Free Web NovelChapter 624: Satisfyingly Addictive
He Lingchuan’s smile slowly widened as well. “Sure.”
He was just as curious about Fang Canran in return.
“I’ll go call the Crown Prince along too.”
Fang Canran waved a hand. “I already invited His Highness earlier. He has matters to attend to tonight and politely declined.”
Hearing that, He Lingchuan let the matter drop, and the two of them alighted from the boat and headed ashore.
Just as He Lingchuan looked ready to leave, two Tongxin Guards moved to follow behind him. freёweɓnovel.com
Fang Canran chuckled. “Young Master He certainly commands an impressive escort.”
He Lingchuan shook his head helplessly. “Being watched at every moment means you can’t even relax properly when going out to enjoy yourself. It takes all the fun out of life.” He then turned to the two guards and said, “I’m just going out with Steward Fang to find a little entertainment. I’ll be perfectly safe. Why don’t you two stay here and rest? I’ll have the cooks grill some lamb ribs and bring wine.”
The two exchanged a glance and did not insist on following.
The cooks at Fleeting Thoughts Manor were truly masters of roasted lamb. In recent days, Fushan Yue and He Lingchuan had constantly been eating grilled lamb and drinking honey wine together. The aroma drifted everywhere; the guards could hardly avoid smelling it, and it tormented them constantly.
Besides, what danger could there be in accompanying the Golden Horn family to a social engagement?
True to his word, He Lingchuan instructed a servant to inform the kitchen to prepare wine and dishes before heading out the gate with Fang Canran.
Tonight, if those two followed them, things would become inconvenient.
In truth, He Lingchuan had already keenly sensed that the Tongxin Guard’s surveillance of him had loosened considerably lately. Whether they watched or not, whether they followed or not, it all seemed half-hearted now. It was nothing like before, when they had practically chased after his backside nonstop.
Aside from Fushan Yue constantly complaining that the Tongxin Guard’s presence interfered with daily life, He Lingchuan also thought of the strange flickering of the Tianluo Star. Gradually, he began to understand the reason.
The Heavenly Palace and the Monster Emperor had already lost interest in them. When the upper ranks grew lazy, the lower ranks naturally slackened as well. The Tongxin Guard no longer had reason to be so diligent when it came to monitoring them.
The carriage waiting outside Fleeting Thoughts Manor immediately set off once the two men boarded.
* * *
Unfortunately, they had gone out during Lingxu City’s evening rush.
By the time they arrived at Pleasant Enjoyment Manor, the night sky was already strewn with stars.
The manor took its name from nearby Pleasant Enjoyment Lake. Built along the lakeshore, it alone occupied nearly half the waterfront scenery. Old willows drooped beside the water, late-blooming osmanthus flowers perfumed the air, mandarin ducks played across the lake’s surface, and deer wandered in groups across the grass. Even the carefully selected water lilies were still blooming deep into autumn, their colors delicate as a young maiden’s blush.
Standing beside the water and admiring the red-gold autumn leaves, one could only feel the refreshing crispness of the season.
Of course, only manor guests could enjoy such meticulously crafted scenery. Beyond the boundaries of Pleasant Enjoyment Manor, the lakeside could no longer conceal the withered desolation of late autumn.
He Lingchuan had dined at several major taverns along Tian Street before. Those places bustled with traffic and crowds, packed with distinguished guests, and business flourished noisily.
Pleasant Enjoyment Manor took an entirely different approach.
It emphasized privacy.
The enormous estate opened only seven themed courtyards, each drawing lake water into its grounds, each built around a different motif, each accompanied by the distant cries of deer, and each courtyard entertaining only a single table of guests.
The courtyards stood far apart, separated by gardens and groves. Even if honored guests shouted and laughed to their hearts’ content, they would never disturb anyone else.
Its entire philosophy could be summed up in two words: private luxury.
Whether conducting business negotiations, meeting friends, or engaging in other activities, this place exuded sophistication from top to bottom.
Its only flaw was that it was obscenely expensive.
Naturally, since He Lingchuan had been invited by the host tonight, he did not need to worry about prices.
Fang Canran led him into the Lotus Courtyard. Huge lotus blossoms bloomed in the pond, clearly a different variety from those outside. After nightfall, the glowspores that were placed within the lotus plumules[1] began to shine, transforming the flowers into beautiful lanterns. In the darkness, they possessed a hazy, shy elegance.
