Fu Shifeng

Chapter 53
It was almost dusk, and there was still a lot of traffic in Pingkang Square, but there was no slight decrease in pedestrians.Although there is a curfew in Chang'an City, pedestrians are not allowed to walk outside the square at night, but there are not too many restrictions inside the square.

Especially in Pingkangfang, where there are many high-ranking officials and dignitaries, the Jinwu guards who are in charge of patrolling the city and guarding the night dare not offend and intrude, so there are often singing and dancing sounds here all night long, and the prosperity is far better than other places.

The east side of the north gate of Pingkang Square is the place where prostitutes live together. From the wall of the square to the south, there are three rows of houses and courtyards, named "Three Qu". Zhu Diancui is the most eye-catching.

I saw a canal leading from the outside of the square to Nanqu, which was dug into a winding waterway by skilled craftsmen, which can be used by boats and boats.In some courtyards, half of the courtyard walls were even demolished to open up a stage. A group of dancers raised their sleeves and danced to the sound of drums, with fluttering ribbons and glowing snow skin.

Cheng Sanwu rode a horse and followed Afu closely. Looking around, there were many young people from Gaoliang, nobles from the capital, luxurious horses and rich clothes on the road.There are also beautiful prostitutes who go out and board the car, and spend the night elsewhere with their benefactors.

The three of them came to the gate of Tianxiang Pavilion and dismounted from their horses. In the deep and spacious mansion in front of them, there was a three-story Daiwazhu Tower, with colorful veils hanging from a high place, fluttering with the wind, bursts of refreshing fragrance came, and as they passed by, People all stopped and stretched their necks, wanting to have a glimpse of the scenery in the building.

Qin Wangshu took the initiative to hand over the name card, and the gatekeeper went in to report after looking at it. Seeing this, Cheng Sanwu approached and asked, "Are the rules here so strict? It's like a government office."

Afu replied in a low voice: "Otherwise? Do you think that anyone who wants to enter this kind of place can enter it? There are several large mansions in Nanqu, which are not only for dignitaries and dignitaries to enjoy themselves, but also for discussing important matters in private. Today I have taken over Tianxiang Pavilion, so you can rest assured."

Cheng Sanwu nodded half-understood, and then a servant came out from the yard to lead away the horses, and another maidservant in a pale scarlet dress welcomed the three of them into the Tianxiang Pavilion.

Tianxiang Pavilion is located near the water, with nine curved streams, rockery screens and dense trees in the courtyard, creating a beautiful scenery of Wushan Yueshui in Chang'an, Guanzhong.And just a few steps inside, the noise of Pingkang Square is hard to hear, this is not the result of magic, it can only be the ingenious arrangement of the builders of the house.

Walking in the quiet courtyard, even Cheng Sanwu didn't dare to yell indiscriminately. In the distance, there was the faint and elegant sound of the zither like flowing water.

"What a song 'Welcome the Immortals', Miss Jiangzhen has given us face." Afu clapped her hands in praise as she recognized the tune.

Bypassing a lake and stone rockery, the three-story Zhulou is in front of you.One of the floors has no walls, and the pillars on all sides are empty, like a gazebo, with screens and gauze curtains. You can vaguely see a pretty figure sitting beside the desk, playing the piano and playing music.

The maidservants on the left and right stood there, and when the sound of the piano stopped, they took the initiative to move forward to open the heavy smoky purple gauze curtain, and the girl playing the piano got up to greet her. She was wearing a pomegranate red breast-length dress with a silk sash around her waist, and a goose-yellow tulle on her outside. Sleeve shirt, taupe-colored drape hanging in the crook of the arm.

This woman has bright almond eyes, a beautiful nose and cherry lips, and she wears a thin layer of makeup. She doesn't imitate the heavy makeup of today's ladies, and she doesn't have the slightest bit of vulgarity.She has an exquisite figure, graceful in lotus steps, half draped like a waterfall of blue silk, and the beaded steps on her head sway gently, not much.Based on just a few short steps, Cheng Sanwu judged that this woman possessed a good and light kung fu.

