Gasp! She's a Time Traveler Using Modern Tech to Improve Ancient Life-Chapter 394 - 391: The Mooching Diner Is Back

Lunch was made with seafood we picked ourselves, and it tasted particularly delicious.

Except for Xiao Yixun, who can’t be in the sun and seemed a bit glum, the other three people at the long table had smiles on their faces.

A summer lunch with a bowl of freshly marinated snail meat seasoned just right, served on ice, was especially refreshing.

This dish was originally taught by Lin Wanwan to Hua Nong, and now Hua Nong has totally surpassed the teacher.

Besides the marinated snail meat, there were mussels, clams, scallop slices, and two types of sliced seasonal fruits, with a pot of osmanthus wine specially requested by Xiao Xianghua brewing on the side.

Of course, today’s protagonist was the big green crab, steamed in a large steamer, served one per person.

In this season, neither swimming crab nor hairy crabs are plump enough, only green crabs are the most succulent.

The three green crabs caught by Qingyu weren’t enough, but luckily Lin Wanwan had also received seafood from other coastal clans, so there was no problem piecing together a green crab feast.

Lin Wanwan usually eats shrimp and crabs without adding other seasonings, as she believes that soy sauce and such cover up the intrinsic deliciousness of the shrimp and crab.

Qingyu, raised by her, naturally shares the same taste, and Xiao Yixun usually likes to imitate Lin Wanwan, so the three of them ate them steamed directly.

Xiao Xianghua, however, was more particular about eating crabs, needing to dip them in fermented black bean sauces and selecting a location for it.

Although their family is just a branch of the Xiao clan, they strive for a sense of ceremony in their lifestyle.

Today, Lin Wanwan, at Xiao Xianghua’s suggestion, moved the location for eating green crabs to the Agarwood Pavilion built on the lake at the back courtyard.

This Agarwood Pavilion is built entirely with mortise and tenon joints, designed and constructed by Wang Dulei and his team.

The roof is double-eaved, covered with green tiles, and the doors, windows, and pillars are painted red, a combination of colors loved by people of Great Tang.

Red and green, the blending of vulgar and elegance.

With precious agarwood, and decorated with various peonies and peony planted by Lin Wanwan from the modern era, the pavilion was absolutely picturesque.

At midday in the summer, the feng shui orientation of the Agarwood Pavilion, calculated by the master, with all windows open, two hand-cranked fans, and a large ice sculpture placed in front.

Several people enjoyed the gentle breeze, appreciated the scenic view outside the pavilion, and enjoyed the crab meat, the joy was indescribable.

Not even needing to shell the crab themselves, each maid had already brought tools to serve as the crab-shucking master.

Lin Wanwan was not usually so decadent, she generally did things herself, but with Xiao Xianghua arranging everything so thoughtfully, she simply went along and indulged.

To prove she wasn’t completely uncouth, Lin Wanwan returned to her room (to the modern era to the supermarket) to retrieve a golden osmanthus scented soap wrapped in a bubbly net, for everyone to wash their hands before the meal.

Osmanthus paired with green crab is truly fitting.

Qingyu loved this soap with its pleasing color the most, and her second favorite thing was playing with water.

Hence, while each person washed their hands, she would assist from the side in generating bubbles, boasting like a yellow lady selling her melons: "I am a hardworking little honeybee!"

Lin Wanwan shook her head with a laugh, really thankful, but it was unnecessary.

Several people were comfortably enjoying seafood, drinking osmanthus wine, participating in some simple drinking games, and admiring the scenery by the lake, the atmosphere filled with laughter and joy.

The maids, once they had prepared a crab for their respective masters, withdrew to the corridor and started their own meal.

At this moment, both masters and servants were genuinely happy.

In the midst of the cheerful dining and playing, suddenly a maid reported, "Xiao Mingfu and Lord Dugu have requested to see you."

That big foodie surely wouldn’t mind braving the scorching noon just to join in for a meal.

Lin Wanwan laughed, "Please quickly invite them in, set up two more sets of bowls and chopsticks, and fetch two large green crabs from the steamer."

