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On the second floor of Taibai Tower, people were exchanging toasts and drinks. Huang Rong had originally been eating with the mindset of "slaughtering a fat sheep," but as she ate, her movements slowed down, her bright eyes grew brighter and brighter, and the look in her eyes as she stared at Gu Liufeng changed from initial mockery to surprise, and finally even carried a hint of admiration. The reason is simple: this person knows too much.
"This 'Beggar's Chicken' was cooked to perfection, but the mud it used was wrong." Gu Liufeng picked up a piece of chicken, took a small bite, and then put down his chopsticks, as if commenting on something mundane: "Although Zhangjiakou is located in the north, the loess soil is too sticky, which can easily seal in the juices of the meat when roasting. If you can mix in three parts of pond mud from the south, wrap it in a layer of freshly picked lotus leaves, first use a high flame to seal in the juices, and then simmer it over a low flame, then you can truly call it 'Jade flute, who hears the falling plum blossoms'."
Huang Rong's eyes widened, and the chicken leg in her mouth suddenly lost its appeal. This is her family's culinary theory passed down through generations. How can this person so easily articulate its essence? Even more thoroughly than her father? "Brother Gu, you also know how to cook?" Huang Rong couldn't help but ask. "I know a little." Gu Liufeng poured himself a glass of wine, his gaze drifting to the bustling caravans outside the window, and the conversation naturally shifted: "It's not just about food. Look at these caravans coming and going. They seem to be transporting silk and tea, but in reality, they are transporting the fate of the nation. The Song Dynasty was rich but not strong, exchanging tribute for peace; the Mongol Yuan Dynasty was strong but not rich, plundering resources with its iron hooves.
The general trend of the world is that after a long period of division, there will be unity. This seemingly prosperous Zhangjiakou is just the calm before the storm." Then, he talked about everything from astronomy and geography to the local customs and traditions, occasionally interspersing a few words about modern economic principles or strange tales that Huang Rong had never heard of before. Gu Liufeng spoke in a nonchalant tone, as if he were simply saying, "The weather is nice today." But to Huang Rong, it was like hearing a heavenly book, or like being enlightened by a sudden awakening.
She prided herself on being well-read, knowledgeable in astronomy, geography, the Five Elements, and the Eight Trigrams, but in front of this man, she felt like a frog in a well. "Just who is this person?" Huang Rong muttered to herself. He looks to be only in his early twenties, but he seems like an old monster who has lived for hundreds of years and knows everything. Moreover, many of his views, although shocking, make a lot of sense upon closer examination. Even her father, Huang Yaoshi, who was so proud of his "Peach Blossom Shadow Falling Flying Divine Sword," probably wasn't as insightful as him in some aspects. The meal took a full two hours to finish. Until the sun began to set.
"Alright, we're full and satisfied." Gu Liufeng put down his wine glass, glanced at the pile of empty plates on the table after they had been devoured, and smiled with satisfaction. He didn't press the issue by checking the household registration, nor did he shamelessly insist on taking them home. He stood up and casually straightened his clothes: "Brother Huang, I had a very pleasant conversation with you today.
Consider this meal my gift to you. The world is vast, and we shall meet again someday." After saying that, he really didn't feel any lingering attachment and turned to walk towards the stairwell. "Why?" Huang Rong, who was listening intently, was stunned. They're... gone? According to the usual tropes in the storybook, shouldn't he be trying to become sworn brothers with him at this point, or asking where he lives, or even inviting him to travel with him? Although I'm currently dressed like a beggar, my conversation just now was quite impressive! Doesn't he want to chat a little longer?
Watching Gu Liufeng's decisive and unhurried back, Huang Rong suddenly felt a strong sense of resentment. It's like reading a fantastic book, only to have the author suddenly stop updating it halfway through! Who could stand that? "etc!" Huang Rong threw down the chicken bone in her hand and jumped off the chair to chase after him without thinking. They chased him all the way to the entrance of Taibai Tower, where Gu Liufeng was taking the reins from the shop assistant and preparing to mount his horse. "Is there anything else, Brother Huang?"
Gu Liufeng turned around and looked at the panting little beggar who had caught up with him. A faint smile flashed in his eyes, but his face showed a puzzled expression. "that..." Huang Rong's eyes darted around, her brain racing as she searched for an excuse. You can't exactly say, "I haven't had enough yet, don't go!" That would be too embarrassing! "Brother Gu, where are you going?" Huang Rong asked. "To roam the world." Gu Liufeng pointed into the distance, his tone calm and sophisticated: "The world is so big, I want to see it. I want to go to Lin'an in the Song Dynasty to see the West Lake dance and song, and to Jinling in the Ming Dynasty to see the Qinhuai River scenery. If I have the chance, I want to challenge a few of the world's best, then I will have lived a worthwhile life." Huang Rong's eyes lit up. What a coincidence! That's why she ran away from home!
Moreover, following this guy not only provides good food and drink, but also allows you to hear his strange and wonderful stories. Most importantly, he's pleasing to the eye and much better than those dull-witted, good-fornothing scoundrels. "Cough cough." Huang Rong cleared her throat, put her hands behind her back, and raised her small face covered in soot, feigning maturity: "Brother Gu, I see that although you are knowledgeable and experienced, you are still alone and have no one to take care of you." "Look, the world is a dangerous place, and people's hearts are unpredictable. Although my martial arts skills are mediocre, I have been in the world for many years and I still have the skills to lead the way, find food, and identify shady inns."
At this point, Huang Rong gave a "you got off easy" look and patted her chest: "I've been wanting to see the splendor of this land for a while now. How about... we travel together? I'll be your guide, and you cover the expenses along the way. What do you say? You won't lose out on this deal!" Gu Liufeng couldn't help but chuckle as he looked at her adorable expression, which was so eager to promote herself and afraid of being rejected. The fish has taken the bait. However, he frowned on the surface, seemingly weighing the pros and cons carefully, and even looked Huang Rong up and down a few times, revealing a hint of difficulty: "Traveling together? But..." "I see that you are frail, Brother Huang.
If you encounter bandits or robbers, I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you." "Hey, you!" Huang Rong got anxious, picked up a pebble from the roadside, and flicked it with her finger. call out--! The pebble flew through the air and accurately knocked down a fly on a wine flag ten feet away. "See? I...I've trained too! I definitely won't hold you back!" After demonstrating the rudimentary form of her "finger flicking skill," Huang Rong tilted her chin up and looked at Gu Liufeng with an arrogant expression. Gu Liufeng suppressed a laugh and nodded, feigning surprise. "Impressive finger strength! It seems I misjudged Brother Huang; he is a hidden master." At this moment, the setting sun cast its rays upon the long street. One person is riding a horse, and the other is standing below the horse. Gu Liufeng looked at the dirty but undeniably bright little girl and reached out his hand: "In that case, I shall respectfully comply."
"Come on up, Brother Huang Ritian." Huang Rong looked at that long, slender hand and a smug, mischievous smile curled at the corner of her lips. Hmph, with me in charge, is there anyone I can't handle? Just wait, I'll eat and drink your food all this way, and dump you when I'm done playing with you! She grabbed Gu Liufeng's hand, used the leverage to flip herself onto the horse, and sat behind Gu Liufeng. "Hold on tight." "drive!" The black horse neighed, carrying a man and a woman, each with their own ulterior motives, galloping towards the heart of the Song Dynasty in the afterglow of the setting sun.