boyutpedia Chapter 137 The Banquet Begins
Chapter 137 The Banquet Begins
"Ladies and gentlemen, the 'Red Mountain Spreads' event is about to begin. Please proceed to the 'Red Ink Palace'."
The spacious room was filled with mist and flowing curtains. On the huge round table, a variety of exquisite dishes were laid out.
Yu Louchun sat in the main seat: "Everyone here is someone I admire. It is my honor that you have come at my invitation. Please take your seats."
The seven participants of "Red Mountain" sat down at the table one after another, and next to each of them was an embroidered stool, presumably for others to sit down later.
"The wine on the table is brewed from the Xiangshan Ice Spring and has been stored for a hundred years. Only one jar is taken out on this day every year. The name of this wine is Manshanhong."
As the hostess here, Yulouchun began to introduce the place to everyone.
"Is the mountainside covered in red wine?"
"Exactly."
"No, is that all?"
Shi Wenjue was getting anxious. He had come all this way, not for a few drinks.
"Isn't this century-old vintage enough? What else do you want?"
After being told that, Shi Wenjue was too embarrassed to say that he wanted it.
"Good wine."
Lu Jianchi, a wine enthusiast who had already eagerly taken a sip, agreed.
"My gift will enhance the enjoyment of the wine."
Lu Jianchi then opened the gift he had presented, revealing several crystal-clear bowls inside. Using his internal energy, he tossed the bowls from the box, landing them safely in front of everyone present.
"This ice glass is made from the essence of snow-capped mountains, and it is a perfect match for this fine wine from the mountains. You should not miss it."
Upon hearing this, the others poured a cup of "Manshanhong" wine into the ice glass. The crystal-clear jade bowl, along with the slightly reddish wine, looked incredibly appetizing.
Only Li Lianhua and Fang Duo, both patients, were as indifferent as chrysanthemums. Judging by their appearance alone, they were still a little inferior to the iced drinks Wu You had made before.
"A mountain of red leaves evokes longing, three visits to the beauty, four visits to the infatuated one, the beaded curtain is startled awake from the dream, another cup is drunk and poetry is written in vain."
Everyone understood what Shi Wenjue wanted to say, so they quietly watched him recite the poem, not wanting to pay any attention.
The scene became somewhat quiet for a moment. Seeing that no one paid any attention to Shi Wenjue, Yu Louchun, as the host, could not let the atmosphere continue to cool down, so she had no choice but to speak up herself.
"This poem is full of regrets. It seems that Master Shi loved beautiful women more than fine wine."
"What a coincidence! I was also inspired to write a poem just now."
Li Yifu stood up and said.
He then took out his brush and ink and wrote a large character, "醇" (chún), in a flowing and elegant style.
醇。
"No wonder people say that Li Yifu, who wrote the poem with just one character, passed the imperial examination but did not want it, and instead became a carefree wanderer in the world. This one character can evoke the image of amber light shining in a jade bowl."
Regardless of whether the poem or the calligraphy is good or not, all visitors are guests, and it's not good to embarrass someone in public.
"Could it be that Doctor Li and Young Master Fang really didn't prepare any gifts?"
Those present offered gifts to express their gratitude, but the renowned Physician Li and Young Hero Fang arrived empty-handed, as if they were simply there to eat at the banquet, which truly piqued everyone's curiosity.
"Young Master Fang's gift is to help everyone present find the real 'Man Shan Hong' (a type of wild rhododendron).
Everyone was surprised to hear this, so Fang Duobing explained.
"The real mountainside ablaze with red should be right around us. Please listen carefully, everyone. The room is shrouded in deep fog, and the mountain winds are blowing, yet the fog hasn't dissipated. If I'm not mistaken, what's behind Mr. Yu is fog, not the real thing, is it?"
"Young Master Fang is indeed clever. These clouds are brocade gauze embroidered by the ladies using ice silkworm silk. Young Master Fang has seen through the mystery, so I will no longer hide my talents. Ladies, let's begin with the 'Red Mountain'."