Chapter 639

Chapter 639: Shanjia Qing Gong (Clear Offerings from the Mountain Home)

As the guests at the table marveled at the beauty of the young lady, the dishes began to be served.

First came a plate of pale cakes, which turned out to be fish soup, reportedly prepared by the bride beforehand.

According to local custom, the first dish served was always the bride’s fish soup, symbolizing good wishes and blessings.

Then came several crisp stir-fried dishes. Afterward, a small pot was brought out with a few pieces of red charcoal at the bottom, and the soup inside was still boiling. However, besides some seasonings, nothing else was cooked in it.

Just as the young lady was curious, another platter of sliced meat was placed beside the pot. The meat was cut very thinly and seemed to have been marinated with wine, sauce, and pepper, emitting a faint fragrance.

An elderly man wearing a headscarf, seeing the two were somewhat curious, smiled and explained.

“This dish isn’t difficult to eat. Use chopsticks to pick up a piece, dip it slightly in the soup, wait until it’s cooked, then take it out and eat it.”

Upon hearing this, the young lady seemed to recall something. This scene felt familiar, as if she had often done this before?

“What’s the name of this dish?” asked Yu Baiqiu, picking up the serving chopsticks beside the plate, taking a slice, dipping it in the soup, stirring it a bit, then removing it and placing it in the bowl. At this point, the meat slice took on a light red color like rosy clouds.

“Bo Xi Gong,” the elder said, explaining the origin of the name.

Because it needed to be dipped in the soup and stirred, and after cooking, it would take on a rosy hue, it was called ‘Bo Xi Gong.’

Listening to this, the young lady became a little hungry. She picked up a slice with her chopsticks, dipped it in the boiling soup, and waited until it was cooked before taking it out and placing it in the bowl.

The meat was tender and slightly spicy, making it hard to put down.

[Bo Xi Gong] (Black Iron Grade, Excellent): Made from the meat of local cold snow gray rabbits (Black Iron Grade), thinly sliced and marinated with seasonings, then cooked in a pot. It has an excellent taste. (Slightly enhances cultivation.)

It tasted really good. Unconsciously, the young lady ate several slices in a row. Realizing everyone was looking at her, she felt embarrassed and put down her chopsticks.

“Hahaha, little girl, no need to be shy. If you like it, eat more. If not enough, they can bring more. Our Ye Yu clan has never let guests leave hungry.” Several uncles and aunts laughed at the cute young lady.

“Mmm,” the young lady blushed slightly.

Afterward, more dishes were brought out, and everyone started eating. The courtyard was filled with lively sounds from various tables.

As everyone gradually shifted their attention elsewhere, the young lady relaxed slightly. Another dish was brought out.

It looked like some kind of noodle dish, colored a fresh emerald green, as if the noodles were cut into small pieces and arranged on the plate.

[Qing Huai Cold Tiao] (Black Special Grade, Exquisite): Made from the leaves of the heart-piercing green locust tree, crushed and mixed with flour, boiled, and then cooled with cold water. (Can expel common parasites in the abdomen, but excessive consumption can cause coldness.)

“The area around Min Ze has many poisonous insects and snakes. You two guests can try this; it’s good for your health,” an elder introduced.

“Thank you,” the young lady glanced around and realized that only their table had this dish, suggesting it was a special treat for the guests.

Yu Baiqiu, looking at the vivid green color, hesitated to use his chopsticks, while the young lady didn’t seem to mind much. She picked up a piece and savored it slowly.

The texture was refreshing with a slight chewiness, and one could still taste the faint flavor of the locust leaves.

Seeing that Lotus Young Lady had no reservations about eating it and that others who tried it didn’t show any discomfort, Yu Baiqiu decided to give it a try.

“This tastes pretty good,” he said, feeling relieved, as it helped to cleanse his palate after eating fatty meat.

Although several more dishes were served afterward, the young lady noticed nothing particularly special; they were just ordinary dishes, though the taste was quite good.

When the banquet gradually came to an end, tea was served to help cleanse the palate, and people resumed their conversations.

“This time, it was well organized. Even the two outsiders enjoyed themselves thoroughly.”

“Yes, yes, the last time such a complete arrangement was made was three years ago when the old Liu family got married.”

“It’s also because these two families have good connections, everyone is willing to come and celebrate, plus they prepared for a long time. It’s said that those rabbits were caught by Old Uncle Bai in the mountains early this year and kept at home until today to be made into Xi Gong.”

“They certainly put in a lot of effort.”

“But if my son married such a good wife, I’d probably be busy inside and out too, hahaha.” The men chuckled again.

The young lady and Yu Baiqiu sat aside, listening to the nearby guests discuss, gradually understanding the customs of this mountainous area.

Due to less interaction with the outside world, the households in this village knew each other well and often helped one another. The folk customs were simple and honest. The bride was also known as a beautiful woman among the neighboring villages, so there was much discussion about her.

“Speaking of which, Xiao Zao wore such a beautiful hair accessory today. When I got married, I didn’t have anything so exquisite.”

“It’s said she made it herself. She’s truly skilled,” a nearby aunt remarked.

“The tassels represent the wind from Xiaguan; the vibrant flowers are from Shangguan; the white top represents Cangshan Snow; the curved shape represents Hai Shan Yue.”

“Those were how the black-robed witches used to describe it. Later, everyone followed this style, emphasizing a perfect blend of wind, flowers, snow, and moon,” an elderly woman said. She wore a blue headscarf and had two thin silver bracelets on her wrists.

After the noon banquet, more guests arrived in the afternoon, briefly congratulating and giving gifts before sitting down to eat. This continued until evening, with the sky gradually darkening.

In the twilight, the distant mountains appeared a soft purple, and occasionally a dog barked in the village.

As night fell, candles were lit house by house, and the host lit several large candles on the table.

There were fewer guests for dinner, and at this moment, the newlyweds walked over hand in hand. They were still dressed in colorful clothes with five-colored silk threads embroidered patterns, very beautiful.

The newlyweds first welcomed the young lady and Yu Baiqiu, then gradually began chatting. It was clear that both were quite curious.

“I come from Nanfeng Continent, Tuo Shi Hall, currently part of the fifth generation. I came deep into Min Ze to explore ancient mysteries and seek opportunities for advancement,” Yu Baiqiu said frankly, not considering it worth hiding.

“She is someone I met in the depths of the mountains. She couldn’t recall her past memories, so I brought her down the mountain, hoping to find some chance to restore her memory.”

The couple looked at the young lady in white, marveling at her beauty, and had similar thoughts as Yu Baiqiu. This young lady must have a remarkable background, perhaps even a descendant of a celestial being.

Hearing that she appeared in the mountains by chance, the couple couldn’t help but exclaim:

“Mountain ghost?”

(End of Chapter)