Chapter 3, the clouds resemble garments and the flowers resemble beauty
Moreover, this matter has come so suddenly; it has only been a few days, just a few days.
No wonder, I was wondering why I didn't know. Zhao Ziran suddenly realized, and then he carefully sniffed the wine in the cup before slowly taking a sip.
You have left, who will follow up on the newly brewed wine
Lu Rongfei thought to himself
In order to investigate Wei Guang, Zhao Ziran assumed the alias "Zhao Buyan" and hurried to Nongquan County. On the way, he heard that there were robbers near Baitong Town, so he took a detour, only to inadvertently rescue the daughter of the largest winery in Nongquan County—Ti Hu Winery.
His jest made Yan'er blush and laugh, while Lu Fengyao shook her head and sighed, joining in the laughter
Lu Rongfei's gaze swept over the wine jar placed aside, and he understood, nodding slightly: "Hmm! This name is good!"
I have been troubling everyone at the Lu residence these days. Miss Lu is about to embark on a long journey, and I have nothing of value to present to you. Here is a small pot of wine, which has been improved upon from the previous pot that Young Master Lu had. It can be considered a modest finished product. If Miss Lu does not mind, please take a pot with you on your journey, and you can enjoy it during your leisure time to alleviate boredom.
Ah! Young lady, I mean no other harm!" Zhao Ziran once again blocked Yun Xiangxiang.
Upon being asked, a glimmer of curiosity sparkled in Yun Xiangxiang's eyes. Lu Rongfei, unwilling to see her with a frown, vividly recounted a tale in which he "bribed a Taoist priest with fine wine, falsely claiming that Xie Yan was inauspicious and needed to renounce the world for purification and blessings"
"Sister Yao, please be careful on the road." Just before setting off, Sun Yuru pulled Lu Fengyao's hand, her eyes red, and said, "This is the talisman for your safety that I requested for you; you must keep it with you."
What are you saying, what are you saying! Lord Lu picked up a book again, but was dodged by Lu Rongfei. Although General Tian has retired from military service, his status and influence in the court still remain. Moreover, this year marks his sixtieth birthday. If any real problems arise, our Lu family cannot bear the consequences
Lu Rongfei could not help but nod along, and then suddenly as if coming to his senses, he slapped Fula's head and said, "What nonsense are you talking! Am I the kind of person who takes advantage of others when the opportunity arises?"
"We will talk about the matter of alcohol later, but why are you not eating?"
After a while, Yun Xiangxiang's smile gradually faded. Lu Rongfei sighed and said seriously: "Xiangxiang, which good girl hasn't encountered a heartless man? Which good man hasn't met a fickle girl? One cannot give up on the bright path ahead just because of a single failure! Right? Xiangxiang."
Haha, indeed, these geniuses are somewhat peculiar individuals Zhao Ziran is a clever person, and he sees the subtle secrets in their eyes and words very clearly
The "Farewell to the Old and Welcome the New" that Fei Er and Xiang Xiang have jointly developed
But what does this have to do with the wine I just brewed? Lu Rongfei still did not understand
Considering the young girl's dignity, Lu Rongfei did not refute on the spot; he merely shifted his gaze and saw Yun Xiangxiang, who was standing not far away, holding two small jars of wine and looking dazed.
"There are dozens of varieties of wine here, have you tried them all?" Yun Xiangxiang found it hard to believe
No need, people like that, after seeing too many, will develop needle eyes. Alright, you may go in now
Since the appearance of Yunxiang, Brother Rongfei has been staring at her, and Sun Yuruo is not unaware of it
I named the wine 'Welcoming the New Year', as I want those who drink it to feel rejuvenated. Yun Xiangxiang raised her head
"No need to leave?" Zhao Ziran was slightly taken aback
Even if I drink ten or eight jars, it will not affect my work!" After saying this, Lu Fengyao, feeling indignant, carried the wine onto the carriage. The coachman cracked the whip, and the procession left the Lu residence
Upon entering the wine house, the fragrant aroma of wine greeted Zhao Ziran, bringing him great joy. Although the name "Buyan" is a false one, his fondness for wine is genuine
Lu Rongfei shot a glare at Fulai, walked over, and grabbed Yun Xiangxiang's hand, dragging her to sit down at the table
The swallow speaks with confidence: "Sister Xiang, this is usually how she scolds those young masters who tease you."
The crowd took shelter from the rain in the dilapidated temple. Before long, as Lu Fengyao had predicted, the wind and rain quickly passed. However, when the crowd set off again, they encountered an even greater trouble on the road, which was—bandits
Lu Rongfei had encountered many girls abandoned by heartless men, but when it came to Yun Xiangxiang, he found himself at a loss for how to offer comfort
In this world, there are those who love to brew wine and those who love to drink it. Loving to drink wine does not equate to drinking excessively. The brewer and the wine lover are akin to Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi
"It doesn't matter. " Yun Xiangxiang picked up the pen again, "Since I promised to help you finish brewing this jar of wine before leaving, I will definitely keep my word. My mother knows my character. However, you are right to remind me; I will write a letter to my family shortly, so I would appreciate it if you could send someone to deliver it for me."
"Alright!" Yun Xiangxiang straightened her posture, "Then you go out first, I want to study this thoroughly by myself."
