Eat in Song Dynasty

Chapter 485: The Sickly Young Master Zhuo Rufeng

Half a quarter of an hour later, eleven dishes were served on the table, but the "Exquisite Pink Chicken" was the only one missing.

In the backyard, Manager Zhuo, who had already changed his clothes, was pacing back and forth. Sometimes he looked through the window at Qin Jingyang in the lobby, and sometimes he looked at the backyard door, as if he was waiting for someone.

In the lobby, Qin Jingyang was getting impatient waiting, "You're not going to see the young lady, why do you need to change clothes?"

Just as the resentment subsided, the back curtain door was lifted and Manager Zhuo walked in quickly.

"Forgive me, I'm late." He smiled apologetically.

Wen Shu looked at the young man who came with him.

She was in her early twenties, wearing a moon-white cross-collared robe and a jade crown, and had an elegant temperament. Although she looked a little fragile, the light in her eyes was firm.

Seeing Wen Shu looking over, he chuckled and bowed to them: "Zhuo Rufeng, nice to meet you."

As they came out, the exquisite pink chicken was finally served on the table.

"This is my third son, he is very friendly. When he heard that I made a friend, he said he wanted to come over to take a look."

Being so frugal with words doesn't seem like someone who is good at making friends.

Wen Shu smiled and looked down at the empty wine glass in his hand.

Qin Jingyang, however, did not think much about it and said happily: "I am also good at making friends. Seeing that you have reached adulthood, I think you are older than me."

"I just came of age a month ago." Zhuo Rufeng smiled faintly.

"You are three years older than me, so I'll call you Brother Zhuo." Qin Jingyang said as he invited the other person to sit down.

Upon seeing this, Manager Zhuo hurriedly poured wine for everyone.

He poured for Qin Jingyang first, then for Old Man Wen and himself, but skipped Wen Shu and Zhuo Rufeng.

"I have been weak since childhood and cannot drink alcohol. I hope you can forgive me." Zhuo Rufeng explained.

Wen Shu, however, handed the wine glass forward and said, "Thank you, Manager Zhuo."

Manager Zhuo was startled, then smiled and explained: "I thought the young lady didn't like wine, but I didn't expect it was my negligence."

"It's okay. It's not too late to drink now."

Zhuo Rufeng lowered his head, a smile flashing in his eyes.

During the meal, Manager Zhuo and Qin Jingyang chatted, and Old Man Wen occasionally said a few words. Wen Shu just ate his food obediently and studied the "Exquisite Pink Chicken".

The main ingredient of this dish is chicken. It is called pink chicken because the chicken is wrapped with a layer of rice noodles, and the belly is filled with some lotus seeds and other new summer nuts and fresh fruits. The fragrant and glutinous rice noodles, the sweetness of fruits and the aroma of the chicken are well blended together.

The overall taste is fresh, fragrant and delicate, and it really has a unique flavor.

They were so busy chatting that most of the pink chicken on the plate went into Wen Shu's stomach.

"My lady likes it. I'll ask the kitchen to make a few more."

Just as Wen Shu was about to put down the chicken leg bone in his hand, Zhuo Rufeng next to him spoke.

"No, I'm already a little full." Wen Shu waved his hand to refuse, but at the same time he felt a little flattered.

Mr. Zhuo seldom spoke since he started eating. Unless Qin Jingyang mentioned him, he would just drink his tea in silence.

"But I ate the Third Young Master's portion, so there's not enough for you?"

At this time, a loud laugh was heard, and a middle-aged man came in from the backyard, "He eats a lot, so it doesn't matter if he eats a few bites less. The young lady can eat as much as she wants."

The man who came was about the same age as Manager Zhuo, but he walked with the gait of a dragon or a tiger, and looked very imposing.

"Second Master" Manager Zhuo stood up quickly.

Zhuo Rufeng also stood up and called out, "Second Uncle."

Wen Shu and the others could only stand up out of politeness. "You are welcome, my name is Zhuo Jing, and I am the shopkeeper of Zhuo's Company."

Master Zhuo lifted his skirt and sat down at the table. "I heard from Old Zhuo that you came from the capital to Fuzhou, and the journey was very hard."

"Going back home to visit relatives is not that hard." said Father Wen.

"That's right. I'm happy to do what I love." Mr. Zhuo nodded and said, "If you need anything along the way, Zhuo's business will provide convenience, and all the inns and restaurants along the way will also waive the bills."

As he said this, he took out a wooden sign and said, "Take this as proof."

"How can this be done? No merit, no acceptance." Old Man Wen waved his hands repeatedly.

Wen Shu also agreed, "Indeed, I don't deserve it, unless we can help the Second Master."

Master Zhuo was startled and thought: This girl is so smart, she can see through his thoughts at a glance.

"The young lady is very smart. I do have a request." After hesitating for a moment, Mr. Zhuo finally expressed his thoughts.

He looked at Zhuo Rufeng and said, "My nephew has been weak since he was young and rarely travels far. Now our clan has hired a famous teacher for him in Xunyang, but we are worried about him traveling alone. We heard that you are going to Fuzhou, which is on your way. I wonder if you can take him with you and take care of him on the way."

They didn't expect him to make such a request. Wen Shu and the other two looked at each other in surprise.

How long have they known the Zhuo family? And now they are entrusting their child to the care of others?

It's too hasty.

"If Manager Zhuo is worried about the Third Young Master, he can just send more people to escort him, or let the Third Young Master travel with the caravan. In any case, it's better than following us." Wen Shu questioned.

There are only three of them. If they encounter bandits on the road, their chances of winning will definitely not be as great as those of the caravan.

Zhuo Jing paused for a moment, looking embarrassed, "To be honest, I don't know who the Zhuo family has offended recently, and several caravans have suffered casualties when they went out. Therefore, before we find out who is behind this, we dare not let Feng'er go with the caravan."

"We have only known Shopkeeper Zhuo for a short while. How dare Shopkeeper Zhuo entrust the Third Young Master to us? Aren't you afraid that you may not know a person's true heart but only his appearance?"

"Zhuo believes in my own judgment. Even if you three can't take care of Feng'er, you will never harm him."

These words touched Qin Jingyang's heart. He jumped up and patted his chest, "Master Zhuo has good vision. Since you trust me so much, then we will..."

"Cough" Wen Shu coughed and looked up at him.

Qin Yangyang was speechless for a moment, and then he kept looking around.

It seems to be saying, why don’t we just agree to it.

This child looks so pitiful.

Wen Shu didn't want to cause trouble for himself, but he also didn't want to offend Qin Jingyang, so he turned the topic to Zhuo Rufeng, "I haven't asked the Third Young Master about this matter yet, maybe he doesn't want to go with us."

When Master Zhuo was speaking just now, he didn't say a word. I guess he might not be willing to go with them.

Unexpectedly, Zhuo Rufeng actually agreed, "I am willing to go with you, my lady."

There was still a faint smile on his face, and it was hard to tell whether it was genuine or fake.

Wen Shu took a sip of wine and said, "We are all rough people and don't know how to take care of others."

"No problem. I can take care of myself."

"We are rushing back home. The journey will be very hectic and tiring."

“It’s a good opportunity to experience a different life.”

"We will set off in half an hour. I am afraid that the Third Master will not have enough time to pack his luggage."

"There's nothing to pack. Just take two sets of clothes to change into. You can buy anything you need on the way." Master Zhuo said with a smile.

Well, this is going to depend on you.