The residence itself was a refined three-story structure. The first floor was for dining and drinking. The second floor was for tea and music. The third floor contained guest rooms.
Once seated at the table, He Lingchuan immediately remarked, “This doesn’t feel like a newly built place.”
“Pleasant Enjoyment Manor has existed for two hundred years. It was originally called Calm Willow Manor.” Fang Canran smiled faintly. “Does that name ring any bells for He Xiao?”
Naturally, He Lingchuan shook his head.
He had only recently arrived in Lingxu City. How could he know the histories behind these estates? freewebnøvel.coɱ
“The first owner who built Calm Willow Manor was surnamed Huang. His family survived in Lingxu City for two centuries before finally declining. Calm Willow Manor happened to be built during the family’s fall from prosperity, so it was sold before construction was fully completed.”
Fang Canran had already ordered the dishes. A delicate-looking servant carried over a lotus-shaped basin filled with warm water, within which rested two golden cups. “The temperature is just right. Come, try Fox Maiden Wine, it’s their signature drink.”
Beneath the basin sat a small brazier keeping the wine warm.
Late autumn. Cold cicadas singing. Warm wine in hand while speaking of Lingxu City.
For many people, this alone was the essence of refined enjoyment.
“Was this wine really brewed by fox monsters?”
“In the earliest days, yes.” Fang Canran smiled. “Supposedly, the original owner of Calm Willow Manor once greatly aided a fox monster from Qingqiu. In return, the fox demon gave him a unique brewing recipe. Later, the recipe was passed down together with the manor itself. Ironically, the owner’s name has long since been forgotten.”
He Lingchuan casually commented, “Things like this seem endless in Lingxu City.”
“Indeed, as countless as crucian carp crossing the river. Sooner or later, most simply disappear.” Then Fang Canran continued, “The manor’s second owner was actually a spy sent by another state. They used Calm Willow Manor to conceal their identities and operated within Lingxu City for several years. After they were captured, the manor was confiscated and auctioned off. The Golden Horn Clan purchased it, renamed it, renovated it, and thus Pleasant Enjoyment Manor was born.”
He Lingchuan stared. “This place used to belong to spies?”
“Why couldn’t it have?” Fang Canran poured him wine. “Lingxu City bears the reputation of being the greatest city beneath heaven. How many outsiders covet it? How many resent it?”
He Lingchuan took a sip. The wine was jade-green in color, sweet and mellow, smooth going down the throat, with faint fruit aromas lingering beneath the surface.
After several more sips, his mouth filled with pleasant sweetness.
“It truly has character.”
As soon as they arrived, the servants carried the bucket of fish into the kitchen. Now, Pleasant Enjoyment Manor’s new chef finally presented his specialty dishes.
The bighead carp naturally appeared first, prepared in two different styles. The first style was one where the carp had been broad oil[2] deep-fried, then braised with chilies and aromatics. One bite revealed skin that was half crisp and half tender, with flavors balanced between sweetness and spice. The second style in which the fish was prepared was a simple charcoal-grilled head.
He Lingchuan had never expected that the first time he ate charcoal-grilled fish head in this world would be in such an elegant establishment. Back in his old world, fish head was something eaten at roadside stalls, perched on little stools occupying the sidewalk, paired with the cheapest bottles of beer.
Outside, the wind seemed to be rising, rustling through the trees.
In weather like this, sitting inside a luxurious pavilion eating grilled fish and drinking good wine was comfort beyond words.
The dozen or so smaller fish had been fried until dry and crispy, then sprinkled with pepper seasoning. Each one shattered with a satisfying crunch.
The kitchen had also thoughtfully prepared a plate of pickled plums.
The century-old plum trees of Pleasant Enjoyment Manor had produced an abundant harvest. The plums were preserved with salt, sugar, wine, and dried plum seasoning. Adults and children alike loved them.
He Lingchuan picked one up and bit into it. It was sour, crisp, and sweet all in one. It truly was excellent for cutting through greasiness, sobering the mind, and refreshing the spirit.
Only after tasting several pieces of fish did Fang Canran finally speak again, “How do you think the elixir of youth case will conclude?”
