I glanced up at him, knowing he would protect me from behind, which instantly made me feel more relaxed and no longer afraid. Following his instructions, I gradually loosened the reins, and the horse indeed slowed down. The horses behind caught up, and in the moment of passing, a large hand reached out, encircling my waist and lifting me from one horse to another in a seamless, unhesitating motion.
After finally calming down, I felt slightly embarrassed and turned to Mei Ying, saying, “Thank you!”
Mei Ying lowered his head and returned his gaze to the path ahead. After a moment of silence, I couldn’t help but ask, “Mei Ying, where are we going?”
“Yan Yu Lou!” Three concise words, not a single unnecessary word! I sweated profusely… This guy was truly economical with his words!
Yan Yu Lou was built among mountain peaks, in a secluded valley, with a remote location and tranquil environment. Multiple barriers were set at the entrance, and the path into the valley was like navigating a maze, demonstrating the organization’s meticulousness and secrecy!
“This subordinate pays respects to the Young Master!” Suddenly, a blue-robed woman jumped out from among the mountain stones halfway through our journey. With a plain face and a long sword in hand, she immediately knelt and paid her respects to Mei Ying, extremely deferential.
Her greeting reminded me of Mei Ying’s identity as the Young Master. I stepped out from behind Mei Ying and smiled softly at the kneeling blue-robed woman, greeting her, “Hello, sister!”
Is the young lady doubting Yuan Ye’s abilities? How truly heartbreaking!” the white-clad young man said.
“Haha…” I finally couldn’t help but burst out laughing, and after a while, I stopped and playfully winked at him, saying, “Listen carefully, tonight I want to eat lotus flower clams, mushroom duck feet, stir-fried fresh scallops, and live carp…”
I deliberately listed a bunch of dishes from the full Manchu feast, but surprisingly, the guy didn’t even furrow his brow, and directly slapped his chest, saying, “No problem, I guarantee you’ll be satisfied, okay?”
……
Drunk in Shadows, Flowers Intoxicated (4)
“Is it really possible?” I repeated uncertainly, knowing that while most restaurants could make these dishes, they wouldn’t taste the same.
I wondered if it was because of ancient seasonings – I could never recapture the original flavor.
