Chapter 99 Chapter Five Dining Room Competition

In the southwest of Jingling County, Zhangshui and Jushui, two tributaries of the Yangtze River, delineate a large area of ​​fertile plains in the shape of a triangle. The climate here is mild, the soil is fertile, and the products are abundant. Among them, the field where the Pegasus Ranch is located has particularly rich pastures. It is surrounded by mountains and encloses a fertile field of more than ten square miles. There are only two gorges in the east and west for access.The situation is dangerous, forming a natural screen for the ranch. When Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling accompanied the team through the mountain road and came to the hillside overlooking the pasture, they saw that the fields under the mountain were like blankets of different sizes, forming a beautiful pattern, and they couldn't help but feel relaxed and happy.

On the meadow full of pleasing colors, blue, green and black, more than a dozen lakes of different sizes are pasted like mirrors. The beauty is so beautiful that the two of them hold their breath in admiration. No matter from any angle, the end of the grassland is a line of undulating peaks, extending endlessly. In this paradise like a fairyland, there are all kinds of livestock: white sheep, yellow or gray cattle, and horses of various colors. On the higher ground in the northwest corner, there is a majestic castle, leaning against a steep cliff like a wall, and facing a small river winding like a belt, it is even more spectacular.

At this time, everyone got off their horses and walked, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling walked in the middle, they were fascinated by the sight, and felt that the trip was worthwhile. Kou Zhong paid attention to the sentry towers and blockhouses built in various dangerous and key places, while Xu Ziling focused on its beautiful and moving picturesque scenery. There is a tower at the exit of the canyon. In front of the building, a tunnel with a width of three feet and a depth of five feet is dug across the mouth of the canyon. The bottom is covered with spikes and must be passed by a suspension bridge. .

After entering the farm and ranch, Liu Zongdao and others obviously relaxed. Everyone talked and laughed loudly as if letting go of a big stone in their hearts. They remounted their horses and galloped towards Pegasus Castle on the road paved with gravel. Different types of livestock are separated by wooden fences. The shepherds run back and forth between the wooden fences, shouting repeatedly, while the farmers work silently in the fields. The cattle make low noises from time to time, mixed into the neighing of horses and sheep. Along the way, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling have a better understanding of this Pegasus Ranch that seems to be indifferent to the world.

Shang Xiong, the first owner of the Pegasus Ranch who built this castle, was a military general at the end of the Jin Dynasty. At that time, Liu Yu replaced the Jin Dynasty, changed the name of the country to the Song Dynasty, and the world was divided. In order to avoid the calamity of war, Shang Xiong led his subordinates and clansmen to go south. By chance, he found this hidden Guyuan, where he lived and worked in peace and contentment, and established a pasture. During the 160 years from the establishment of the ranch to the unification of the world in the Sui Dynasty, the Pegasus Ranch experienced seven owners, all of whom were inherited by the Shang family, with supreme authority.

The others are the Liang, Liu, Tao, Wu, Xu, Luo and other ethnic groups. After more than a hundred years of reproduction, they have moved out to the surrounding areas and formed nearby towns, even the two big cities of Jushui, Yuan'an and Dangyang. , more than half of its residents are from Pegasus Ranch. The Pegasus Ranch is also the economic lifeline of this area. It produces high-quality horses, which are famous all over the world. However, because the owner follows the ancestral precepts and never participates in the affairs of the Jianghu and the court, his style is low-key, and he always talks about business. He and Xu Ziling had never been mentioned before.

Shang Xiong, the first owner of the ranch, was born as a military general. He understood the truth of keeping fists close, so he encouraged his subordinates to learn martial arts and spread martial arts. As a result, everyone in the ranch was brave and good at fighting, fearless of bandits and strong men, and became a powerful force. The power that can ensure the safety of the region, earns the reverence of the residents of nearby towns.It's a bit similar to the effect of Dominating the Villa on Jingling. When Pegasus Ranch needs to hire new recruits, it always recruits new recruits from nearby junior soldiers, and rarely seeks out from other places.

But this time the situation is special, firstly because Liu Zongdao fell in love with the two at the first sight, and more importantly, after the pastry chef in the ranch passed away, none of the newly hired ones could satisfy the young female farm owner Shang Xiuxun , fired more than ten people successively, so Liu Zongdao had the heart to invite these two people to have a try. Viewed from the front, Pegasus Mountain City is even more amazing. The city wall is built according to the mountain situation, and it is built on Leiyan, and it is undulating and winding along the terrain, and the situation is precipitous.The rocks behind the city are exposed, the corners of the holes are towering, and it is difficult for birds to cross.

