Chapter 216

Chapter 216: In the Guests’ Eyes, Tang Rong

Most households of the dignitaries kept recipes for nourishing medicinal soups, so no one thought them rare. Yet once the server gave his introduction, they felt this soup had something exceptional. They cheerfully lifted the lid, saw that the broth was clear and sweet, its aroma fresh to the nose, and after tasting a sip they nodded one after another, “Good.”

Someone remarked, “The soup is good, and this tureen is good too. Was it specially fired?”

The server smiled as he explained that all the tableware was custom made, the aim being to complement each dish; everyone nodded with satisfaction. Next, an array of dishes filed in, and the paired goji wine was brought to the tables. Tang Gang invited everyone to start eating, and, as expected, praise poured in.

Upstairs, half of the private rooms on the second floor were occupied by the ladies, and the dishes served there were chosen with care.

Old Hen Stew with Glehnia, Solomon’s Seal, and Fresh Chinese Yam: nourishes yin, regulates qi, moistens dryness, and calms the mind;

Black?bone Chicken Stewed with Astragalus and Codonopsis: tonifies the spleen and qi and strengthens the body;

Four Substances Pork Rib Soup: nourishes and invigorates the blood, moisturizes the skin and hair;

Each item targeted different guests. Even the sweet soups varied: the older ladies drank Fritillaria and Ginkgo Stewed Snow Pear, the newly married young women had Snow Pear and Goji Stewed Bird’s Nest, and there were also autumn pear drink, Four Substances Decoction, and Erchen Decoction.

Madam Wang asked for a cup of bird’s nest and drank it with delight. Even noble families in the capital did not have such fine things on their table all the time. She could not help wondering how much silver it would take if she were the host of such a spread.

One of the soldiers seated with Liao Zhi said to their chief, “This soup is excellent; after drinking it I feel warm all over.”

Zhuang Shi teased them, “Haven’t you heard this is Oxtail Stewed with Morinda and Eucommia? It not only warms the body and heart but also strengthens the sinews and nourishes the lower back and kidneys. General Liu, this is exactly what you need, drink more.”

Everyone burst into loud laughter, “Hahahaha.”

General Liu was not annoyed. He craned his neck for a look, then grew anxious: “You laugh at me, but you have not drunk any less. There is only half a pot left. I wonder if we can get a refill.”

The server replied, “Honored guest, our soups must be reserved a day in advance. There is only this one pot today, but coming up are two lamb dishes whose effects are also excellent.”

General Liu was curious, “You have to reserve in advance?”

The server explained, “The medicinals must soak overnight. Early the next morning the ingredients go in the pot to a slow simmer so their efficacy is not diminished. If ordered on the spot, it cannot be done in time.”

General Liu clicked his tongue twice, “The wealthy are particular indeed. Even drinking soup is so complicated.”

A still?bubbling Goji Mutton Pot and a richly flavored Lamb Spine Hotpot were brought in, and the table grew lively again.

The meal lasted for a little over an hour. In the latter half, some guests were no longer content to remain in their rooms. Carrying wine jugs and cups, they made the rounds to toast in each private room. Tang Yong found Tang Gang and said he wanted to bring the merchants to pay their respects to the lords. In such a setting, Tang Gang naturally had to give him face. Fang Da also entrusted a friend to Tang Yong, who took him along.

Merchants did not rank high in status, but there were many of them, and a group of walking moneybags set Tang Gang’s heart ablaze. He felt an urge to command them all, and only now did he seem to discover how well off Tang Yong actually was; his attitude toward Tang Yong changed with remarkable speed. Tang Yong saw through it but said nothing, praising Tang Gang at every turn and presenting himself as deferential, which pleased Tang Gang greatly.

Tang Mo, together with Yan Shi Mao, Wei Ye, Tang Yao Ming, Liu Ming Yuan, and the others, also made a circuit to greet the senior officials. Except for Tang Yao Ming, who was less talkative, they were all eloquent, humble in bearing and agreeable in speech, and the elders praised them lavishly.

A nobleman said with a smile, “Marquis Qin, your second son truly has the flair you had in your youth.”

Marquis Qin laughed, “This boy is normally unruly. Now that he has managed to restrain himself at last, you must not praise him.”

He said so, but what father would not feel happy to hear his son praised? One could tell from Marquis Qin’s smile, which nearly reached his ears.

Another dignitary remarked, “The young Lord Liu at the Ministry of Personnel must count among the foremost talents of the capital. I hear he performed very well at the Ministry of Rites. His promotion should come within a year or two. He is handsome, poised, and steady.”

At this, many eyes turned to Liu Ming Yuan with nods of agreement, while other glances drifted to Tang Rong and shook silently.

In the past, whenever people mentioned the standouts among the younger generation in the capital, they would certainly bring up Tang Rong. Now, comparing Tang Rong and Liu Ming Yuan, the difference was not small. The two were of similar age, but Liu Ming Yuan had already found his footing at the Ministry of Personnel, winning the favor of his superiors and known even to His Majesty the Emperor.

By contrast, what had Tang Rong made of his posting at the Ministry of Rites? Leaving aside his ability, his conduct alone made people shake their heads. He was forever having accidents, frequently absent from duty. Whoever took over his work would have a headache. If his father were not a marquis who was also generous with his gifts, he might already have been expelled from the Ministry of Rites.

Even today, regardless of whether they were familiar with Tang Mo or not, all the younger men wore smiles and busied themselves helping him organize things. Yet as the elder brother, Tang Rong remained indifferent, seeming enveloped head to toe in ill luck.

Where was the graceful, elegant gentleman of yesteryear?

Han Feng lifted a cup and spoke with an ingratiating grin: “Uncle Yan, let me fill your cup. The wine at Second Brother Tang’s banquet today is rare stuff. I borrow flowers to offer to the Buddha and beg that you keep me in mind when something good comes up. I would gladly run before and behind in your service.”

Han Feng was a youth from the Grand Secretary Han’s household. He had not been invited, but after hearing about the gathering from Yan Shi Mao, he insisted on coming on his own.

Marquis Qin laughed. He knew the boy had gone mad with the desire to go into the army. His father did not agree, but could not stand the pestering. He had said he would not help him, but if the boy found an opportunity on his own he would not stand in the way. Today Han Feng had surely come for this.

Marquis Qin said with a pointed smile, “I hear your mounted archery is first?rate. Since Commander Liao is here today, go over and toast him. Ask him to take you into the Northern Garrison Army so you can realize your ambitions.”

Han Feng beamed, “What Uncle Yan says is exactly what I have in mind. Would Uncle Yan take the trouble to bring me over?”

At these words, everyone started egging him on again. Marquis Qin laughed, “Go, go, go. Today is the second son of the Tang Family’s banquet. This Marquis is here to drink. He and Commander Liao are closer. Go find him.”

“Uncle Yan looks kindly upon you.”

Han Feng cupped his hands and bowed, “Many thanks, Uncle Yan, for pointing me to the right path.”

He lifted his head with a broad grin, then turned to Tang Mo: “Second Brother Tang, I beg you.”

Tang Mo smiled helplessly, “I cannot stand you. Come on, I will take you.”

As long as one was thick?skinned and quick?tongued, obtaining a posting was not so difficult. Tang Gang was still laughing along with the others and feeling pleased that Tang Mo could now secure appointments for people. All of a sudden he thought of Tang Rong. The smile on his face froze for an instant. He glanced at Tang Rong, who was obviously ill at ease, and a faint anger rose in his chest. [Such a good opportunity, wasted for nothing.]