Chapter 414 The Gourmet's Intentions Are Not in the Food
Qin Ying noticed that her grandfather had a great appetite today and ate quite a lot, devouring all the delicacies on the table.
Ouyang Lianghan was not to be outdone. He accompanied the old man, discussing current affairs while eating heartily, making the old man burst into laughter from time to time.
Seeing this, Qin Ying's poor appetite, which had been due to being new to Jiangzhou and not used to the local climate, improved slightly, and she ate a few more bites of Dongpo pork.
On the open-air pavilion by the water, everyone, having eaten and drunk their fill, enjoyed the breeze and admired the moon together.
Xie Lingjiang, Xie Xue'e, Qin Ying, and other women went to the side to chat and enjoy the scenery.
Ouyang Rong and Qin Jingzhen remained in their seats, chatting idly.
Ouyang Rong asked:
"Why did you disembark at Shuangfengjian the other day, Qin Lao? Everyone was worried that something had happened since you were late."
Qin Jingzhen did not answer, but said leisurely:
"I came here because of your reputation."
"You came because of its reputation?"
"That's right. Back when I was living in Yangzhou, I heard that His Majesty wanted to build the Great Zhou Praise Center and the Four Directions Buddha Statues. Yangzhou was one of the four states where the statues were to be made. The other state was your Jiangzhou."
"The uproar at that time was quite significant, with scholars from various places opposing it. Lianghan, your conversation on the boat and water at the Temple of the Sage Confucius has become famous among scholars, and I have also heard about it. This includes your promise to the scholars that the construction of the Donglin Buddha in Jiangzhou would not be a waste of resources or manpower."
"I was curious at the time. Jiangzhou is neither as rich as Yangzhou nor as Buddhist as Taiyuan, where Buddhist temples are everywhere and building a large Buddha statue is quick and easy."
"Jiangzhou is at most a little better than Guizhou, which is at the bottom of the list. How can it stand out from the crowd and be used as a model by His Majesty and the court to promote to all corners of the world?"
"So I came here today because I've heard so much about it, and I got off the ship to take a look."
At this point, Qin Jingzhen stopped talking, smiled, and took a sip of wine.
Ouyang Rong thought for a moment and then answered truthfully:
"Actually, it's not as amazing as people say. To my shame, although we were praised by the officials of the court, there is not much experience in the construction of Xunyang Grottoes and Donglin Buddha that other prefectures and counties can learn from."
"Xunyang City has a unique terrain, and there are very few places where Buddha statues can be built. We can only tackle the tough challenge of Shuangfengjian."
"Coincidentally, the excavation of the waterway at Shuangfengjian not only freed up the terrain and space for building the Donglin Buddha, but also took into account water management and some of the future expansion plans for Xunyang City that are currently being planned..."
"It had both advantages, the planning was appropriate, and it was profitable. I also happened to have some experience and connections when I was supervising the construction of the Zheyi Canal in Longcheng... so I guess I just got lucky."
After listening, Qin Jingzhen shook his head, then nodded:
"Luck is also a part of strength. Regardless of whether the experience can be promoted, being able to satisfy His Majesty and the officials of the court, as well as the troublemaking scholars and the people of Xunyang, is a skill."
"Regardless of whether there is a coalition of interests, compromise, or selfishness involved... Being able to coordinate all parties, take into account the feelings of the majority, and push things to get done—if that's not skill, then what is? Many people talk about putting the big picture first, but how many people can truly prioritize the big picture?"
The tall, elderly man stroked his beard, his eyes filled with appreciation, and slowly said:
"To have such refinement at such a young age is to be among the best of his generation."
After hearing Qin Jingzhen's praise, Ouyang Rong noticed that Xie Lingjiang, Qin Ying, and others who were chatting nearby seemed to have stopped talking and were all looking over. His old face turned red.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Qin Jingzhen interrupted him directly:
"Does Lianghan know the name of this dish?"