"Indeed, young lady, is this the new product that our winery is about to release? Is it also brewed by the young master?" a servant inquired
Recalling her mother's possible reaction, Lu Fengyao felt the same way as Lu Rongfei did back then. It is no wonder that the two siblings would join forces to "deal with" their biological father at such a critical moment
The departure was set for that day, and Lu Fengyao was the first to learn of this news, so she made preparations early in the morning. In terms of personnel, Old Master Lu had also made ample arrangements.
What a good opportunity
"What? The finished product! You actually completed it behind my back?" Lu Rong was quicker to react than Lu Fengyao, reaching out to grab the wine jug, but was evaded by Yun Xiangxiang.
Yun Xiangxiang remained silent, staring at him intently, to the point where Young Master Lu felt somewhat guilty, stammering an explanation: "I am not taking advantage of you, I am doing this out of kindness..."
"I never thought about getting married..." Sun Yuru lowered her head, her voice as soft as a mosquito.
I can ... ...
What? Father, so you want me to go to the front lines and take the lead!
"Hey! Who is bullying her? How could a big man like me possibly bully a young girl?" Lu Rongfei expressed his dissatisfaction upon hearing this
Lu Rongfei shot him a glance, adjusted his clothing, and still respectfully cupped his hands towards Zhao Ziran: "You are my sister's savior. Since you also have such a fondness for wine, I will reluctantly take you to see our winery."
Lu Fengyao is a clever person, and Lu Rongfei is clearly aware of the little sparks between Yun Xiangxiang and himself. As for Yun Xiangxiang, although she does not know the exact reason for her presence in the Lu residence, one thing she is certain of is that Yun Xiangxiang is a formidable opponent for Sun Yuruo. Therefore, Lu Fengyao advised Sun Yuruo: "Xiaorou, I am leaving now. Before I go, I want to remind you that happiness is something you must grasp in your own hands, and cannot rely on others for. So if you truly have someone in mind, you must fight for it yourself, do you understand?" Lu Fengyao advised Sun Yuruo again: "Xiaorou, I am leaving now. Before I go, I want to remind you that happiness is something you must grasp in your own hands, and cannot rely on others for. So if you truly have someone in mind, you must fight for it yourself, do you understand?"
"Xiao Rou, it's alright, I will be back soon," Lu Fengyao said, ruffling Sun Yuru's hair with a smile. "If Lu Rongfei bullies you while I'm away, just make a note of it secretly, and when I return, I will help you take revenge..."
Lu Fengyao said something without intention, but Zhao Ziran, the listener, had a purpose
Young Master Zhao, where are you headed next? I wonder if we are on the same path
Indeed, a mother naturally favors her own son; she is too busy feeling happy about her son's charm to help her.
During the investigation, Zhao Ziran discovered the incident of Yun Xuan's family being exterminated by bandits, finding a subtle connection with Yun Xuan's friend, Xie Zhou. The two seemed to have met due to their shared interest in alcohol. This Xie Zhou is none other than Lu Zhihang, the owner of the Ti Hu Distillery in Nongquan County
Could it be the jar of wine that Miss Yun sent me last time? I have tasted that wine; although it has some character, it is not worthy enough to be a congratulatory gift for General Tian
May I ask if the young lady could kindly make an introduction for me
The three individuals were not far apart, and the voices of Yun Xiangxiang and Zhao Ziran were quite loud. Following behind Lu Rongfei, Fulai heard their conversation and inwardly roared: If you get any closer, the young master's face might never return to being 'white' again
I have tried everything else, but I have not tried this one.
Lu Fengyao smelled the foul stench emanating from the robber and gritted her teeth. If things truly reached an irreversible point, she would rather take her own life than allow this group of beasts to succeed
"Who?" The bandit was taken aback and began to search around.
Zhao Ziran looked at Yun Xiangxiang's wide-open eyes, then glanced at the wine flask in her hand, and said pitifully, "I just want to try a sip"
Yun Xiang looked at him strangely and heard him continue: "If you feel uncomfortable and want to cry, Lu Shao, this garment made from the finest fabric from the Western Regions, tailored by the best tailor in Quan County, can reluctantly serve as a handkerchief for you to wipe your tears."
This wine has a relatively light aroma, but initially presents a slight spiciness, which then transforms into a refreshing sensation. After swallowing, the lingering taste in the mouth is a blend of sour and sweet. One glass seems to allow the drinker to experience the ups and downs of life, truly embodying the concept of "welcoming the new while bidding farewell to the old"
She possesses an equally high talent for winemaking, shares the same surname Yun, and importantly, her name includes the characters "Xiang Xiang".
Hmph, sending them to the yamen is truly letting them off easy. If the master and the lady find out, they will surely break their legs, especially the third one! After leaving the yamen, Yan'er was still filled with indignation.
Mint ... ... '' Lu Fengyao showed a look of surprise, `` She actually added mint to the strong liquor, it is truly wonderful ! ''
"Don't look anymore, it's right above you." The voice said again
"Good? What is good about him?" Lu Fengyao frowned, "Xiaorou, you are just too kind. If you get married in the future, how can I possibly feel at ease?"
Wow, young lady, the taste of this wine is truly unique! Yan'er also expressed her amazement, and the others followed suit.
