Chapter 6, Fierce Friends.

Xuanling, you have a remarkable way of teaching your children; a tiger father does not raise a dog son

Fang Yiai bowed and saluted: "I will certainly not let my father and Uncle Du down. I will go prepare right away"

Fang Yiao felt a surge of excitement after hearing Du He’s words; his circle of friends was truly formidable and beyond control. The Wei Chi brothers were the sons of Wei Chi Gong, the General of the Left Golden Guard. Cheng Chumo was the son of Cheng Zhijie, the General of the Left Guard. Qin Huaiyu was the only son of the Great Tang War God, Qin Qiong, while Tang Mu was the legitimate second grandson of Tang Jian, the Minister of Justice of the Great Tang. Li Ke was even more remarkable, being the third son of Li Shimin, who praised him as the son most resembling himself. His mother was the daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui. Qin Huaiyu was the only son of the Great Tang War God, Qin Qiong, while Tang Mu was the legitimate second grandson of Tang Jian, the Minister of Justice of the Great Tang. Li Ke was even more remarkable, being the third son of Li Shimin, who praised him as the son most resembling himself. His mother was the daughter of Emperor Yang of Sui. In the palace, his status was second only to that of Empress Changsun.

Fang Yiai looked at him with disdain and said, "You will think of me."

Fang Xuanling, upon hearing this, fell silent, clearly touched in a sensitive spot. This Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty must be feeling a bit pleased within.

This time it is not me who misses you, but everyone who misses you

Fang Yi'ai looked at Du He with a face full of disbelief, while Du He met Fang Yi'ai's gaze, unashamed and rather proud.

At this moment, Fang Yiai is already in disarray. Is this still the Third Prince Li Ke, who was praised by Li Shimin as "like a fruit of excellence"?

Fang Yiao let out a bitter smile upon hearing this, knowing that this fellow could not possibly speak anything of value. However, Fang Yiao truly did not want to bring up this matter, as it was not a dignified thing for a thirteen-year-old child to visit a prostitute. Thus, he chose to remain silent.

Everyone is speechless. If people from the Tang Dynasty knew the term "deserving a beating," perhaps Fang Yiai would already understand why the flowers are so red now

Du Huli immediately displayed a lewd expression: "Jun Ge, we made a bet, and you lost. So, did you go to the brothel, and did you actually see the Red Sleeve Girl from Liuxiang Pavilion?"

Fang Yi: "I also aspire to be an exemplary young person, but unfortunately, my ambitions exceed my capabilities, so I must leave this great responsibility to all of you, my brothers"

Fang Yiai understood Du He’s thoughts. In this era, everything is cherished and valued, and most skills are passed down from father to son. Du He believed that this hot pot was a novel concept, which made him somewhat uncertain. However, it is also evident that Du He genuinely regarded him as a brother

Fang Yiao wore a speechless expression, this fellow is quite a character. He chose not to engage further and continued walking ahead, saying, "If there is something to discuss, just say it"

Du Huo, upon hearing this, grinned widely and said, "Eating, I can do."

"Get lost, what you said gave me goosebumps. Let me prepare the ingredients, and we'll head out right away"

The mansion, the grand hall

Li Ke looked astonished and asked: "What is a 'Ten Good Youth'?"

Du He had a constipated expression: "Jun Ge, could you take your hot pot with you"

Fang Yiao stopped in his tracks, watching Du He, who was hurrying towards him with a beaming smile. He called out, recalling the familiar name from memory: "Xiao He, why are you in such a hurry"

Tang Shang's Fang Xuanling also spoke, saying: "Jun'er, since your Uncle Du wants to eat, why not hurry and prepare it? Your father has already made a bold promise."

Fang Yiai and Du He headed straight for the Zui Xiang Lou, a restaurant under the Cheng family's name. Although officials were prohibited from engaging in business, Li Shimin was not strict about this requirement. Prominent families often supported their relatives in commercial ventures. Thus, His Majesty the Emperor turned a blind eye.

Brother Jun, what exactly is it?

