It wasn't until he passed Chaotianmen that Zhao Mengqi opened the car window and began to look at the market in Lin'an.
It has been exactly a month since I came here, and this is the first time I saw the appearance of the Lin'an market.
The north and south of Chaotianmen seem to be two different worlds. Although there are shops and houses in the south, there are not many, and the atmosphere is more affluent and the flow of people is limited.
And to the north, not long after coming out, is Nan Wazi, one of the three major tiles in Lin'an. It is an entertainment gathering place with many tile houses and railings. This morning, many wealthy and idle people are hanging around.
Various performances are performed on the stage that is open on three sides, including folk arts, rap, and drama. People in the audience are sitting or standing, looking at each other. When they see something wonderful, they applaud and applaud, and they are generous with rewards, such as copper coins. Falling like snowflakes in front of the stage.
Across the street from Nan Wazi, there is a row of shops, mainly restaurants and restaurants, of various sizes. The most conspicuous one is the Xichun Building. The three-story main building looks quite majestic in this era.
As the carriage traveled north, Zhao Mengqi saw that other shops also had their own characteristics, some facing the streets directly, some with courtyards and gardens, some single-story, some two- and three-story, some selling only goods, and some with workshops and stores. of.
Not only are the architectural forms diverse, but special emphasis is also placed on decoration, such as cladding colorful buildings or gates on the facades, hanging signboards or banners, and some setting up red branches, crimson curtains, gold-red gauze mast lights, etc. in front of the door.
Not only was the strong commercial atmosphere comparable to that of later generations, but the cornices and arches and antique colors were more charming, which made Zhao Mengqi feel a little intoxicated.
The streets are full of people, and the farther north they go, the denser they become. It's not an exaggeration to say that people are rubbing shoulders with each other. It's lively and peaceful, and it's like a world of fireworks.
Zhao Mengqi looked fascinated, like a country bumpkin who had just entered the city, but Chang Geng and others were extremely nervous. From time to time, they put their hands into their robes to make sure that they could take out their weapons at any time when necessary.
"Alang, not far ahead is Wujianlou. The tea and pastries there are the most famous in Lin'an, and it's relatively quiet. Why don't you go there to have some breakfast?"
Huang Gou was also worried in such a crowded environment, so he gave Zhao Mengqi a suggestion.
"When you say that, I'm really a little hungry, so I'll fill my stomach first." Zhao Mengqi was still looking at the street.
The reason why this section of street is so crowded is because the north of Nanwazi is adjacent to Zhuzi City, and across the Shinanfang is Zhongwazi, so there are a lot of people looking for fun. It’s really fun to die. the taste of.
Going further, there is a big intersection. Looking up to the southwest, it is a huge "meat market". This market is the "market" of Shinanfang. It not only sells meat, but also sells other kinds of meat. There are also all kinds of commercial goods.
To the west of the intersection, which is the West Lake Avenue in later generations, two miles away is the Fengyu Gate. Because there is a Yongjin Pool inside the gate, it is also called the Yongjin Gate. After leaving the city gate, you will reach the West Lake.
To the east, there is a "Shihe" parallel to the Imperial Street, which is called "Zhonghe" in later generations. After crossing the bridge, there is a five-room building.
The reason why Wujianlou is called Wujianlou is that it consists of five two-story independent attics in the east, west, south, north and middle, and there are sky bridges connecting each building, which looks quite interesting.
Zhao Mengqi chose the west building next to the river. The private room upstairs could also see the imperial street. After sitting down by the window, the young man with a short brown hat came up with a piece of paper and asked, "What would you like, sir?"
"What do you have in your store?" Zhao Mengqi asked casually without seeing the water menu.
"Returning to your words, this morning, the shop serves rice and rice, roasted meat, dried preserved meat, wontons, tofu curds, small steamed buns stuffed with sheep stuffing, sesame dumplings, Jiangdou Lier, turtle stuffing, spring cakes, Rice cakes with onion, taro buns, white rice cakes, roasted soft lamb kidneys, salted wine kidneys, etc., as well as various kinds of noodle soups, including four soft soups, stone marrow soup, mixed color soup, double crisp stone tripe soup, and pork and sheep bones. , mixed spicy soup, various kinds of negative soup, large and small chicken soup, meat noodle soup, three-cup and large bone soup. In addition, the shop is not only divided into four directions, but there is no shortage of famous food from all four directions, such as pork noodles and large noodles. Noodles, pan-fried meat, fish dumplings, steamed rice dumplings with tung skin, fried fish rice, quail stuffed ravioli, lung filled with fragrant herbs, exquisite double strips, seven-color sesame cakes, steamed with gold collar, door oil, chrysanthemum cake, wide focus , side thick cakes, marrow cakes, and new varieties full of hemp. Most of the shops that noble people want can supply them. Even if they are really not available, they can still call for you."
