The Legend of the Condor Heroes: I became one of the Five Great Masters by drawing cards

Chapter 90 Uncle and Sister-in-law
Jiang Lin, Jiang Ziyuan.

Jiang Wanli, the wise prime minister of the Southern Song Dynasty!
Gu Ping'an suddenly realized that it was no wonder that his reputation value increased so rapidly this time. It turned out that he had encountered a "two birds with one stone" situation.

Although he was surprised, he remained calm, clasped his hands together, and introduced Guo Jing and the other two to him.

Jiang Lin said respectfully, "Ziyuan has heard of the name of Young Master Gu for a long time. Seeing him today, I can see that his reputation is well-deserved."

Gu Ping'an was stunned.

His reputation value often increased by two or three points. He also knew that it was Li Sheng and others from the Beggar Gang who accidentally spread his reputation, but he did not expect that it would also reach the ears of scholars.

"I was traveling in Jiangnan a while ago and encountered a few ruffians bullying a young brother and sister. Fortunately, a disciple of the Beggars' Sect came to their aid."

Seeing his surprise, Jiang Lin explained with a smile.

"I admired him so much that I invited him for a drink. He told me how he was inspired by a young man named Gu Ping'an and that's how he started on the right path."

"Could the Beggar Gang disciple that Brother Jiang mentioned be surnamed Tian?" Gu Ping'an guessed who it was as soon as he heard it, and couldn't help laughing in his heart.

He strictly ordered Tian Jiangen not to do evil under his name, but he didn't expect that this kid would keep a reputation for him while doing good deeds and promote him everywhere. He was simply the Southern Song Dynasty version of a die-hard fan.

"Exactly!" Jiang Lin nodded repeatedly. "He said that you, Young Master Gu, are a hundred times better at martial arts than him. Seeing you outside Zhonghe Tower today, I can see that what he said is true."

Gu Pingan blushed at his praise and said with an awkward smile: "Pass, pass"

Just at this moment, Uncle Song brought up the last dish and placed it in the middle of the table.

On the plate was a grass carp about six or seven inches long. The belly of the fish was cut open and spread flat on the plate. The fish meat was cut diagonally every inch or so, dividing it into six sections on each side, corresponding to each other.

Garnished with a handful of finely chopped ginger, the bright red and thick sauce hangs on the fish, seemingly flowing but not leaking at all.

West Lake Fish With Vinegar Sauce!

Jiang Lin's eyes lit up, and everyone looked at the plate with a little curiosity, except Gu Ping'an who was suddenly shocked.

He had tasted this famous Hangzhou dish in his previous life, and he went to a famous old restaurant.

But this taste
It is fishy and sour, they are incompatible, yet they keep lingering in the mouth.

If he hadn't been afraid of being fined, he would have wanted to throw both the fish and the plate into the West Lake.

"Try it now! The most authentic Song Sao vinegar fish in the world!"

Jiang Lin didn't notice Gu Ping'an's expression and happily invited a few people to taste it.

Huang Rong knew the most about food, so she was the first to pick up a piece of fish with her chopsticks, dipped it lightly in the soup, and put it into her mouth.

Gu Ping'an looked at her with a grin, waiting for her to spit it out.

But Huang Rong's reaction was beyond his expectations. Not only did she not vomit, but she savored it carefully and nodded repeatedly.

"Wonderful!" She bit out a few tiny bones and praised, "It's sour and sweet, tender and glutinous. It's made with grass carp, but there's not a single fishy smell. The ginger isn't pungent, and it even seems to bring out the crab flavor!"

Gu Ping'an was completely confused. This description was completely different from what he had tasted back then. Could it be that it was just to show his support?

"Madam Huang is truly an expert!" Jiang Lin clapped his hands and laughed.

Needless to say, Guo Jing thought everything he ate was delicious, but the expressions of the others did not seem strange. Mu Nianci also praised the food highly, which made Gu Ping'an even more puzzled.

"Brother Gu, why don't you try it?"

Hearing Jiang Lin's recommendation again, he could only laugh dryly, close his eyes, and put a piece of fish into his mouth.