Ouyang Rong looked in the direction Qin Jingzhen suddenly pointed and saw a plate of pickled crabs on the table.
If I remember correctly, it was a valuable local specialty sent from Yangzhou by my uncle-in-law, which Xie Xue'e, with her skillful social skills, turned into a delicacy to entertain the Qin family grandfather and granddaughter.
"My aunt said it's called something like hollowed-out dragon and phoenix crab."
Qin Jingzhen nodded: "Is it delicious?"
Ouyang Rong nodded: "It can be called the finest taste of Yangzhou."
Qin Jingzhen then asked, "How does it compare to Dongpo pork?"
Ouyang Rong kept his eyes straight ahead: "Each has its own merits, and they are all delicious."
Qin Jingzhen pressed on relentlessly: "Compared to the pork that the powerful and wealthy discard like worn-out shoes, is this dish dignified? Is it of high taste?"
Ouyang Rong nodded: "It has everything in terms of color, aroma, taste, and appearance, and is of extremely high quality, naturally noble."
Qin Jingzhen suddenly picked up the blue-and-white porcelain plate and poured the remaining golden crab shells and claws into the empty dish that had once held the Dongpo pork:
"But the real thing is just a bunch of fermented crabs cooked together. In Yangzhou, every autumn, these crabs roam all over the mudflats along the riverbanks, covered in mud and grayish-brown."
"I only found out after I went to Yangzhou that there are plenty of these pickled crabs in the food stalls there, you can grab a handful of them, they're just common stuff."
"It doesn't look much more expensive than the pork you buy in Lianghan Market."
Ouyang Rong was speechless.
Qin Jingzhen asked with a smile, "Lianghan, do you know how this dish of pickled crabs got its name, 'Carved Dragon and Phoenix Crab'?"
"I don't know."
Qin Jingzhen spoke slowly and deliberately:
"Speaking of which, this dish dates back to a hundred years ago."
"Back then, a magnificent four-story dragon boat, which could be described as a floating palace, traveled down the Grand Canal from north to south, eventually stopping in Yangzhou."
"This dragon boat has its own main hall, inner hall, and court hall, with 120 rooms, decorated in a magnificent and resplendent style. It is followed by more than 5,000 boats of various sizes, carrying more than 100,000 people, including princes, concubines, officials, and a large number of attendants..."
"It is said that this was the grand procession that accompanied the Mad Emperor on his tour of the Grand Canal."
"Leaving aside the merits and demerits of this emperor, it is inevitable that emperors would be extravagant and wasteful when traveling. However, unofficial histories record that he had extremely picky and peculiar tastes. It is said that during his stay in Yangzhou, local officials, in an attempt to curry favor, presented him with local delicacies such as pickled crabs. As a result, when the mad emperor saw that they had directly served him a plate of bluish-gray crabs, he immediately became furious and ordered the presenters and the cooks to be beheaded."
"Later, a cook stepped forward and wiped the crab shells clean one by one, then pasted on gold foil engraved with dragon, phoenix, flower, and cloud patterns, making them shine brightly. He then presented them to the emperor again. The book records that the emperor was very pleased, took a bite, and asked the cook's name. The cook replied: 'Gold-carved dragon and phoenix crab.' He was rewarded with a thousand gold pieces and entered the imperial kitchen."
Qin Jingzhen squinted and said:
"But would this mad emperor really like this half-cooked, salty and savory southern specialty?"
"I don't think so. After all, this kind of pickled food is only popular in the south. People in Jiangnan especially like the taste of pickled food. The coastal area is humid and hot, with abundant seafood, and food spoils easily. The Guanzhong Plain in the north, which represents northern cuisine, obviously has no interest in pickled food... But why is the same dish treated so differently after being given a new name? The dish is still the same dish."
The tall, elderly man nodded, answering his own question:
"Ah, because the magnificent 'Golden Dragon and Phoenix Crab' undoubtedly better highlights the emperor's nobility. Lianghan, whether in the previous dynasty or the present world, if you want to do something and coordinate the overall situation, you must do it this way."
