Chapter 21: Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing - Lung and Stomach Tonifying Decoction

  Wait a moment, two large bowls were placed on the table, and then Shanyong handed over the chopsticks. Just as Zuo Xiyin was about to take a bite, Shanyong said "wait a minute" and rushed towards several nearby stalls. In the blink of an eye, he returned with several paper-wrapped packages, put them on the table, and said "this is Tanbian water-boiled bun, this is the crispy fire-roasted pastry you've had before, and this is the even more famous date cake". As he spoke, he took a bite from the large bowl, being modest and yielding. Zuo Xiyin didn't know whether she was moved by Shanyong's generosity or attracted by the aroma, but she picked up her chopsticks, scooped up some noodles and meat threads, and took a light bite.

  This face that called a tender, clear soup floating, complexion pale, broth color milky white, this soup tasted one mouth, that called a slippery, even the big oil flower floating in the bowl also can't taste any greasy, one mouth tasted, Shan Yong warily waited for the next text, Zuo Xiying raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Hmm, quite delicious."

  "Then eat a bit more." Dan Yong said with a smile.

  That red and white vegetable thread, Zuo Xiying was slightly puzzled, took a few threads to taste, it was chewy and fragrant, and the soup flavor blended together, looking at the craftsmanship again, it was clear that it was cooked in a large pot, afraid that all the effort was put into that pot of soup. While eating, she couldn't tell what kind of meat it was, but the flavor was really good. After eating about half of it, her forehead started to sweat, and she lightly wiped away the sweat. Dan Yong asked with concern: "Sister, you seem a bit weak, eating this is just right for nourishing blood and eyes, treating virtual asthma, supplementing energy and stopping thirst, curing stomach diarrhea."

  "What's this called?" asked Zuo Xiying, blinking her beautiful eyes. The taste had been savored, but the puzzlement remained unsolved, Shan Yong laughed and countered: "Is it delicious?"

  "It's really delicious." Zuo Xiying said, taking another sip of the soup. She usually didn't eat much, but this flavor was actually quite good, and she couldn't help but drink a few more mouthfuls.

  "There's a tragic story behind this, do you want to hear it? It's related to the Changping Battle. Also, the origin of this dish." Zuo Nan learned from his left, with a knowledgeable tone, selling the suspense without revealing the name. Zuo Xiying nodded: "It's about the origin of the idiom 'paper talk', where 400,000 Zhao soldiers were killed by the Qin army, and the ancient battlefield is less than 70 kilometers away in Gaoping City."

  "Yes, legend has it that Zhao Kuo hung his flag and wanted to use all his military strength to fight a decisive battle with Bai Qi. He was intercepted by eight local righteous men surnamed Shi, who died trying to dissuade him. However, this man was too arrogant and not only did he not listen, but also killed those eight people. Later, the local villagers commemorated these eight people and renamed the place where they died 'Eight Righteous Village'. This dish is a tribute to them and has become a local specialty over time."

  "This... I have an impression, during this time organizing the cultural museum's mythological scrolls, and the food aspect, were all handled by my dad. I really didn't think of it for a moment." Zuo Xiying rummaged through her bag, slightly embarrassed, in this famous food town with its dazzling array of dishes, she really couldn't think of it at the moment, but it wasn't good to ask Shan Yong what was going on.

  When it was difficult, I unknowingly ate almost half of a large bowl, while Shanyong had already eaten cleanly. He also tasted more than half of the shaomai and huoshao. When Zuo Xiyin stopped eating, Shanyong paid the bill and found change. As soon as he stood up, his seat was taken. After walking a few steps, Zuo Xiyin turned around and pointed at Shanyong. Shanyong held back and didn't make a sound. Zuo Xiyin finally couldn't hold it in and asked: "What's it called after all?"

  "Stomach and lung soup." Shanyong said the answer came.

  "Oh, yeah, I've heard that name before. But... " Xie Ying suddenly realized something and asked with a frightened expression: "What does he do?"

  "Pig stomach, pig lungs, large intestine... and lard... The soup is made by simmering the bones until the marrow comes out. That's when it's done." As soon as Shuang Yong mentioned these ingredients, Zuo Xiying's eyes bulged out, and she instinctively covered her mouth, as if something was going to spurt out of her throat. Her eyes were wide with excitement, staring at Shuang Yong, but unexpectedly, he just chuckled and said: "Don't look down on these humble ingredients, they're actually very appetizing, and just what you need. Back in Xiang Ma Village, I noticed that you seemed a bit weak, do you often have cold hands and feet, can't engage in strenuous exercise, and are picky about food? Maybe you even have anorexia..."

  This sentence, as if it had stabbed Left Xiying's soft underbelly, her expression changed from shock to gloominess, and she slowly put down the hand that was about to vomit. The feeling of nausea also slowly disappeared, just like the moment when she heard the name. And the taste was actually not bad. Moreover, her thoughts were diverted, and she looked at Single Courage in surprise, but didn't know how this person had discovered her own problem. Looking again at Single Courage's face with a harmless smile, she slowly relaxed and said calmly: "You figured it out? I really do have anorexia and picky eating habits."

  "Uh, my grandfather was a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and I even learned some medicinal cuisine from my dad. Body regulation is very important, you have the typical symptoms of stomach cold and physical weakness." Shanyong said with an expression that seemed like a doctor's advice to a patient, but he was actually changing the subject. He knew that his senior sister had never experienced this kind of thing in her life of luxury, so it seemed like his nonsense was actually hitting the mark. Left Xiying looked embarrassed, and this expression made Shanyong secretly delighted, thinking "Ah, gotcha!"

