Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Chapter 83 Congratulations on Moving!

Li Shimin picked up the sweet potato and looked at it. "Is this delicious?"

It doesn't look delicious.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang also entered the Lizheng Hall.

“Father, this sweet potato is raw now. It will be soft and sticky when it’s cooked. The young master said it’s most fragrant when roasted, but it can also be boiled, steamed, or even used to make porridge. It’s very sweet,” Princess Yuzhang explained.

The two little princesses couldn't quite explain it, but they mostly just said that the food was delicious.

"Sweet potato!" Li Shimin leaned closer and sniffed. "Sizi, how about roasting one for Mother to try?"

"Yes, yes~ It's for Mommy~" the little princess said generously.

"Father, I'll give this one to Mother too!" Princess Chengyang took out one of her sweet potatoes.

"You won't give it to Father?" Li Shimin teased the two little princesses on purpose.

The two little girls were stunned for a moment.

I hadn't thought about this before.

They all wanted to give Empress Zhangsun a taste.

“Give it to Mommy, that’s also for Daddy!” the little princess quickly said.

"So clever!" Li Lizhi rubbed the little princess's head. This answer was perfect.

Princess Yuzhang gave a few instructions, telling Yushu to personally oversee the roasting process and make sure it didn't burn.

Li Lizhi then took out the medicine Xiao Ran had given her. "Father and Mother, the young master accepted the gifts and gave us some medicine as well."

"Hmm? This is even more than before!" Li Shimin was both surprised and delighted.

These medicines were extremely important to Empress Zhangsun.

"Yes, my son said that if Mother finishes eating these, she'll be able to get through this soon."

Li Shimin looked at Ibuprofen and said, "Good, good, good, this kid is thoughtful."

Xiao Ran didn't expect Li Shimin and Li Lizhi to give him anything when he gave him medicine before. The reason he gave him some medicine later was because the gift from Li Lizhi was too expensive!

Empress Zhangsun picked up another sweet potato. "Since Sizi Fanyin likes it, why not save it for planting?"

“Mother, the young master planted quite a lot; these are the rest,” Princess Yuzhang said.

"How do you know it's been planted? It's not the planting season now," Li Shimin asked, puzzled.

“The young master has already planted the seed,” Princess Yuzhang explained.

After listening, Empress Zhangsun said, "Never mind, it must be different from usual, otherwise it wouldn't be planted in this season. We don't know how, so we don't need to plant it."

Empress Zhangsun didn't want to waste food; the two children liked it, so it was fine as long as they ate it.

"How does Xiao Ran still have so many things!" Li Shimin couldn't help but exclaim.

Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun were also surprised to taste the sweet potato.

This is really delicious, mainly because it's very sweet.

Now I understand why the two little princesses like her so much.

A few days later, Xiao Ran's house was also completed.

Xiao Ran and Wang Shen had previously mentioned that not only doors and windows, but also the most basic furniture was required.

That should be fine.

Xiao Ran wasn't picky, but he also didn't understand much.

Wang Shen was quite familiar with these things, and Xiao Ran also knew that Wang Shen wouldn't try to trick him.

The bed, desk, and chairs are all ready.

The terrain in front is relatively low, and the yard in front of the gate is made of wooden planks.

This way you won't have to worry about getting your things soaked in water during the rainy season.

This place is actually not good; during the rainy season, rainwater will inevitably collect in the mountain gullies.

But since Xiao Ran liked it, no one else said anything; they just needed to get paid to do their job.

However, this also significantly increased the difficulty and cost of construction.

Fortunately, it has been repaired.

Knowing that it was almost finished, Xiao Ran took Zhang Erya and San Niang to check on it.

The new furniture was also arranged neatly.

Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya couldn't wait to tidy up and clean up Xiao Ran.

“Nephew, take a look and see if there are any problems that can be fixed,” Wang Shen said with a smile.

"Uncle, it's fine, I've been watching it every day." Xiao Ran was telling the truth. If there was anything he was dissatisfied with, he would have said so long ago, there was no need to wait until now.

I checked it twice to make sure there were no problems.

They even repaired the road for Xiao Ran.

This makes it convenient to go into the village.

Previously, Xiao Ran's place was considered outside the village, but now it's considered inside the village.

"In that case, we can finish the work today, and we won't need to come tomorrow!" Wang Shen said.

Wages are paid daily, so you don't need to come back once the work is done.

“Come on, everyone come!” Xiao Ran said.

"Uncle and the villagers have worked so hard for so long, you should at least come and have a meal with us again."

Xiao Ran decided to move in as soon as the house was finished, and invited everyone to dinner to celebrate.

In this era, there's no need to worry about formaldehyde or anything like that in houses.

“Okay!” Wang Shen did not refuse.

Third Sister was running around in the yard with Little Black.

"Jinniang, can we buy sheep in the nearby villages?" Xiao Ran asked Zhang Jinhe.

"The only thing I can buy is sheep, which are quite expensive," Zhang Jinhe said.