"There are many chefs in this world who can cook delicious food, but few are like this one who takes a different approach and knows how to go around in circles. In fact, the latter type of chef may never be able to learn from the former, because this kind of talent for adaptability is often something one is born with..."
"After hearing the story of this dish, I often pondered: if all the chefs in the world were as resourceful as this one, why would we have trouble finding delicious food? Kings and generals, heroes and commoners, farmers and merchants... most people would be able to eat without worry."
"A chef like this can cater to everyone's tastes. He has ideas for dealing with emperors and good strategies for dealing with common people."
“Looking at him like this, he’s not a cook at all, he’s just a paperhanger,” Ouyang Rong said with a laugh.
“That’s right, he’s a paperhanger.” Qin Jingzhen nodded.
"There are always times when even a skilled cook can't cook without rice," Ouyang Rong nodded.
"Isn't Comi right here?"
Qin Jingzhen reached out and patted the edge of the porcelain plate that held the Dongpo pork:
"If pork were prepared in the same way as before, such fine ingredients would never be served. Fortunately, it met a good chef like Liang Han. A Dongpo pork dish is enough to make it famous. Perhaps a hundred years from now, it will be a popular Jiangnan dish, just like this hollowed-out dragon and phoenix crab."
Ouyang Rong remained silent, drinking his wine without saying a word.
A short while later, the family dinner ended.
Ouyang Rong and Xie Lingjiang personally saw off Qin Jingzhen and Qin Ying, the grandfather and granddaughter, at the gate. The armored guards in the garden also left with them.
Ouyang Rong thanked Xie Xue'e.
At the garden entrance, the noblewoman with the hairpin shook her head:
"It's your own ability."
Her face, illuminated by the lantern light, hesitated for a moment before she asked:
Where is Su Dongpo?
Ouyang Rong suppressed his lip movements, leaving only one sentence: "Back in my hometown."
He turned and left.
Trying to deduct my merit points? No way.
The young man in the white fox fur coat, who had cleverly answered and avoided deducting one point for lying, nodded and left satisfied.
After stepping out of the gate, Ouyang Rong and Xie Lingjiang boarded the carriage.
Ouyang Rong sat down, relaxed, leaned back, and closed his eyes as he spoke.
"Go to the Prince's Mansion."
"good."
As he pondered something, he felt a soft hand reach out and gently rub his brow, warming his heart.
But just as the carriage drove away from the Xie family's private residence, Ouyang Rong, who was resting with his eyes closed, heard Xie Lingjiang's voice beside him:
"There seemed to be a spy in the alley outside. He ran away in a hurry, as if to deliver a message. He might be one of Wang Lengran's men. He's been watching us ever since we went in for the family banquet."
Ouyang Rong laughed and said, "It seems that the most nervous person in Xunyang City at tonight's family banquet is not us or the Prince's Mansion, but Governor Wang himself. I don't know what Qin Jingzhen talked about by making an exception to attend the banquet. Our Governor Wang will probably have a hard time sleeping tonight."
Xie Ling smiled at Jiang Yanran:
"It makes me feel a little better."
An hour later, in a study in the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, everyone gathered.
"What did you say at the banquet tonight? Did you see Qin Jingzhen?"
Upon seeing Ouyang Rong and Xie Lingjiang return, Li Xian, Li Guo'er, and the others couldn't wait to ask.
Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes and drank his tea, while Xie Lingjiang peeled a pear and slowly recounted the general conversation at the family banquet that night.
After listening intently for a while, Li Guo'er put down the white cat and asked the first question:
"Aside from asking Li Zhengyan for advice, the rest of the time we just chatted about food, Shuangfengjian, and Xunyang Grottoes?"
"Um."
Li Guo'er was a little confused:
"Asking for advice is understandable. But to go on and on about it, just to subtly praise you? That seems a bit odd."
