northernbook Chapter 284 Hot Spring
Chapter 284 Hot Spring
Long Chuqing glanced at her clothes. In winter, she was wearing many layers of clothing, which were really not suitable for barbecuing, as it would be smoky and hot.
"Why don't we take it back and braise or steam it? It's really inconvenient to barbecue with so many clothes on."
“Alright… It’s cold these days, and this place is drafty, so it’s pretty cold to barbecue here.” Nangong Ming turned to Liu Yu beside him: “Find someone to take these fish back and process them.”
“Yes…” Liu Yu replied.
Qing Tong, Qing Ying, and Qing Shan also walked back from the ice.
Each person was also carrying a fish in their hand.
"Not bad for today!" Nangong Ming said with a smile. "Looks like we can prepare a whole fish feast today."
After coming up from the riverbank, the group continued their journey, crossing a small bridge and heading towards the pavilion.
The withered lotus stems in the pond still stand upright on the ice, lacking the lush greenery of midsummer, presenting a desolate and decaying feeling.
All around were bare peach orchards, the ground covered with a layer of white snow. As people walked on the snow, it made a crunching sound and left footprints of varying depths.
The group wandered around for a while and found that apart from the snow and ice, there were only bare trees and bushes.
After discussing it, the group decided to turn back.
Just as they were about to turn back, a flock of birds suddenly took flight from all directions on the mountain.
The once quiet and peaceful valley was instantly shattered by a sudden flapping of wings.
Upon hearing the sound, everyone turned around and looked up at the mountain.
The flock of birds that had been perched on the branches seemed to have received some kind of danger signal, and they scattered in all directions in a chaotic and hurried manner.
Some flew away in flocks, while others scattered alone.
For a moment, the chirping and shouting were incessant.
Yang Jing stood with his hands on his hips, looking up at the flock of birds scattering in the sky, a sense of doubt in his heart.
"How strange! The weather is so cold, yet so many birds are out and about."
At this time of year, the most active creatures in the mountains and forests are various small tits.
“Tibetans are active in all seasons and are the most numerous, so there’s nothing particularly special about them,” Nangong Ming replied.
"I think it's because someone was active on the mountain that startled the birds, or perhaps they encountered a large animal," Xiao Han said, expressing his opinion.
He could sense that the chirping of the flock of tits was very urgent and frantic, as if they had been suddenly frightened.
“I also think they seem to have been frightened,” Long Chuqing agreed.
"Who would go up the mountain now?" Yang Yi asked doubtfully. "It's so cold, and the mountain is bare with nothing on it."
"That's hard to say, just like when we were catching fish by the river," Yang Jing said. "Perhaps some adventurous guests wanted to eat wild game, so they went up the mountain to see if there were any pheasants or rabbits."
“Hmm, that’s possible.” Nangong Ming nodded in agreement, stroking his chin.
Upon hearing about wild game, Qingshan became interested: "Why don't we go for a walk in the mountains? Maybe we'll get lucky and run into some pheasants or rabbits, and we can change things up a bit!"
"All you ever think about is eating." Bronze tapped him lightly on the head.
"It's snowing and ice everywhere, and there are lots of fallen leaves on the mountain. The slopes are slippery, so it's best not to take the risk." Qingying also felt it was inappropriate.
Aoyama scratched his cheek: "Hehe... I was just saying."
The group didn't pay much attention, stopped to watch for a while, and then continued walking back.
The return journey is always faster than the outing.
Before long, they returned to the warm pavilion where they had rested.
"Will anyone be in a hurry to get back to the city?" After drinking a cup of hot tea, Nangong Ming put down his cup and said, "I think it's going to snow again soon. Let's stay at the villa tonight! I've already told the staff to prepare the rooms."
Yang Jing and Yang Yi had no objections. They had nothing to do and had already decided to stay overnight at the villa before they came.
There are basically no problems with Long Chuqing's side either; she has the most freedom in her time and can arrange it however she wants.
The question is mainly for Xiao Han. He was able to come out for a stroll today because it was his day off, and he will probably need to go back to court tomorrow.
It was almost dusk, and if they wanted to return to the city, they would have to set off now.
If it really snows later, the mountain road will be difficult to walk on after dark, and there will be some danger.
Everyone turned to look at Xiao Han.
In fact, Xiao Han has been going to the military camp most of the time these past few days, and hasn't been attending the morning court session.
We can go directly from the villa to the military camp tomorrow morning; there's no need to make a special trip back to the city.
Since everyone's out for a trip and seems to be having a great time, we shouldn't spoil the fun because of him.
"Then I'll stay at the villa for the night, and I can head directly to the military camp from here tomorrow morning."
Upon hearing Xiao Han's words, everyone smiled.
"That would be perfect," Yang Jing said with a smile. "We agreed to get really drunk in the peach grove. It wouldn't be fun if Your Highness went back now."
Everyone laughed.
"Let's go soak in a hot spring first to warm up," Nangong Ming said, "and then come back for dinner, how about that?"
After much deliberation, Nangong Ming decided to arrange for everyone to go for a soak in a hot spring first.
Since we've invited everyone to the hot spring resort, we must treat them well, and a hot spring bath should be arranged.
Because it's not advisable to soak in hot springs after drinking alcohol, as it can put a strain on the body, he scheduled his hot spring soaking for later.
He explained it to everyone.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Since it's a rare opportunity to come here, of course we should experience the local specialties and take a relaxing hot spring bath!
After resting for a while, they headed towards the hot spring resort.
The hot spring pool is surrounded by wooden houses, and the bottom and walls of the pool are made of flat stones, with pebbles of different sizes paving the sides.
Small bamboo plants for ornamental purposes are planted along the edge of the pond, along with some seasonal potted flowers, creating a rather elegant arrangement.
The collision of warm spring water and cold air creates steaming hot spring pools, with mist swirling around them, making it feel like being in a fairyland.
The pool water is so clear that you can see the stones at the bottom.
Men and women were separated, with some distance between them.
Yang Yi and Long Chuqing walked towards the hot spring pool in front, while the other men went to the other side.
The warm pool water can dispel the cold and heal physical fatigue. You can comfortably lean against the pool and enjoy a moment of relaxation for your body and mind.
When we returned from the hot spring, it was almost 7 PM. The sky outside had completely darkened, and sure enough, small snowflakes, like willow catkins, began to fall again.
The group gradually entered the living room.
Nangong Ming raised his hand and said, "Please make yourselves at home, everyone."
Yang Jing, Yang Yi, Nangong Ming, Xiao Han, Long Chuqing, and others sat at one table, while Liu Yu and his group sat at the next table.
After everyone was seated, Nangong Ming waved his hand to signal for the meal to be served.