Chapter 7, A Group of Country Bumpkins

Looking at the serious expression on Du He’s face, Fang Yiai also felt somewhat moved: "Good brother, there’s no need to say much; everything is in the wine. Let us both finish this cup."

Indeed, this is the formidable figure of the Tang Dynasty, known to instill fear in all. Even the wise and mighty emperor sometimes found it unbearable to deal with the fierce warrior Cheng Zhijie, who is also famously known in unofficial histories as Cheng Yaojin.

Li Chongyi clearly took a great liking to Fang Yiao's style and immediately broke into a broad smile: "Alright, then I shall not stand on ceremony. From now on, you and I shall be like brothers."

Li Ke pulled over another young man in white from behind and introduced him to Fang Yiai, saying: "This is my cousin, Li Chongyi, the eldest son of the Prince of Hejian."

Upon returning to the Fang residence, Fang Xuanling immediately summoned Fang Yiai. Su Peisheng, looking at Fang Yiai, could not help but praise, "Truly worthy of being the son of Minister Fang, indeed impressive in appearance. No wonder he is capable of creating hot pot; even His Majesty is somewhat curious about it."

Just as Fang Xuanling was returning from court, he saw Fang Yiai, who was somewhat drunk and being supported by Fang Quan. An anger surged from the depths of his heart. It had only been a few days since he had behaved himself, yet he had gone out again to drink and cause trouble.

Then he unexpectedly patted Fang Xuanling and said, "Brother, I'm happy today, let's drink." After saying this, he fell into Fang Xuanling's arms.

Beside him, Du Ruhui remarked, "It is not wrong to know one's limits. I also enjoyed the hot pot made by the world’s nephew; it is indeed a delicacy of the mortal realm"

Yesterday, my unworthy son came home drunk and raving about a hot pot that was so delicious it moved him to tears. He claimed that in all his years, he had never tasted anything so exquisite. Upon hearing this, I thought to myself, these ungrateful children, with such a delightful dish available, they didn't even think to bring it to me. Their descendants are ungrateful; I must take matters into my own hands.

Fang Yiai nodded and then spoke: "Brothers, the reason we are gathered here today is to enjoy my hot pot. I won't waste any more words; let's get started quickly."

At that moment, a dark figure rushed over, joining in the commotion: "Xuanling, you look down on military generals, you disdain military generals. I will report this to His Majesty and seek to punish you"

Fang Xuanling naturally went to court feeling refreshed, and indeed, his son could write good poetry after drinking. Unable to contain his pride, he boasted to Du Ruhui, who in turn could not help but share this with the Secretary of the Censorate, Wei Zheng. Naturally, Wei Zheng had friends, and soon all the civil officials knew that the Fang family had produced a man of great drinking capacity who, when intoxicated, enjoyed composing poetry and could write excellent verses. Fang Yiai was still sleeping in his bed, suddenly revealing a lewd smile, as if dreaming of something wonderful. Thus, all the civil officials came to know that the Fang family had produced a man of great drinking capacity who, when intoxicated, enjoyed composing poetry and could write excellent verses. Fang Yiai was still sleeping in his bed, suddenly revealing a lewd smile, as if dreaming of something wonderful.

Fang Yi'ai did not notice Fang Xuanling's expression, but was preoccupied with recounting some events that had occurred with Su Peisheng today. ... He could not help but disdainfully reflect in his heart on the officials and the emperor of the Tang Dynasty: a group of country bumpkins

Du He's eyes were slightly red: "Alright." After finishing this cup, he happily walked towards everyone, and soon a burst of laughter erupted.

The commotion caused by Wei Chi Jingde attracted an increasing number of officials from the surrounding area; however, this was of little consequence. Most of these officials were former subordinates of King Qin, and their relationships were quite amicable.

Just after leaving the court, Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui were walking towards their respective residences when suddenly a strong man jumped out from the side and said, "Xuanling, I have been waiting for you for a long time"

Know the limits, do you not have any shame

Fang Xuanling looked at the burly man with a speechless expression: "Zhi Jie, you are a general after all, so please pay attention to etiquette."

Fang Xuanling initially felt somewhat uncomfortable upon hearing Su Peisheng's praise, and his displeasure grew when he saw Fang Yiai's enthusiastic demeanor towards the eunuch. Fang Xuanling was a man of integrity; although he did not despise eunuchs as much as others, he treated them with mere courtesy. While this was in accordance with propriety, it inevitably felt somewhat distant. Seeing Fang Yiai behave in such a manner made him quite angry

Cheng Yaojin had a simple and honest expression, appearing harmless, which deceived many people due to his facade. Cheng Yaojin nonchalantly stated: "Xuanling, I am a military general; what do I care about those trivial etiquettes"

Fang Xuanling had just returned to the court when Su Peisheng, the personal eunuch beside Emperor Li Shimin, came to inquire about what had just happened. Fang Xuanling smiled wryly as he explained everything in detail. Then, the great Emperor Li Shimin spoke, requesting that Fang Xuanling also provide a portion for the palace. When Fang Xuanling returned home, Su Peisheng accompanied him to collect it. Fang Xuanling felt distressed, as his son had managed to reach the imperial audience for the first time through such trivial skills. Fang Xuanling had lost the heart to handle official duties.

Brother Chongyi, you are too polite. Since you are a brother of De, you are my brother as well. There is no need for unnecessary formalities.

Fang Yiai looked at this group of vibrant people with a sense of emotion. At this moment, they had no ulterior motives, living carefree lives, and even their laughter, anger, and scolding were so endearing. Fang Yiai cherished the current scene, realizing that in this lifetime, with parents and friends, he must treasure everything around him and live without any regrets.

