Chapter 106: The Scoundrel Princess's Daily Slacking Chapter 106: Yan Si's Surprise

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er's heart suddenly stirred, and she suddenly recalled that last night her elder brother Yan Si had mentioned giving her a surprise. Could it be... that this scene before her eyes was it? Thinking of this, she couldn't help but purse her lips in a smile, her heart full of anticipation.

Ouyang Qianyu and Ouyang Qianqiu beside her were equally astonished upon seeing this. They had originally thought it was just an ordinary gathering, but never expected such special treatment. For a moment, the two looked at each other, somewhat bewildered, but still followed the waiter upstairs in a daze. Shangguan Xingyu said nothing, while Shangguan Xingyan and Yan Anyu both appeared completely indifferent.

The several people walked in single file through a quiet corridor, finally arriving before a spacious and luxurious private room. The shopkeeper gently pushed open the door, made a gesture of invitation, and smiled as he said: "Miss Shuang'er, please come in. This is the largest and most elegant private room in our shop, specially reserved for you."

Yan Shuang'er nodded slightly in thanks and stepped into the room. Inside, everything was arranged with exquisite elegance—carved screens, brocade curtains, sandalwood tables and chairs, all present, and a faint scent of sandalwood permeated the air.

After everyone took their seats in turn, not long after, a group of servants dressed in blue clothes and small hats entered in single file, carrying exquisite dishes one after another.

The first dishes to be served were several vegetable dishes with excellent color, aroma, and taste. In this antique-style wine house, waves of tempting aroma wafted into their nostrils.

First catching the eye were plate after plate of exquisite dishes: osmanthus yam was warm and smooth like mutton-fat white jade, dotted with golden osmanthus flowers;

imperial crispy duck exuded a mouthwatering fragrance, its outer skin a charming golden color, as if kissed by sunlight; emerald jade tofu was pure and flawless, crystal clear like jade;

emerald jade bamboo shoots were fresh, tender, and emerald green, like treasures just picked from the mountains and forests; ru yi vegetarian rolls were uniquely shaped, like a finely carved work of art.

The waiter skillfully served these dishes one by one, each placed just right, pleasing to the eye. The diners present all impatiently picked up their chopsticks, ready to feast heartily.

Ouyang Qianyu was the first to extend his chopsticks, picking up a piece of imperial crispy duck. He gently put it in his mouth, and heard a "crack"—the crispy skin was instantly bitten through, revealing the tender, juicy duck meat within.

Savoring it carefully, the unique texture and rich flavor made him nod in praise again and again. Especially that thin layer of crispy skin, which was fragrant and delicious, leaving a lasting aftertaste.

Shangguan Xingyu, on the other hand, was especially fond of the osmanthus yam. She carefully picked up a small piece of yam with her chopsticks, put it in her mouth, and chewed slowly. Instantly, a soft, glutinous, sweet flavor spread, mixed with a faint osmanthus fragrance, as if the entire autumn's fragrance had been integrated into this one bite of deliciousness.

As vegetable dishes were served one after another and finished being tasted, next came the steaming hot dishes with fragrant aromas. Golden jade duck feet were bright red in color, stewed until soft and flavorful, melting in the mouth;

peony fish slices were cut as thin as cicada wings, becoming especially fresh and tender under the immersion of the soup; squirrel mandarin fish had a golden, crispy outer skin, tender and delicate fish meat, with sweet and sour sauce wrapping the crispy-outside-tender-inside fish meat, greatly increasing the appetite;

in the imperial abalone chicken pot, the abalone was springy and refreshing, the chicken meat tender and firm; the two paired together could be said to complement each other perfectly; noble consort chicken wings were golden in color, with a balanced sweet and salty taste, tender and juicy meat;

Dongpo pork had alternating fat and lean, glistening with oil, melting in the mouth without being greasy, the rich flavor making one intoxicated; there was also honey-roasted pigeon, after special cooking techniques, the skin slightly charred, the inside tender, the sweet taste blooming on the tip of the tongue.

Watching the waiter serve dish after dish, everyone ate with great enjoyment, laughter and voices echoing throughout the entire wine house.

Finally, when the last grand finale dish—beggar's chicken—appeared, Yan Si seemed especially excited; he hurriedly gestured to the waiter to bring two more, fearing these few beggar's chickens might not satisfy everyone's appetite.

Not long after, the beggar's chicken wrapped in mud and lotus leaves was steadily placed on the dining table. As the waiter lightly tapped it, the outer hard shell cracked open in response, and instantly, a rich, pungent fragrance like an invisible flood surged forth, quickly filling the entire private room.

That tempting aroma went straight to the nose, making one drool; everyone present couldn't help but take a deep breath, secretly sighing in their hearts: "This trip was truly not in vain!"

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Ouyang Qianyu called the waiter to prepare to pay the bill. Who knew, upon hearing this, the waiter's expression changed, and without a word he hurriedly ran downstairs. Not long after, the shopkeeper of this establishment actually came to the door of the private room himself.

The shopkeeper smiled broadly, clasped his hands and bowed, saying: "Honored guests, there's no need to pay the bill. Our proprietor has ordered that Miss Shuang'er's meal is free of charge."

Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er was stunned, her face full of confusion, completely not understanding the situation. In the eyes of others, however, it seemed Yan Shuang'er was already accustomed to such special treatment, yet appeared somewhat helpless and speechless.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the private room became somewhat subtle. Ouyang Qianyu asked with great curiosity: "Miss Shuang'er, this Zui Xian Lou is so extraordinary. Who exactly is the proprietor behind it?"

Yan Shuang'er was momentarily speechless, not knowing how to answer. Should she tell Ouyang Qianyu that the proprietor of Zui Xian Lou was her second brother? Just as she hesitated, the shopkeeper spoke at the right time: "This young lady may not know, the proprietor of Zui Xian Lou is precisely Miss Shuang'er's fiancé. They have been betrothed since childhood, their love as firm as metal! Moreover, this Zui Xian Lou is a generous gift specially prepared by our proprietor for Miss Shuang'er, as a future bridal gift."

Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er was first stunned, then immediately came to her senses, hurriedly echoing: "Yes, what the shopkeeper says is correct. My royal father also said that next year he will let me marry him."

Ouyang Qianyu, upon hearing this, was stunned with wide eyes and open mouth, unable to close it for a long time. After a while he recovered, looking at Yan Shuang'er in disbelief, and urgently asked: "Miss Shuang'er, such a big matter, why have you never mentioned it before?"