I don’t know if this boy is showing off intentionally, or if all restaurants report the names of dishes this way. He did not even take a breath when he reported dozens of dishes, and his talk was comparable to that of a cross talk actor in later generations. As for the ‘call’ he said, In fact, it’s just takeout.
The boy spoke smoothly, but Zhao Mengqi felt dizzy after hearing it, so he could only wave his hand, "Huang Gou, just look at the arrangement and try to do the best for Chang Geng and the others."
Huang Gou chose the food according to Zhao Mengqi's taste, and then said, "For the other two tables, just use the best ones in your store. If they order others, that's fine."
"Okay!" The young man smiled like a chrysanthemum when meeting a wealthy guest, "Would you like some tea, sir?"
Hearing this, Zhao Mengqi became more energetic and said, "Call the best tea lady in your shop."
Being able to make another fortune, the boy was so happy that his eyes almost flew to the sky. "My lord, please wait a moment. I will make arrangements for you right now."
Although there were a lot of things ordered, the restaurant was very efficient. In just a moment, four waiters came to prepare the dishes.
I saw that each of them was holding three bowls in his left hand, and his right arm was carrying about 20 bowls from hand to shoulder, scattered on the table. Nearly a hundred bowls and dishes were securely placed, without any spillage. The skill was really impressive.
"My lord, all the food you ordered has been served. Please take your time, the tea lady will be here later." The boy smiled with a smile on his face.
Huang Gou took out a ten-guan note and handed it over, "My yamen rewarded you, so you can go and divide it among yourself."
When he saw the denomination, the young man was extremely pleasantly surprised, and his smile was even more sincere, "Thank you for the reward, and I wish you long and happy life."
"Don't be petty and let's all go down." Huang Gou couldn't help but roll his eyes. There will be generations of princes, and our master is the one who wants to be the emperor.
Not long after the boys left, there was a gentle knock on the door of the private room, "My lord, do you need some tea here?"
The voice was clear and sweet, like orchids in the empty valley, and like jade beads passing through Zhao Mengqi's heart.
"Please come in." Huang Gou invited him.
The door slowly opened, and a beautiful figure floated in, like a bright moon illuminating the room.
Zhao Mengqi was in a daze, blinked his eyes, and looked intently.
This little lady has a tall figure, wearing a light blue chest-length undershirt. The light gauze undershirt vaguely reveals her white and tender arms, as well as her delicate and beautiful shoulders. A dark blue ribbon passes through her armpits, covering her elegant skirt. The puffy skirt ties high on the chest.
The gentle steps he took were like walking on the clouds. The raging waves made Zhao Mengqi feel like the whole world was shaking.
The little lady glanced slightly, then walked straight to Zhao Mengqi, turned slightly sideways, and had a pair of catkins stacked on her waist, making her full.
"Bless you, noble man. Wanwan has been summoned to order some tea. Please give me your instructions."
Her voice was like an oriole, and her breath was like a orchid. As the words came out, the veil hanging on her face swayed slightly.
Zhao Mengqi raised his head slightly and took a closer look.
I saw the gauze scarf hanging on the high bridge of the nose, the exposed half, like green onions and jade, a pair of peach blossom eyes, filled with autumn water, and an ice crystal dotted between the forehead, but it was full of solemnity.
Zhao Mengqi seemed to have fallen into a dream and murmured softly, "If life could only be like the first time we met..."
Wanwan was stunned when she heard this, with surprise and doubt in her eyes, "How does the noble man know my concubine's name!?"
"What's your maiden name?" Zhao Mengqi's eyes were a little confused.
Is it just a coincidence? Wanwan stared at it and asked tentatively, "What did you read just now?"
"Oh, one word."
"Ci? I have never heard of it. Did it come from the office? Is it the Mulan Flower Order?"
Zhao Mengqi said sarcastically, "I had a feeling for a moment, and I got an occasional sentence."
"Just one sentence? That would be a pity..."
"Ahem, lady, didn't you come for some tea?" Zhao Mengqi changed the topic and covered it up.
