Chapter 2, The Temptation of Hot Pot

May I ask how to address the shopkeeper

"Zhang, the shopkeeper, I wonder if this set of utensils can be made of brass"

Good, good, the master is a good person, and the young master is also a good person. I am willing to serve the master and the young master for a lifetime. The cold wind howled outside, and inside the carriage, Fang Yiai could barely hear the trembling voice of Fang Quan. At this moment, Fang Yiai was drooling, imagining his hot pot

In the coming days, I still cannot go out, so Fang Yiai plans to treat himself. It must be said that the cuisine of the Tang Dynasty tends to be bland, perhaps due to the preciousness of salt. Additionally, the cooking methods are particularly limited, with only boiling and stewing available, making it quite surprising if the food is delicious.

Everyone at the table stopped eating and looked at Fang Yi'ai in confusion. Lu Shi kept giving Fang Yi'ai meaningful glances, thinking that he was once again acting out due to his mixed temperament and causing a scene.

Fang Yiai eagerly led the carpenter back to his small courtyard, while Fang Zhong looked at Fang Yiai's retreating figure with a helpless smile. This mischievous young master would never allow the master to rest easy. He still needed to inform the mistress, but he couldn't tell the master, as the master was already busy enough.

Fang Yiai clapped his hands, and four servants entered from outside, carrying in two large items: a writing desk and a grand armchair. Fang Yiai, facing the gazes of the crowd, said: "I know that my father has been handling official duties for a long time and is quite weary. My heart aches for him. Although I am young, I wish to alleviate my father's worries, so I have made this armchair and desk. I hope Father will give them a try"

This day marks the end of the ten-day period. In the Tang Dynasty, officials were allowed to take a day off every ten days, known as the "Xun Rest". That evening, it was time for dinner, and Fang Xuanling and Lu Shi were already seated at the table. On the left side, Fang Yizhi had also arrived early, but Fang Yiai and Tu Shushan were late.

Looking at Fang Xuanling's loving expression, Fang Yiai felt very happy as well. After all, this is his own father! In the past, he had worried himself sick for him, but that will never happen again in the future

Upon arriving here, Fang Yiai bowed deeply and said: "Father, Mother, Brother, please pause your meal."

This is a type of pot that comes from the Western Regions, specifically used for preparing a certain dish, so it is understandable that the shopkeeper is somewhat curious. Long before Fang Yi'ai arrived, he had already thought of a response, which is why he does not appear anxious

Although unable to go out, Fang Yiai still does not wish to stop. Three days of bed rest have made him feel as if his entire body has rusted. During these three days, his elder brother Fang Yizhi and mother Lu have visited him several times, and even that stern father has come to see him once. Fang Yiai thinks to himself that his father still loves him, it is just that he had been too unruly in the past

Young master, do not look any longer. You have just recovered from your illness a few days ago. Please do not catch a chill again

Fang Yiao took out several blueprints from his sleeve, which were the fruits of his two days of hard work. Those familiar with them would certainly recognize that this is the essential pot for old Beijing hotpot; unfortunately, in Chang'an a thousand years ago, it was one of a kind.

Fang Xuanling walked down and directly sat in the grandmaster's chair, his expression kind. He closed his eyes to feel for a moment. A smile involuntarily appeared on his face as he stroked Fang Yiai's head: "My son is thoughtful; your father is very pleased"

Fang Xuanling entered the dining hall with a smile, and both Lu Shi and Fang Yizhi were also quite happy. ... Observing this scene, a deep sense of satisfaction surged within Fang Yiai ...

The sound of a sneeze directly attracted the winter snow and winter plum blossoms from the outer room

Manager Zhang scrutinized for a long time, and as he looked at the house, Yi Ai couldn't help but wonder to himself, could it be that what I painted is too abstract

Fang Yiao, supported by Quan Shu, stepped down from the carriage. Upon raising his head to take a look, he discovered that it was a blacksmith's shop. Fang Yiao then walked directly inside, where the atmosphere was quite warm. The furnace was burning brightly, and several men were busy forging iron at the hearth.

Fang Xuanling on the stage was no longer indifferent; it was evident that the concern from his younger son, whether genuine or feigned, had touched his heartstrings. He had long heard about what Fang Yiai had been busy with these past few days, but he had held the mindset of not interfering as long as no trouble arose, not expecting that it was all for his sake

Looking at the lively Fang Yiai, Dong Xue and Dong Mei also wore expressions of joy. To them, Fang Yiai was not just a little master, but more like a younger brother. Naturally, they were delighted to see Fang Yiai full of energy.

Two maids looked at Fang Yiai with concern, and the anxious Dongxue directly reached out to touch his forehead

Fortunately, the forehead is not very warm, but it is still necessary to invite the doctor to take a look.

Dongmei pressed down on the bed, recalling the words of Fang Yiai: "Young Master, you should refrain from getting out of bed for the next few days. It is too cold outside, and if the cold air enters your body, it will be even more difficult to treat."

Fang Yiai felt that his mission had emerged, which was to become the new culinary god of the Tang Dynasty. If Fang Xuanling were to know his son's thoughts, he might not know whether to scold him, as the son of the foremost civil minister of the Tang Dynasty actually only wanted to be a cook

Money is not an issue; I wish to create four sets, one of which is twice the size of the one in the picture. I wonder what the price would be

The city of Chang'an, after the snowfall, exudes a solemn atmosphere, reflecting the majesty of the imperial capital. A carriage slowly departs from Tonghua Fang, making its way along Chang'an Avenue towards the western market

Indeed, excessive joy can lead to sorrow. Fang Yi constantly rubbed his itchy nose.