“I don’t know,” He Lingchuan answered honestly. “I still don’t understand much about Lingxu City. The imperial court, the Lord Emperor, the heavenly gods, and even State Preceptor Qing Yang...” He sighed. “I really can’t predict what sort of struggle this case will ultimately become.”
“You forgot one important force.”
“Oh?” He Lingchuan asked casually. “Which one?”
“The vassal monster states,” Fang Canran replied. “If not for the States of Chiyan and Baoshu insisting forcefully that the investigation continue to the end, the matter might already have been quietly buried.”
That’s true. Sometimes, He Lingchuan forgot the power standing behind him.
“The frightening thing about this case is that even after it concludes, the resulting turmoil likely won’t subside anytime soon.”
“That’s true.” He Lingchuan gestured toward the lake outside the window. “This place appears all fine mountains and beautiful waters, but hidden dangers run deep beneath the surface. Since arriving in Lingxu City, I haven’t truly enjoyed a single peaceful day.”
Fang Canran laughed heartily. “That’s because Young Master He insists on plunging into danger himself. Look at the common folk outside, look at the people who only struggle daily for food and warmth, what dangers could they possibly encounter?”
“Really?” He Lingchuan smiled faintly. “Then the servants at the Mount Pan Residence were only sweeping floors and cooking meals to support their families. Why did disaster still fall upon them for no reason?”
Crown Prince Huan had wanted to teach him and Fushan Yue a lesson, but in the end, it had vented his anger upon the servants and the estate instead.
Ordinary people drifted like duckweed. One unexpected wave could smash them apart entirely.
One should not think that keeping one’s head down guarantees safety. That was not the case even in the imperial capital.
The snakehead Fang Canran that had been caught earlier was now brought out as well, blazing red with sauce.
The newly hired chef had chosen a baked casserole preparation. The thick slices of snakehead had all been deboned, then lightly coated in starch and flash-roasted before being transferred to a clay pot to slow-braise with fermented black beans.
Even the stock, which had been richly drawn from cured ham, had been infused into the fish.
He Lingchuan had no idea what secret seasonings the chef had added, but the layers of flavor were astonishing. As he savored it carefully, he even detected a faint creamy richness.
The chilies looked bright red and intimidating, yet the dish was not spicy at all. It merely left a gentle warmth behind.
After all, what sort of place was Pleasant Enjoyment Manor?
If honored guests ended up red-faced, teary-eyed, and dripping snot from spicy food, the establishment’s elegant atmosphere would collapse instantly.
Fang Canran asked him, “What do you think of this chef?”
“Excellent.” He Lingchuan barely even lifted his head, full of praise. “This is truly fine cuisine!”
Even in the foremost cities of his former world, where flavors from across the land gathered together, he had never tasted fish this delicious.
Fang Canran promptly poured him more wine. “Then don’t stand on ceremony. Eat more.”
He Lingchuan indeed did not stand on ceremony. He buried himself in fish and wine. In barely a quarter hour, the several-kilo snakehead had been reduced to scraps.
The more he ate, the better it tasted.
The more he ate, the more addictive it became.
Hm? Addictive?
As it flashed through He Lingchuan’s mind, something suddenly felt wrong.
But by then he was already dizzy and muddle-headed. He could not tell whether he had eaten too much fish or drunk too much wine. His neck could barely support his head.
Clatter.
His chopsticks fell to the floor.
The next moment, He Lingchuan slid beneath the table.
Fang Canran immediately caught him. “He Xiao? Are you all right?”
He Lingchuan’s eyes were half-open, half-closed. Even his pupils had begun to lose focus.
“Your tolerance really is terrible.” Fang Canran laughed despite himself. “Can’t even walk anymore?”
Suddenly, He Lingchuan’s eyes snapped open, and he jerked upright like a corpse springing from the grave.
“I-I gotta go... to the latrine!”
The sudden movement nearly startled Fang Canran.
He pointed toward the rear hall. “The private chamber is in the back. Shall I help you there?”
Places like Lotus Courtyard naturally did not use ordinary inn-style chamber pots hidden behind folding screens. Instead, they had specially built lavatories known as private chambers.
1. This is the bitter, green embryo found inside mature sacred lotus seeds. ☜
2. This is a Chinese cooking technique using a generous amount of oil for deep-frying, pan-searing, or quickly oil-blanching ingredients to seal in flavor, popularized by chef Wang Gang. ☜