Lu Fengyao saw him wearing a moon-white long robe, with his hair tied up high. Before she could clearly see what he looked like, the man rushed forward alone, single-handedly dealing with the bandits
The cloud gazes silently, merely staring at him
Thus, Lu Rongfei, after enduring his mother's tearful distress, her face resembling a rain-soaked pear blossom, and her sobs that rendered her speechless, finally managed to comfort her with great effort. It was only then that Master Lu made his entrance and, through reason and emotion, persuaded his own wife.
Lu Fengyao stared at the liquid in the cup, a smile on her lips: "No, this is brewed by my brother and Miss Yun together." After a pause, she added, "Don't lose the wine jug."
Lord He had always looked down upon Xie Yan, and now it seemed as if he had lost a wasteful daughter-in-law, prompting him to immediately expel Xie Yan from the He family
Zhao Ziran recalled the remnants left after the fire at the Yun residence, which were the notes of Yun Xuan. Within them was a phrase: if in the future a daughter is born, she should be named "Xiangxiang," after the phrase "Yun Xiangyi, Hua Xiangrong."
There is a saying by Lu Fengyao that is very true: one's own happiness must rely on oneself
Miss! Yan'er exclaimed in fright.
Lu Fengyao came to her senses after hearing this, walked from the doorway to the side of the fire, and sat down on the haystack
After Lu Fengyao was rescued, she let out a sigh of relief and looked at the man who had saved her. The man had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding an extraordinary aura, resembling a piece of exquisite white jade, which made her heart feel somewhat soft.
"Young lady, I see you are still a novice, aren't you? How about it, would you like me to take you somewhere to enjoy yourself?" The bandit's words were crude, and after he spoke, his group burst into loud laughter.
"There is no talk of saving a life; I merely acted upon witnessing an injustice. I happen to be heading to Qingshan County as well, so I shall accompany you, Miss." The man said, cupping his hands in salute.
Ah? Lu Rongfei is quite baffling
Zhao Buyan was momentarily taken aback and slightly inclined his body to return the greeting
The shoulder felt empty, and so did Lu Rongfei's heart. He looked at the clouds and thought about his own encouraging demeanor, asking: "Why should I go out? Staying here can also help you, can't it?"
"What are you doing? You're in such a hurry." Pushing aside Fulai, Lu Rongfei turned around to close the door. Fulai, caught in the act, did not feel embarrassed; instead, he smiled and said, "Young Master, this is a great opportunity."
Lu Rongfei nodded
Regaining her senses, Lu Fengyao hurriedly said to her attendant: "Quickly go and help that young master!"
"Ah, young master," Fule said, holding a broom and dustpan, preparing to knock on the door. However, before he could lift his foot, he was caught by Lu Rongfei by the back of his collar.
However, Yun Xiangxiang's hands were icy cold, and her body trembled slightly, "I still cannot believe..."
Yun Xiangxiang lowered her head slightly, smiling on her face, but her eyes were shrouded in mist: "Brother Qingshan, are you really going to marry that county magistrate's daughter?"
Not long after the three began their conversation, Lu Fengyao and Sun Yuru arrived at the distillery together. Upon seeing Sun Yuru, Zhao Ziran appeared somewhat puzzled. After hearing Zhao Ziran's praise for Yun Xiangxiang, Lu Fengyao felt a hint of displeasure in her heart. However, after tasting "Farewell to the Old and Welcome the New," her discontent diminished somewhat, and she remarked, "The wine is indeed good, but the title of brewing genius is somewhat exaggerated. In terms of brewing, the only one who could truly be called a genius is probably the late master of the distillery, Yun Xuan."
Wow, old man, you are indeed very cunning!
This matter, I fear, can only be conceived by you. In the end, Yun Xiangxiang smiled, her brows and eyes curving, and said, "You truly are Miss Xie's lucky star"
By the way, can you be a bit more clever next time? Some matters should be reported to me privately, in private, do you understand?
Thinking about it... Seeing her like this, Lu Rongfei felt somewhat worried
"Don't come over!" The bandit held a machete against Lu Fengyao's neck, threatening the crowd, "If you want your young lady to live, hand over all your valuables!"
"Yes, I am sorry, I will clean it up right away." Coming to her senses, Yun Xiangxiang squatted down to pick up the broken pieces of the bowl.
"What’s the matter? Is the young master of the Lu family in a bad temper?" Zhao Ziran asked Yun Xiangxiang.
"What a silly girl." Lu Fengyao sighed and stepped forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with Zhao Buyan
Yun was taken aback, and before she could react, her hands were empty
Indeed, I had some mint cake... Wait, weren't we talking about alcohol?
Yun Xiangxiang was amused, but that smile quickly faded, leaving a layer of sadness on her face
The expression of Yun Xiangxiang has become even stranger regarding the act of tipping
Miss Yun is currently in a state of disappointment; if you were to offer her even a hint of warmth and a touch of care at this moment, winning her heart would surely be an accomplished task
Upon hearing this, the swallow retracted its neck, stuck out its tongue, and quickly shut its mouth
Thank you, young master. My name is Lu Fengyao, with 'Feng' from 'The southern wind rises at night' and 'Yao' from 'Wishing to entrust my thoughts to the Yaoqin.
