The engagement between Fang Er and Chai Yue had only just begun with the first of the six rites.
Marriages in this era were not like the whirlwind unions of later generations, where a single day could lead to a flash marriage.
In the Tang Dynasty, try rushing things!
Unless it was to take a concubine, the six rites – Nàcǎi (proposing), Wènmíng (asking for the name), Nàjí (asking for auspicious date), Nàzhēng (asking for betrothal gifts), Qǐngqī (asking for the wedding date), and Qīnyíng (the wedding procession) – were all indispensable!
Just completing this set would take at least...
Soon, Xie Yuchen brought over a pot of cooled boiled water.
"Marquis."
"Have you found a shop?" Fang Er asked casually as he took a cup of water poured by Xie Yuchen.
"Replying to the Marquis, yes, I have. It's not far from Shufujia, a two-story, three-room establishment."
"I've arranged for the owner of that shop to come over shortly to discuss the price."
After speaking, Xie Yuchen stood quietly by, waiting.
Uncle Zhang brought over a bowl of mutton soup, along with flatbread and chili oil.
The chili oil from Zui Xian Lou was exceptional. Since its introduction, its popularity was second only to Zui Xian Niang.
This small bowl, weighing less than an ounce, sold for twenty coins!
Even so, there were still signs of it being in short supply.
Fang Er added some chili oil to the soup and took a few sips. The chefs here were all trained by Hua Niang; their tastes had slight variations, but not significant ones.
Uncle Zhang stood by, breaking the flatbread into small pieces and placing them in an empty bowl.
Fang Er took it, poured all of it into the mutton soup, and ate, his mouth slick with oil from alternating bites of soup and bread.
After finishing, he wiped his mouth with a paper napkin and rinsed his mouth with cooled boiled water.
He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and watched the people coming and going on the street outside the shop.
Before long, a person walked in.
Xie Yuchen whispered into Fang Er's ear, "Marquis, this is the owner of the shop."
Fang Er nodded. "You handle it. Once the deal is settled, just bring this Marquis over to take a look."
Xie Yuchen walked over to the man. "Shopkeeper Liu, please sit down."
The two sat at a table by the door. After a conversation, Xie Yuchen walked back.
"Marquis, we've settled. It's fifteen hundred guan."
"Go get the money from Uncle Zhang," Fang Er waved his hand.
After the shop handover was complete, Xie Yuchen led Fang Er out of Zui Xian Lou and towards the shop.
ps: Fourth update!!