Fang Xuanling shook his head and said, "Keming, you speak too seriously. My dear nephew is still young, and besides, our two families have a close relationship, so there is no need to dwell on these matters."

Du Ruhui laughed heartily: "Hearing what my esteemed nephew has said, I truly cannot wait to indulge in it."

Fang Yiai nodded in acknowledgment, indicating that he was also a regular here. He and Du He proceeded to the second floor, where they saw a group of people standing ahead. The imposing figure approaching them was Wei Chi Baolin, truly a descendant of the dark-headed Wei Chi Jingde. A robust man behind him, equally impressive, was Cheng Chumo. Next to him stood a spirited young man, Qin Huaiyu, while another, who was exchanging glances with Fang Yiai, was Tang Mu. As for the other young man in white, he was Li Ke.

Fang Yiai's expression suddenly twisted; in just the past few days, Du He had come to find him several times, each time to eat hot pot. Now, the sight of hot pot made Fang Yiai feel nauseous. Not long ago, he had been accompanying Fang Yi to eat, and now he had to accompany Du He as well.

Li Ke was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter, and upon hearing this, everyone else also laughed heartily

Fang Yiai pointed to the pot and introduced it: "Hot pot is a method of cooking where ingredients are briefly immersed in a pot to cook, accompanied by various sauces for consumption. The broth inside is made by simmering meat bones, with the addition of evodia and radices saposhnikoviae. Therefore, this broth is not only fragrant but also spicy and numbing. It serves not only to ward off the cold but also to nourish the body"

Fang Yiai was also taken aback upon hearing this: "Who are all of you?"

Fang Yiao stopped in his tracks, looking at Du He with a smile that was not quite a smile: "Xiao He, what is going on"

"I was just joking with Brother De. I have always been innocent and pure, how could I possibly be a model youth?"

Du He eagerly inquired about what this 'delicious to the point of being moving' thing was. Clearly, in his mind, writing poetry was nothing remarkable; poetry and literary compositions were merely distractions from serious pursuits. It is uncertain whether Du Ruhui would be aware of his thoughts and whether he would disapprove of such unworthy descendants.

Brother Jun, I have arrived. Have you missed me?

Fang Yiai said with a serious expression: "Indulging in food, drink, and vice, engaging in deception, trickery, and theft"

It is exhausting to explain to you, I no longer wish to speak with you. Just take a look later and focus on eating.

Half an hour later, having had their fill of food and drink. During this time, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui not only enjoyed their meal but also reminisced about some amusing stories from the past, both relishing this dining experience. As for Du He, he had not put down his chopsticks since the first bite. Fang Yiai, on the other hand, was content to enjoy the peace.

You will understand once you sit on it. Fang Yiai pointed to a chair

Du He, who was hurried to the hall by Fang Yiai, saw the octagonal table and exclaimed in surprise: "Jun Ge, what is this thing?"

Have I not seen you for such a long time?

Fang Xuanling looked at Fang Yiai with a sense of satisfaction: "You should focus on studying more rather than getting lost in these trivial matters."

Fang Yiai, seeing Du He, was very curious and said: "This thing is essentially a hot pot"

"Hot pot? A pot that can catch fire?" Du He was quite perplexed

Du He had a pleading expression: "Jun Ge, it's all my fault for boasting to them, saying that the food you make, which both Fang Xiang and my father say is 'so delicious it moves people,' is especially good. And then, and then..."

Suddenly, a stream of servants entered in succession. Looking at the dazzling array of ingredients, Du He was already staring blankly, utterly captivated.

After a long time, Fang Yiai brought a set of Eight Immortals tables and a hot pot to the hall

Speak, what do you want from me? Let me make it clear, I will no longer accompany you for hot pot

Dear nephew, this hot pot that is so delicious it moves one to tears truly lives up to its reputation, even I am touched by it

Two days later, Fang Yiai was lying in the backyard on the lounge chair and bookshelf he designed, basking in the warm sun. It was quite pleasant. However, he was suddenly interrupted by a howl of a wolf.

