The aunt and sister-in-law returned to Shenjia Village before noon.
Dozens of kilograms of rice and noodles were brought back on a bullock cart, so paying two extra coppers was not tiring at all.
The iron lumps in Cheng Xi's hand also occupied a place. She took them from the blacksmith shop when her sister-in-law went to the embroidery workshop to work, and the other four were placed in the space.
Along the way, Shen Xingqi looked at this thing called a "stove" with curiosity.
"Sister-in-law, why don't you use a brazier when burning charcoal in winter?"
"Burning charcoal in a brazier can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning...it means suffocating yourself to death."
"You need to open the window when using the brazier. So it's because you're afraid of being held in?"
"right."
"But what's the difference between this stove and a brazier?"
"The stove seals the burning charcoal fire inside, and only needs to install an iron sheet to guide the air after the burning charcoal fire out."
In addition to the iron furnace, Cheng Xi also customized several iron sheets with a diameter of about ten centimeters.
Thanks to the ancient people's skill in blacksmithing, otherwise this conduit would not have been made. However, iron sheets conduct heat easily, and an insulator needs to be tied around the outside of the iron pipe to avoid burns.
The two got off the bullock cart and headed home, and found that many people were whispering around the Shen family.
Through the crowd, Cheng Xi saw a luxurious car.
The carriage is wrapped in silk on all sides, and the gold-inlaid windows are covered by a curtain of light blue crepe, with a faint flow of light. A piece of emerald green jade pendant hangs from the long tassels on both sides of the curtain.
One word, trench!
No wonder it attracted most of the women in Shenjia Village. Even she, who was used to pomp and circumstance in her previous life, couldn't help but sigh that it was inhumane!
"The Xingluo family is back? There are guests at your house!"
"He is a handsome young man, he looks very impressive!"
"That's right, there's a boy following behind him. He looks like the son of a wealthy family."
...
A luxurious carriage, a wealthy family, and a handsome young man. She was familiar with this configuration!
Could it be that scumbag with pinkeye?
Thinking about it, it's unlikely. If her memory is correct, the carriage named Zhou was not so showy!
"Have any of the aunts had lunch?"
"Ah, yes, there is still porridge cooking in my pot!"
Cheng Xi sent everyone away with a smile. When he stepped into the house, he saw a sapphire blue figure jumping up and down around Shen Xingluo who was working.
"Xingluo Xingluo, it turns out you often play in the mud at home!"
"It looks like that..."
"How do you open this door and what does it do? Hey, what is this, what?! It's actually a lotus root! Oh my god, it turns out that garlic grows in the ground!"
"..."
Where does this naivety come from!
"Husband, are there guests at home?"
Cheng Xi turned his head and asked, "Who is this fool?" written clearly on his face.
Shen Xingluo was so annoyed that his veins were throbbing, and he wanted to slap the red brick in his hand on the opponent's forehead.
"Sister-in-law! Are you Xingluo's bride?"
Xiao Tianzhen adjusted her sapphire blue brocade clothes, put her hands together and gave her a standard scholarly salute.
"My Excellency, Qin Zheng, is Xing Luo's classmate and friend. I came here to visit you today."
"Master Qin."
Cheng Xizheng was wondering why he came here at this time, but he himself had to explain everything.
"I took a boat to go south after the hometown exam. I rushed back immediately after learning that Xing Luo had an accident. I didn't know that the two of you were getting married. Please don't take offense, sister-in-law."
After saying that, he looked at Shen Xingluo sadly.
"We have been classmates for three years, but you didn't send me a wedding invitation for such a big event like your wedding? I missed the most important day!"
Everyone: "..."
What do you mean you missed the most important day?
Don't say this nonsense.
Cheng Xi pointed to the kitchen, "You guys chat, I'll cook?"
"A busy lady."
Shen Xingluo stuffed the bricks into Qin Zheng's arms and said, "Help with the work."
"But I can't?"
"I can't study."
***
In the kitchen, Shen Xingqi is responsible for helping cook.
Cheng Xi learned about Qin Zheng's family background from her.
The Qin family was an imperial merchant, the richest man in the Yan Dynasty, and had a daughter who was a concubine in the palace. The family was rich and powerful.
Qin Zheng is the only son of the youngest son of the head of the Qin family. The next head of the family is his uncle, and Qin Zheng's father took over several shops in Lin'an Mansion.
"So Qin Zheng is a direct descendant of the Qin family, but he has no inheritance rights?"
"right."
"How is he studying?"
"Master Qin is the leading candidate for this provincial examination!"
"!"
I bet he is still a roll king?
Cheng Xi was shocked!
"But I heard from my brother that Mr. Qin has no intention of becoming an official in the court. He went south after the provincial examination and never came back on the day when the examination was released."
Cheng Xi was stunned. He was still a scroll king who was indifferent to fame and fortune.
The lunch meal was very rich because there were guests.
Braised pork, sweet and sour pork ribs, salt-baked shredded chicken, two stir-fried vegetables, winter melon pork ribs soup, all are made by Cheng Xi. Due to the added oil consumption in the space, they are delicious and fragrant.
Even the Shen brothers and sisters have only eaten braised pork and stir-fried vegetables.
"What does it smell like? It smells so good!"
After finishing his work, Qin Zheng was full of energy. He sat in the living room and looked forward to it.
"Xing Luo, your family hired a chef from Lin'an Mansion?"
"No, that's not right, even the best restaurants don't smell this good!"
Shen Xingluo said nothing, stood up and walked towards the kitchen.
Cheng Xi was ladling winter melon soup with a big spoon when he saw him coming over and stuffing it in.
"Serve the food."
"..."
"What are you doing standing still?"
In the hot air, the pear dimples on Cheng Xi's cheeks were clearly visible. Shen Xingluo's black eyes stared quietly for a moment before suddenly smiling.
"A busy lady."
"It's good to know that I'm working hard. Remember to clean up the yard this afternoon."
"good."
The six dishes were quickly served on the table, with a combination of meat and vegetables, all in attractive colors, and the air was filled with a strong aroma that hit your nose without even having to smell it carefully.
Even Qin Zheng, who had seen the world, couldn't help but swallow his saliva and his stomach growled.
"It smells so good~ What is this?"
"Braised pork."
This was said by Shen Xingluo.
Since there was a younger sister to be married at home and it was difficult to see outsiders, Cheng Xi took Shen Xingqi to set up a new table in the small living room and divided all the dishes into two portions.
There were only two people left in the main hall, plus a boy standing behind Qin Zheng.
The male host, who had no wife around him for the first time, felt a little uncomfortable at this time. He glanced at the classmate opposite him, with a bit of disgust in his deep black eyes.
"Xing Luo, you have no meat at home? How can you cook with bones?"
"You don't have to eat."
Qin Zheng took one bite of the braised pork and was captivated by the unique taste. Seeing Shen Xingluo take away a piece of ribs, he hurriedly stretched out his chopsticks.
Do not allow partial eating!
The next second, the special taste of sweet and sour attacks the taste buds.
"!!!"
"Medium sweet and sour, not greasy or greasy, rich and delicate taste... Is this actually a bone?"
Qin Zheng felt bad all over.