The team crossed the river and entered the city through the suspension bridge. The bridge guards were cordial and enthusiastic, and the atmosphere was harmonious, giving people the feeling of a big family living in harmony. After entering the city, there is a wide ramp that extends upwards, leading directly to the inner castle where the highest farmer lives. There are continuous houses on both sides, and they are connected to the ramp by branch roads, which has the characteristics of a mountain city. People and cars pass by on the road, just like a prosperous big city, and children play together in groups, which broadens Kou Xu's horizons, and he is amazed that there is such a blessed place in the world.

The buildings are all rough and simple, piled up with stones and magnificent in shape.Along the way, the bell pavilions, archways, and gates are numerous, and the unpretentiousness shows the heroic spirit of the city builders. The inner castle is even more grand in scale. The main building has five halls and pavilions, and there are side halls and corridors.The big and small houses are in an orderly manner. Inside the castle, there are garden flowers and trees, small bridges and waterfalls, which are elegant and pleasant. After entering the castle, Liu Zongdao and Old Man Xu led Saibei Liangma to meet the owner of the field, while Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling reported to the steward's mansion under the leadership of the boy Luo Fang.

Due to their low status, the two of them were naturally not qualified to meet the Chief Steward Shang Zhen.He was only received by Liang Qian, his deputy in charge of personnel affairs.This man was in his forties, dressed as a scribe, at first he looked arrogant, but later he heard that Luo Fang pointed out that he was a pastry chef specially recommended by Liu Zongdao, so he became more polite. After asking about the origins of the two as usual, Liang Qian said solemnly: "There is one thing that must be made clear to the two. Unless the owner nods, the employment of the two is only a probationary nature. During the probation period, unless someone leads , you are not allowed to leave the dormitory, until you officially work here, I will tell you the rules of the ranch." Kou Zhong said excitedly: "The state owns the country's laws, and the family has its own rules. We understand this. How about we show our skills and let the hosts taste the good things we made?" Liang Qian squinted at the two of them, and asked Luo Fang who was standing aside, "What's Deacon Liu's comment on the things they made?" Luo Fang said embarrassingly: "The second deacon has never tried their skills." Liang Qian was stunned for a while, then his expression changed: "Why didn't you tell me earlier, if the host blames me for negligence, no one will take pity on me." Kou Zhong compensated and said with a smile: "Please rest assured, Assistant Manager Liang, we..." Liang Qian said impatiently: "Stop talking nonsense, now I will ask someone to take you to rest for a while, and after the arrangements are made, I will take you to the dining room to see what you can do? Let me pass this test before we talk." After a pause, he said with a sympathetic tone: "You'd better know in your heart, you don't know how many pastry chefs who have decades more experience than you and have a good reputation have all been driven away by the owner. There is no luck. Come, take Xiao Ning and Xiao Jing to the dining garden in Houbao." Then he said to Luo Fang: "It's none of your business here!" The dining garden is located in the east of Houbao. There are more than ten houses, and next to it is the dining room for the people in the inner castle. The two were arranged in a small room in one of the houses, and they were asked to change into the clothes of the servants of the Pegasus Ranch. Xu Ziling spread out on the bed, and complained: "I don't want to choose any name, but I want to be called Fu Jing, who is called Xiaojing Xiaojing, awkward as if she has become a woman, and forced me to think of Princess Dongming. " Kou Zhong was watching from the window, and proudly said: "Your name is Xiao Jing, I am Xiao Ning, everyone is called to think of people who should not be thought of, and the two are evened. Alas! How did I expect to attract such feelings? I thought it was just a random name, just say it." Xuan said excitedly: "When he was studying art with Lao Zhang in Cuishan Town, he often boasted that the rice balls and Yujing rice he made were unparalleled in the world. Now is the time to prove whether he has bragging." Xu Ziling said slowly: "You're right, Lao Zhang only brags about the vegetables and rice he made, but he never said that his pastries are so great. Sigh! You brat loves bragging the most. I'm tired today, so I'll make a fool of myself with you .” Kou Zhong stayed for a while, then came to sit on the edge of the bed like a wandering soul, and said to himself: "Shouldn't Lao Zhang's cakes be so bad, at least I thought, hey! They are all delicious!" Xu Ziling smiled wryly and said, "Apart from knowing how to comfort yourself, what else do you know? Have you forgotten that the wicked scholar surnamed Liang said that many masters with outstanding bakery skills would pack up their bags and go back to their hometowns