"Sister Fu is joking, how can my piano skills be on par with yours?" Miss Jiangzhen spoke softly, bright and charming, with a bit of girlish playfulness, and then looked at Cheng Sanwu: "I wonder if this distinguished guest is... "

"His name is Cheng Sanwu." Afu rushed to introduce: "This is the guest of honor of Tianxiang Pavilion tonight."

Girl Jiang Zhen folded her hands on her chest, raised her palms flat, slightly bowed her head and knees, and said respectfully: "Little girl Jiang Zhen, I wish Cheng Lang good luck."

"Oh, good luck to you too." Cheng Sanwu giggled.

Jiang Zhen looked at Cheng Sanwu with doubts in his eyes, but his smile was polite and not offensive.

Seeing him like this, Afu couldn't help laughing and said: "Jiang Zhen, tonight, this guy will be trained by you, let him open his eyes."

"Where is Sister Fu, Cheng Lang is a good-looking talent, and I think he is a famous hero and hero. It is a blessing for a little girl to meet Cheng Lang." Jiang Zhen has always had a good eye for people, this is Pingkangfang The necessary skills of prostitutes in Nanqu, even strangers who meet for the first time, can judge their specific occupations from their clothes, words and deeds.

Even if the guest deliberately concealed his original identity, his temperament and demeanor could not be changed.Jiang Zhen has seen countless people, even if it is a certain prince who came in a micro-service, she can accurately identify the identity of the person from the details of his gestures.

In Jiang Zhen's eyes, Cheng Sanwu is a man from the Jianghu, and looking at the slightly worn-out sleeves and the untrimmed beard and hair, it is obvious that he is not from a famous school.Coupled with the vulgar and rude words, even if it was just one sentence, Jiang Zhen could conclude that Cheng Sanwu came from a humble background, almost comparable to bandits in the green forest.

Sensing Cheng Sanwu's aggressive eyes wandering around her body, Jiang Zhen's face remained unchanged, and she smiled softly, no matter who looked at her, she would deeply feel that this Shu is very well educated.

However, Jiang Zhen is used to men's ugly postures, even if they are well-mannered at first, it will not take long for her to show covetousness.It's just that few of them would glance at themselves with naked eyes as soon as Cheng Sanwu came up, as if they regarded this place as one of those humble brothels along the wall in the north, as long as they took out the money, they could immediately take off their pants and do things.

Jiang Zhen invited the three of them to go upstairs, and Cheng Sanwu stared at Jiang Zhen's straight back, the looming convex curve between his steps, he leaned slightly, and asked Afu beside him: "She calls you sister, is it possible that you often visit her?" here?"

"I'm a frequent visitor to Tianxiang Pavilion." Afu smiled half-smile, her plump lips hooked like water chestnuts.

"Wait, isn't that right?" Cheng Sanwu scratched his head, really didn't know how to describe it: "But you are a woman, you come here, nothing like that guy."

As soon as these words came out, not only Afu, but also Jiang Zhen and Qin Wangshu paused, and the scene fell into an embarrassing silence.

"Oh, I see." Cheng Sanwu showed an expression of sudden realization, then looked at Afu meaningfully and said, "So you like this tune, I really didn't realize it."

Jiang Zhen, who was walking in front, quickly recovered as if nothing had happened, and continued to walk up the stairs. Qin Wangshu, who was following behind, was ashamed and furious, wishing to draw his knife and stab Cheng Sanwu in the back.

Afu didn't see any anger, she lifted the bag around her waist, then slapped Cheng Sanwu's ass, and asked with a smile: "I brought Mr. Jiao, do you want to come with me?"

Cheng Sanwu got goosebumps all over his body, shook his head like a rattle, and waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no, no, no!"