  Most girls, as long as they're not a slacker or an obese woman, are prone to being picky eaters, lacking outdoor activities, and having cold hands and feet. This is generally true for most beauties. As for the cold hands and feet, don't try to fake it, if you say your hands are warm, that's probably just a fever! Most of the time they're still cold.

  Meng is right, but Shuang Yong also found the problem immediately, and it seems that he said something a bit too serious, making Zuo Xiying look unhappy, not knowing whether she was dissatisfied with what Shuang Yong said or if her body was uncomfortable. Shuang Yong then changed his tone and said: "Right, Master Sister, I really want to discuss a philosophical issue with you. It can be seen that you have a disdainful attitude towards my way of life, but my lifestyle also belongs to the category of philosophy."

  "Is it still a life philosophy of eating, drinking and having fun?" Zuo Xiying didn't turn back, kept moving forward, as if ready to leave.

  "No, that one sentence: others live to eat, and I eat to live. I am committed to developing this philosophical concept in depth, that is: we live for better food, and better food for a better life. Do you think it's right?" Shuang Yu said with a pout, expecting to make his teacher sister smile, but unexpectedly, Zuo Xiying suddenly stopped in her tracks, turned around and looked at Shuang Yu very seriously, her eyes without joy or approval, nor was there any anger, just a bit of dislike for Shuang Yu's poor joke. Shuang Yu pursed his lips and said cautiously:

  "Sister, don't be unhappy, this isn't what I said, it's what the philosopher Socrates said."

  Zheng was displeased, staring at Shan Yong, very disliking Zuo Xiying's sharp-tongued appearance. Zuo Xiying's eyes moved slightly, and she burst out laughing, seemingly intimidated by Shan Yong, but actually amused by his silly expression. She laughed as she walked forward, with Shan Yong following behind her.

  From near to far, from far to near, the person's heart is anxious, after walking for more than an hour, the relationship has not become closer, but instead seems more distant. When they stopped again outside the crowd of people gathered at this small eatery, not far from the car, Xiying turned around and Shanyong suddenly slammed on the brakes to stop in his tracks.

  Shall we go back then?

  That sentence was almost spoken by Li Xiang, but it stopped for a moment and swallowed back. Such a diligent big boy really made her feel happy, just a bit unhappy that he deliberately induced himself to eat that lung soup, although the taste is not bad.

  This fleeting opportunity, how could Yong Nana let it slip away? She pointed to the not-too-distant crowd of citizens dancing wildly and invited Zuo Xiying: "Sister, it's still early... why don't we go dance?"

  "I'm not very good at dancing and I don't really like crowded places like this." Xie Ying softly declined.

  "It's okay, there aren't many people who can dance here, they're all just messing around... Otherwise, let's just follow the music for a bit. Want to come out and have some fun?" Dan Yong invited, stretching out his hand, waiting for Zuo Xiying to give him her hand. The woman's voice of refusal grew softer and softer, which only showed that her determination was not strong. She could be coaxed into going downstairs, strolling around the street, and trying snacks at a stall... As for what would happen next, it shouldn't be too difficult. Looking at his sister-in-law in a white dress, fluttering in the night wind with an ethereal air, Dan Yong's eyes grew more admiring, and he stretched out his hand again.

  Dancing is the best opportunity for close contact, and at the very least, you can openly find a sense of touch.

  The frost of pride in Zuo Xiying's heart slowly melted away in the scorching gaze of those eyes, and she smiled slightly, then slowly, as if teasingly, placed her hand lightly on Shan Yong's palm. Just as Shan Yong was about to grasp it, she quickly withdrew it, asking in a strange tone: "Are you sure you want to dance?"

  "Hmm, it's fun anyway, why go back so early?" Dan Yong said, hearing that his master seemed to be agreeing, he was delighted.

  "But I'm used to walking like a man." Zuo Xiying said, as if giving Shan Yong a difficult question.

  "No problem, I just happen to like walking in a feminine way." Dan Yongli immediately changed his tone.

  So awkward, finally made it whole again, and once again pulled into the teacher's sister's hand, the two people entered the dance pool, listening to the tango music, this relatively high-difficulty dance, on-site looks like there are only a few masters, all barely walking in a similar way, standing still, when Shuang Yong wanted to put his hand on the teacher's sister's waist, Zuo Xiying smiled and reminded: "Pay attention, you are now a girl."

  "Oh, okay." Dan Yong quickly changed his posture, with Shī Jiē supporting his waist and his hands on her back. Lǚ Xī Yǐng put on a very serious expression and said: "As a girl, you must have the self-awareness of a girl, follow my movements."

  Shan Yong was taken aback for a moment, and vaguely felt that the place had exceeded his plans. Before he could think further, the dance steps began, and in an instant, he stood up straight, raised his head, and swung his arms. With the tango dance steps, Zuo Xiying suddenly became like a noble prince... no, a noble king, gazing condescendingly at the crowd in the ballroom. Shan Yong was slightly stunned, his waist pushed forward, and he followed the dance steps unnaturally. As they danced, Zuo's sister suddenly shook her head; as they walked, she seemed to be refusing yet welcoming him at the same time. The movements were so professional that even Shan Yong, who was not very bright, could see that she was a seasoned dancer. But Shan Yong, who was walking in the female steps, was miserable, and several times he slowed down by half a beat, secretly cursing his bad luck.

  Looks like Lu Ban is showing off his big axe in front of the door, and Guo Biao is dancing street dance in front of the national flag... this is going to be embarrassing...