to farm? Lao Zhang is also like you. Love to brag, cook rice or have two hands, cake art? I don’t think you can catch up with famous teachers in big cities and towns.” Kou Zhong's expression changed, "What should we do?" Xu Ziling wondered: "If you really want to be a pastry chef here, I can accompany you. I am most afraid that you are a ranch that wants to seek someone. If you come to have both money and sex, please forgive me for not being with you!" Old Kou Zhong blushed slightly, and said awkwardly: "Don't describe me so badly, okay? Then Shang Xiuxun seems to be just another Zhai Jiao. Where does the color come from? I just want to build a good relationship with her and buy a horse with her in the future. Now we can get a better discount!" Xu Ziling calmed down and said, "It's useless to say anything. We're leaving tomorrow morning, and you won't be able to see her even if you want to." "Snapped!" Kou Zhong slapped Xu Ziling's thigh fiercely, and shouted, "Quickly find a way for me." Xu Ziling sat up with a "wow!" in pain, stroking the sore spot and moaning, "Do you want to buy someone's life?" Kou Zhong doubtfully said: "With your young master Ling's current skill, how could you feel such pain with a light slap?" Xu Ziling said angrily: "Your mother's light palm has a spiral force, and the true energy of the protective body is almost scattered by you." Kou Zhong was overjoyed, and was about to speak, when a young woman's voice angrily said: "Whoever is yelling in the room, get out." The two looked at each other in astonishment, and the woman shouted coquettishly again: "If you don't come out, I'll enter the room and take someone away!" Kou Zhong responded: "Come on! Come on! Girl, please calm down, we're just having fun!" The woman said in a deep voice: "You two newcomers from other places, do you think our ranch is a place for fun? If you talk more nonsense, each will be rewarded with ten sticks according to the family rules." Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling looked at each other in dismay, hurried out of the room and came to the corridor. In the sunshine, a tall and thin middle-aged woman with a willow-slender waist and a straight five palaces, but her cheeks were dry and sunken, and she seemed to be about to become violent at any moment, was staring at her with a frosty face. them. She was dressed in a gorgeous silk dress, but it didn't make up for her lack of brilliance, it just seemed to be hung on a bamboo pole to dry. The little maid standing behind her was pretty and lovely, and she was secretly looking at the two of them curiously, with a look of sympathy in her eyes. Kou Zhong saluted and said, "This is..." The skinny woman interrupted him impolitely: "You are that Fu Jing and Fu Ning. Seeing how much experience you have, the second deacon is shrewd all his life, but he was foolish for a while, and he messed with you two. Waste of my precious time." Both Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling are broad-minded people, they don't have the same knowledge as her, so they just kept silent and let her insult them. The woman started to scold, and muttered: "I just sent people to Jingling yesterday to hire the most famous pastry chef in the area to serve the owner, but now you two brats who don't know what to do It's maddening!" It dawned on the two of them that this woman was so unfriendly because she wanted to compete for favor. It can be presumed that she was hired by the personnel responsible for the dining room, but those who were hired before were not favored by the owner, which made her lose face.If the second deacon Liu Zongdao successfully recommended these two people this time, wouldn't she be even more shameless?From this point of view, Liu Zongdao is not as simple as he appears on the surface. In the corridor on the other side of the courtyard, three or four young male servants gathered, pointing and gloating at the two of them. But even though they were scolded relentlessly by the wicked woman, the two of them remained calm, as if they would not get impatient after being scolded for three days and three nights. Hearing the sound, more and more servants came, filling the corridor of the inner courtyard, and a large group of children playing nearby also rushed in, it was very lively. Seeing one of the little girls staring at him intently with big curious eyes, Xu Ziling couldn't help smiling at her. The woman scolded angrily, "Are you listening to me?" When the little girl shyly hid behind her companion, Xu Ziling's tiger eyes flashed coldly, he looked straight into the woman's eyes, and said calmly: "We are hired to make pastries, not to be insulted by you. And why are there so many nonsense, wouldn’t it be okay to test our skills? What’s more, we don’t even know who you are, so if we think we are wrong, why not just accuse Deacon Liu Er?” The woman shot Xu Ziling's sharp eyes, and it was as if she had been burned by a scorching flame, her arrogance disappeared, and the other party's words made sense, neither overbearing nor humble, and she was at a loss for words for a while. Kou Zhong laughed and said, "I haven't asked how to call this aunt yet!" The vile woman finally came back to her senses, and snorted coldly: "I'm in charge of the general affairs of the dining room. Everyone