Chapter 008: The Whole Lamb Banquet

Dr. Bai was the first to express his admiration, nodding repeatedly even before finishing the meatball: "The food from Kaitai Warehouse is excellent, this is exactly the flavor! It is no worse than what I had in Tokyo!"

Ximen Qing let out a sigh, his hand unconsciously reaching for the warm wine cup. Drink today, be drunk today; who cares about anything else

Zhu Zhixian also nodded in agreement

The host of the grand mansion received praise from County Magistrate Zhu, and rubbing his hands together, he bowed and replied: "I am aware that this Baiyun stew is a favorite of yours, so I have put in extra effort to perfect it. I am glad that you are satisfied today"

They are all fine lamb's eyes, glistening...

The owner of the luxurious mansion gave a thumbs up: "This plate of fried lamb eyes was made from over ten carefully selected pairs..."

The host of the grand mansion wore a beaming smile and gestured, "Please, esteemed guests, sample these dishes; they are all the specialties of our chef. Someone, pour the wine!"

I am deeply ashamed

Um, it has a salty and fresh taste, is chewy, and seems to have a bit of broth in the middle? It somewhat resembles the urine beef balls that I love to eat.

When you are unsure of what to eat, observe what those around you are eating and follow suit.

Zhu Zhixian nodded slightly and turned his face to laugh heartily at Doctor Bai, saying: "This banquet was originally supposed to feature eighty dishes, but it seems I have given Doctor Bai a good laugh. In this small place, the preparations are inadequate, far inferior to those in the capital."

The probability of being able to return to the original era can be said to be negligible; the concept of returning to the future can only be depicted in movies and is impossible in reality. Moreover, this strange world seems to be far more complex than the Song Dynasty of the past.

What kind of soup is in this large pot

The yellow liquid, steaming as it was poured into the cup, exuded a fragrant aroma. Ximen Qing, feeling hungry in his stomach, was well aware of the dangers of drinking on an empty stomach. Just as he hesitated about which dish to start with, the white physician across from him picked up a fried meatball and began to chew it heartily. Zhu Zhixian also took a spoonful from another bowl, savoring what appeared to be a small piece of tofu.

Layered grass. This is stir-fried lamb scattered dan.

The aroma of the dishes mingled with the fragrance of the wine, making one's fingers itch with desire. Ximen Qing took two hearty sips, for this was all unpolluted, green organic food, requiring no QS certification and no worries at all

Ximen Qing moved a bit farther away from the bowl of small tofu, and it was best to do some work to supplement with some solid food before drinking. Therefore, he extended his chopsticks and had already picked up a meatball to chew in his mouth

Wind-blown grass. It is also known as the tip of the lamb's tongue.

The host of the luxurious banquet seemed to regard the lamb soup as not part of the whole lamb feast, explaining: "Originally, this dish was not included in the whole lamb feast; it was brought in as a substitute due to time constraints. The master has a keen eye and noticed this. The flatbreads are still being prepared and will be served later when the wine and dishes are ready. The soup is still warm, which is quite good."

Dr. Bai could hardly swallow this tone, but County Magistrate Zhu sat in the middle, preparing to mediate between the two parties, and it was not appropriate for him to turn against them on the spot. Fortunately, he still had a chance to turn the situation around; with his own capabilities, causing some trouble at the herbal medicine shop was a trivial matter.

The esteemed Sir Ximen also enjoys this Kaitai Warehouse, as the flavors are quite good

Ximen Qing changed to a cheerful expression, raising his wine cup: "Brother Yaozu, you have traveled a long way, enduring the dust of the road. You have dedicated yourself to helping the world and benefiting the people of Qinghe County. I hold you in great admiration. Please drink this cup to the fullest!"

Falling Water Spring, Mixed Lamb Tongue

Corruption, stark and blatant corruption. Manager Fu did not even go upstairs to www.hetushu.com, but instead returned to write a letter to inquire about safety and well-being. The sedan chair and other items were waiting outside, and the assistant was standing by to serve. It appeared that only three people were at the table: County Magistrate Zhu, Ximen Qing, and Doctor Bai. These three were to consume such a lavish spread; each dish would only be tasted, and those with smaller appetites might not even manage that.

The owner of the luxurious building has added another remark

One can speak carelessly, but one must not eat indiscriminately. Lamb and lamb chops can be excused, but the sheep's eyes leave even the time-traveling Ximen Qing at a loss.

This action received a warm response from the county magistrate, who gestured for the master of the prestigious family to step back. He raised his wine cup and laughed heartily, saying: "Brother Ximen, you must not drink alone. Come, come, let us use this cup of wine to welcome Doctor Bai."

Certainly, the Hu Bing that appeared during the Song Dynasty was not the sesame flatbread of his own era, but rather something akin to the Nang from Xinjiang, which Ximen Qing learned about from a documentary or something similar

Surely one cannot vomit, right? This is before even starting to drink, and one cannot pretend to be drunk either? Ximen Qing dared not chew it over any longer, and with a sense of helplessness, he made a few efforts to swallow, finally managing to get it down.

Spicy Phoenix Tail. It refers to stir-fried lamb kidneys

After saying this, the physician Bai opposite clearly displayed a look of disdain and said in a mocking tone: "Hehe, this Mr. Chui Xue is having the opportunity to eat for the first time; landlord, you should provide a clear introduction."

The host of the grand mansion sang with a face full of guilt: "The small establishment was unprepared, and in a rush, we could only prepare eighteen dishes. I hope the esteemed guests will be understanding."