"Ah!" Wanwan woke up with a start and almost forgot what she was here for. "My lord, please forgive me for being rude."
"It's okay, madam, just please."
Wanwan was blessed again, then turned around and said, "Let's arrange the tea set."
Only then did Zhao Mengqi realize that there was a half-grown girl behind the young lady, holding a tray, which seemed to be Wanwan's exclusive utensils.
The tea table is opposite Zhao Mengqi's desk table, one foot apart. Wanwan strokes her skirt, sits upright with her knees bent, and places the tea sets neatly one by one, with light and elegant movements.
The little girl must be her assistant. After lighting the charcoal stove, she placed it on the side of the tea table.
Wanwan took out a water urn and poured water into the thin-necked porcelain bottle. "This water is taken from Hupao Spring. It is clear and sweet, and it is best for making tea."
After filling it up, she took the porcelain bottle and placed it on the charcoal stove, and then took the tea, "This tea is Jingting. Although it is not as good as Long tea and Feng tea, it is also the top grade in Beiyuan."
She put the tea balls into a stone bowl and mashed them gently, then took them out, put them into a stone grinder, and ground them into fine powder. Then she continued to sift through the sieve several times to get the finest tea powder for later use.
After entering the state, Wanwan completely forgot herself. She washed the preheated blue-black tea cup with boiling water while listening intently to the sound in the porcelain bottle.
When she heard that the water in the bottle had just boiled, she took it out and let it sit while putting the tea powder into the hot tea cup.
After the boiling sound stopped, Wanwan lifted up the porcelain bottle and poured it into the tea cup. The water line dispersed mist, like a silver dragon in the clouds, rushing towards the tea cup.
This is when tea is ordered. The entire process of pouring water is divided into seven times. While brewing, the bamboo tea whisk is circulated in the cup to stir, which is the so-called "whisking".
Throughout the process, Wanwan's movements were like dancing, which was pleasing to Zhao Mengqi's eyes.
After the whisking was completed, Wanwan placed the tea cup on the case and said, "Your Excellency, please take a look."
Zhao Mengqi looked into the tea cup and saw that it was filled with milky white foam. Then Wanwan lifted the porcelain bottle to fill it with water and shook the tea cup with the other hand.
An orchid appeared in the soup, and disappeared again after a moment.
"This is a tea show?" Zhao Mengqi exclaimed.
A slight smile appeared in the corner of Wanwan's eyes, "It's the tea show that makes the noble man laugh."
Then she divided the tea soup into several small cups, stood up, and offered it to Zhao Mengqi, "Your honor, please drink."
"Wait a minute..." Huang Gou hurriedly said, "My dear lady, can you please let me taste it first?"
Zhao Mengqi glared at him, but didn't stop him.
Wanwan was stunned for a moment, and seemed to have thought of something. She calmed down and moved the tea cup in her hand towards Huang Gou, "Your Majesty, please."
"Thank you, madam." Huang Gou took it with a smile, and then drank it in one gulp like a cow chewing peonies, without any appearance of tasting tea.
Wanwan turned a blind eye, took another one, placed it on Zhao Mengqi's case, then stepped back and said, "My lord, please use it with caution. I won't disturb you anymore. Please leave."
Zhao Mengqi's eyes flashed with reluctance, but he did not hold back, "Thank you, Madam Wanwan, for the tea. Huang Gou, please send it to Madam."
Huang Gou sent Wanwan and the little girl to the corridor, and took out a hundred banknotes and handed them to the little girl, "My lady's tea art has made my yamen very satisfied, so I gave you some carriage money to show your appreciation." Then he turned around. Back to the private room.
The little girl looked at the face value on the banknote in her hand, her eyes widened, and she couldn't believe it, "Madam, one hundred guan, this guest is too extravagant, I have never seen such a big banknote, madam, you Take a look, it’s not fake, right?”
Wanwanqu flicked her finger on the little girl's forehead, "Don't dare to talk nonsense. You will be beheaded if you use counterfeit money. Keep the money." After saying that, she walked forward.
The little girl covered her forehead, stuck out her tongue, and quickly followed, "Madam, don't be surprised. It's because Madam Yun has little experience, but those guests just now were so strange."
"It's so strange..." Wanwan paused and looked back at the elegant room, "If life could only be like the first time we met... It's a pity that this person is so precious that I won't have the chance to hear the whole sentence in the future."
