go too! Little Bailing is going to eat lots of delicious food!"
Qin Wen Zheng smiled and nodded.
At this time, Qiu'er's voice suddenly came from outside: "Madam, I'm back, and the son-in-law will be back soon. This... this is Miss Long'er..."
Everyone looked outside the door.
Qiu'er was wearing a light yellow dress, followed by a girl in a white dress. She looked pretty and had a noble temperament. It was obvious that she was not the daughter of an ordinary family.
"Hey, this girl looks so familiar..."
Song Ruyue was full of confusion and did not recognize him for a moment.
After Long'er turned into a dragon, his temperament and demeanor changed a lot.
Miss Qin Er quickly stood up and said, "Mother, this is Miss Long'er. When we moved to Yunwu River, it was Miss Long'er who took us there. She is alone in Kyoto, and it was Weimo who asked Qiu'er to call her over to have dinner together."
Song Ruyue finally realized, "It's Miss Long'er. Mother remembers her, but she seems to be different from before. She seems to be more beautiful now."
At this time, Qiu'er had already walked in from the door with Long'er.
Long Er quickly bowed his head and said politely, "Long Er greets Master Qin, Madam Qin, Second Young Master Qin, First Miss Qin, Second Miss Qin, and all the sisters."
Then he looked up at Song Ruyue and said in surprise: "Mrs. Qin seems to have become younger and more beautiful. Long Er didn't recognize her at first sight and thought she was Miss Qin or Miss Qin II."
When Song Ruyue heard this, she burst into laughter and quickly went over to hold her hand and said, "Long'er, you have such a sweet mouth. Hahaha, let's go, let's go eat together."
Then he said, "Ah, why hasn't Qingzhou come back yet? Wait a little longer, wait a little longer."
As soon as the words fell, the voice of Butler Zhou came from outside: "The son-in-law is back!"
Luo Qingzhou, wearing a loose Confucian robe and holding a book in his hand, walked in from the gate in an elegant manner.
Just now when Long Er sent him a message, he had just finished training and was taking a bath in the training room. Her Majesty the Queen was also personally scrubbing him, but while she was scrubbing, she started to touch him randomly.
Fortunately, Long Er received the news in time and he evacuated immediately.
"Hey, Miss Long Er is here too."
Entering the hall, he said deliberately.
Long Er smiled and said deliberately: "It was the Second Miss who asked Long Er to come here."
Miss Qin Er smiled and said, "Long'er, just call me Wei Mo."
Long Er quickly called out, "Sister Wei Mo."
Then he looked at Miss Qin and said with a sweet smile, "Sister Jianjia."
Bai Ling, who was standing by, hummed something.
Luo Qingzhou walked up to Qin Wenzheng and bowed: "Qingzhou pays respects to my father-in-law."
Then he called to Qin Chuan beside him, "Second brother."
Qin Wen Zheng nodded without saying anything, and looked at the book in his hand.
Qin Chuan came over and patted him on the shoulder, saying with a smile: "Qingzhou, you've worked hard. Dad and I have been out for such a long time, and the family depends on you. Second brother must toast you a few more glasses tonight. We brothers will not return until we are drunk!"
Luo Qingzhou said: "It should be."
Song Ruyue immediately smiled and said, "Okay, everyone is here, let's go. If you go too late, there might be no seats left. There are so many people in Kyoto now, and all the scholars are here. Qingzhou should know about this."
Luo Qingzhou said: "Indeed, scholars from all over the country have come."
Song Ruyue snorted immediately: "Not everyone is eligible to take part in the Spring Examination. I don't know why they are here to join in the fun."
The family chatted as they walked toward the gate.
Miss Qin Er explained: "Make friends in advance. If you are lucky, you may be able to make friends with this year's new Jinshi or even the new champion."
Song Ruyue looked at someone and said, "Qingzhou, are you confident about passing the imperial examination this year?"
Luo Qingzhou said: "It should be no problem to pass the exam."
Song Ruyue immediately said, "You can't just pass the exam, you must get into the top three, and it would be best if you can get the top score."
Qin Chuan said at the side: "Mother, it's good enough to pass the exam to become an ordinary Jinshi. There are so many talented people, how can it be so easy to pass the exam to the top three, and it's even harder to be the top scholar."
Song Ruyue rolled her eyes and said, "Even His Majesty said it himself, Qing Zhou is more than capable of getting into the top three."
Qin Chuan asked in confusion: "When did your Majesty say that?"
Song Ruyue immediately said proudly: "When you and your father went to join the army, His Majesty often came to our house with Meijiao as a guest."
Qin Chuan was immediately surprised and asked, "Your Majesty is so busy with court affairs, why do you come to my house so often?"
Song Ruyue said even more proudly: "Of course the food your mother cooks is delicious."
Qin Chuan's mouth twitched, and he said, "Mother, His Majesty is here to discuss state affairs with Qing Zhou, right?"
Song Ruyue snorted and said, "Of course not. Qingzhou went out to study during that time and was not at home. His Majesty still came here often. His Majesty has a good relationship with Weimo. Every time he comes, he will go to Meixiang Garden to chat and play chess with Weimo."