Zhu Zhixian had someone bring the bowl of small tofu in front of Ximen Qing, smiling with satisfaction: "Ximen, my dear brother, since this is your first time enjoying the whole lamb feast, you must not miss this dish, the Baiyun Stew. I guarantee that after tasting it once, you will want to have it a second time. This is meticulously prepared using lamb brain..."

Dr. Bai had been seated for a moment, and in his heart, he had already devised several thoughts. At this moment, seeing the county magistrate raise his cup, and Ximen Qing also raising his cup with a mischievous smile, Dr. Bai forced a smile as well: "I have been away from my hometown for over twenty years, serving in the Imperial Medical Institute for fifteen years. I never expected to receive such hospitality upon returning home; I am truly ashamed. I have only this medical skill to offer, which should benefit the people of Qinghe County. It is only right. In the coming month, I will still trouble you, esteemed official. Come, come, let us drink this cup together."

Five flavors in a messy stomach. Braised lamb shank meat

A plethora of diverse and outrageously pretentious dish names left Ximen Qing both astonished and intrigued, and he finally came to understand this whole lamb feast; fortunately, most of it was still acceptable to him

The sheep's eye? Ximen Qing's jaw, which had been animated, suddenly came to a halt, the eye of the sheep?

Ximen Qing wore a smile, his eyes scanning the table back and forth, contemplating whether to first have a fried meatball or gnaw on a piece of rib. Wait, the large earthenware pot contains some kind of soup; it must be something akin to a nourishing broth. I should have a bowl of that first, as drinking soup before a meal is quite important

It seems that the owner of the luxurious building has forgotten to introduce themselves; in order to avoid potential risks, Ximen Qing specifically reminded them

Hmm, delicious! Delicious!

Upon hearing this from County Magistrate Zhu, Ximen Qing was adamantly unwilling to try this dish of Baiyun Stew. He quickly changed the subject and said: "Well... host, this is my first time having this whole lamb feast. Please introduce it to me, and be sure to explain the ingredients clearly..."

This fellow emphasized the words "the first time" so heavily that Ximen Qing gave him the middle finger, and in the Song Dynasty, no one knew what this gesture meant

Ximen Qing was very satisfied with this flavor and put another one in his mouth

The owner of the grand mansion coughed twice and introduced with great pride: "This is the mixed lamb heart."

Hmm, why hasn't the food been served yet? And that gentleman with the goatee from the affluent family shows no sign of moving. With over ten people standing by, more than thirty eyes are fixed on this situation, how are we supposed to eat? Is this some kind of dining etiquette from the Song Dynasty? If so, how many attendants would be needed upstairs and downstairs? ... It would be better to have a couple of hostesses instead...

Eighty dishes. Are we preparing to eat and sleep here, creating a golden week?

Dr. Bai's pale face suddenly became quite vivid. After spending fifteen years in the Imperial Medical Institute, he found himself completely dismissed. He could not make a living in Tokyo either, so he had no choice but to return home in disgrace, planning to oust the Ximen family's herbal shop and take its place. Initially, he thought that by offering one hundred guan to the county magistrate, everything would be settled smoothly and efficiently. However, he did not expect that after just a few words in the private room, Ximen Qing would corner him into the position of having to work at the Ximen family's herbal shop instead.

Upon thinking of this, Ximen Qing smiled even more brightly and downed the wine in his cup in one gulp

What is this wine like! Was it mixed up by mistake

Zhu Zhixian also nodded slightly and took another spoonful: "This white cloud stew is getting better and better, quite good indeed"

Although these words were spoken on behalf of the wealthy family, the pride in Zhu Zhixian's tone was still quite evident

Yes, please introduce your younger brother Ximen.

Fortunately, I came with an empty stomach, so I don't have to pay. This meal is worth it, and I even managed to secure a white physician.

In the blink of an eye, the fellows had already removed the snacks that were drenched, whether by the tea or saliva of the white physician, from the table. Dozens of plates, dishes, and bowls nearly filled an eight-immortals table, and there was even a large earthen jar, the contents of which remained a mystery.

While Ximen Qing was lost in a flurry of thoughts, the host of the grand mansion had already arranged for the wine to be warmed. With a light clap of his hands, the attendants began to serve the dishes in succession, leaving only two to pour the wine. This allowed Ximen Qing to secretly breathe a sigh of relief

Upon hearing these words, Ximen Qing's mind immediately conjured up images of himself and several classmates in a mutton soup shop, voraciously devouring steaming hot mutton soup with baked flatbreads. He had not expected that such food had already existed during the Song Dynasty, which left him with a slight sense of nostalgia.

Kaitai Warehouse? This looks just like a fried meatball, and the name is too literary. Even a small piece of tofu is called "Baiyun Stew"; what does tofu have to do with white clouds?

Ximen Qing certainly knew that this Doctor Bai had no good intentions. When soldiers come, we block them; when water comes, we dam it. He had already won a round today, which was enough to overwhelm the opponent in terms of momentum. Momentum is the most important thing. As long as you are in my shop, aren't you at my mercy?

That is lamb soup, served with flatbread.

Looking around, almost everything is meat-based, and there are several dishes that appear to be entirely meat, like that plate of ribs, which is very much to my taste! After a busy morning, with the hustle and bustle, I haven't even had a drop of water or a grain of rice. Ximen Qing gazed at the table full of dishes, and his mouth was almost watering.

While Ximen Qing was secretly criticizing, Doctor Bai scanned the dishes on the table with his eyes and was visibly shocked: "Your Excellency, the county magistrate, is being overly modest. I have served in the Imperial Medical Institute for fifteen years and have only had the pleasure of enjoying a grand banquet a few times, never having seen all eighty dishes. I did not expect that in the small jurisdiction of Qinghe County, in such a hurried manner, there could actually be eighteen dishes prepared, which is indeed remarkable"