C61 – What a Heavy Taste!
Tang Yue strode over and came to the aid of his soon-to-be brother-in-law. He cast a glance at County Prince and offered a reminder, “Sanlang, remember to maintain your demeanor. County Prince is observing.”
Zhao Sanlang transformed into a docile figure, much like a retracted tiger’s claws. He greeted County Prince with a smile and released Noble Heir of State Duke Heng.
County Prince gave him a gloomy look but did not say anything.
Tsk, it was really one thing to subdue one thing.
Tang Yue pondered, If he had a stepson like this, his life might never be peaceful again.
He couldn’t fathom what was amiss with Zhao Sanlang, yet he seemed intent on provoking this mother-son duo.
The adults were already spicy; the younger generation was even spicier—the flavor was truly intense!
After roughly ten minutes, State Duke Heng entered the room with measured strides. His frigid aura promptly reduced the young masters present to mere dust. Even Tang Yue conceded that State Duke Heng was undeniably remarkable; his demeanor was exceptional.
Everyone offered a bow. State Duke Heng gestured casually, “No need for formalities. It’s a rare occasion to have you all gathered here. Enjoy yourselves as you wish.”
In a reserved manner, everyone knelt, hushing the hall. The laughter that once resounded was now replaced by the silence of students in a classroom.
State Duke Heng delivered a few introductory words, then turned to Zhao Sanlang. “Sanlang, how is your father’s back holding up?”
Zhao Sanlang stood up straight and answered, “Uncle, Father’s back has aged. He requires care, not force.”
“It’s a pity about your father’s splendid halberd.” State Duke Heng lamented and said in earnest, “I’ve heard that your elder brother stands a chance to carry on the legacy. You must put in more effort.”
Zhao Sanlang’s heart skipped a beat and he nodded in agreement.
While outsiders recognized him as the sole son of the State Protector, little did they realize that his father held his half-brother in high regard. Whether the esteemed position of Noble Heir would eventually be bestowed upon him remained uncertain.
Yet, he maintained an open-minded perspective. Even if he were to miss out on the title of Noble Heir, he could still lead a secure existence, devoid of concerns. Ambition didn’t drive him greatly. Pursuing a content and joyful life wasn’t out of reach.
State Duke Heng called upon several young relatives, extending warm greetings to their families. Then, he turned his attention to Tang Yue. “Yueyang Marquis achieved the blessing of a late-in-life son. He experienced loss and recovery, a profound journey.”
Tang Yue was quick to defer, “I dare not take credit. Reuniting with my father was a fortunate turn of events.”
The Yueyang Marquis’s residence had devised a way to present his identity to the public. It centered around a narrative of a lost childhood, a tale that took years to unravel before the eventual reunion. Undoubtedly, it was a favorable outcome.
However, the condition was that Tang Yue possessed both talent and virtue. If Noble Heir of State Duke Heng had the same appearance, the situation might be different.
“You’re impressive. You just met Wang Zizhao today, and his legs are already on the mend. This accomplishment can’t be overlooked.”
Tang Yue found these words a bit odd, but he had already received his reward, and even more benefits were in store. The credit didn’t matter much to him.
“State Duke is severely injured, and his options are limited. Credit for healing Wang Zizhao’s leg also goes to the imperial physicians.”
State Duke Heng clearly intended to change the subject. He turned to Zhao Sanlang and suggested, “Your father might as well ask Nephew Tang to examine his back. There’s still a glimmer of hope.”
Zhao Sanlang’s eyes brightened. He looked at Tang Yue with a smile. “Indeed, uncle, I appreciate your suggestion. I had the same idea.”
State Duke Heng nodded and gestured to Madam Qing. “Serve the dishes.”
Adorned in neat, orderly attire, the maidservants carried the diminutive man with elegance into the hall. Modestly prepared dishes were set upon the tables. Each place setting held a wine pot and a finely crafted handkerchief.
Noble Heir of State Duke Heng was ravenous, his eagerness for the food surpassing even his enthusiasm for women. He seemed poised to snatch the food and shove it into his mouth before State Duke Heng could even make a move.
State Duke Heng frowned and scolded, “Shun’er, where are your manners?”
The Noble Heir of State Duke Heng swiftly withdrew his hand, casting a pitiful glance at his father.
State Duke Heng’s affection for his son was evident. Observing his sigh, he picked up his chopsticks, signaling for everyone to begin eating.