After returning home, Master Lu summoned Lu Rongfei to the study. After hearing his father's words, Lu Rongfei exclaimed in surprise: "What? Xiaoyao is going to Baitong Town to fetch the brewing starter herself? Father, the mountain roads to Baitong Town are rugged and the journey is long. It is too dangerous for a young lady like Xiaoyao!"
Lu Rongfei is a person of exceptional talent; there is no bizarre idea that he cannot conceive, as long as it exists.
Wei Guang is the Grand Tutor of the current dynasty. Three months ago, Zhao Ziran, the Third Prince, received a message from Scholar Yang, expressing suspicion that Wei Guang had dealings with the Khitan. To be cautious, and after obtaining the approval of the Emperor, he began to investigate this matter.
Oh. Yun still does not understand, is this perhaps "the wealthy have many eccentricities"?
"On the way back, I specifically inquired with the local residents, and it is indeed quite rainy here, but the duration is not long, so there is no need to worry about delays," Lu Fengyao comforted her with a smile
Looking at the fierce and menacing robbers surrounding them, the servants did not dare to speak, only glancing at Lu Fengyao. Suppressing her inner fear, Lu Fengyao spoke: "Do as they say."
"You can keep this for when you speak at the county office," the man said with a slight wave of his hand, and Lu Fengyao's subordinates came over to lift those bandits up.
Sigh. Master Lu sighed, "I have been feeling restless lately, worried that there might be some issues with this gift. Therefore, I am preparing for contingencies; otherwise, why do you think I agreed to let Miss Yun stay?"
First of all, he believes that crying is better than holding it in, as the doctor has said. If a person's emotions are not processed in a timely manner, it can easily lead to stagnation of liver qi. Secondly, he has confidence in himself; he plans to comfort and enlighten Yun Xiangxiang properly after she has vented her feelings. However, at this moment, after Yun Xiangxiang has truly cried, Young Master Lu's mind has gone blank
Of course
Saying this, she suddenly stood up, wanting to run back and ask.
After hearing her last words, Lu Fengyao blushed, while Zhao Buyan awkwardly clenched his fist to cover his mouth, hiding the smile at the corner of his lips
Then let's go
This is ... ... a family tradition Zhao Ziran promptly corrected himself
Sister Yao! Sun Yuru's face was filled with shyness
The cloud pondered and, after a while, said: "Welcoming the new while bidding farewell to the old"
Lu Fengyao lowered her head again to look at the wine in the cup, a faint smile appearing on her face. Regardless of what kind of person Yun Xiangxiang is, her skill in brewing wine is indeed exceptional
Looking at the discarded wine yeast in the box, Master Lu waved his hand and said, "This is not your fault. Thinking about the bandits you encountered on the road, my heart is still unsettled. I don't even know how to tell your mother."
Lu Fengyao smiled but did not speak. Noticing that some people were drenched, she instructed Yan'er to bring out the pot of wine that Yun Xiangxiang had given her, allowing everyone to have a little to warm themselves up
So you should first go and communicate with your mother on behalf of your father
Yun thought for a moment, then shook her head: "Besides me, there is another person, the young master of the Lu Family Winery, Lu Rongfei, who is behind you." She smiled and pointed her index finger at Zhao Zi, then turned her back.
"You little rascal!" Lord Lu rolled up a book and smashed it on Lu Rongfei's head, "Have you forgotten what day is next month?"
Hearing her say this, Zhao Ziran, in order to prove that he was not lying, immediately listed the names of the wines from the Ti Hu Winery, and also mentioned the ingredients used in the brewing process. It must be said that this display piqued Yun Xiangxiang's interest.
Looking at the unfamiliar man in front of her, Yun Xiangxiang assumed he was a guest and politely responded: "This is the freshly brewed liquor from Tihu Winery, but it is not available for sale to the public at the moment"
After all, she is not the biological daughter.
Returning to Lu Zhihang, he has one son and one daughter. As for the young lady named "Sun Yuruo," Zhao Ziran had previously learned from Yan'er that she was the daughter of a deceased friend of Old Master Lu. Therefore, he speculated that Sun Yuruo was very likely a descendant of Yun Xuan. However, he then encountered Yun Xiangxiang.
Lu Rongfei accepted this reason, while secretly thinking to himself, "It would indeed be better to raise a dog." At the same time, he raised the wine jug in his hand and asked, "How about we have something to eat later?"
"Stinky Swallow, where did you learn to say that!" Lu Fengyao said in a low voice
"Grandfather, spare my life! Grandfather, spare my life!" The bandits pleaded repeatedly.
The crowd was thrown into chaos, and amidst the panic and screams, the robber took Lu Fengyao hostage
What if Yun Xiangxiang really cried? This question has long been considered by Lu Rongfei
Lu Fengyao covered her mouth and smiled, raising an eyebrow as she glanced at her brother: "I think it would be better for you to just marry me in the future, that way I can help you out too"
The person he unexpectedly saved turned out to be the young lady of the Lu family, which was something Zhao Ziran had not anticipated
Do you not also agree with me that one should not be sad for a heartless man
Yun Xiangxiang was stunned for a moment, slowly withdrawing her hand. She took a few steps forward, turning her back to Lu Rongfei, and spoke with a tone of sadness: "It seems that this wine is indeed different from people. The taste of wine can be known with just a sip, but people are different; they not only say one thing and mean another, but they also weave lies continuously."