calls me Langu, hey! Come with me! It depends on what amazing skills you have." After saying that, he went angrily. Kou Zhong pretended to bow and bow to the four directions, as if to express his thanks for watching and enjoying the show, which elicited bursts of laughter.Lan Gu didn't turn her head, but her pale face turned paler with anger. Dining Building is a general term for a building group composed of twelve kitchen houses.There are more than 60 cooks and servants working here, masters, assistants, apprentices, assistants and other ranks are clearly defined, and all belong to Chief Lan Gu. One of them, called Shangchu, is dedicated to providing food for the most important people such as the owner and housekeeper. It is divided into four rooms in the south, east, and north. The south room is the pastry room of Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. Lan Gu led the two of them here in a fit of anger, and said with a straight face: "You have not been officially hired for a day, so you can't walk around, otherwise, if you violate the rules of the ranch, even the second deacon will not be able to protect you." Kou Zhong saw that the table in the room was empty except for the steamer, anvil, stove and other tools for making cakes, and asked, "Where can I find the materials?" Reluctantly holding on to her temper, Lan Gu told the pretty maidservant on the left: "Xiaojuan! You see what they need, and then tell Uncle Gu, you understand?" Xiaojuan lowered her head in response, but couldn't help but peeked at the two of them, with a happy smile on the corner of her mouth. Lan Gu muttered, "Let's see what tricks you can pull off?" After finishing speaking, he left without looking back. The three of you looked at me, Xiaojuan said with a "puchi" coquettish smile, "I'm waiting for the orders from the two masters!" Kou Zhong sat on the edge of the stove, looked at Xiaojuan carefully for a while, then smiled and said, "Miss Xiaojuan is really pretty." Xiaojuan immediately gave birth to beautiful cheeks, gave him a half-joyed and half-annoyed look, and said: "I knew you would not be serious." Xu Ziling folded his arms around his chest, moved to the door, looked out, and said with a wry smile: "Let's get out of here early! How can Lan Gu give us high-quality materials? It's hard for a clever woman to cook without rice." Xiaojuan said solemnly: "Two young masters, don't worry! You have the second deacon to back you up, Langu dare not play tricks on this aspect. Besides, she doesn't believe that you can make cakes that satisfy the owner. .” Kou Zhong said without hesitation: "Miss Xiaojuan, do you believe it?" Xiaojuan lowered her head and smiled slightly, shaking her head slightly.Xuan raised her pretty face again and said in wonder, "You don't seem to be taking it seriously at all, are you really confident?" Kou Shen let out a breath and said, "People have different tastes. Even if the chief chef who used to serve that stupid king is brought in, the owner of your restaurant may not be satisfied." Xiaojuan turned away and glanced at Xu Ziling who was leaning on the door, wondering, "What are you looking at, little master?" Xu Ziling gathered his ears together and eavesdropped on the conversations in the other rooms. Hearing the words, he said indifferently: "It's nothing, I'm just looking at it casually. As long as you are willing to look at anything with your heart, you will see many things." Xiaojuan nodded half-understood, sat down on a chair beside her, frowned and said, "I'm still waiting for the orders of the two young masters. Well! But you really don't look like masters who are good at making pastries. On the contrary, he is more like a hero who is a chivalrous hero." Turning to Kou Zhong, he said, "Is that knife on your back just for show? Why don't you find a decent knife." Kou Zhong changed the subject and said, "Isn't Miss Xiaojuan Lan Gu's confidant? Why does she seem willing to help us?" Xiaojuan pursed her pretty lips, and said in a disdainful tone: "Who is her confidant? He belongs to Sister Fu. If Sister Fu hadn't ordered me to come and ask Lan Gu for you to make pastries, she would definitely Let you go idle, or try to force you away." Kou Zhongqi asked, "Who is Miss Fu?" Xiaojuan said proudly: "She is the person most trusted by Miss, and the leader of the servants in our host's mansion." He lowered his voice again and said: "She and your good friend Luo Fang are the best friends, so I don't need to say anything to understand why she is willing to take care of you!" Kou Zhong suddenly realized. Xu Ziling said happily at this time: "We want three catties of dragon eye powder, a bottle of buttermilk, ten white lotus roots, eight taels of new lotus seeds..." He said a lot of ingredients in one breath. Xiaojuan took notes, smiled sweetly at the two, and went happily. Kou Zhong was dumbfounded and said, "Isn't this the ingredients for Qingfeng Rice, Tuanyou Rice and Yujing Rice?" Xu Ziling sat down peacefully and said: "Poverty leads to change, and change leads to success. I overheard just now that Shang Xiuxun is not only greedy, but also greedy for freshness. Let us make a cake that we have never seen before. After she eats it, she will definitely eat it." Searching for flavors. Master Zhong, do you understand?"