Xu Yuehua nodded and said, "Yes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. We must seize this opportunity to seek more benefits for the Great Zhou Kingdom, the Wuling Kingdom, and the Dongsang Kingdom."
Qi Hanlin nodded in deep agreement and said, "Aunt, you are absolutely right. We must make good use of this opportunity to bring the three countries closer together. I believe that with our joint efforts, the three countries will surely be able to achieve common prosperity and progress."
Xu Yuehuai and Qi Hanlin smiled at each other, their hearts filled with anticipation and confidence for the future.
Because she was in a good mood today, Xu Yuehuai did not leave the palace in a hurry as usual when noon arrived. Instead, she chose to stay in the Imperial Study and spend time with Qi Hanlin.
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Xu Yuehuai's face and highlighting her bright smile. Her eyes sparkled, as if they held the warmth of an entire spring.
Xu Yuehuai said to Qi Hanlin, "You just mentioned the new dishes, you must be craving them. I'll go to the imperial kitchen right now and make some for you so you can taste my cooking." Her voice was gentle and light, like a spring breeze rustling through the treetops, bringing joy to the heart.
Qi Hanlin smiled politely, "No need, Aunt, you must be very tired lately. How could I let you cook for me?" His face was full of gentle smiles, but his eyes revealed a hint of expectation that was not easily detected.
Xu Yuehuai smiled and shook her head, then gracefully left the Imperial Study, lifting her skirt as she went.
Her figure appeared exceptionally graceful in the sunlight, like a blooming flower.
When Xu Yuehuai arrived at the imperial kitchen, sunlight streamed through the glazed tile roof and onto the bluestone floor, casting a golden glow.
The royal chefs were waiting there early, their eyes sparkling with anticipation and curiosity. After all, they had long heard of the Regent's wife's extraordinary culinary skills, and today they finally had the opportunity to witness them firsthand.
Suddenly, an elderly man among the imperial chefs, his face full of wrinkles but his eyes bright and piercing, stepped forward and respectfully said to Xu Yuehuai, "Your Highness, we imperial chefs have long heard of your superb culinary skills. It is a great honor to meet you today."
Xu Yuehuai smiled slightly, her eyes revealing confidence and composure. She said, "Master chefs, you flatter me. I have come to the Imperial Kitchen today hoping to exchange ideas with you all and improve together."
As soon as he finished speaking, the imperial chefs nodded in agreement, their faces showing admiration.
Xu Yuehuai said no more and quickly threw herself into her work. She skillfully chopped the vegetables, each cut precise and powerful, as if she were creating a work of art.
The imperial chefs beside her watched her every move intently, afraid of missing a single detail.
When simmering the soup, Xu Yuehuai demonstrated her superb skills. She precisely controlled the heat and timing, and every movement appeared so natural and fluid.
She stirred the soup in the pot at times and adjusted the heat at others. Her expression was focused and serious, as if she were having a silent conversation with the ingredients.
Besides stewing soups and chopping vegetables, Xu Yuehuai has also created many innovative dishes. She uses unique seasonings and cooking methods to transform ordinary ingredients into delicious and palatable dishes.
"Wow! I've never seen cooking like this before! It's so amazing!"
"No wonder everyone else loves the food at Tianxianglou. I also want to go to Tianxianglou every day to see the new dishes, but unfortunately I haven't had the chance before. Today is truly a blessing from heaven, giving me such a great learning opportunity!"
"This dish is a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, making it incredibly tempting. His Majesty will surely eat a lot of it later!"
...
Whenever Xu Yuehuai completed a dish, the imperial chefs couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. It was a heartfelt praise, an acclaim for Xu Yuehuai's exquisite culinary skills, and a tribute to her relentless pursuit of the ultimate in culinary art.
Xu Yuehuai, a woman renowned in the capital, created a series of intoxicating delicacies with her own hands, becoming a role model for the imperial chefs.
A satisfied smile always graced her face; it was the satisfaction that came from her love and dedication to cooking.
Whenever she stands before the stove, spatula in hand, her eyes become exceptionally focused and bright. She is immersed in the cooking process, feeling the ingredients transform in her hands—a joy beyond compare.
Xu Yuehuai is not only skilled in cooking, but also adept at communicating with the imperial chefs. She deeply understands that cooking is an art that requires continuous learning and exploration, and the imperial chefs are masters of this art.
Therefore, whenever she finished a dish, she would proactively share her culinary insights and experiences with the imperial chefs. Her words were humble and sincere, allowing the chefs to feel her genuineness and enthusiasm.
"Princess Regent, this dish is absolutely amazing!" Imperial Chef Li Cheng looked at the dish in front of him, his eyes shining with admiration.
Xu Yuehua smiled and shook her head, "Brother Li, you flatter me. My dish still has some shortcomings, and I need to ask you all for your advice."
"Ask for your guidance? Your Highness, you are too modest. We are the ones who should be learning from you," said Imperial Chef Zhang Tao.
Xu Yuehuai smiled gently and began to explain in detail her process and experience in cooking this dish. She described how to select ingredients, how to match seasonings, how to control the heat, and so on.
She described every detail clearly and concisely, captivating the imperial chefs.
During this process, the imperial chefs sought advice from Xu Yuehuai, who patiently answered all their questions. Each of her answers was full of wisdom and experience, greatly benefiting the chefs.
Time slipped by unnoticed, and the imperial chefs gathered around Xu Yuehuai, forming what seemed like a unique culinary classroom. Here, they exchanged cooking insights and experiences, sharing their skills and creativity.
Xu Yuehuai acted like a mentor, guiding them to continuously explore and progress.
Under Xu Yuehuai's influence, the atmosphere in the imperial kitchen became exceptionally lively. She not only taught the imperial chefs new cooking techniques, but also helped them understand the true essence of cooking—to feel the ingredients with your heart and to cook delicious food with love.
After a busy afternoon, Xu Yuehuai finally finished preparing all the dishes.
She looked at her work with satisfaction, then turned to the chefs and said with a smile, "Master chefs, that's all for today. I hope my cooking experience will be of some help to you."
"Thank you for your guidance, Regent's Wife!"
"We will definitely keep it all in mind! And we will put it into practice!"
"You can come and check out our results then!"
The imperial chefs expressed their gratitude, feeling that they had gained a great deal from their exchange with Xu Yuehuai. They not only learned new cooking techniques but also felt Xu Yuehuai's passion and dedication to cooking.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com