Chapter 425 Hospitality
Chapter 425 Hospitality
Even though Murong Xun was well-traveled and knowledgeable, he had never seen so many dishes before. The dazzling array of dishes was almost all unfamiliar to him, not to mention the others, who were already dumbfounded.
The old patriarch and the fifth patriarch were also shocked. As members of the Xue family, they had not expected the dishes to be so unusual.
Putting everything else aside, the crisp, tender, and vibrant green vegetables alone are enough to amaze people.
There are also all sorts of seafood, which can't be bought just because you have money in this cold winter and snowy weather.
"Today, on behalf of the Xue family and the Zhenguo General's Mansion, I would like to thank you all for gracing our presence at the welcome banquet for the Xue family's daughter. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."
The old clan chief was merely being modest; the dishes on the table alone far surpassed those at Beppu, not to mention the plenty of fine wine for everyone to enjoy.
"You're too kind, clan chief."
Murong Xun knew that the Xue clan patriarch had led his clansmen to work together to help the General's Mansion overcome difficulties over the years, and he admired him greatly.
A rare, gentle smile appeared on his face as he raised his glass in return.
The rich aroma of the wine, mixed with the fragrance of the food, made Murong Xun's mouth water. He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of blanched bok choy.
The crisp and refreshing taste surprised him; it was even more delicious than he had expected.
Only after seeing him start eating did the other guests dare to reach for their favorite dishes.
"good to eat"
"The dishes at the General's Mansion are even more delicious than those at Yingbinlou. I've never seen so many dishes in my life. It was definitely worth the trip."
"In this cold, snowy weather, being able to eat fresh vegetables is an unparalleled pleasure, and to drink a glass of fine wine on top of that is something even the gods wouldn't trade."
"What kind of wine is this? It smells faintly fruity, and the taste is mellow and sweet, making it irresistible. It has a strong aftertaste but doesn't burn your throat. It's a rare and excellent wine."
Xu Ye held the wine glass, looking at the amber-colored liquid inside with a puzzled expression.
He boasted that he had tasted all the finest wines in the world, but he had never tasted one with such a unique flavor. The taste was smooth and sweet, and he felt as if he were enveloped in clouds, extremely comfortable.
"Your Excellency, I was unaware."
The old clan chief was even more shocked than the prince consort. After all, they were both members of the Xue family, so how could he not know that the general's mansion had such a divine wine that was so irresistible?
"Even you don't know?"
"I don't know. If I may not laugh at you, the banquet hosted by the manor today was all prepared by the manor; the clan did not contribute anything."
The old clan chief told them the truth: the dishes and wine they ate and drank today were all paid for by the General's Mansion to entertain their distinguished guests. He hoped that everyone would remember the kindness of the General's Mansion and speak well of the General in court in the future. At least they should not kick him when he was down, or form cliques like the Left Prime Minister, which made the important officials in the court afraid to associate with the General's Mansion.
"I see. Madam Xue is so kind. Today's dishes are exactly what I wanted."
Everyone here is intelligent; how could they not understand the underlying meaning in the old clan chief's words? Since they had come to Miss Xue's welcoming banquet in person, they were prepared to confront the Left Prime Minister's faction head-on.
They weren't afraid before they arrived, especially with the Regent Prince around. If something really happened, they wouldn't have to take action; someone would naturally handle the trouble for the General's Mansion.
Only the Xue clan chief was still confused.
Murong Xun did not interrupt, but savored the aroma of the wine in his cup. Others might not know what the monkey wine tasted like, but he did.
He had obtained a bottle of monkey wine by chance before. It was a small bottle, but it tasted exactly the same as the wine he drank in the general's mansion today. In fact, the wine in the general's mansion was even more delicious than the monkey wine he had drunk before.
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