Chapter 12
Soon, the news that the widow Yuan Huiru had taken in a foster son spread throughout the village.
Several elders from prominent families were invited to oversee the ceremony, with the village head presiding, ensuring all formalities were properly observed.
Upon learning that Zhao Changsui had died at the border, Huo Shu traveled thousands of miles to deliver the keepsake of his fallen comrade of similar age. Such loyalty and righteousness left the villagers with no grounds to speak ill of him.
Firstly, there was truly nothing negative to say about him, and secondly, the witnesses were respected elders of the village. Anyone who dared gossip would only expose their own lack of propriety.
The villagers buzzed about this rare event for a few days before the 26th arrived - the day of the grand banquet hosted by the You family.
Naturally, everyone’s attention shifted to the You family.
However, the weather that day was less than ideal. Rain had been falling since dawn, though it did little to dampen the villagers’ enthusiasm for the feast.
Yuan Huiru usually made it a point to arrive early and help whenever families in the village hosted events. But this time, the You family had spared no expense, hiring the Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams from the city to handle the banquet preparations, eliminating the need for villagers to pitch in.
[Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams (四司六局, Sì Sī Liù Jú): In Song Dynasty China, the Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams were specialized service agencies responsible for organizing banquets and large events for nobility and wealthy families]
"This is the first time our village has seen the Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams cater a banquet! I’ve only ever heard city folks talk about such extravagance. Let’s go early and see the spectacle for ourselves!"
Firecrackers could be heard from the You family’s direction early in the morning. The cool weather made it the perfect occasion for Yuan Huiru to don her newly made autumn attire, her hair neatly combed and gleaming, even smoothed with osmanthus oil.
Noticing Huo Shu stepping out of the house still wearing his coarse hemp and leather outfit, she asked, "Aren’t you going to the banquet?"
"I am."
Yuan Huiru hinted gently, "Why not wear the new autumn clothes I made for you? It’s cold outside with the rain."
Huo Shu replied, "I’m not cold."
Yuan Huiru chuckled and nudged him back inside to change. "One must dress smartly when attending a banquet. It’s a chance to be seen, after all."
"At your age, it’s time to consider a good match. Silly child, who cares if you’re cold or not?"
Huo Shu sighed inwardly. Even if he dressed in celestial robes, he doubted any young lady or ger would spare him a second glance.
But not wanting to disappoint his foster mother, he changed into the new autumn outfit she had made for him.
"Ah, look how well it fits! The fabric might as well have been tailored just for you."
Yuan Huiru’s eyes lit up as she admired Huo Shu in the deep blue cross-collared robe.
The long garment, cinched at the waist with a white sash, accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His tall, upright posture resembled a pine or cypress - rarely seen so impeccably straight.
"Such striking handsomeness and valor!"
Yuan Huiru murmured under her breath, "Enough to overshadow even the second son of the You family’s charm."
Huo Shu raised an eyebrow, amused that his foster mother could still find ways to praise him.
Yet, for some reason, her words pleased him.
The banquet was held at the main residence of the You family’s eldest branch, its spacious courtyard far larger than even Ji Yangzong’s home.
Though the rain caused some inconvenience, the Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams hired from the city were no amateurs. They had anticipated the weather and set up canopies in the courtyard. The gentle autumn drizzle did little to disrupt the festivities beneath the shelters.
From a distance, one could see a crowd of uniformly dressed attendants weaving among the guests, their round hats marked with the insignia of their respective Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams.
The so-called Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams were as follows:
The Four Master Services:
1. Master Decor Service
2. Master Kitchen Service
3. Master Beverage Service
4. Master Tableware Service
The Six Specialty Teams:
1. Fruits Specialty Team
2. Confectionery Team
3. Vegetables Prep Team
4. Lighting and Ritual Team
5. Aromatics and Tonics Team
6. Event Coordination Team
Each master service and specialty team had its designated responsibilities, yet they collaborated seamlessly, covering everything from decorations and food to guest reception. This comprehensive service spared the hosts the bulk of the preparations.
In the prosperous Tongzhou, the Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams had flourished for years. Initially reserved for nobility and high officials, they gradually became accessible to commoners, with scaled-down versions appearing at more affordable prices.
Thus, even ordinary folk could now host banquets without lifting a finger.
Still, hiring them remained far more common among city dwellers. In rural areas, it was a rarity.
Knowing the You family had hired the Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams, villagers arrived early to witness the novelty.
Huo Shu and Yuan Huiru arrived fairly early, yet the You family’s courtyard was already filled with villagers chatting and snacking on fruits.
The You family’s uncles and You's mother stood by the registrar, greeting guests at the entrance. Attendees first recorded their gifts, exchanged pleasantries, and were then ushered to their seats by attendants.
"Elder You, what a lively banquet! Congratulations on Second Young Master’s success in the examinations. We’ll be counting on the You family from now on."
"Yuan niangzi, you flatter us. We’re deeply grateful for the villagers’ presence to share this humble feast."
The eldest uncle of the You family exchanged pleasantries with Yuan Huiru before signaling an attendant to escort her inside.
For a widow from an obscure family with little influence, the You family didn't expend much effort in hospitality amid the crowd of guests.
However, as the banquet attendant prepared to lead her to her seat, the eldest uncle noticed Huo Shu accompanying her.
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