Everyone chatted and laughed and came to the second floor, and opened the crystal bead curtain. The furnishings here are exquisite but not too cumbersome.The three sandalwood couches have no carvings, and are covered with brocade mattresses and embroidered pillows.After sitting on the couch, there is also a gauze curtain, and there are bursts of silk and bamboo music, presumably it is a musician in the pavilion.On the couch, there are secret-colored porcelain vessels from Yuezhou in the south of the Yangtze River. The blue green is comparable to willow green, and it is crystal clear and moist like lake water, bringing a touch of the misty rain in the south of the Yangtze River here.

Unlike the first floor, which has no walls and no doors, the doors on the second floor are folded in layers. After opening the carved and vermilion lacquer doors, you can see the scene outside Tianxiang Pavilion.Now the sky is dark, and the lights in Pingkang Square are brightly lit, allowing people to glimpse the most prosperous square inch of Chang'an.

Cheng Sanwu has never set foot in the south of the Yangtze River, but he can also feel that the owner here wants to create an artistic conception atmosphere that is very different from Chang'an.

The maidservants moved away a staggered Jinbo mountain stove in the center of the hall, and the quiet orchid fragrance wafted around. The fragrance on the sleeves of the clothes remained here for a long time, and it was like a celestial being, living up to the name of "Heavenly Fragrance".

Everyone sat down one after another, and Jiang Zhen and Cheng Sanwu were alone on the couch. After Afu sat down, she patted the brocade mattress on the couch, and said to Qin Wangshu who was standing beside her, "Today is here to relax, let's all sit down and sit down." .”

Qin Wangshu couldn't suppress the joy on his face, he immediately took off his saber, sat on the same bed with Afu, and showed a smug look towards Cheng Sanwu who was opposite him.Cheng Sanwu didn't know why, but obediently took off the saber.

I saw Jiang Zhen lightly clapping her hands, and immediately the maidservants came in a file, holding wine and food in their hands, and serving them to everyone.

The portions of these drinks and food are not very large, first is a plate of tender white bamboo shoots, Cheng Sanwu looked confused, Jiang Zhen smiled and said: "This dish is called 'Autumn Wind Si Wuzhong', you might as well have an appetizer first."

Cheng Sanwu picked up the ivory chopsticks and ate it with a "bamboo stick" between them. At first, he felt the taste was crisp, and then he found that there was fresh and tender meat filling inside. When paired with the slightly bland "bamboo stick", it was immediately sweet and delicious. It seems that the soup has melted.

Even though this dish was enough for three or five mouthfuls, he was still aroused by his appetite, and he ate his chopsticks again and again, sweeping away everything in the blink of an eye.

"This is to hollow out the inside of the wild rice, and fill it with perch meat?" Afu asked after tasting a few mouthfuls.

"As expected of Sister Fu." Jiang Zhen nodded slightly: "Wild perch in Wuzhong has always been known as 'golden soup and jade'. These two are seasonal scenery of the Double Ninth Festival. It happened to be delivered by a horse yesterday. I Just by the way, I made this "Autumn Wind Thinking of Wuzhong"."

"The perch dies when it comes out of the water, so it's not easy to transport it to Chang'an." Afu said, looking at it with a wild rice in his hands.

Jiang Zhen smiled and bowed: "This is a fly in the ointment. I see that the perch is not fresh enough, so instead of making wild perch and perch according to the ancient recipe, the perch is deboned, divided into meat, chopped into oil, and stuffed with wild perch. Finally, boil it with pheasant soup to preserve some flavor."

"After all, Wu Yue is different from Chang'an scenery, and it is not easy to achieve this level." Afu looked at Jiang Zhen, raised her eyebrows and smiled: "You have a heart, thank you."

"Sister Fu is a master of Wuyue style, Jiang is really honored to receive this thank you."

Cheng Sanwu didn't react until he heard this. If he guessed correctly, Afu should have stayed in Wuyue, Jiangnan for a period of time.Afu said that she invited herself to Tianxiang Pavilion, but here, from the arrangement of utensils to the food and beverage expenses, it is basically done in accordance with the Jiangnan Wuyue style. Jiang Zhen is clearly trying to please Afu.