"Let her go? When did I say I wanted to let your young lady go? I only said to spare her life, so she can serve our group of brothers, hahahaha!" The bandit laughed wildly.
This is not acceptable. With so many people going with you, if someone accidentally lets it slip and your mother finds out, then your father and I will be in serious trouble
"This is the yellow-skinned fruit." Yun Xiangxiang revealed the answer. However, judging by Zhao Ziran's reaction, he seemed to have never heard of it. "This is a type of wild fruit that has the effects of promoting qi, aiding digestion, and resolving phlegm. It has a sweet and sour taste. When I was a child, my mother often picked this for me to eat as a snack when we went to the mountains to gather firewood."
Sigh, what can be done? Let fate take its course
The initial version of this wine only had mint; the yellow-skinned fruit was added later, Yun Xiangxiang said.
Aren't you exaggerating a bit? Yun Xiangxiang could no longer listen.
It is often said that a strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake. If he has the support of the Lu family, Zhao Ziran believes that his investigation will proceed much more smoothly.
"Alright, alright, no problem." Lu Rongfei said with a beaming smile, "Then I will head out first."
Lu Fengyao was at a loss for words, and Zhao Buyan stifled a laugh as he replied, "Miss Yan'er, such words should not be spoken by young ladies like you"
"Ah? What day is it?" Lu Rongfei asked, rubbing his head. Seeing that his father was about to strike him with a writing tube again, he quickly said, "Oh, oh, oh, I remember! It's General Tian's birthday! The wine yeast that Xiao Yao went to fetch this time is for preparing the gift for this occasion, right"
Xiao Rou is feeling shy? Lu Fengyao is still teasing her, while on the side, Old Master Lu and Madam Lu are both laughing, but only Lu Rongfei's expression shows impatience
In any case, this trip is to collect the brewing starter, which is not valuable; as long as the brewing starter is secured, that is sufficient
She has... become a nun? Can you help with that?
After sending off Lu Fengyao, Lu Rongfei curiously asked Yun Xiangxiang, "Hey, how did you improve that unfinished product?"
Before entering the study with Master Lu, Lu Fengyao instructed Yan'er to take good care of Zhao Ziran. However, Zhao Ziran was restless even at his own home, let alone at the Lu residence, so he expressed a desire to visit the winery.
Lu Rongfei grabbed Yun Xiangxiang and said: "Fool! Are you going back now? How embarrassing would it be for you to stand in front of Liu Qingshan like this? It's been so many days; if he has you in his heart, he would definitely inform you at the first opportunity, right?"
The cloud seems to be a bit slow to respond: "I mean the wine ... ... "
Then do not speak of it any further, Lu Fengyao advised softly
"Are you trying to drive me away?" Yun Xiangxiang paused her writing and looked up to ask
From Fu Lai's words, Lu Rongfei learned that Zhao Ziran was the lifesaver of his own sister, so it was not appropriate to lose face in front of him. However, he could not stand seeing Zhao Ziran praising Yun Xiangxiang so highly.
Seeing Lu Fengyao cooperate so willingly, the bandit was immediately filled with joy and went to collect the "goods" with the bag. Meanwhile, the bandit who was holding Lu Fengyao inadvertently brushed against her smooth face and, upon seeing her beauty, was instantly captivated.
What is the "two-handed preparation"? Lu Fengyao asked curiously
"By the way, is Miss Xie still at the He family?" Yun Xiangxiang suddenly asked
Lu Zhihang's family relocation and their actions of concealing their identities have raised suspicions in Zhao Ziran's mind. He continues his investigation and vaguely discovers that there is another force also searching for the "descendants of the Yun family." If Yang Xueshi's suspicions are correct, this force must undoubtedly be Wei Guang! Therefore, he must uncover the entire truth before Wei Guang does!
The incessant chatter of Lu Rongfei echoed in her ears, and Yun Xiangxiang, while crying, suddenly burst into laughter. However, she did not laugh out loud; instead, she shifted to a more comfortable position, resting her head on Lu Rongfei's shoulder, and continued to listen to his ramblings.
Yun thought lightly replied: "I added mint leaves"
Stop it! Alright, alright, hurry up and go inside to sweep up the broken bowl on the floor. I'm afraid she might accidentally hurt herself later. Also, please check if she is still crying.
Zhao Ziran expressed understanding: "The so-called 'bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new' does not mean discarding everything old, but rather achieving a profound understanding. When we reflect on the bittersweet experiences of the past, our hearts should be at peace, rather than filled with dissatisfaction"
Standing at the entrance of the residence, Sun Yuruo, who was holding Mrs. Lu's arm, caught sight of Lu Rongfei's appearance and felt quite uncomfortable. She said politely, "Brother Rongfei has a really good relationship with Sister Yun"
"Miss, when do you think this rain will stop? It won't delay our journey back, will it?" Yan'er said with concern, glancing at the relentless downpour outside the dilapidated temple.