"Jinniang, please ask around for me; I need to buy some."

Xiao Ran prepared to stew some lamb and make fish soup.

Let's make two main dishes!

As for beef, just think about it; you can't just eat it casually these days.

Xiao Ran's house felt better overall than Zhang Jinhe's house; it was one of the best houses in the neighborhood.

The bedding and blankets on the bed are also new.

That evening, after everyone else had left, Xiao Ran returned to the house alone.

I don't want to live there.

The house was very big, and the person was all alone.

Xiao Ran still preferred to go into the cave and sleep in the RV.

After tomorrow, Xiao Ran will definitely ask Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya, the siblings, to move in as well.

The next day, Xiao Ran strolled over as usual.

Zhang Erya had already cooked porridge early in the morning.

Now, the breakfast isn't millet porridge; it's all cooked rice.

In addition to the porridge, there was also a fried egg.

This is what Xiao Ran taught Zhang Erya to do.

It's not bad with some pickled vegetables.

"Eldest brother, second sister, you two pack your things, we'll move in together later!"

"Young master, we're fine here," Zhang Dalang said, a little embarrassed.

"Does this mean they don't consider me family?" Xiao Ran put down his chopsticks. "It's not like they won't let me come back. It's getting colder over there, it's warmer there. They can build a house there; I can't live alone."

Seeing that Xiao Ran was a little angry, Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya did not refuse.

Naturally, she hoped to live next to Xiao Ran and with him.

But I always felt indebted to Xiao Ran, so I was too embarrassed to go again.

"it is good!"

"The cowsheds over there are all built. The cows can be sent there. Bring anything you need and move it over. Just leave the rest here."

"Okay, I'll deliver it in a bit!" Zhang Dalang was actually very happy.

When building the house, Zhang Dalang's biggest worry was that after the house was built, Xiao Ran would live on his own and their relationship would become distant.

Fearing that Xiao Ran wouldn't want to come here, they wouldn't let the others go over.

Now it turns out that all those worries were unnecessary.

Zhang Jinhe also helped deliver a lot of sheep. These weren't for feeding; they were all slaughtered for meat.

The banquet was held next to the pond.

Many people in Kaolao Village guessed that this was a housewarming celebration and that they needed to move things around.

Many women also helped prepare the meals.

No wages will be paid today; this is purely a favor from neighbors. Many people from Kaolao Village have come.

The area around the pond was crowded and lively.

Many children in the village gathered near the pond, and Xiao Ran had some pastries and malt candy prepared for them.

Previously, I wasn't very willing to play with Third Sister, but now Third Sister doesn't want to play with anyone else.

Third Sister has her own little friends, usually Little Black, and two little princesses.

They often exchange gifts, so their relationship is considered quite good.

In San Niang's heart, her little friends and sisters are like two little princesses.

None of the others are.

This time, the staple food was still millet rice, but instead of boiling, it was steamed.

It tastes better than when boiled.

Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya led the others to cook the other dishes, while Xiao Ran, along with Zhang Dalang and several young men, helped to slaughter sheep and stew mutton.

I specially bought another large iron pot.

Xiao Ran processed it a little, and the gamey smell was reduced slightly.

It tastes better than what people make in this era.

While the group was stewing mutton, Xiao Ran also caught quite a few fish.

Stewed it all.

Xiao Ran didn't take the initiative to tell Cheng Yaojin and Qin Qiong, as if he were asking them to give him a gift.

Xiao Ran was also unable to take the initiative to contact Li Shimin and Li Lizhi.

My initial intention was simply to thank my neighbors for helping build the house, and to treat everyone to a meal of mutton afterward.

People like Li Shimin, Cheng Yaojin, and Qin Qiong never lacked mutton.

Xiao Ran just didn't expect that Li Shimin and the others would still find out.

Li Shimin was accompanied by Empress Zhangsun, Princess Yuzhang (Li Lizhi), and two young maids.

Zhang Anan and Li Wu were both present this time.

Cheng Yaojin brought Cheng Tiehuan and Cheng Chumo, and Qin Qiong also brought Qin Huaidao.

They all brought a lot of stuff.

"Nephew, you shouldn't have said a word on such a joyous occasion," Li Shimin said with a smile.

"Uncle, I just knew you were busy and didn't want to bother you!" Xiao Ran said with a smile as he walked over.

"Little Nangjun~" The little princess is as lively and adorable as ever.

"Yes! Uncle, Madam, please come inside and sit down." Xiao Ran led the group into the courtyard.

The main room is quite large and can easily accommodate all these people.

It wasn't very convenient staying at Zhang Erya's house before; there wasn't enough room to sit inside.

This situation will not occur here.

Xiao Ran's house was very proper and did not exceed the bounds of etiquette.

Xiao Ran knew all this, and Wang Shen understood that they wouldn't build recklessly.

The group sat down, and Xiao Ran took out a few glasses from his RV.

There were originally only two, but they keep copying them, so now there are a bunch.

This one is for brewing tea; it's quite large.