And Qin Wangshu, who shared the bed with Afu, moved her fingers slightly, trying to memorize the recipe of this dish silently, but after she heard it, she felt that she couldn't do it at all.

Jiang Zhen gestured to the maidservants, and the second dish was served. It was a plate of roast goose with red sauce and glossy sauce. It was placed on perilla leaves and folded into a pagoda shape.

At the same time, the maid held the pot and poured wine. In the colorless glass cup was blood red wine, and a small piece of ice was also put in it.

Cheng Sanwu was excited when he saw the meat, and immediately set down his chopsticks before Jiang Zhen could speak.I felt a sweet and sour flavor exploded in my mouth along with the fat, and the roast goose melted in my mouth, and Cheng Sanwu swallowed it before he tasted it.After a while, a heat rose from his chest and abdomen, and his throat felt slightly dry.

After Afu and Qin Wangshu tasted it, they both showed expressions of approval.Jiang Zhen said: "This dish is called 'Jiu Yu Mi Bing Xiao', which cooks fat goose by pounding and roasting, grinds melon, green onion, ginger, orange peel, and Sichuan pepper into fine crumbs, and mixes it with good vinegar and egg white. , smear the body of the goose, and then grill it over high heat until the fat oozes out. This dish is spicy and hot, and it goes well with a cup of 'Kunlun Cup'."

Jiang Zhen hadn't finished speaking yet, Cheng Sanwu had already finished his plate of roast goose, and even drank three or four glasses of the iced wine, and the maid had to pour the wine again and again.

"That's right, the past should fade away. It's useless to think too much." Afu swung the glass, thoughtfully, then raised her head and drank the bloody wine, and Xue Die blushed.

"By the way, what's so special about this 'Kunlun cup'?" Cheng Sanwu finally understood that this place is not just for filling the stomach, but also for literati to enjoy.

Jiang Zhen smiled and replied: "It is said that hundreds of years ago, there was a Taoist in the Northern Dynasties who used gourds as boats to travel up the Yellow River to the source of the Kunlun River. Later, the Taoist disappeared without a trace, and only gourds returned along the current. The water at the source of the river, after standing overnight, the clear water will turn red, and it will be used for brewing wine.

"This..." Cheng Sanwu looked at the others, a little dazed: "Is this a myth or legend? Can the wine from hundreds of years ago still be drunk?"

Jiang Zhen covered her mouth and smiled, Afu frowned and said, "Who would be serious here? What a disappointment!"

Cheng Sanwu couldn't refute, Jiang Zhen ordered the third dish to be served, which was shredded pork porridge served in a white porcelain cup.

"This is 'forget each other into the rivers and lakes'. Fresh crucian carp is cut into thin shreds, seasoned with green onion, ginger, and celery, and finally boiled with japonica rice to make porridge. It is the easiest to make among these three dishes." Jiang Zhenyan said .

"It's so 'forget each other into the rivers and lakes'." Afu gently fiddled with the porridge with a jade spoon. It was delicious, and the fish was so thin that it almost blended with the porridge, making it difficult to distinguish each other, just like fish entering the rivers and lakes.

The first dish, "Thinking of Wuzhong in the Autumn Wind", implies that Afu has lived in Wuyue for a long time, and elicits her old thoughts.The second dish, "Old Feather Seeking Ice Disappearance", made Afumo think about the past and let it pass away like a river, but Kunlun had a drink.The "Forgetting each other into the rivers and lakes" in the last post is Jiang Zhen wishing Afu to be free from restraint and be free from now on.

Cheng finished the porridge in the porcelain cup in a few sips, and licked his mouth, feeling that his stomach was still empty.

"How?" Afu propped her chin with one hand, and asked: "Miss Jiangzhen is so beautiful and hearty, and this delicious food is extremely rare in Chang'an. Is it that I treat you badly?"

(End of this chapter)