"Jun Ge, you finally made it," Cheng Chumo greeted, immediately delivering a slap to Fang Yiai, who was already on the verge of bleeding. Seeing Wei Chibao Lin also preparing to do the same, Fang Yiai hurriedly begged for mercy, provoking a burst of laughter.

Thinking of this, Fang Yiai felt a bit moved. In his previous life, he had lived in solitude, without any close friends. In this life, however, he had no more regrets. Thus, he smiled and said: "We are brothers; what is mine is yours. It's just a hot pot, so don't act like a little girl and make me look down on you."

Du Ruhui laughed heartily upon hearing this: "My dear nephew truly knows how to speak; then I shall indulge in this hot pot a bit earlier."

"Jun Ge, wait for me. Jun Ge. Wait for me." Behind, Du He hurriedly chased after.

Du He looked heartbroken: "Jun Ge, how can you say that about me? I really miss you."

Fang Yi'ai turned to leave, and Du He immediately became anxious. He had come to the Fang residence specifically to find Fang Yi'ai. Seizing an opportunity to explain to Du Ruhui, he then went after Fang Yi'ai.

Du He saw that Fang Yiai was silent, anxiously scratching his ears and cheeks. However, Fang Yiai simply would not speak. With no other option, he had to bring up the matter of the hot pot, which he was genuinely interested in. Both he and Fang Yiai were the second sons in their families, with the titles of their respective fathers to be inherited by the eldest sons, leaving no connection to them. Thus, they were not given much importance at home, and each was a dandy. He and Fang Yiai were more like brothers than actual brothers; seeing his brother being so affirmed by Fang Xuanling made him very happy. He and Fang Yiai were the second sons in their families, with the titles of their respective fathers to be inherited by the eldest sons, leaving no connection to them. Thus, they were not given much importance at home, and each was a dandy. He and Fang Yiai were more like brothers than actual brothers; seeing his brother being so affirmed by Fang Xuanling made him very happy

Brother Jun, you are truly kind

Fang Yiai also found it amusing upon hearing this, as Du Ruhui is indeed a remarkable person: "Uncle Du, you flatter me. I, your little nephew, am truly ashamed."

https://www.hetushu.com Please.

Fang Yiai also spoke: "Uncle Du's words are too heavy, it is better to get on with it quickly. I can hardly wait to eat this 'delicious to the point of being moving' hot pot. Uncle Du indeed has great patience"

Du Ruhui, upon hearing this, could only manage a bitter smile: "Brother Xuanling, my son has been disrespectful; I hope you can forgive him"

Xuanling, you are indeed greedy and insatiable; I observe that your poetry reflects a wealth of literary knowledge within you

Jun, why are you ignoring me? I know you are pretending to be asleep

Then there was nothing more to say. Fang Yiai wore a smile on his face

Xuanling, please

Du He sat down and, after a moment, said: "Jun Ge, this thing is so beautiful, it feels really comfortable to sit on." He then hurriedly got up and said to Du Ruhui: "Father, you should try it too, it is really comfortable."

Upon entering the restaurant, a manager warmly approached and said: "Young Master Fang has arrived; my young master and the other young gentlemen are waiting for you upstairs"

Upon thinking of this, Fang Yiai could no longer sit still: "Xiao He, let us go then"

Du Huo, upon hearing this, surprisingly felt a bit embarrassed: "Jun Ge, look at what you're saying, am I really someone who doesn't care about my brothers?"

Fang Yiao laughed and scolded, "A pot that is still on fire, and a pot that can still fly."

"Given our relationship, you will definitely help me." However, it sounded somewhat insincere.

That is good, so what brings you here this time? Don't say you miss me; we have seen each other quite a bit these past few days

Du He began to count on his fingers: "Wei Chi Baolin, Cheng Chumo. Also Qin Huaiyu, Tang Mu. Right, and there is the King of Shu, Li Ke."

In the distance, Qin Huaiyu cupped his fists in salute, and the chubby Tang Mu also wore a joyful expression, clearly missing him very much. Li Ke stepped forward and said, "Jun Ge, did you lose your virginity the last time you went to the brothel?" After saying this, he lewdly raised his eyebrows.