Uncle Quan, I understand. It's just that after a few days of not being in the residence, it feels refreshing. I will stop looking now

After a long while, the carriage came to a stop

The person in charge here is surnamed Zhang

After discussing his plans with Fang Zhong, he did not inform him about the intention to sell; he merely mentioned that he wanted to create something and asked Uncle Zhong to arrange for a few carpenters. Although he knew that Fang Zhong would definitely inform his parents, Fang Yi'ai did not mind, as he had never intended to keep it a secret from them.

The shop of the little man has been an old establishment since the Great Industry era, and it is more than capable of crafting various items. May I inquire what you wish to have crafted, young master

Manager Zhang, I wonder if it is possible to customize some items here

Fang Yiao eagerly went to find Fang Zhong, who was originally Fang Xuanling's servant. He had followed Fang Xuanling through life and death, and both his father and mother had never regarded him as a lower-class person. He is now the chief steward of the Fang residence

Seeing Dongmei's resolute expression, Fang Yiai understood that she was also doing this for his own good. Thus, he had no choice but to lie down helplessly. The doctor hurriedly came to take his pulse and prescribed a few doses of medicine. Fang Yiai had no choice but to obediently take the medicine and then go to sleep

So that's how it is; no wonder the old blacksmith has been forging for decades yet has never seen such a marvelous cooking utensil

To simplify matters and to comfort his injured tongue, Fang Yiai decided to unleash the formidable weapon of hot pot for this cold winter. Without hesitation, he resolutely decided to venture out into the heavy snow.

Dressed in heavy coarse cloth, Fang Quanyan could hardly conceal his excitement as he said: "Young Master, why should a servant call an old servant 'uncle'? From now on, it will be different. I will drive you around, Young Master, until you have had your fill."

The one catching the carriage is an elderly man from the Fang family, a man in his forties, who has followed Fang Xuanling from Jinan. His name is Fang Quan, and he has always been honest and straightforward in the household, yet he has not managed to find a wife until now

Uncle Quan, you have been following my father for over ten years. Shouldn't I call you Uncle Quan? Moreover, you are older than me, which makes you my elder, so I should address you as Uncle.

Two strings of cash are indeed quite expensive; one must know that now a dou of rice costs only a few wen, and a string of cash is enough for an ordinary household to eat for more than a month. However, this is clearly not a problem for Fang Yiai, who readily paid two strings of cash, much to the delight of Manager Zhang. After agreeing on the time for collection, Fang Yiai departed.

Before long, he returned to the Fang residence. Fang Yi'ai, for the sake of his knees, had no choice but to continue striving. In the Tang Dynasty, whether receiving guests or dining, one was expected to sit on their knees. Fang Yi'ai had no option but to introduce chairs and tables into the household

There is also sesame paste and minced garlic; these dipping sauces are indispensable. What astonished Fang Yiai the most was that vinegar already existed during the Tang Dynasty. By the way, there is also the beloved staple food, braised noodles. In a flash, a few days have passed

Fang Yiao was surveying the surroundings when an elderly man emerged from the inner room

Unfortunately, it is still cold outside. Although it is no longer snowing, the weather remains chilly. Fang Yiai secretly pondered that the Siberian cold wave is quite severe; hopefully, next year will be a year of abundant harvests.

Fang Yiao sat in the carriage, continuously gazing out the window at the city of Chang'an. The pedestrians on the road hurried home, and most families had closed their doors to keep warm indoors

As expected, Lu Shi arrived shortly after Fang Yi'ai had returned to his small courtyard. After a series of tricks and coaxing, Fang Yi'ai finally managed to send Lu Shi away. Fang Yi'ai let out a bitter smile; there was no other way, such is the fate of children.

There are a total of 108 districts in Chang'an City. Tonghua District is the residence of high-ranking officials and a library. The East and West Markets are the two largest trading markets in Chang'an City. Fang Yiai is heading to the West Market

Manager Zhang pondered for a moment: "These four sets of cooking utensils require two guan of money"

Fang Yiai was also busy, quickly preparing the ingredients for the hot pot. In the Tang Dynasty, there were no chili peppers; a hot pot without chili would lack flavor. Fortunately, there was still evodia to substitute, and then a large amount of pepper was prepared. If it wasn't spicy enough, they would add some numbing spice. My goodness, during the preparation process, Fang Yiai couldn't stop drooling.

Three days later, Fang Yiai was bouncing around the room, fully recovered from his illness, and finally able to get out of bed. Fang Yiai couldn't help but exclaim: Life without illness is truly wonderful

Zhang Zhanggui clasped his fists and smiled: "I have been presumptuous, momentarily captivated. May I boldly inquire about the function of this object?"

It is uncertain whether Fang Xuanling knows that Fang Yiai simply does not want to kneel or sit, and feels embarrassed to sit alone on a chair. Therefore, a special writing desk and an official's chair were crafted for Fang Xuanling. Would he perhaps kick Fang Yiai out with one foot? Fang Yiai quietly observed Fang Xuanling's expression and secretly felt relieved. In the presence of a father as wise as a demon, Fang Yiai was indeed very cautious.

Shopkeeper Zhang stroked his beard and said, "It can also be made of brass, but it is more expensive than iron."

I wonder what guidance you have for me, young master, upon visiting my humble establishment

Achoo

There are already servants serving in the residence, so there is no need to look for outsiders. Fang Yi'ai also has a plan; once the chairs and tables are produced, they will surely set a trend. At that time, he intends to make a good profit, as it is quite uncomfortable to have to ask his mother for money every time he goes out

Upon hearing about the winter snow, Dongmei and Fang Yiai both felt relieved. However, Fang Yiai could not help but worry, as in this era, even a common cold could be fatal.