Qin Chuan was puzzled: "Your Majesty, do you have so much free time?"
Qin Wen Zheng, who was standing aside, glanced at someone silently.
At this time, Song Ruyue suddenly said: "By the way, His Majesty is pregnant."
After these words were spoken, Qin Wen Zheng's expression changed and he looked at someone again.
The family locked the door and got on the carriage.
Steward Zhou drove the carriage slowly, and the maids followed behind, talking and laughing, looking very happy.
at this time.
The sun was setting and the sky was getting dark.
Soon, the carriage stopped in front of Zuixianlou.
Qin Wen Zheng got off the carriage first, entered the restaurant, and asked if there were any seats available.
The shop owner said enthusiastically, "There are no private rooms, but there are seats in the second floor lobby. The price is slightly higher than the first floor, and it is enough for more than ten or twenty people. If the guests come a little later, there may not be seats in the lobby. There are too many people coming to Kyoto recently. We have artists performing in the past few nights, and the restaurant is packed every night."
Qin Wen Zheng frowned slightly when he heard this and said, "What kind of show are we going to perform? We are a family with children and family backgrounds."
If it is some explicit program, it is definitely not acceptable.
The shop owner smiled and said, "Don't worry, customers. They are just some people playing the piano, composing poems, or telling stories. This is a proper restaurant and we will never have any other inappropriate programs."
Qin Wen Zheng felt relieved when he heard this. After a moment's hesitation, he took out some money and booked two tables on the second floor.
There are only fourteen people in the Qin family, including masters and servants, so two tables are enough.
"Come in."
He walked to the door and shouted outside.
Song Ruyue immediately walked in with a group of people.
The waiter immediately and enthusiastically took them upstairs.
There were only two tables of guests on the second floor at this time, but a stage had been set up at the innermost area and the show was being prepared.
The Qin family members sat down at two tables.
The waiter brought the menu, Qin Wenzheng ordered a few dishes, and handed the menu to Luo Qingzhou, saying, "Qingzhou, just order whatever you want."
Luo Qingzhou took the menu, glanced at it, looked at Song Ruyue and said, "Mother-in-law, what would you like to eat?"
Song Ruyue smiled and said, "Just order whatever you want. I don't mind."
Luo Qingzhou asked Brother Qin again: "Brother, what about you?"
Qin Chuan said directly: "As long as it's meat, it's fine. I've been eating steamed buns all the way. I'm so greedy. I must eat more tonight."
Luo Qingzhou pointed to a few dishes, all of which were meat, to the waiter behind him.
The waiter quickly wrote it down.
Luo Qingzhou looked at Miss Qin Er beside him again. When he was about to speak, Miss Qin Er stepped lightly on him under the table.
Luo Qingzhou reacted immediately, looked at Miss Qin opposite him, paused, and said: "Miss, what do you want to eat?"
Miss Qin, wearing a veil, sat in the shadow of a pillar and said in a cold tone, "Whatever."
Luo Qingzhou glanced at the menu and said, "Then how about ordering a plate of fried ants for the young lady?"
Miss Qin's eyebrows moved slightly.
The waiter was stunned when he heard this, and quickly said with a smile: "Sir, we don't have fried ants."
Luo Qingzhou looked at him and said seriously: "Why don't you ask the kitchen to get a plate? It doesn't matter how much money it costs. My eldest daughter wants to eat, go quickly."
The waiter's mouth twitched, not knowing whether the young man dressed as a scholar was joking or serious.
Everyone in the Qin family laughed.
Qin Chuan smiled and said, "Qingzhou, you are amazing. Now you even dare to make fun of Jianjia?"
Song Ruyue hummed softly.
Luo Qingzhou said seriously, "Second brother, I'm not kidding the young lady. I did read a dish in a book before, which is stir-fried ants. It is said that it is stir-fried without adding oil, and then sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. It is very fragrant. The young lady just said that any dish will do, so I thought of this dish."
Qin Chuan was stunned when he heard this, and said in surprise: "There really is such a dish."
Luo Qingzhou said: "Of course, I dare not joke with the young lady."
As he said this, he glanced at Miss Qin.
Miss Qin II covered her mouth and tried to hold back her laughter.
Long Er immediately said with a smile: "Sir, Long Er wants to eat too."
The waiter was suddenly embarrassed.
At this time, Miss Qin suddenly said calmly: "I want to eat something else."
Luo Qingzhou immediately asked: "What would you like to eat, Miss?"
Miss Qin looked at him coldly and said, "Meat."
Luo Qingzhou asked: "What kind of meat? Beef, or mutton? Or chicken, duck, or fish?"
Miss Qin said expressionlessly: "Little donkey meat."
Luo Qingzhou: “…”
“Puff—”
Bailing, who was standing by, suddenly chuckled, then covered her stomach and almost fell off her chair from laughing.
The others were confused.
"Donkey meat?"
Song Ruyue's face was full of confusion.
Qin Chuan was even more surprised: "Jianjia, I heard that donkey meat... causes internal heat."
