Su Feng and his brother, after some inquiries in the city, finally arrived outside the Fang residence.
Bang, bang, bang.
Su Mu knocked loudly on the door of the Fang residence.
Creak~~
The heavy wooden door was opened from the inside by a stooped old man.
What brings you two here?
The old man stood at the grand entrance, looking at them and asking.
Old sir, we are from Fangjiazhuang outside the city. We were sent by the Marquis of Liaodong to deliver something to Duke Fang. May I ask if Duke Fang has returned?
Su Feng politely bowed to the old man and said softly.
So that's how it is. His Grace has just finished his duties. Please wait a moment, I will go in and inform him.
After speaking, he closed the main door again, entered the courtyard, and went to report to Fang Xuanling.
Not long after, he returned and opened the door: Please come in, both of you.
Su Feng and his brother followed the old man, walking towards the inner courtyard. kanδん
Fang Xuanling had also just returned home a short while ago. He had changed out of his court attire and was sitting in the study, reading.
Your Grace, the people are here.
The old man entered the study and said in a low voice.
Fang Xuanling heard this, put down his book, and looked towards the doorway.
Your Lordship, I have come to deliver these things from my master.
Su Feng bowed and held the bag of peanuts above his head, as a sign of respect.
The old man who opened the door reached out to take it, but Su Feng dodged him.
Please forgive me, Your Lordship. My master instructed me to deliver it into your hands personally.
Hahahaha, this kid. Very well, I will take it myself.
Su Feng and Su Mu were wearing the uniforms of the Tianhuo Army, and they had indeed seen them before when they went to Fangjiazhuang.
Therefore, Fang Xuanling relaxed and stepped forward, taking the bag.
Upon feeling the weight of the bag, Old Fang was pleased.
This kid has spirit! Alright, you may return. Tell your Marquis that I have received these.
After Su Feng and the two brothers left the study one after another, Fang Xuanling opened the bag, reached in, and threw two peanuts into his mouth.
Crunch
Mmm~~ So fragrant!
He placed the bag on the desk, read his book while eating the peanuts, his expression one of utmost contentment.
But after a while, he felt that something was not quite right.
Butler!
Fang Xuanling closed his book and called out towards the outside.
The old man who had opened the door earlier pushed open the study door and walked in: Sir?
Go invite the Duke of Cai to come over. Tell him I would like him to have a drink with me.
Such fragrant beans should be paired with wine!
Yes!
The old man closed the study door, walked out of the Fang residence, and headed towards Du Ruhui's mansion.
The Fang residence and the Du residence were very close. In just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Du Ruhui pushed open Fang Xuanling's study door.
Brother Fang, why do you suddenly think of inviting Du to have a drink today? Could there be good news?
Old Du walked in with his left hand behind his back, stroking his beard with his left hand.
Hahahaha, Brother Du, Fang Anzhi sent me a bag of beans today. After tasting them, I felt they should be accompanied by wine.
That is why I sent my old servant to invite you.
Quick, sit down.
Fang Xuanling stood up to greet him and led Du Ruhui to an empty chair in the study.
Du Ruhui's interest was piqued upon hearing this, his mouth watering. Everyone knew that Fangjiazhuang always produced good things.
Quick, bring them out. Let me have a taste.
Old Fang took the cloth bag from the desk, then went to the study door to look outside, and cautiously closed the door. He lifted a few floor tiles from the corner and took out a wine jar.
Old Du looked at his actions and wanted to laugh, but he could only restrain himself.
Old Fang is truly something. The fact that he fears his wife is known throughout Chang'an.
Considering he invited me over for food and drink today, it's best not to laugh at him.
He placed the wine jar on the table, picked up two teacups from the desk, and poured.
Come, Brother Du, have a taste.
After speaking, he opened the bag of peanuts and gestured to Du Ruhui.
Old Du picked up a peanut, first examining it. He was sure he had never seen this thing before.
Hmm? These beans are grown so plump. They are as big as two soybeans.
After speaking, he threw it into his mouth and tried to bite it.
With a crunch, the peanut shattered in his mouth, and the salty, savory, and fragrant taste instantly filled his oral cavity.
Mmm! This taste is exquisite!
He gave Fang Xuanling a thumbs up and then picked up his teacup filled with wine, drinking it down in one gulp.
Peanuts paired with Drunken Immortal Brew, it was a delicacy.
Otherwise, why would there be a saying in later generations: "Peanuts with wine, the more you drink, the richer you get"?
Moreover, this dish of peanuts has another nickname in later generations: "Durable".
This means that other dishes are gone in just a few bites, but with a plate of peanuts, you can pick at them with chopsticks from the start of the feast until the end.
The two of them, one mouthful of peanuts and one mouthful of wine, spoke not of court affairs, but of romantic tales.
After a few drinks, Du Ruhui no longer cared if Fang Xuanling feared his wife, and kept reminiscing about their romantic exploits when they were young.
Unknowingly, a few small blue pills that Fang Er had placed in the bag became visible.
Old Fang felt a little uneasy.
In his own study, discussing past follies, he felt strangely unsettled. What if the tigress at home came looking for him? That would be troublesome.
While dealing with Du Ruhui, his eyes kept glancing towards the door.
His right hand kept reaching into the bag to grab peanuts. In this manner, he unknowingly threw two small pills into his mouth.
And Du Ruhui, at the same time, threw a small pill into his mouth.
He was in the midst of speaking enthusiastically and didn't even look to see if he was throwing a bean or something else into his mouth.
At this moment, a furious roar came from outside the door: You scoundrel! How dare you be unfaithful outside behind my back!
As soon as the voice fell, the study door was pushed open from the outside. A robust woman holding a cleaver stood at the doorway, her eyes blazing like fire, staring fixedly at Fang Xuanling.
The two of them were startled and instinctively swallowed the wine and beans in their mouths.
Even the small pills were mixed into their stomachs.
ps: First update