I Have A Dual World Seal-Chapter 696: Attending the Yu Family Banquet

"Young Master Lu, we meet again."

"Greetings, Landlord Yu."

These days, Lu Zheng often encountered that Landlord Yu while listening to storytelling and naturally got to know each other.

Yu Jinbai, with an Eastern Prefecture accent, reportedly separated from his elder brother after the old master passed away and came to Tonglin County for a fresh start.

Previously, that Madam Yu who went to Renxin Hall for treatment was indeed his wife.

"Doctor Liu truly deserves his reputation as a famous doctor around Yizhou Prefecture. After taking the medicinal bath prescribed by Doctor Liu, my wife's complexion has improved significantly lately."

"I'm glad it works!" Lu Zheng nodded, "Treating the sick and saving lives is a doctor's duty."

Yu Jinbai laughed, "My wife's illness has persisted for several years. We've consulted many renowned doctors, some of whom have been masters in the field for decades, yet none have been as effective as Doctor Liu."

"Your wife's condition is indeed challenging," Lu Zheng remarked.

Certainly, with that said, Liu Qingyan's ability to cure the illness naturally appears even more formidable.

After exchanging a few words, the storyteller took the stage, striking the gavel to begin the tale.

Today, Old Master Wang didn't come. During a pause between segments, Yu Jinbai asked Lu Zheng, "Tomorrow is the end of the ten-day work cycle; I wonder if Young Master Lu and Doctor Liu have some free time? I would like to invite both of you to visit our residence."

Pausing, Yu Jinbai said, "I have no ulterior motives, just wishing to keep in touch considering I will be residing in Tonglin County and will need Doctor Liu's assistance frequently."

Lu Zheng thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Such hospitality is hard to decline; thank you for your invitation, Landlord Yu."

"Not at all, not at all!" Yu Jinbai laughed, "We have agreed then; my wife and I will eagerly await your visit tomorrow. By the way, our children didn't accompany us; it's rather quiet. Young Master Lu, feel free to bring your family along."

Lu Zheng laughed, "Alright."

Although Yu Jinbai and his wife are not abnormal people and act humbly, it's hard to hide their noble aura. Lu Zheng guessed they might be nobility whose title was revoked or direct lineage separated from the family.

Characters like them wouldn't normally have much interaction with Lu Zheng and others. However, since Lu Zheng spends his days idling and Liu Qingyan is offering medical consultations, they have gotten acquainted.

Lu Zheng is familiar with the landlords, gentry, and common folks listening to storytelling in the area, especially those who have benefited from Renxin Hall. During festivals, his home never lacks vegetables, eggs, and game.

Thus Lu Zheng agreed, as long as he doesn't reveal his identity as a cultivator in front of the common people.

...

At noon the next day, Lu Zheng straightforwardly brought Liu Qingquan and Ao Qian to visit.

"Greetings, Mr. Yu, greetings, Madam Yu!"

The two young girls properly and respectfully greeted them.

"Good, good, please rise!" Madam Yu smiled as she helped them up, placing a jade pendant in each of their hands.

"It's nothing valuable, I hope Young Master Lu and Miss Liu won't mind."

"Not at all, Madam is too kind." Lu Zheng glanced at it, noting it was indeed just an ordinary jade pendant, so he said nothing further.

"Thank you, Madam!"

Standing at the door, Yu Jinbai gestured invitingly while smiling, "Please, come inside."

Entering through the gate, two servants followed Yu Jinbai. Lu Zheng handed over two boxes he carried.

"It's my first visit, unsure what to bring, just some home-brewed drinks and fresh fruits. I hope the landlord won't mind."

Yu Jinbai waved dismissively, laughing, indicating for his servants to accept the gifts, then led Lu Zheng towards the courtyard hall.

As Lu Zheng followed through, he sensed the courtyard was serene and elegant, transcending the mundane.

"I heard after the Huang Family left, this courtyard remained vacant for years. Unexpectedly, the landlord tidied it up so well in just a few days."

Yu Jinbai smiled slightly, "I hired three teams and paid double."

Lu Zheng understood, it indeed was a matter of financial capability.

"Here we are, please take your seats!"

Madam Yu warmly invited Liu Qingyan while enthusiastically welcoming Liu Qingquan and Ao Qian.

In Lu Zheng's view, Madam Yu's eyes conveyed genuine warmth and affection towards the two young girls, an innate fondness.

This made Liu Qingquan and Ao Qian happy, especially Ao Qian, who felt relaxed as if she was at home.

"Madam really likes children!" Lu Zheng sighed.

Yu Jinbai nodded, "My eldest son is already established, my second daughter is married off, so they're not around. My wife feels lonely at home, and since the house is large, you must bring the girls over to play often."

Lu Zheng smiled, "Certainly."

...

Upon sitting and serving dishes, the chef at Yu's house showcased considerable skill—six meat and six vegetarian dishes, appealing in color, aroma, and taste, using various world spices, comparable to those in Bright Moon Building.

Though not as good as Lu Zheng, they'd manage to satisfy Liu Qingquan and Ao Qian.

However, Madam Yu keenly sensed the two girls' emotions.

"Are the dishes not to your liking?"

"No, not at all!"

"They're quite good, indeed!"

Both girls were polite, able to be playful among their own but remained composed in front of others.

Madam Yu picked a spoonful of the braised fish that had briefly creased Ao Qian's brow upon tasting; the rich sauce and tender flesh melted in her mouth, leaving a lingering savory flavor.

It tasted quite good, didn't it?

Madam Yu blinked, then smiled, "Does Young Master Lu have a master chef at home that raised the girls' palates?"

Liu Qingquan and Ao Qian exchanged glances, unsure whether to confess the truth.

Lu Zheng raised his cup, offering a toast to Yu Jinbai, took a sip, and then smiled at Madam Yu, "I occasionally indulge in cooking when in the mood, fitting their taste preferences."

"Young Master Lu cooks?" Yu Jinbai and Madam Yu asked in unison.

"A hobby," Lu Zheng smiled.

"That's quite a delightful hobby." Madam Yu chuckled, "It's certainly better than idling away listening to tales and songs endlessly."

Yu Jinbai burst into hearty laughter, enjoying a bite of vegetables without responding.

Having mentioned Lu Zheng's hobby, the two young girls relaxed, chatting about grilled meat, squirrel fish, crispy chicken, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, braised giant shrimp, and stewed fish. Liu Qingquan and Ao Qian couldn't help salivating until they halted.

Naturally, seeing Yu Jinbai and Madam Yu listening intently, they casually extended an invitation to dine at their home when convenient.

...

The Yu couple was genuinely hospitable, offering a sumptuous meal, inviting Lu Zheng's group once more for future visits before bidding farewell, heading to Peach Blossom Plain for leisure.

Yu Jinbai and his wife watched them depart.

"They're quite a wonderful family."

"With nothing else to do, let's stay here a bit longer."

"Just enough time to walk around with me."

"The weather's lovely this afternoon, how about climbing Shaotong Mountain to pay our respects at White Cloud Temple?"

"Certainly!"