The waiter smiled and said, "Sir, we have donkey meat in our restaurant. It was freshly slaughtered today, and it is indeed young donkey meat, very tender. Donkey meat can be enjoyed by men, women, young and old. Men will be strong after eating it, women can beautify themselves after eating it, children can grow stronger after eating it, and the elderly can replenish their bodies after eating it. And my chef cooks it very deliciously, you can try it."
"Chuckle, chuckle, chuckle..."
At this moment, Xiao Bailing laughed so hard that he fell off his chair.
The others were still confused and had no idea what this girl was laughing at.
Luo Qingzhou stopped joking, took the menu, pointed at the dishes on it and said: "This, this, this..."
We ordered more than twenty dishes in total.
The waiter quickly wrote down the items one by one, and finally asked, "Sir, do you want more donkey meat?"
“Hahahahahaha…”
Bailing had just climbed up onto the chair from the ground, but fell down again because of laughing.
"don't want!"
Luo Qingzhou waved his hand and handed the menu back.
"Okay! Please wait a moment! Have some tea first!"
The waiter didn't dare say anything more and immediately left with the menu.
Luo Qingzhou glanced at Miss Qin who was looking at him, so he could only cough and scold Bailing, "Bai Ling, girls should be reserved. You are acting crazy in public, get up quickly."
Bailing climbed onto the chair with a smile and said, "Son-in-law, Bailing also wants to eat... donkey meat, cluck, cluck, cluck..."
Luo Qingzhou ignored her.
By this time, it was already dark outside.
Many guests came up one after another, and the halls on the first and second floors were soon filled with people.
Soon, a graceful woman holding a pipa walked up to the stage on the second floor.
The clear and melodious sound of the pipa soon rang out, and the audience around cheered.
When the Pipa girl reached the climax of the piece, perhaps because she was moved by her own performance or because she thought of something sad, she burst into tears.
Some spectators felt pity for her because of her pitiful appearance, and they threw silver coins onto the stage.
Of course, it's the men who are throwing the money.
Luo Qingzhou just glanced at it for a few seconds, and Miss Qin Er beside him whispered, "Brother Qingzhou, do you want to give me a reward? Weimo has some change here."
Luo Qingzhou whispered: "No, they may not be really pitiful."
Soon, the Pipa girl finished her performance, wiped her tears and whispered thanks to the audience, then picked up the silver and walked off the stage.
At this time, a middle-aged man in coarse linen clothes walked onto the stage with a teenage girl.
The girl held a small gong in her hand.
The middle-aged man was tall and had a stubble on his face. He bowed to the stage and said, "Everyone calls me Lao Zhuang, and this is my daughter Xiao Qi. My father and I have traveled all over the country and are storytellers. Today we are going to talk about our Great Yan's God of War, the North King! Everyone should have heard the story of the North King, but my father and I know more details than other storytellers. In addition to the story of the North King repelling the enemy three times, today we are also going to talk about the story of the North King and Her Majesty the Queen, as well as the story of other beauties."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was excited applause and cheering from the audience.
Even the guests on the first floor immediately squeezed upstairs after hearing this.
These days, everyone loves to listen to stories about the King in the North, but in the end, they are all talking about the story of the King in the North repelling the enemies three times.
As for how the King of the North and Her Majesty the Queen met and how they got together, no one dared to tell the story, let alone the story of the King of the North and other women.
So when the middle-aged man said this, all the guests in the restaurant became excited.
Even the restaurant owner and the waiter immediately pricked up their ears.
The Pipa girl, who had just finished performing on the stage and was about to leave, also stopped immediately.
Who doesn’t like to listen to stories about heroes and beauties
What's more, this hero is the God of War of their Dayan. It is said that he is also a beautiful young man and the husband of Her Majesty the Queen.
This story must be exciting!
"when!"
The young girl on the stage suddenly struck the gong in her hand and said crisply, "Everyone, be quiet. My father is about to start speaking."
Luo Qingzhou also looked at the father and daughter.
Everyone in the Qin family seemed very interested in the personal affairs of the King of the Northern Territory.
Song Ruyue frowned and said, "How could they possibly know the private affairs of the King of the North? They must have fabricated and lied. Humph, if they dare to speak ill of the King of the North, if they dare to slander him, I will complain to His Majesty and have them beheaded!"
Qin Wenzheng glanced at her and said, "Most storytellers in the martial arts world only hear stories from others and make them up at random. They deliberately make the stories more interesting just to amuse people. Why take them seriously?"
Song Ruyue immediately said: "Master, I don't care if they talk about others behind their backs. The King of the North is our..."
She lowered her voice and said, "The King of the Northern Territory is our benefactor and a good friend of Qingzhou."
Qin Wen Zheng looked at someone opposite him.
Luo Qingzhou's attention was still on the father and daughter on the stage.
Although the father and daughter were dressed differently from before, he still recognized them at a glance. They were the father and daughter who had opened a teahouse at the entrance to the Yunwu Mountains.
When did you become a storyteller
Moreover, you even want to talk about his private affairs
He wanted to listen carefully to what the other party had to say.