"You... don't cry anymore." This was the first sentence Lu Rongfei said after Yun Xiangxiang cried. After he finished speaking, he was taken aback himself, because it was clearly he who had prompted the outburst earlier. He immediately added, "What I mean is, don't cry too sadly. Appropriate venting is a good thing, but too much of it is not. How many people have cried their eyes out... Ah, I'm not saying you will cry your eyes out; after all, it's not worth it to cry for that kind of person. However, I'm not implying that your judgment is poor. The one who is not good is that guy. As long as you keep your eyes open, you will definitely meet someone who will cherish you well." I mean, don't cry too sadly. Appropriate venting is a good thing, but too much of it is not. How many people have cried their eyes out... Ah, I'm not saying you will cry your eyes out; after all, it's not worth it to cry for that kind of person. However, I'm not implying that your judgment is poor. The one who is not good is that guy. As long as you keep your eyes open, you will definitely meet someone who will cherish you well.
Although the journey was somewhat bumpy, Lu Fengyao managed to successfully obtain the brewing starter. However, on the way back, a sudden downpour forced the group to take shelter in a dilapidated temple
Zhao Ziran had heard quite a bit about Yun Xuan since childhood; had it not been for Lu Fengyao's mention, he would never have associated Yun Xiangxiang with Yun Xuan
No need for that. Master Lu closed the box and said, I have been feeling restless lately, fortunately, I made preparations in advance.
"Miss, the fire is ready." Yaner, Lu Fengyao's personal maid, called out to her mistress as she laid down dry straw to serve as a cushion.
Another reason is that General Tian's mother was born in Baitong Town, where he harbors endless sentiments.
The moral standards of society are declining, the moral standards of society are declining indeed. Suddenly, a jarring voice broke through the air.
Xinzhi Yunxiang wanted to be alone for a while, and Lu Rong left only after obtaining the answer he desired. However, when he opened the door, Fulai almost fell into his arms
Having not heard the words she desired from Madam Lu, Sun Yuruo nodded without saying more, yet felt an increasing restlessness within her
Zhao Ziran listed all the ingredients for "bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new." When he detected the "mint," he praised the winemaker's ingenuity, but he could not guess the final ingredient no matter how hard he tried
Old Master Lu's call of "Think about it" surprised Lu Fengyao a bit. It seems that this Miss Yun indeed possesses some abilities, capable of earning her father's special regard.
The swallow did not know what to do, and was so anxious that tears welled up in its eyes
Think about it! Lu Rong waved to her with a sense of delight
"What you are drinking is just the first version; later, they added new elements," said Old Master Lu with a look of reminiscence. Lu Fengyao became increasingly curious and insisted on going to take a look. Old Master Lu agreed but also mentioned that the wine was at the winery, and if Lu Fengyao wanted to taste it, she would first need to 'clarify' things with Madam Lu.
"It is not impossible for me to let you have a drink," Yun Xiangxiang said as she opened the partially corked bottle. Just now, Zhao Ziran had caught a whiff of the wine's aroma through that small gap. "If you can tell me the ingredients of this jar of wine, I will give it to you."
Sun Yuru blushed and said, "It won't happen. Brother Rongfei is such a good person, how could he bully me?"
The swallow looked at Lu Fengyao with admiration and said, "Miss, you are truly impressive; as a woman, you can stand alone in the Lu residence."
"You might as well wait a little longer, think it over, and trust me, if Liu Qingshan truly cares for you, he will definitely come to find you and clarify things. If he has indeed wronged you, there is no need for you to feel sad or distressed; let those heartless individuals be the ones to be laughed at!" Lu Rongfei said earnestly.
I have no appetite
The wheel sank into a mud pit set by the bandits. After everyone resumed their journey, they did not encounter any similar situations again. The group quickly arrived at Qingshan County and handed the bandits over to the county office
"Lu Rongfei, you are talking nonsense again," Yun Xiangxiang glared at him
Do you want to go back and take a look? See why that unfaithful man has become intimate with someone else.
How did you manage that
Lu Rongfei heard the words, and his expression gradually became serious. Mr. Lu continued, "Your mother and I only have one daughter. Daughters are not the same as sons. It's okay for sons to be a little rough. I am more worried about Xiaoyao than you. I haven't even told your mother about this yet..."
There is no other way; only she can go from our family
Yun Xiangxiang remained silent for a while, with a slight frown on her brow, and said, "After all, I have liked him for so many years. I would feel sad even if I just raised a dog, let alone a person."
Due to the matter of the "third leg," Yan'er felt quite awkward staying with him, and immediately nodded in agreement. Just then, Fu Lai was returning home to help Lu Rongfei fetch something, so she asked Fu Lai to take Zhao Ziran over.
"Hey, hey, hey! What kind of wine is that?" As he saw a young woman passing by with a wine jug, Zhao Ziran's nose twitched, and he quickly called out to her
You still have a bit of sense! Lord Lu puffed his beard and glared.
Actions speak louder than words
A good name. I am Zhao Buyan, one who speaks without reservation and expresses all that is known without limitation.
"What? You haven't eaten?" Lu Rongfei missed the main point of Yun Xiangxiang's thoughts, but he grasped what she cared about.
This time, Fu Lai's heart was filled with joy. Seeing the situation, he quickly ran outside, saying that he was going to get a broom and dustpan.