Upon reflection, although Fang Xuanling's lips twitched from Fang Yiai's remark about brotherhood, his heart could not help but savor those four lines of poetry from the *Tushu*, finding them increasingly profound, especially since they were penned by his own son

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Young Master Fang's considerations are indeed thorough; I shall accompany you on your journey.

Young master, what is going on?

In one sentence, Fang Xuanling's face turned red with anger; how could a gentleman possibly endure two scoundrels

At this moment, Fang Yiai also wore a smile, for he was well aware of Li Xiaogong's status within the royal family. Li Xiaogong was the nephew of Li Yuan, and he single-handedly conquered the entire Jiangnan region, making him a figure capable of standing alone within the royal family. Shortly after Li Shimin ascended to the throne, he promoted Zhao Junwang to the title of Hejian Junwang and appointed him as the Minister of Rites. It can be said that he enjoyed the emperor's constant favor.

Fang Yiai stood in front of the table, which was already in disarray, while Li Ke and Wei Chih frantically waved their chopsticks as if fearing they would suffer a loss. Qin Huaiyu's manner of eating was not so ungraceful, likely due to the strict family values instilled by Qin Qiong. Du He and Tang Mu were jumping around excitedly.

Fang Xuanling expressed with a hint of helplessness: "Zhi Jie, you are after all a high-ranking official of the third rank; are you stopping me just for a meal?"

The next day, Fang Yi'ai, holding his head which still ached from the hangover, nervously went to meet Fang Xuanling, uncertain of the reason for the meeting. Could it be that he would be punished for getting drunk the day before?

He left after saying, "Prepare a few more copies, as my father and some colleagues also need them"

Fang Xuanling heard that it was a group of young people who had heard about this hot pot, and they wanted to give it a try. His anxiety eased by half, as long as it wasn't about drinking flower wine.

Fang Xuanling also did not wish to continue entangling with Cheng Yaojin: "Zhi Jie, what matters do you have in seeking me"

Fang Xuanling wore a look of speechlessness, as it is quite baffling for anyone to be called "brother" by their own son, especially in this ancient era that values strict moral principles. However, upon hearing the four lines of poetry recited by his son, Fang Xuanling could not muster any anger. Have you ever seen a son who, after drinking to the point of oblivion, could still compose such excellent poetry

At this moment, Fang Yiai still had a glimmer of consciousness. Although he had consumed a lot of alcohol, its low alcohol content was a mitigating factor. Thus, Fang Yiai realized that this time he was doomed, but having drunk too much, he could not articulate his thoughts clearly, and his mind was in a state of confusion. Suddenly, an epiphany struck him: "Tea can also intoxicate, why need wine? Books are fragrant, why need flowers? Wine does not intoxicate, but people become intoxicated; flowers do not confuse, but people become confused."

At this point, Cheng Yaojin seemed somewhat embarrassed: "Xuanling, I heard that your Jun Ge has created something delicious that is truly moving."

Cheng Yaojin turned his head and said: "Yuchi Heitan, do you know what is happening? You are just making a fuss."

Fang Yiao was initially delighted to meet a eunuch for the first time, but he was taken aback to learn that even the Emperor had heard of him, which made him even more cheerful: "Your Excellency, you are too kind. I am truly unworthy of such praise. Since His Majesty requires it, please accompany me, and I will write down some matters for you to take back."

The Prince of Hanjian beside him looked confused and asked Cheng Yaojin what was going on. After listening to Cheng Yaojin's words, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. After Fang Xuanling promised to deliver a portion of hot pot to each household, everyone laughed and began to disperse.

Only when everyone regained their senses did they react, pointing at Fang Yiai and saying: "Jun Ge, after more than a month of not seeing you, you have surprisingly become so charming."

As the crowd clamored, Fang Yiai did not refuse, welcoming all who came. The people were even more delighted, unaware that the wine of the Tang Dynasty posed little threat to Fang Yiai. After a while, Du He squeezed his way to Fang Yiai's side and toasted him, saying, "Brother Jun, thank you this time."

It is unknown how long ago it was, but Fang Yiai got extremely drunk and was brought back to the Fang residence by the coachman Fang Quan

Li Chongyi slightly cupped his fists in salute to Fang Yiai and said: "Yesterday, I heard Wei De mention that Jun Ge has an unusual matter. Out of curiosity, I came over to inquire, and I hope Jun Ge will not take offense."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yaojin immediately became indignant and shouted loudly: "I have already defeated Li Ming, yet I have not been defeated myself. Xuanling, you look down on military generals; you hold them in contempt. I will report this to His Majesty and seek to punish you."

Li Ke looked at Fang Yiai beside him and hurriedly pulled him in: "Such delicious food, I have never eaten anything like this in my entire life. I am grateful to Jun Ge for creating such a wonderful hot pot. Shouldn't we toast to him?"

Fang Yiai knew that he had kept everything inside his heart

Fang Quan lowered his head, and upon seeing the master's expression, he knew that the young master was going to suffer again. However, the young master had always treated the servants kindly, so Fang Quan couldn't help but recount the matter in its entirety.

Yuchi Jingde was not the least bit embarrassed: "I find it amusing."

Fang Yiai, who was questioned, looked utterly confused. Fang Xuanling asked him if he had written poetry or essays properly the day before. Fang Yiai naturally shook his head in response. After a round of encouragement from Fang Xuanling, he returned to his room to catch up on sleep. Little did he know that he had recited four lines of poetry in front of Fang Xuanling, unknowingly laying a foreshadowing for himself.

Everyone applauded as they looked at the various ingredients. Fang Yiai briefly explained how to consume them, and Cheng Chumo immediately couldn't wait to start eating, regardless of whether it was hot or not, shoving it directly into his mouth. After finishing the first bite, he couldn't stop. Seeing this, everyone else also hastened their chopsticks.