CHAPTER 1064: CHAPTER 1063: THE INN

At this moment, seeing the dish served, he first scooped a bowl of mutton soup for both Old Granny Zhang and Yang Zongbao, urging them to drink quickly: "Having mutton soup in the winter is the best, quickly drink a bowl to ward off the cold."

Over in Qilidun, the usual fare includes only pork, chicken, and fish.

Beef is strictly forbidden by the Imperial Court, and even if an old or diseased cow dies, or one is injured beyond survival, it must be documented at the Yamen, further reducing any chance of consuming it.

Old Granny Zhang held her bowl and first smelled it; the aroma of the meat carried a slight tang, with a hint of pepper. She tried a sip, and the peppery flavor mixed with the fresh taste of mutton rushed to her head, instantly refreshing her spirits.

With one bowl downed, not only was her whole body feeling warm, but a bit of sweat also appeared at the tip of her nose.

Yang Zongbao, having traveled far and wide for many years, truly enjoyed this flavor, and gulped down three bowls, exclaiming with satisfaction.

Currently, only Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu were still observing mourning, picking at the vegetarian dishes, causing Old Granny Zhang distress. She turned and instructed Old Madam Ding, "Later, find out from their inn if there’s a stove, let’s borrow it and make some snow fungus and red dates soup to nourish Yongzhu and Chongjin."

Old Madam Ding readily agreed.

This snow fungus and red dates soup was often mentioned by Old Granny Zhang in front of Lady Qi, lamenting how during mourning, the two children had grown thin — just during the time they should be growing, and autumn is the time to build up, when everyone else is gaining weight, yet only the two of them grow pitifully thin, and still had to endure a bumpy journey for about a month, wondering how they could endure it.

Lady Qi also felt heartache but understood that observing mourning was proper, especially for Song Chongjin who, with one foot now firmly on the career path, needed to be mindful of these traditions.

However, having a wider perspective, she knew that many in the Capital City also observe mourning, even the Emperor had to observe three years of mourning when his father died, yet nobody saw the Emperor starving.

How did they manage? By relying on various broths and remedies, otherwise who could withstand it?

She quietly shared several soup recipes with Old Granny Zhang, including the snow fungus and red dates soup. Red dates were easily obtainable, as there were many dates in the countryside, but snow fungus was rare, despite them being near Dahei Mountain where black fungus was common, the white snow fungus wasn’t.

It was an exceedingly rare delicacy; even if found in the mountains in previous years, it would be preserved and sold for a good price rather than consumed by themselves.

It was said that these snow fungi were collected to be served to Noble Patrons and Empresses in the Capital City, used to nourish and invigorate, being the most gentle yet effective.

The best snow fungus was even more sought-after than common bird’s nest.

Old Granny Zhang kept this in mind, and upon hearing that snow fungus and red dates were particularly beneficial for women, enhancing beauty and health, she instructed the Wang Family Brothers in Qilidun to keep all the snow fungus they collected and managed to gather almost a pound.

They kept collecting it and every few days brewed a small pot exclusively for Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin to drink, not allowing anyone else to have any.

Wang Yongzhu drank it throughout the journey, feeling nothing particularly different, but noticed Song Chongjin — whether it was not having to hunt and roam as before, or the nourishing effect of the snow fungus — seemed to have a less rugged complexion.

He even once secretly teased Song Chongjin, saying that drinking this for two years might turn his dark face into a fair one.

From then on, Song Chongjin cringed at the mention of snow fungus soup.

Yet, he could not resist the boundless care of his mother-in-law, and even if he resisted, once the snow fungus soup was served, he could only grittingly drink it down.

After resting for two days at the Yuelai Inn, Yang Zongbao also inquired with the inn’s shopkeeper and assistant, learning that there was also a Yuelai Inn in the Capital City, belonging to the same ownership.

Upon first arriving in the Capital City, without a place to stay, surely they would have to stay at the inn temporarily and later gradually search for a suitable home.

Staying at the Yuelai Inn was quite pleasant, as long as the tips were generous everyone, from the shopkeeper to the assistants, was extremely accommodating, with hot water available daily, even if one ordered pastries late at night, they arrived steaming hot, fresh from the oven.

The shopkeeper at the Yuelai Inn also remarked that if they stayed at their inn in the Capital City, not only would transportation be free, but the room rates would be discounted.

Having visited the Capital City before, Yang Zongbao knew the Yuelai Inn’s reputation was consistently good, and he was quite tempted.

Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu both agreed this sounded beneficial, sparing them the need to find accommodations upon arriving at an inn, preferring to settle quickly before making additional plans.

Having decided, by early the next morning, the shopkeeper personally arranged for a carriage, with the inn’s assistant driving it to transport them to the Capital City.

A wide official road ran between the county and the Capital City, making for a smooth and comfortable ride.

The seventy to eighty-mile journey was completed by the afternoon.

In the distance, they saw the towering city gates, with lines of people and carriages snaking like dragons queuing at the entrance.

After waiting for quite a while, it was finally their turn; after inspecting their documents, proof of identity, and travel permits, the guards at the city gate waved them through.

Upon entering the city gates, a bustling and lively aura overwhelmed them.

The Capital City indeed had a heavenly aura, unlike anywhere else, not to mention the crowds of richly dressed people that far surpassed other places.

Even the way these people spoke and walked carried a liveliness unmatched elsewhere.

Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu were somewhat accustomed, whereas Old Granny Zhang, pulling aside the curtain and witnessing the scene outside, murmured countless prayers.

Needless to say, Old Granny Wu and Gu Yu were slack-jawed, their eyes not knowing where to look, as everything seemed fascinating and novel.

Old Granny Wu once privately chuckled at the Graduate’s wife’s sister-in-law, who, when visiting the county, marveled at everything like a country bumpkin entering the city.

Now, she herself felt like such a bumpkin, unfamiliar with city life.

As the sky darkened early, soon after sunset, the shops on both sides of the street gradually lit lanterns, looking from a distance as if the celestial river had descended to earth.

They reached the Yuelai Inn, where darkness had fully taken hold.

The leading assistant went in to announce their arrival, and soon, the shopkeeper and several assistants came out, inviting them to the main hall while instructed to light the courtyard’s lanterns for the guests to choose.

It was already early December, and the inn rooms were in high demand. However, several courtyards were available due to pricing.

Yang Zongbao took the lead to inspect, choosing a slightly secluded and quiet courtyard with three or four rooms, a tea room, a flower hall, and a small courtyard. The monthly rent was thirty taels of silver.

In the tea room, there was a partition space suitable for heating meals, steaming pastries, and brewing soups, offering convenience.

Thus, they settled, spent half a day in bustling activities, and finally were organized and settled.

Having temporarily settled, after dinner when Old Granny Wu and the others left, Song Chongjin, Wang Yongzhu, Old Granny Zhang, and Yang Zongbao discussed their upcoming plans.