ebookland Chapter 200: Final Banquet
Chapter 200: Final Banquet
The next day, before dawn, the Shen family was already busy.
In the mansion, servants shuttled around every corner, cleaning the courtyard, arranging tables and chairs, and preparing sacrificial supplies. Everything was proceeding in an orderly manner.
In the center of the courtyard, an exquisite altar had already been placed, covered with a brocade tablecloth embroidered with auspicious patterns.
There was a dazzling array of offerings, including fresh fruits and vegetables, red apples, yellow pears, and purple grapes piled up like small hills;
There are also three kinds of carefully cooked meat: pig's head, whole chicken and fresh fish, which emit an enticing aroma, as if telling of harvest and abundance.
The tall incense burning in the incense burner, with smoke rising up, adds a touch of solemnity to the courtyard in the early morning.
Everyone in the Shen family wore new clothes, their expressions solemn yet somewhat joyful.
Shen Shaodong stood aside, directing the servants to adjust the sacrificial arrangements, and giving them a few instructions from time to time to ensure that every step was done correctly.
Shen Li followed beside her grandmother Liu, talking to her softly, her eyes full of anticipation for today's ceremony.
At the beginning of the Si hour, the sacrificial ceremony officially began.
Shen Shaodong stepped forward first, washed his hands and face, then lit three thick incense sticks. He bowed deeply towards the sky and earth, muttering something, praying to God to bless the Shen family's new house with peace and prosperity, the family with prosperity, and their descendants with blessings.
Afterwards, Shen Li and his family stepped forward one by one and bowed respectfully.
The sacrifice was completed and preparations for the closing banquet were ready.
In the Shen family's banquet hall, the tables and chairs were neatly arranged, and the cups, plates, and bowls were neatly placed.
The table was filled with delicacies, with delicacies from land and sea gathered together. The steamed sea bass was tender, the braised prawns were bright red, the braised pork elbow was fat but not greasy, and there were also various exquisite dim sum and delicious soups.
At this time, the gift from County Mayor Bai Jin was delivered first.
Several yamen runners carried boxes of gifts into the Shen family. Some boxes were filled with high-quality silk, with bright colors and soft texture;
There are also several jars of fine wine, which are said to be specially made by a local famous winery. The wine is mellow and you can smell the rich fragrance before it is opened.
Bai Jin arrived shortly after. He was dressed in official uniform, with a smile that revealed both friendliness and dignity. He walked into the Shen family home with steady steps, looking around the new house, nodding in praise. "This house is so magnificent! The Shen family truly has a deep heritage."
Shen Shaodong hurried forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Excellency the County Governor, you have condescended to come here. It is an honor for the Shen family. I am truly humbled by your generous gift."
Bai Jin smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Brother Shen, you are too polite. The completion of this house is a great joyous event, so of course I have to come and congratulate you."
Then he whispered, "Brother, we will be a family from now on, so we don't need to be so polite."
Shen Shaodong also smiled and replied, "You are the county magistrate. Shouldn't we give you face in this situation?"
Bai Jin smiled and bowed without saying a word and went to find a seat.
Zhang Fugui, the steward of Mr. Zhang, also arrived shortly afterwards. He brought a group of servants and presented gifts in a grand manner.
Among the gifts were exquisite porcelain, vases painted with delicate floral and bird patterns, and exquisite and elegant porcelain plates and bowls; there were also some precious medicinal herbs, such as ginseng and ganoderma lucidum, which were all rare and fine products.
Zhang Fugui's face was full of smiles, his eyes narrowed into slits, and he bent over and said to Shen Shaodong, "Master Shen, my family heard that your house was completed, and specially sent me to send a small gift. It's not a token of respect, but I hope you will accept it.
This porcelain was carefully selected by the master, and it will definitely complement this new house. The medicinal herbs are also good for nourishing and maintaining health. I wish all the Shen family members good health."
Shen Shaodong responded with a smile: "Mr. Zhang is too polite. He always thinks about the Shen family. I will remember this friendship."
Local gentry also came one after another. Some presented paintings and calligraphy by famous artists. The landscape scrolls were profound in artistic conception, and the calligraphy works were vigorous in brushstrokes. Others presented gold and silver ornaments with exquisite shapes and superb craftsmanship, which sparkled brightly in the sun.
A country gentleman walked in with his head held high, unfolded a corner of the calligraphy and painting in his hand, and said, "Master Shen, this is a work by a famous contemporary artist. I came across it by chance and am giving it to the Shen family today. I hope this house will be filled with the fragrance of books and the charm of ink in the future."