He was stunned when the fish meat mixed with the sauce melted in his mouth.

This feeling is exactly the same as what Huang Rong described!
You call this West Lake Vinegar Fish?

So what did I eat by the West Lake back then?

"How's the fish?" Jiang Lin asked knowingly. "Delicious!"

Guo Jing spoke briefly and to the point. Uncle Song folded his arms, watching happily from the side, feeling very pleased.

Jiang Lin was very proud of it and told the story of "the uncle and sister-in-law passing down the treasure" about this dish.

"The sweet and sour flavor of this dish is meant to serve as a warning to my younger brother: 'No matter how sweet life may be, never forget the bitterness of your sister-in-law's bitterness, and certainly not the bitterness of the people who have been bullied.'"

The moral of this story was easy to understand, and Guo Jing understood it clearly, but there was still one thing he didn't understand.

"Why would this uncle and his sister-in-law give up their official positions now that their vengeance has been avenged?"

Naturally, he was not familiar with the dark side of officialdom. He was just curious about the fact that the man, after finally becoming an official, did not make much contribution to the people, but instead resigned and retired.

"At that time, the imperial court was deeply corrupt, and officials indulged in extravagance and pleasure, turning a blind eye to the suffering of the people. My voice was of little importance, and I did not want to be associated with this corrupt trend, so I retired and returned home."

The one who answered was not Jiang Lin, but Uncle Song who was listening quietly on the side.

Everyone was curious about why he knew it so clearly. He smiled slightly, and his doubts were resolved.

"The story is about my great-grandfather. It was during the Xuanhe period. Only a few years after he resigned from office, the Jingkang Rebellion broke out, and even Emperors Huizong and Qinzong were abducted by the Jin people."

The Jingkang Shame is the origin of the names of Guo Jing and Yang Kang, and Guo Jing naturally knows it.

He recalled the teachings of his mother and the Seven Devils when he was young, and his blood boiled. He clenched his fists and cursed, "These Jin people really deserve to be killed!"

Jiang Lin sighed and shook his head. "The Jin people are indeed evil, but the root of the problem lies not outside, but within. If it weren't for the court's stupidity, the officials' incompetence, and the treachery of the wicked, how could our Song Dynasty have been in such a state?"

Gu Ping'an suddenly had an idea and asked, "According to what Brother Jiang said, how does the court today compare to the past?"

"It's half a catty and eight taels"

"Brother Jiang, are you reading the books of sages in order to become an official in the court?"

Jiang Lin had guessed why he asked this question, and nodded with a wry smile, "Brother Gu, your guess is correct."

Gu Ping'an pressed the issue further, "The imperial court is now in disarray, with the treacherous Prime Minister Shi Miyuan in control. Even if Brother Jiang passes the imperial examination, can he restore order?"

"What you wish for is true, but what you really ask for is extravagant."

"Going against the tide, what do you want?"

Guo Jing was bewildered when he heard their conversation suddenly become more flowery, but he saw that Mu Nianci and Huang Rong were both concentrating and silent, so he had no choice but to continue listening as if he understood what they were saying.

Jiang Lin's eyes were firm: "To serve the people, to carry on the lost knowledge of the past sages."

He only said half of the four sentences of Hengqu. Apart from the spiritual feelings and expectations and visions, he showed more sincerity. No wonder the academy he founded later was able to teach a figure like Wen Tianxiang.

Gu Ping'an silently made a plan in his mind and raised his glass to toast him.

"Brother Jiang is so righteous, I admire him."

Jiang Lin felt embarrassed by what he said and looked ashamed.

Everyone started to toast politely, and drank the two jars of fine wine until not a drop was left. Then they returned to Lin'an City and said goodbye reluctantly.

No one knew where Qiu Chuji and the six monsters got delayed on the way. Gu Ping'an and his companions wandered around the city for half a day but still didn't run into them.

Seeing the sunset, I had no choice but to return to Niujia Village.

Hong Qigong endured the whole day in Qu San's Tavern, but his heart had already flown to the imperial kitchen in the palace.

When the moon reached its zenith, it was already past the second watch, and he urged everyone to set off for the palace.

(End of this chapter)