Xie Lingjiang, however, was not so calculating and spoke frankly:
"Perhaps Uncle Qin didn't think that much about it, and simply admires Senior Brother?"
"I observed from the side and noticed that Qin Bo's granddaughter, Qin Ying, kept looking at him with a surprised expression."
Li Guo'er remained noncommittal, frowned in thought for a moment, and then slowly spoke:
"Why bring up Shuangfengjian and Xunyang Grottoes out of the blue? Does Qin Jingzhen have his eye on them and want to get involved and get a share of the profits?"
“Such people rarely speak without reason.” Wei Mei nodded: “That makes sense.”
Everyone looked at Ouyang Rong, who was deep in thought with his eyes down.
Without even lifting his eyelids, he asked, "Is the Qin family short of money?"
Xie Lingjiang shook her head: "According to my aunt, we shouldn't lack anything."
"While we may not lack anything, who would complain about having too much wealth?"
Li Guo'er analyzed softly:
"Moreover, if you encounter a project like the Xunyang Grottoes, where you can earn money through good deeds and conscience without lifting a finger, you can not only make money but also gain a good reputation. If the Qin family happens to be a Buddhist, it would be a win-win-win situation."
She paused, then cast a questioning glance at the handsome young man in the white fur coat.
Ouyang Rong was somewhat hesitant: "Adding him... is possible, but I feel that if we were to actually hint at him joining, it would be too blatant."
Li Guo'er tilted her head:
"Why are you trying to go through all this trouble and beat around the bush? This hint is enough, Ouyang Lianghan. Sometimes smart people shouldn't overthink things. Just be straightforward and go with your first instinct."
Ouyang Rong nodded:
My first thought was that he was praising me.
"..."
Li Guo'er glared:
"You're trying to flatter me... but it's not just empty praise. People like this always have a purpose in what they say, even regarding this family dinner meeting. They probably knew you would come beforehand, so it's no surprise..."
The young woman with plum blossom makeup raised a red cardamom finger, lightly tapped her chin, and squinted in thought for a moment:
"Based on our previous analysis, Qin Jingzhen's return to the mountain this time should be driven by a strong desire for military merit. Like the old Duke Hu, his goal is to be granted a title. But now it seems he may be seeking more, perhaps even intending to join us. The grotto at Shuangfengjian is a perfect opportunity to join us. Look how much he likes it and how much he praises it... If it's an implication, we can easily bind him to us."
She paused, then nodded slowly.
Ouyang Rong glanced at her, then frowned and pondered for a while.
This little princess is too clear-headed and rational in her dealings with people. Sometimes she only analyzes the pros and cons. Although she is a bit arbitrary and ruthless, her logic is not without reason.
Suddenly, Li Guo'er clapped her hands together:
"We can test them tomorrow to find out their attitude. If they are really interested in the benefits of Xunyang Grottoes, or if they have faith in us and want to invest, why not bring them on board? More allies mean more strength, especially right now, the more the better."
“That makes sense.” Li Xian nodded.
They discussed it again and all agreed. Finally, they all looked at Ouyang Rong with expectant eyes: "Why don't we give it a try?"
Ouyang Rong neither nodded nor shook his head.
She said softly, "In principle... I agree."
"..." The people in the study.
As expected of the Chief Secretary of Jiangzhou, he is already a fifth-rank official at such a young age, and he knows how to speak properly... Li Guo'er couldn't help but glare at him with a hint of reproach in her originally indifferent eyes.
However, Ouyang Rong noticed that everyone's eyes were filled with joy at the prospect of winning over a highly respected Left Martial Guard General.
The atmosphere in the study was slightly more relaxed.
At this moment, Li Guo'er suddenly asked, "Is Old Master Qin's eldest granddaughter still unmarried?"
The study immediately fell silent.
I caught the flu from my roommate who went out partying. I have a sore throat, runny nose, and a bit of a headache. Ugh, everyone take care of yourselves, be careful of the flu during seasonal changes.
(End of this chapter)
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