Shen Shaodong thanked him repeatedly: "Brother, this gift is extremely valuable. I will treasure it well."
Zhao Lin and others also came with carefully prepared gifts.
Zhao Lin held an exquisite wooden box and walked up to Shen Shaodong. He opened the box and found an exquisite jade carving inside. The jade was warm and delicate. The carving was of an auspicious Qilin, which looked lifelike, as if it would fly into the clouds at the next moment.
Zhao Lin said respectfully, "Master Shen, this is something we brothers have specially found. The Qilin brings blessings. May the Shen family's new house be filled with auspiciousness and success."
Shen Shaodong's eyes lit up and he exclaimed in admiration, "This jade carving is exquisitely crafted. It must have taken a lot of effort on your part. Thank you so much."
Li Anshun and Zhang Wenbo were not to be outdone.
Li An casually held up a set of ancient chess sets and said to Shen Shaodong with a smile, "Master Shen, I heard that you enjoy playing chess in your spare time. This set is made of high-quality sandalwood. The chess pieces are round and smooth, and the sound of them falling is crisp and pleasant. I hope it can add some elegance to your leisure time in this new house."
Zhang Wenbo was holding a food box and said, "Master Shen, I made some snacks myself. Although it's just a small token of my appreciation, it also reflects my enthusiasm.
This dessert is made by me according to a secret recipe passed down from my ancestors. It has a unique taste. I invite you and your family to try it.”
Shen Shaodong accepted the gift and said gratefully, "Thank you for your hard work. This gift is both practical and thoughtful."
The villagers of Qingshan Village, where the Shen family lives, also came to congratulate with simple intentions.
Aunt Wang at the entrance of the village was carrying a basket of newly laid eggs. The eggs were round and smooth, and the eggshells had a faint luster.
She walked into the Shen family yard with a smile and said to Shen Shaodong, "Master Shen, we don't have anything valuable. These eggs are laid by our own hens. I'll give them as a dish for everyone."
Shen Shaodong said gratefully, "Aunt Wang, you are so thoughtful. This egg is full of your true love."
Uncle Li at the end of the village was carrying a load of green vegetables, which were still covered with morning dew and looked fresh and juicy.
He scratched his head in a somewhat naive manner and said, "Master Shen, these are the vegetables I grew in the fields. They are fresh and will add some joy to the new house."
Shen Shaodong hurried forward to help take over the burden: "Uncle Li, your vegetables will definitely make the banquet more refreshing, thank you very much."
Everyone in the Shen family hurried forward and thanked everyone for the gifts.
Shen Shaodong smiled broadly as he addressed the crowd, "It is truly a blessing for the Shen family that you are here today. This new house was built thanks to everyone's help, and this closing banquet is to thank you all. I hope you will enjoy it to your heart's content."
After that, everyone took their seats. For a moment, the banquet hall was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and a lively atmosphere.
The lively atmosphere of the closing banquet gradually faded away, and Shen Li skillfully prepared an exquisite basket for each of Zhao Lin and the two royal craftsmen.
The basket was woven tightly and densely, with a soft sheen, and the handle was polished to a smooth and round shape, obviously having been carefully selected.
Each basket contained a large, round, green watermelon with clear and even lines on the rind, like a mysterious totem carefully drawn by nature.
This watermelon is the one that everyone tasted at the banquet just now. It tastes especially sweet and refreshing.
The first bite was followed by a burst of juice, and the sweet aroma instantly filled the air. At the banquet, everyone ate with smiles on their faces and praised the deliciousness of the watermelon, but unfortunately, it was only sliced thinly and could not be fully enjoyed.
At this moment, Zhao Lin and others took the baskets with great joy, their faces filled with satisfied smiles. That smile was as bright and sincere as the flowers blooming in spring.
They carried the baskets carefully, as if what they were holding were not watermelons but extremely precious and rare treasures.
As he walked, he would look down at the watermelons in the basket from time to time, his eyes full of love and cherishment.
The same was true for the two royal craftsmen. They had worked in the palace all year round, had seen countless rare treasures, and tasted all kinds of delicacies from the mountains and the sea, but they were also impressed by the taste of watermelon.
They held the baskets steadily in both hands, their postures upright and dignified, secretly admiring the simplicity and beauty of the folk life.
Everyone went back to the shed together, with laughter and joy all the way.
They talked about the interesting things that happened during the past few days of work, shared their experiences and gains with each other, and were full of expectations for the future.
The exquisite basket and sweet watermelon are not only a gift, but also a heartwarming friendship, which brings them a full sense of happiness and belonging in this cool autumn day.