Chapter 281 111: Magnificence
Fang Rui went to the Zhen Mansion's kitchen to cook. Zhen Daoji and Zhen Yi followed along, even dismissing the servants to accompany him and help out.
After all, he wasn't a professional chef. For a State City Family like the Zhen Family, well-versed in the ways of the world, it was only natural for them to keep him company.
"I have some skill in Swordsmanship. I can handle the ingredients."
Zhen Daoji showed off his skill, which turned out to be Great Success Level Swordsmanship—more than enough for prepping ingredients.
"Then I'll control the fire!" Zhen Yi flicked his sleeve, and Spiritual Power surged forth, allowing him to manipulate the size of the flames at will.
The three of them gathered together, making it seem less like they were cooking and more like they were at a dinner party.
'Zhen Daoji's composure is incredible! He just suddenly learned about the two Dragon Pearls and how Sun Shouchai has been deceiving him, yet he's not angry or upset at all. He can just set it aside to come and enjoy himself with me.'
'This isn't just poise, it's confidence. He doesn't care what antics the Zheng Family or Sun Shouchai are up to. He has it all under control.'
'The elites from these great families... their knowledge, resources, mindset, and abilities completely crush those of ordinary people. It's truly terrifying!'
Fang Rui sighed inwardly.
"Young friend, are you daydreaming? How high should the fire be?" Zhen Yi asked.
"Oh, a medium flame is fine. Yes, that's about right. A little smaller..."
...
「Noon」
The two dishes, "Turtle's Longevity" and "Waiting for a Rabbit by the Tree Stump," were ready.
Just like with "Immortal Leaping Wall" last time, as the dishes were completed, a brilliant golden light erupted, and their fragrance wafted for miles.
The nobles living on the nearby half-street were all screaming inwardly, 'It's happening again! It's happening again!' The aroma stirred their cravings, and they stared toward the Zhen Mansion, swallowing hard.
"It's done!"
Fang Rui tossed the wok, poured out the food onto plates, and with a wave of his sleeve...
WHOOSH!
Vast plumes of light and smoke rose up, transforming into a celestial vision.
Above the dish "Turtle's Longevity," a Black Tortoise with the body of a turtle and the tail of a serpent appeared, roaring at the sky.
As for "Waiting for a Rabbit by the Tree Stump," amid the curling smoke stood the phantom image of Golden Bamboo, as rabbits crashed into it one after another.
"I have a poem that suits this scene," Fang Rui said with a smile.
"Marvelous! Simply marvelous!"
Zhen Daoji clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "Fang Rui, you and I were brought together by the 'Peach Blossom Poem.' Today is the perfect occasion for you to begin this feast with another masterpiece."
"Indeed." Zhen Yi stroked his beard, a look of anticipation in his eyes.
Fang Rui smiled and began to recite, "Though the divine turtle lives long, its days have their end; though winged serpents ride the mists, they turn to dust at last. An old steed in the stable still longs to gallop a thousand li; a hero in his twilight years still harbors soaring ambitions..."
As his voice, clear as jade, rang out...
Zhen Daoji suddenly raised his hand, and his True Qi surged, intensifying the aroma of the food and making the apparitions above the two dishes even more vivid.
Zhen Yi was not idle either. He also took action, using his Spiritual Power to manipulate the light and shadows, creating a series of visions that corresponded with Fang Rui's poem.
A colossal, ancient turtle cried out mournfully as it died; a massive winged serpent soared among the clouds of the Nine Heavens before its life ended and it turned to ash; in the sunset, an old steed set out on a thousand-li journey; in the howling wind, a white-haired general donned his armor and went into battle...
Finally, as Fang Rui's voice recited, "How fortunate I am, to sing this song of my heart's ambition," all the light and qi exploded into a brilliant firework-like display.
"Excellent, excellent! This poem is the perfect accompaniment to wine. This calls for a large cup!" Zhen Yi exclaimed in admiration.
"A good poem deserves good wine. Second Uncle, don't be stingy. Bring out the good stuff—the kind with Spiritual Qi. Don't try to fool us with ordinary wine," Zhen Daoji said, seizing the opportunity.
"You brat, aren't you just trying to fleece your uncle?"
Zhen Yi shook his head, having picked up some of Fang Rui's manner of speaking after spending time with him. Despite his words, he went to fetch the wine.
He brought back fine wine to go with the exquisite food. With a few good friends, they drank deeply, ate heartily, and sang as they drank.
Swept up in the atmosphere, the three of them cast off all restraint, feeling an extraordinary sense of joy.
'Today, for the first time, I understand the joy Li Taibai wrote of in his "Invitation to Wine." What bliss! What bliss!'
Fang Rui drained a cup of wine and sighed in his heart.
The brilliant golden sunlight of summer poured down, but after passing through the Zhen Mansion's array, it lost its scorching heat and became gentle, dappling the elegant scenery of the estate.
A light breeze blew, the creek flowed, and shimmering light danced on its surface.
In this setting, the atmosphere of the banquet grew ever more spirited and intense.
...
「Evening」
Slightly tipsy, Fang Rui took half of the delicious food with him and headed back as the sun set.
...
「After Fang Rui left」
"It's been a long time since I've been this happy. That Fang Rui... he's truly a fascinating person," Zhen Daoji lamented with a sigh.
"He is!"
Zhen Yi nodded. "In such a corrupt world, it's rare to find someone with his character. He has the air of the famed scholars of old. Perhaps a thousand years from now, our story will be a celebrated tale."
"Indeed."
Zhen Daoji chuckled. "Where are the generals and ministers of ancient times now? Nothing but desolate graves overgrown with weeds. Even those who surpass Martial Arts First Grade may not leave their names in the annals of history. But we... we might be remembered by posterity alongside these famous dishes and poems."
"Alright, back to business. The two Dragon Pearls, one yin and one yang... The Zheng Family is playing a grand game. Over there..."
Zhen Yi had found time that morning to read Ge Changgeng's journal, so he naturally knew about this.
"Haha, Second Uncle, don't worry. These are minor details that don't affect the big picture. The grand net I've woven is very strong indeed."
Zhen Daoji waved his hand, his expression calm and composed.
"As long as you have a plan."
Zhen Yi thought for a moment, then asked, "What do you plan to do about Sun Shouchai? He came to our side of his own accord before you even arrived in Huaiyin Prefecture. You could consider him an old retainer."
"I have already rewarded Sun Shouchai for his contributions, and I haven't wronged him in the slightest. At the same time, it's a fact that he has been deceiving his superiors. Merits and demerits should be considered separately. He will be dealt with as he deserves."