Chapter 48

  Cheng Dali came to this world, and his mind was always on climbing the science tree. However, he was a liberal arts student, and his knowledge reserve was really not enough. When it came time for the division of liberal arts and sciences, even the little scientific knowledge he had was hastily returned to the teacher.

  Moreover, to bring out the technology that truly sweeps across the continent, this era does not have the soil for it. Just like Da Vinci designed a simple helicopter during the Renaissance, but the real emergence of helicopters was already hundreds of years later.

  The development of science and technology has indeed been driven by a few geniuses who have made groundbreaking contributions, but before they did so, the trend had already been brewing for a long time.

  However, today's experience suddenly inspired Cheng Dairen that what is lagging behind in this era is not only technology, but also food.

  Steaming, boiling, pickling and roasting (toasting) are the only cooking methods. Stir-frying is rare, let alone deep-frying. The common feature of these cooking methods is that they use less oil and salt. Salt is a state monopoly, previously controlled by the imperial court, now controlled by the actual rulers of each city. Those who sell salt privately will be beheaded. As for oil, in times when it was difficult to fill one's belly, how could people afford to waste large amounts of grain to extract plant oil? Animal oil is still the most commonly used.

  Common types of meat are mostly mutton, pork and various poultry. Large livestock is not easy to preserve after slaughter, three days' worth of pork head can't be sold out, it's spoiled, who will buy it? So these meats are a bit more expensive. In comparison, domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks and geese are slightly cheaper.

  Luoyang City is by the sea and has seafood to eat.

  Cheng Darui is quite proficient in the field of science and technology, but when it comes to food, he still has some grasp on it. Although he's not a professional chef, at least he's eaten a lot of things.

  If all else fails, at least the hot pot should know how to do it... Want to try the Manchu Han Imperial Feast? One hundred and eight dishes, plus various street stalls... Should have a general idea of the production method.

  At present, Cheng Dairen still doesn't have a specific way to carry out his plan, but he has already had a general idea, and this thing is very promising.

  "Ah-ha!" The garrulous shopkeeper suddenly lowered his voice, as if he had a earth-shattering secret to reveal: "Our store has just received a new ingredient, but the quantity is limited. We wouldn't normally bring it out unless it's for an important customer. But since you two seem like seasoned foodies, I wonder if you'd like to try some?"

  Cheng Dali also came with interest: "What ingredients?"

  "Two... " The little servant's voice became fainter: "Have you heard of chili peppers?"

  Cheng Dali had just taken a bite of mutton, and Xushenji had just downed a mouthful of wine. Upon hearing this, they almost spat it out. Earlier when they entered the Four Seas Building, they still had some doubts, but now they were almost certain that the Four Seas Building was indeed the business premises of the Four Seas Trading Company.

  "Ah......this is unheard of?" Cheng Dalai glared at Xu Shenji, stopping him from bursting out laughing.

  "It's not that I'm underestimating the two of you, but this ingredient is something I've never seen before. The flavor is truly unforgettable. Just like our Lord of Falling Leaf City, after eating it, he insisted on taking half a kilogram away and even asked for more. Alas, we only have ten kilograms in total."

  Cheng Dali remembered that before Su Ying left, she asked her to take away ten kilograms of chili powder, it seems that there is no shortage.

  "I just wonder, where did you get such precious ingredients from?" asked Cheng Dairen.

  "It's all thanks to my wife, who is a merchant who brought it back from overseas. Luckily, my wife has a keen eye and didn't miss out on this treasure." The shopkeeper said with pride: "I dare bet that this ingredient is one-of-a-kind in the entire empire. Would you two like to try some dishes cooked with it?"

  "No, no, I've been feeling a bit overheated lately." Cheng Dalai took out another ten copper coins and sent the young waiter away.

  The little servant probably doesn't understand the relationship between chili peppers and getting a fever either.

  After he left, Cheng Dairen and Xu Shenji exchanged a glance, both feeling that something was off. The Four Seas Building was indeed the business of the Four Seas Trading Company, but the madam of the Four Seas Trading Company was definitely not Su Qiang. This chili pepper was taken away by Su Qiang, so why is it now being passed off as someone else's?

  There must be something wrong with this!

  "Hurray, you know why I brought you into the city this time? Why didn't others bring their own, but I specifically brought you?" Cheng Dalai said in a low voice.

  Xu Shenji was taken aback, then realized that Cheng Dali was calling him. He smiled and stroked his beard: "Of course it's because I, Xu Shenji, have a brilliant plan... Young Master wants me to come up with a strategy."

  "This... having confidence is a good thing, right." Cheng Dalai gave him a white eye and thought to himself: I'm not afraid of your "no strategy" attribute. If I were to leave the mountain village for three to five days, you'd be at home, one mouthful after another, poisoning me with your toxic milk. The little bit of things I've managed to save up would all be ruined by you.

  Cheng Dalai composed himself and said, "You must remember, this time we came to the city not for eating, drinking and having fun, but with a mission. First, let's take a look at the situation of the Su family, they can't not give us the ransom we're owed. Second, let's see where in Luoye City sells slaves, we'll buy some people back."

  "It's better to be quick than slow." Cheng Dalai said: "This afternoon we will take separate actions, Military Advisor, which task do you think you should execute?"

  "I'm old and naturally good at picking up difficulties. The task of spying on the Su family will be left to me." Xu Shenji patted his chest.

  "Scram!" Cheng Da Lei shouted: "You go out on the streets this afternoon, take a look at where they trade slaves, as long as you confirm the number, we'll immediately head back to the hideout to get the money."

  "Alright then." Xū Shénjī sulked and let out a sigh, saying: "I also wanted to buy Língér two pieces of embroidered clothing in the city."

  Cheng Dalai understood in his heart that although Xu Shenji was useless, he was still qualified as a father. Even when entering the city, he missed his daughter, and such paternal affection also warmed Cheng Dalai's heart.

  "Alright, the accounts are settled. Once things are confirmed, you can wait for me at the inn. I don't know what's going on here, and it's possible that I won't be back tonight, so don't worry."

  The two men agreed on a price, and Xushenji took some money and left the inn. As soon as Xushenji had gone, Cheng Dalai called the little servant back again.

  "What can I help you with, sir?"

  Cheng Darui, who was also notorious at the moment, had a faint blush on his face and crossed his hands, saying: "This, that..."

  The little servant's eyes rolled around and he suddenly shouted loudly: "Oh, I understand! You're looking for a brothel!"

  "Shh, keep your voice down." Cheng Dalai glared at him fiercely, then asked in a low tone, "Which is the best brothel in Luoye City?"

  "Then naturally we have to count on the Swallow Tower!" The little servant gave a thumbs up.

  It's not easy to get into this city, so don't waste your youth. Now that we've had a drink and chatted with the waiter, if we don't visit the brothel, it will feel like something is missing from our day trip as heroes of the rivers and lakes.

  Having inquired about the location of the Swallow Tower, Cheng Dalai set off with a spring in his step and a few taels of silver at his waist, taking advantage of the night to head towards the Swallow Tower.

  It's indeed a place with a lively atmosphere, and as soon as they reached the entrance, a girl grabbed Cheng Dairen and pulled him inside.

  "The young master is dignified and elegant, with a charming and carefree air, enough to melt this slave's heart completely."

  Cheng Dali walked into the Huiyan Building, and his eyes were dizzy from the fluttering of the swallows. Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure in front of him. He quickened his pace, came up behind the person, and patted their shoulder.

  The man in front turned his head and met eyes with Cheng Dairen, both of them were stunned.

  "Oppa!"

  "Hurray!"