Shards

Chapter 79 - Lord Wen

Lord Wen's eyes lit up in anticipation as Lady Shuang's birthday noodles were brought in. He closed his eyes, sniffing the mouth watering vapors in appreciation as the train of servants passed him. The slightly salty peppery aroma of the rich beef broth that followed the servers woke his appetite. This was an excellent beginning to the double celebration, he thought. This wedding feast may even beat the excellent Engagement Feast which he had thoroughly enjoyed.

He moved his big bulk into a more comfortable position, leaning forward as his portion was served. Aiiyaaa, so little? Why was the bowl so small? He glanced up at the Ruling Lord's table wondering if his bowl was the same size ... it was. So were all the other guests' bowls. He sighed. Never mind, he'll ask for another bowl when he finished this one. Greedily, he slurped the contents up, inhaling the longevity noodles and swallowing up slices of meat and meatballs in great gulps. Delicious!! He smacked his lips loudly. A second bowl was brought to him promptly when he signaled for a refill.

The slight twinges in his chest was summarily dismissed as uniformed servants marched in carefully bearing large platters of suckling pigs still sizzling loudly in their juices.

Sizzle! Sizzle!

Pop! Crackle! Pop! Pop!

Servants tried not to wince as hot lard and gravy splattered on their hands. Keeping stoic faces as instructed, they bore their burdens until all were in position before setting the hot platters down on the long table.

Wow! What a display! The Zhai chefs really know how to trigger his senses. Lord Wen inhaled deeply, enjoying the wonderful scent, saliva glands already working at the tempting smells. Expertly, the servants carved up the meat, cutting into the crispy skin and tender flesh. Sides of seasoned baked potatoes peeled and cut into bite sized cubes were served together to offset the slight saltiness of the dish.

Murmurs of appreciation escaped the guests as they dug into the first course.

"Delicious! Cooked to perfection."

"The Zhai chefs did not let us down."

The Announcer called out dish after dish. Barbecued ribs, venison with roasted tubers and thickened creamy spicy sauces, grilled beef and lamb, pork tenderloin with deep fried mashed yam, traditional braised duck with garlic herb rice, roast duck with thin crispy skin served with a delicate plum sauce, crispy fried chicken in honey, steamed bean curd roll stuffed with flavorful minced chicken, spicy soup dumplings, beef brisket with caramelized onions ...

The cooks even got creative with hearty broths served with sweet biscuits, thicken soy noodles, deep fried slices of yam and sweet potato with honey, sweet and savoury dips accompanied light crispy spring rolls and wontons.

The Zhai kitchen had made double the effort to make up for the lack of seafood. Damn the bandits who robbed House Zhang!! No one had slept since they learned of the disaster yesterday. Chefs had scrambled for additional menus and kitchen staffs had been peeling, plucking (feathers), slicing, dicing, marinating all night long. There was no rest for them until the banquet was over. They had continued roasting, grilling, steaming, boiling and frying throughout the wedding ceremony and the guests' brief break before the feast. Even as the first courses were being served, they continued working on the later courses slaving over hot stoves and ovens.

Everything had to be perfect. This was the kitchen's time to step-up to uphold House Zhai's reputation and honor.

Lord Wen ate heartily, ignoring the growing discomfort in his chest. There was no nuts in sight, he reasoned. That was the only known allergen to his condition. He must be eating too fast, maybe he should slow down a tiny bit. Immediately, he laughed at his own joke. Slow down and miss more portions? What was he thinking? Even if a few nuts had been accidentally used by the Zhai chefs, it would not kill him, he reasoned. There was a threshold to his allergy before it became lethal to him. Anyways, he has his medicine in his rooms. A quick servant could get it within minutes. There was no harm in enjoying this scrumptious free spread.