"Yes!"

Lin Wanwan then turned to Xiao Xianghua and said, "I received a letter from my cousin a couple of days ago, saying he’d come over these days, and indeed, his timing is perfect."

As they spoke, Xiao Chong had already pushed aside the bamboo curtain and walked into the pavilion. In a plain blue outfit, as soon as he appeared, he drew all eyes, a graceful scholar, flawless and refined.

The originally impressive Dugu Di, about 1.8 meters tall, standing next to Xiao Chong, was not only overshadowed in height but his charm was completely eclipsed.

In everyone’s hearts, they first felt a surge of admiration for Xiao Chong before noticing the person who entered with him.

After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats.

Hong Yan went to fetch bowls and chopsticks while Yun Shang carried a basin of cool water, leading Mo Xiang, who also carried water, in to assist the two sweat-drenched gentlemen in freshening up and washing their hands.

Currently with the autumn heat at its peak, Xiao Chong and Dugu Di coming over at this time surely could not avoid sweating.

"Little cousin, you’re in such high spirits today, drinking and shucking crab at the Agarwood Pavilion."

"Indeed, a wonderful time with beautiful scenery and great food, none should be missed. Cousin, you must be exhausted from the heat traveling over here, cool down with some cold green crab. Oh, and there’s a bowl of iced snail meat here, you’ll surely like it."

"A delicious feast is before me, I won’t be shy, thank you, little cousin."

Xiao Chong sat at Lin Wanwan’s lower left, a spot originally occupied by Xiao Xianghua, who quietly ceded it upon their entrance.

"Hmm, this marinated snail meat is truly delicious!" Xiao Chong continued to eat with poise, alternating bites of snail meat and sips of wine, "Though this osmanthus wine isn’t strong enough, Xiwen, what do you think?"

"Not bad," Dugu Di replied with a smile, "Village Lady, I suppose this osmanthus wine is to pair with the green crab? Here in Mao County, you eat similarly to those in Chang’an."

Lin Wanwan laughed, "Yes, it was arranged by my cousin Xianghua."

Xiao Xianghua smiled slightly, "I just borrowed flowers to offer to Buddha, the ingredients and wine were readily available at home."

Qingyu raised her head from her bowl and refuted, "The big green crab and sea trumpet were caught by me during my morning seawater adventure!"

Upon hearing this, everyone laughed, Xiao Chong gladly said, "Hmm, Qingyu is impressive!"

"Hmph!" Qingyu showed a hint of pride.

After amusing Qingyu for a while, the group continued drinking and eating crab.

Dugu Di seemed uninterested in seafood, only taking a few bites before stopping, simply drinking in silence.

His eyes were still covered with white cloth, but his actions were completely unaffected.

Xiao Xianghua glanced frequently at Dugu Di, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Lin Wanwan did not notice her change, captivated by conversation with Xiao Chong.

Today’s visit from Xiao Chong wasn’t solely for joining the meal; his field’s sweet potatoes had begun to be harvested, and he’d sent people on a boat with three burlap sacks, while he and Dugu Di rode horses to arrive first. The boat would arrive in one more hour.

He brought the sweet potatoes over firstly to try out the machine Lin Wanwan mentioned specifically designed for making powder cakes, and secondly to discuss the approximate crop yield with Lin Wanwan.

"Little cousin, I’m certain those manor guests are diligently tending the fields, yet the yield is never as high as yours. Is there a trick to it? I hope you won’t hesitate to share."

What secret could there be, it’s just that Lin Wanwan had sprinkled her field with fertilizer!

But Lin Wanwan had already decided that from the next season she would plant entirely natural green vegetables, no longer bringing in fertilizer, thus ensuring the secret would no longer be a problem.

"Perhaps it’s because my sweet potato seedlings are slightly better than the ones given to you, after all, I chose mine before distributing to others."

"Oh, is that so?" Xiao Chong cast a meaningful glance filled with wisdom at Lin Wanwan and said, "I always thought it might be related to the fertilizer you scattered in the field."