The plates of food on the table had already captured everyone’s attention. What kind of dishes were these? Some were familiar, others not so much. But they certainly looked delicious.
Zhao Sanlang took a piece of meat and took a bite. After chewing for a moment, he sensed something was amiss. Why did the meat taste different from what he was accustomed to?
However, it seemed to taste good. It even had the taste of radishes.
Tang Yue calmly consumed his meal and occasionally nodded in approval. These dishes even surpassed the ones he had previously enjoyed.
The ingredients of this era were entirely natural and uncontaminated. They truly contrasted with the mishmash of fertilizers and pesticides in his time.
Eventually, someone couldn’t contain their curiosity. “Young Lang of the Tang family, did you really come up with these dishes? They seem… peculiar while eating.”
Tang Yue turned to the speaker. Zhao Sanlang approached and offered a brief introduction. Tang Yue smiled and nodded, responding, “Indeed, I instructed the Chef to prepare these. What does Young Master Tan think?”
“Yes, yes, indeed. But there’s something peculiar…” Young Master Tan picked up a piece of meat and questioned, “This is… meat?”
Tang Yue smiled and asked, “What do you think, Young Master?”
“It looks, smells, and tastes like meat, but the flavor is distinct from the usual meat I eat.”
Zhao Sanlang nodded in agreement. “Absolutely. Something seems off with this spread. Tang Xiaolang, how did you manage this?”
Tang Yue glanced at Noble Heir of State Duke Heng, savoring his meal, and smiled. “These may resemble meat dishes, yet they’re actually crafted from vegetables. It’s a meaty vegetable concoction—perfect for those craving meat without being able to indulge.”
“Speaking of which, I do recall a vegetable dish at Hongyang Temple last time that stood out, though it wasn’t as remarkable as today’s fare.”
State Duke Heng wasn’t particularly demanding when it came to food. Listening to the conversation, he regarded Tang Yue with curiosity. “Did you prepare these dishes?”
Tang Yue nodded, offering a half-shrug. “To be precise, these dishes are your creation. The concept evolved over time, and our household chefs brought it to life. Without their culinary prowess, this idea wouldn’t have blossomed into such a culinary delight.”
“Haha… How intriguing! Quite intriguing! How did you even think of marrying vegetable elements with a feast-like spread? Surely the estate isn’t short on minced meat, is it?”
Madam Qing promptly responded, “Of course not. The young master intended to craft a sumptuous feast for Noble Heir. Seeing everyone’s keen interest, he directed the chefs to adapt today’s menu.”
Tang Yue scratched his head, slightly embarrassed. “I actually prepared it solely for Noble Heir. I didn’t expect… well, I’m not sure if everyone will like it.”
“Why did you prepare it exclusively for Shun Er?” State Duke Heng fixed his son with a stern look, his thoughts momentarily clouded by suspicion that he might have caused some trouble again.
Tang Yue appeared to ignore the veiled warning directed at his son. He spoke kindly, “Noble Heir has quite the abundance. This isn’t necessarily a good thing. It’s advisable to reduce meat consumption.”
Zhao Sanlang lowered his head, suppressing a smile. He marveled at the Tang Family’s young master’s innocence. It would have been better if he understood the context. Why would he bring it up in front of State Duke Heng?
“May I ask Noble Heir, how do you find today’s dishes? Did you enjoy them?” Tang Yue turned to the person still busy licking his plate clean.
Noble Heir of State Duke Heng truly wanted to shake his head, but actions spoke louder than words. Every dish on his table was devoured. So, he could only nod amidst the varied gazes. “Shang Ke.”
“I’ve already shared these recipes with your family’s chef. Try incorporating more of these into your diet going forward. Reducing meat consumption is beneficial for your health.”
Virtually everyone was touched. Several plump young masters hurriedly asked, “Tang Family’s young master, could you perhaps share one of these recipes with me?”
“I can buy it out of gold…”
“I can exchange beauty for…”
“I can…”
Tang Yue felt a brewing headache. He announced loudly, “If you’re interested, you can take a copy of the menu. There’s no need to purchase or trade for it. Even if it’s just a small favor from me, it’s no problem.”
State Duke Heng approved inwardly. Tang Yue was doing his utmost for Shun’er’s well-being. This single gesture alone was deeply gratifying. If it could genuinely aid Shun’er’s recovery, he would surely remember Tang Yue’s kindness.