Pa! As soon as Lu Rongfei finished speaking, he was slapped hard on the arm by Yun Xiangxiang. However, he didn't make a fuss this time. Instead, he moved his shoulder towards Yun Xiangxiang and asked, "Are you really sure you don't need it? This is the only one, there is no other option."
Lu Fengyao held a wine cup in her hand, lowered her head to take a sniff, and found the aroma not pungent. Then she took a light sip, but tasted a spiciness; however, before she could fully appreciate that spiciness, a refreshing sensation spread in her mouth, clearing her mind.
Lufeng Yao followed closely and looked over. He politely nodded towards Yun Xiangxiang, as a way of greeting. Yun Xiangxiang responded with a smile, but her mood was not good, and her smile seemed a bit bitter.
“Did you seem to have known for a long time?” Lu Rong asked nonchalantly.
"Ask away," Yun Xiangxiang said while jotting something down in her notebook
"Ti Hu Jiu Fang?" Lu Feng Yao felt overjoyed inside, yet maintained a calm demeanor on the surface. She turned and stood in front of "Zhao Bu Yan," gracefully performing a salute, "To be honest, I am the daughter of the Lu family from Ti Hu Jiu Fang. If Young Master Zhao does not mind, why not accompany me back to the Lu family? I would like to express my gratitude for your life-saving kindness."
Yes, there is no need. Yun Xiangxiang raised her eyes, and the smile on her face deepened.
As he was speaking halfway, he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder, followed by a wave of dampness seeping through the fabric of his clothing.
The entire afternoon, Yun Xiangxiang stayed in the tavern without coming out. Lu Rongfei initially intended to go in and keep her company, but Master Lu sent someone to call him back home. Before leaving, Lu Rongfei left Fulai at the tavern, instructing him to take good care of Yun Xiangxiang.
Zhao Buyan did not explain, but simply smiled and walked away. Lu Fengyao took this opportunity to explain to Yan'er, who immediately blushed with embarrassment.
Yun Xiangxiang chuckled self-deprecatingly: "When I was with him, I had long noticed the fiery gaze he cast upon the county magistrate's daughter. I knew he was determined to make a name for himself, but I never expected that he... that he would... in just these few short days. No, I do not believe it." Yun Xiangxiang suddenly raised her head, "Brother Qingshan did not tell me this in person, I do not believe it!"
Now I understand! With the "eight-character eyebrows" hanging on the face, does that servant still need to continue monitoring... oh no, I mean "paying attention to" that ungrateful little brat?
I am embarking on this journey to travel far and wide, and to take this opportunity to savor the finest wines in the world. I have heard that the Ti Hu Winery in Nongquan County is quite good, so I plan to visit there next
"No problem, no problem." Zhao Buyan waved his hand and said, "This name is indeed quite strange."
I apologize, miss, in this moment of crisis, I have been quite rude. The man who saved her moved his hand away from Lu Fengyao's waist and spoke politely
"Miss Yun, I am here on official business; drinking alcohol could lead to mistakes." Her demeanor remained dignified and elegant, but there was a hint of hostility in her tone
It is said that a son can be a burden to his father without any discussion, but in reality, a father can also be quite harsh when it comes to his son.
Why? The swallow does not understand
You need not feel sorrow for such a person; their failure to choose you is their loss and your fortune. Just think, you are not lacking in looks, nor in figure, and most importantly, you can brew wine. In this world, who does not drink? Even the current emperor drinks, so you must understand what a great undertaking you are engaged in! We are doing this for the benefit of all living beings.
Father, it is the daughter who has not done well, I did not take good care of the brewing starter. Lu Fengyao was greatly shocked, she had been paying attention to Young Master Zhao all along the way and had not properly checked whether the brewing starter was in good condition
The interaction between the two individuals made Sun Yuru's eyes glimmer with jealousy
Although it is said that "the proactive person is Lu Rongfei," Lu Fengyao believes that "one hand cannot clap alone," and thus decides to give Yun Xiangxiang a warning on behalf of Sun Yuruo.
"Yan'er," Lu Fengyao said in a low voice, implying that Yan'er should behave herself
Indeed!
Regarding the matter of General Tian's birthday gift, the other party is no longer just a "guest". Yun Xiangxiang's expression suddenly became serious; she turned around and was about to leave, intending to call Lu Rongfei to resolve this issue.
It will not be lost, miss
"Not speaking? What a strange name..." the swallow murmured softly
No external transactions? Zhao Ziran's mind raced quickly, and he immediately smiled and said: "Could this be a congratulatory gift prepared by the Lu family for General Tian's birthday?"
I have heard that a group of bandits has recently appeared near Bai Tong Town, and I suppose it must be you.
What should we do about the wine yeast? Should I make another trip? If I hurry, I can still make it in time to deliver the congratulatory gifts
Yun contemplated for a moment and replied: "It's hard to say. He used to be fine, but recently he has been quite unpredictable, and I don't know when he will be like this again."
Yun Xiangxiang smiled and nodded: "What you said is not wrong."
Lu Rongfei snatched the wine flask and said: "Not drinking is just fine, after all, people like you wouldn't be able to discern good from bad."
Yun Xiangxiang did not speak, but simply nodded.
