The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

Chapter 432: Dinner at Zuixianlou

After getting ashore, the two went their separate ways.

Mr. Fan also came here by carriage, but he had to go to a bookstore.

Zhang Ping'an went home first.

Xu asked with concern: "Son, have you had lunch?"

"Mom, I've eaten," Zhang Ping'an collected his confused thoughts and replied with a smile.

"Look at how frowned you are," Mrs. Xu reached out and touched her son's forehead, reminding him, "By the way, we have to go to Zuixianlou for dinner tonight, don't forget!"

"I remember," Zhang Pingan nodded in response.

Then he went back to the study.

After thinking about it, he wrote a letter and asked his servant to send it to Lin's house.

Then I screened the posts I received, selected some that were valuable and useful, and replied to them.

Only after doing all this could Zhang Ping'an read with peace of mind.

When the sun was setting, the servant knocked on the door. Zhang Ping'an looked out the window and realized that it was time to go out for dinner.

Zhang Laoer and Xu had already been waiting in the main hall.

Qian Youyi had already said in advance that he couldn't stand the greasy food outside, so he wouldn't go today.

Knowing that she was weak and had a small appetite, no one forced her.

Several people got on a carriage and went to Zuixianlou together.

Zuixianlou has long been famous in Lin'an. A meal there is not cheap, and the guests who come here are either rich or noble.

"Today, the fifth brother-in-law has invested a lot of money," Zhang Pingan couldn't help but teased.

Zhang Laoer frowned slightly. "I also think this is quite expensive, but Ziqi wants to celebrate the completion of your exams and reward you. We can't refuse. After all, it's his good intention."

Xu was a little disapproving, and touched the gold hairpin on her head and said, "We are not going there to eat for free, and we also brought gifts. Besides, as the father-in-law and mother-in-law, what's wrong with eating a meal with our son-in-law? Isn't this just right?"

As they were talking, they arrived. The carriage stopped at the entrance of Zuixianlou, and Zhang Laoer and his companions got off.

Zhang Ping'an told the driver, "Come back and pick us up after midnight."

The waiter at Zuixianlou was very welcoming. After the few of them entered and introduced Fang Ziqi's name, he bowed and led the way: "Dear guests, please come this way. The private room that Master Fang has reserved is on the second floor."

After entering, Zhang Ping'an discovered that the private room he booked was on the lakeside.

"Father-in-law and mother-in-law, I'm safe. Come and sit down," Fang Ziqi stood up and greeted them warmly when he saw them coming.

He set up two tables today, one for men and one for women and children, which was quite considerate.

Since Zhang Ping'an was invited, naturally, Old Man Zhang, the old couple Zhang, and the families of Daya, Erya and Liuya were also indispensable.

"My fifth sister didn't come," Zhang Ping'an looked and asked.

"Oh, she is pregnant and not feeling well, so I let her rest at home and didn't let her come over," Fang Ziqi said a little embarrassedly.

Upon hearing this, Xu slapped her thigh and said excitedly, "Oh, this is good news. How many months has it been?"

"It's only been two months," Fang Ziqi replied with a smile.

"We have to be careful," Xu said quickly.

After saying that, he couldn't help but look at his sixth son-in-law: "You guys have to work harder too!"

Yu Shiqi said shyly, "Mom, we will!"

Liu Ya blushed a little after hearing this. She was actually anxious too. Only if she had a child sooner could she gain a firm foothold in the Yu family and feel confident in front of her sisters-in-law.

Yu Shiqi treated her very well. Today, he had to ask his mother-in-law for permission to let her come out to eat with a veil on. Otherwise, the family was strict and would not let her out easily.

Having a child earlier can make the relationship between husband and wife more stable.

After a while, Da Ya and Er Ya's families came with Old Man Zhang and Mrs. Zhang.

Everyone hurried to greet Old Man Zhang and Mrs. Zhang.

Zhang waved her hand and said, "Please sit down!"

After saying that, he took Old Man Zhang to sit aside.

Perhaps due to their age, the two sisters Da Ya and Er Ya have a much better relationship on weekdays, while Wu Ya and Liu Ya are even closer.

The three sisters sat down together.

The children had a great time when they had delicious food, and the atmosphere immediately became lively.

Xu looked over and asked, "Hey, why didn't Sanlang come?"

Daya explained, "He happened to be on duty today. It's really unfortunate."

After that, he apologized to Fang Ziqi: "Fifth brother-in-law, I'm so sorry. You treated us to a meal out of kindness, but your brother-in-law switched shifts with his colleagues and couldn't get one. He said it was already scheduled."

Fang Ziqi waved his hand and smiled politely: "It's okay, I'll ask the waiter to pack a good dish for my brother-in-law later, and you can take it back for him to have as a midnight snack. Everyone who came today, please eat more, the food here is very good!"

As long as the protagonist is here, it doesn’t matter who else is here.

Daya smiled and said, "Thank you very much!"

Everyone took their seats one by one.

Although Zuixian Tower is not as tall, majestic and well-regulated as Wangjiang Tower in Yingzhou City, it is more exquisite and magnificent.

It has obvious Jiangnan characteristics.

The presentation of the dish is very particular.

The waiter explained while serving the dishes.

Everyone listened with great interest.

Erya said casually, "Cooking is so particular. I've learned a lot!"

A hint of disdain flashed in the waiter's eyes when he heard this, which happened to be seen by Fang Ziqi. He couldn't help but feel a little displeased with this second sister who spoke vulgarly.

At the same time, I don't have a good impression of this waiter.

But he still looked reserved and nothing could be seen.

After all the dishes were served, Fang Ziqi, as the host, stood up and raised his glass, saying, "Thank you all for accepting the invitation to dinner tonight. This dinner is mainly to celebrate my brother-in-law's safe and smooth completion of the imperial examination. Let's have some fun together. I'll drink this glass of wine first as a toast. Everyone, please help yourself!"

Zhang Laoer and his companions were very happy to hear these polite words, and they praised Fang Ziqi, their son-in-law, highly.

Old man Zhang, Mrs. Zhang and the children all began to eat their food.

After three rounds of drinks, everyone was enjoying the meal.

Donkey Egg suddenly pointed out the window and said, "Mom, look, that's my dad!"

Maodaner quickly stretched his head over: "Where is it, where is it!"

"It's right there, on the street by the lake, riding a big horse, wearing armor, so majestic!" Donkey Egg shouted, his face full of admiration and stars in his eyes.

Everyone was very curious because they had never seen Liu Sanlang on duty before!

They all went to the window to look.