Li Shimin picked up the cup and said, "This doesn't look cheap!"

There was no decoration or pattern.

It's just a very ordinary glass cup.

"Uncle, it's not expensive." Xiao Ran bought it for five yuan each.

In this era, glass is a luxury.

You can't even buy one of Xiao Ran's quality.

Take out some green tea and put some in several cups.

He picked up the kettle and poured boiling water for everyone.

Li Shimin and the others couldn't understand Xiao Ran's actions.

"Nephew, what is this?" Qin Qiong pointed to the glass.

"Uncle, have some tea! I don't know if you'll be able to get used to this kind of tea," Xiao Ran said.

The tea of ​​the Tang Dynasty was quite peculiar, at least incomprehensible to people of Xiao Ran's time.

When using the tea cake, knock off a small piece; do not steep it.

It has to be boiled, and boiled vigorously. When boiling, you need to add salt, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and all sorts of strange seasonings. You can add any seasoning you can find in this era.

Those who know this are brewing tea; those who don't might mistake it for making soup.

The tea processing method is not mature enough; it doesn't taste good when boiled or steeped directly, so it needs to be neutralized with seasonings.

The green tea that Xiao Ran gave me this time is different.

There's only the aroma of tea, a very pure aroma of tea, nothing else.

Li Shimin held the glass, his fingertips touching the warm glass wall, watching the tea leaves slowly unfurl in the water, the tea liquor gradually turning a light green, quite different from the cloudy brown color he used to see when brewing tea.

He took a small sip, initially finding it slightly astringent, but then a refreshing sweetness spread from the tip of his tongue and slid down his throat, carrying a hint of herbal freshness. The taste was surprisingly clean, without the saltiness of salt or the spiciness of cinnamon, only the mellowness of the tea itself.

"You... you don't use salt or cinnamon for seasoning?" Li Shimin raised an eyebrow at Xiao Ran, his tone full of surprise. He then took another sip and laughed, "When I used to brew tea, I always said that the five flavors should be 'harmonized.' Only today did I realize that the taste of tea itself is so refreshing, like the spring mountain breeze has been blended into the water. It's delightful!"

Empress Zhangsun gently swirled the tea leaves in her cup, her gaze warm and gentle as she looked at them as they floated and sank: "When the water boils, the buds unfurl; without adding anything, the true flavor is revealed."

Empress Zhangsun took a sip and nodded, "This is the true nature of tea, isn't it? Clear yet not bland, mellow yet not strong, it is more worthy of appreciation than those with complicated flavorings."

Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) and Empress Zhangsun held green tea in high regard.

Cheng Yaojin also picked up his cup, savored it for a while, and said, "It's smoother than the one I make at home, and it doesn't hurt my throat!"

The group laughed.

The three little girls also ran from outside into the main room, wanting to try the tea princess.

"Mother~ I want some too~" The little princess looked at the teacup.

It looks delicious, and has a subtle tea aroma.

Empress Zhangsun gave the little princess a sip, and the little girl immediately frowned; the tea was still a bit bitter.

The little princess doesn't want to suffer, she only wants to eat sweets.

"Cool~ But it doesn't taste good~"

Princess Chengyang and Third Sister also tried it.

Empress Zhangsun took the initiative to feed the Third Sister, showing no discrimination based on her status.

Finding the taste unpleasant, the three little girls stopped drinking and took their pastries with them, running out of the main room to play with Xiao Hei.

"What excellent tea!" Li Shimin exclaimed, looking at the glass.

Li Shimin would very much like to have this cup if possible.

I think Xiao Ran is being a bit too extravagant.

Even the glass cups in the palace aren't transparent. Xiao Ran's cup looks simple, but it has a unique kind of beauty.

Li Shimin liked it no matter how he looked at it.

Fortunately, Xiao Ran built a house; otherwise, if Li Shimin and Li Lizhi came again in winter, they wouldn't know where to go.

It's not appropriate to sit outside in the dead of winter.

Upon hearing that Xiao Ran's house was completed, Li Shimin and the others came over.

The food is almost ready.

The aroma of fish soup and mutton soup filled the air.

The three little girls had been waiting for a long time, drawn by the aroma of the meat.

After finishing their tea, Li Shimin and the others strolled out.

Li Shimin said with a smile, "This feeling is something I don't get at home. It's very lively, and the liveliness feels very real."

Empress Zhangsun smiled gently, "This is more like life!"

Three little girls were watching Xiao Ran with longing eyes from a short distance away. Xiao Ran asked the three little girls to taste the saltiness first.

“Every time I’m here, I feel very comfortable and can temporarily forget many things,” Li Shimin said to himself.

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao were not idle either; they also helped with the work.

Preparing to eat.

Li Lizhi and Princess Yuzhang also followed Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya's lead as much as possible.

Having become familiar with each other, Zhang Jinhe also asked the two of them for help.

The staple food is millet and flatbread. There are many kinds of vegetables, but the taste is just so-so.

The main dishes are stewed mutton and stewed fish.

(End of this chapter)