You talk too much
Lu Rongfei was taken aback and said, "I am leaving"
Due to the rain, the mountain road became even more difficult to traverse. While everyone went to help as the wheels sank into the mud, the bandits, who had been lying in wait for a long time, rushed out from the underbrush
Alright
As their eyes met, in the silent atmosphere, Zhao Ziran suddenly understood something. He widened his eyes and pointed at Yun Xiangxiang, taking a sharp breath, "Is it you?"
"I am sorry, I accidentally broke a bowl," Yun Xiangxiang said with a forced smile, trying to find something to say in apology.
Having spoken, the three of them walked towards the tavern
Lu Rongfei said: "I still have something to ask you."
It turns out that this message is purely coincidental, and that Xie Zhou, also known as Lu Zhihang, is indeed a meticulous person; otherwise, he would not have gone unnoticed by Wei Guang for over a decade.
Young Master Lu occasionally made subtle jabs at Young Master Zhao, and Fu Lai, who was following behind, couldn't help but think: It is often said that three women make a play, but in fact, two men and one woman can also create a drama, though only their family's young master seems to be fully immersed in the performance
"Mint leaves?" Lu Rongfei pondered with wide eyes, "The cool taste of mint leaves, when mixed with my originally spicy and intense liquor, indeed gives a feeling of 'welcoming the new while bidding farewell to the old'! How did you come up with that?"
"No!" Yun Xiangxiang hid the wine flask behind her back and said, "I mentioned that it is not for sale, so it is not for sale. With so much wine here, can't you drink something else?"
Father, your words are rather discouraging...
When it comes to wine, Yun Xiangxiang's eyes brightened as she said, "This matter is largely thanks to Fulai. I had just finished tasting the wine, and he noticed that I had no appetite for food, so he brought me some mint cakes..."
Sun Yuru bit her lower lip and nodded slightly, understanding the implied meaning behind Feng Yao's words
Lu Fengyao averted her gaze, slightly bent her body, and said: "Thank you for saving my life, young master. Just ahead is Qingshan County. Would you be able to assist me and my companions in delivering these bandits there? I have yet to repay your kindness in saving my life."
If you are willing, I can also be your lucky star
Of course not! Lu Rong waved his hand quickly, "What I mean is... if your family finds out, will they be worried about you..."
Madam Lu was aware of Sun Yuru's jealousy, but she comforted her by saying: "You know that your brother Rongfei enjoys studying wine. Since Miss Yun can assist him, he naturally welcomes it. He is just like his father."
Listening to the other party's calm emotions, Lu Rongfei chuckled and said, "It's just a rendering effect."
I said it.Lu Rongfei had a look of "Don't think you can get away with it" and said, "Let's put the matter of the alcohol aside for now."
Lurongfei looked at her face, which was more ugly than crying, and felt very uncomfortable in her heart. She whispered, "It's just a bowl. You can break as many as you want, as long as you don't break my wine."
Zhao Ziran looked up, his gaze meeting the clouds directly.
The duck that was within reach was about to fly away, and Zhao Ziran was heartbroken; however, at that moment, a cup of wine was presented before him
You! Lu Fengyao was so angry with her brother that she immediately forgot about the "Xiamawei" incident and grabbed one of the pots. "Do you have no shame? What kind of people are we? Besides, this was given to me by someone else!"
Subsequently, everyone felt a flash before their eyes, and the bandit who had originally taken Lu Fengyao hostage fell to the ground with a shout, while Lu Fengyao was taken away from the control of the bandits
Are you not afraid of causing trouble?" Lu Rongfei asked with a sidelong glance.
Zhao Ziran smiled and did not mind Lu Rongfei's attitude: "Thank you."
After Zhao Ziran finished speaking, he noticed that Yun Xiang's expression was somewhat strange, and added: "Oh, I have this habit. When I eat something delicious, I want to meet the chef; when I drink good wine, I want to meet the brewer. It's also convenient for tipping in the future."
Is Miss Lu going on a long journey? Yun Xiangxiang approached and asked, and Lu Fengyao nodded generously.
Zhao Ziran asked again, "May I ask, miss, who is the master brewer of this wine? Could you kindly introduce me to him?"
This is not urgent either
Our family is really good at making wine! Even without my semi-finished product, we can still make "Bid Farewell to the Old and Welcome the New". However, can you not stand so close to me like Xiangxiang? That jealousy can be smelled from a distance.
That was a young man who suddenly appeared, like a hero coming to the rescue, lifting Lufengyao and leaping lightly to the other side.
Zhao Ziran turned around and saw a well-dressed man not far from the entrance, glaring at him with a fierce and menacing expression
There is no need to leave
The road to Baitong Town is rugged and muddy, but due to the climate and terrain, the taste of the wine made in Tong Town is very unique - the wine presented by Mr. Lu to General Tian is made from the local wine yeast.
The swallow's eyes turned red with anger as she scolded, "Shameless! We have already given you the money, so hurry up and release my young lady!"
Just after arriving at Lu's house, before Master Lu had the chance to properly thank Zhao Ziran, he discovered that the wine yeast that had been transported back had become damp and was no longer usable
Following the instructions of the crowd, under the leadership of the man, they severely punished the group of bandits, beating them until they were bruised and battered, with no ability to fight back, and ultimately bound them up.