As they sat around the dining table, the aroma of Xu Feng’s freshly prepared dishes filled the room, mixing with the comforting scent of steaming rice. The steam rising from the food carried with it the promise of a delicious al.
The atmosphere was cozy and calm, a contrast to the earlier chaos in the estate.
Xuan Jian was clearly in his elent, savoring the spicy flavors of the dishes. The lamb stew, in particular, seed to tickle his taste buds just right, and he couldn’t help but take one bite after another with enthusiasm. Not even pausing for Xu Feng’s reply, he was more focused in the delicacy in front of him.
Xuan Yang, on the other hand, while focused on his al, the curiosity in his eyes was apparent. He might not be as vocal as Xuan Jian in expressing his appreciation, but his steady consumption of the food spoke volus about his enjoynt.
Plus, he’d been in the kitchen with the ger and his servant, but Xuan Yang didn’t know which ingredients were common or uncommon. He had never really been in a kitchen before both experiences that day.
Xu Feng couldn’t help but smile as he watched them. He was especially grateful to Xuan Jian for managing to catch the sheep. The at would be a nice addition to their winter haul...supplies.
It wasn’t a robbery! It was his belongings that were being embezzled that he got back. Now, they would have enough at to ensure they could feed for the next 2 to 3 months depending on how many additions they added to the household.
Feng felt a glimr of contentnt and belonging in his new life at Nanshan estate. It could be chaotic and also peaceful.
Xu Feng, wearing a hidden expression that concealed his inner amusent, dropped a little culinary bombshell. "I added so traditional dicine."
The reactions that followed didn’t disappoint.
Xuan Yang’s initial expression was one of disgust, swiftly replaced by curiosity as he listened to the traditional na that the clinic’s shopkeeper had shared with Xu Feng.
Xuan Yang recognized the na, though his expertise lay in scholarly pursuits rather than dicine. He briefly wondered if Xu Feng was attempting so sort of culinary sabotage, but then again, Xu Feng continued to consu the spicy dishes with pleasure.
’Shouldn’t be poisoned.’
"I call it pepper because it’s easier to say," Xu Feng chid in, introducing them to the modern na for the spice. He didn’t want to keep wrestling with that lengthy traditional term.
anwhile, Xuan Jian seed lost in thought, all the while indulging in the spicy fare before him. His contemplation hinted that he either didn’t believe Xu Feng capable of harming them, or perhaps that he was simply unable or unwilling to do so.
"I do enjoy my food on the spicier side. Maybe next ti, you can try so?" Xu Feng suggested playfully.
Explaining the spice to Xuan Jian turned out to be rather enjoyable. Neither of the two n was aware of the "traditional dicine" hidden in the food, nor did they realize that dicine could influence the taste of a dish positively.
Not all dicine needed to be bitter. And sotis dicine could be eaten just for the taste.
Then, out of the blue, Xuan Jian posed an unexpected question that caught Xu Feng off guard. "Is it an aphrodisiac?"
Xu Feng maintained his composure despite Xuan Jian’s unexpected question. He had expected a reaction from the young master, but this was not quite what he had in mind.
"An aphrodisiac?" Xu Feng repeated, feigning innocence, though he couldn’t help but grin internally.
How was this the logical guess anyone would co to? Should he laugh or be more insulted? Should he play it cool or lash out?
Well, he wasn’t the type to typically lash out...unless necessary. He usually had more lukewarm reactions that were amiable, but recently, he’d been more cheerful—despite the emotional rollercoaster he was on—when the Xuan’s and their servants weren’t getting on his nerves.
"No, it’s not. It’s just a spice, nothing more."
Xuan Jian seed both relieved and disappointed by the answer. He continued to enjoy his al, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics.
Their discussion flowed easily, including various subjects such as food, Xuan Jian’s successful hunting expedition, and the current state of the mountains behind and around the estate.
The snow from the morning had lted away and the ground had beco sowhat soft. Despite it being early in winter, venturing deep into the mountains still posed risks.
Even so, luck had favored Xuan Jian as he encountered a small group of sheep near the entrance to the central mountain behind the estate.
Xuan Jian had shared the story of his hunt, although he kept the details sowhat vague. Xu Feng didn’t notice this point as Xuan Jian went on to recount his experience. Instead, the whole thing was just interesting and novel.
He had experience in slaughtering dosticated chickens in the past when he visited his grandma in the country. That was quite different from hunting larger animals...that were also wild—we can’t forget that part.
This new rural life marked the beginning of Xu Feng’s perfect-ish escape. He yearned to learn more about the remote mountains, exploring the details of the local wildlife, plants, and the very essence of this world.
Xuan Jian possessed practical knowledge from firsthand experience, while Xuan Yang contributed his bookish expertise, including official nas for various plants and animals.
It was the ideal rural adventure for Xu Feng.
As the conversation naturally ebbed into a comfortable silence, Xu Feng couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. He was still pondering Xuan Jian’s reaction to his little prank.
Was it amusing or shocking that Xuan Jian had imdiately jumped to the conclusion that he had spiked their al with an aphrodisiac? The verdict remained obscure for Xu Feng.
While observing the two n enjoy their food, he couldn’t help but reminisce about watching his grandmother savor his cooking. She had been the only one in his family who could handle the sa level of spiciness that he enjoyed. His parents, on the other hand, preferred milder flavors.
But now, he had to ask so questions that had been bothering him all day.
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