After the other royal chefs from the Three Kingdoms came out of the attic, they each walked towards their own pavilions, while Li Qi took his tools and walked towards the artificial lake in the middle. At this time, a strip of withered grass had been paved on the frozen lake. Xiaodao, this is just for the convenience of Li Qi.
"Master, what are they doing?"
An assistant beside Long Jiang stood in the pavilion, looked at Li Qi and the others, and said curiously...
Long Jiang hummed, "Can't you tell? They are obviously carving on the ice."
The assistant said: "I know that, but if they want to carve on the ice, they can just prepare a piece of ice. Why bother?"
What he said made sense. Long Jiang frowned and thought for a while, but still couldn't think of a reason, and said, "Okay, leave them alone and get to work."
"yes."
***************
In the attic, there was constant laughter and laughter. Even so, the war in the north was in full swing. Except for Dali, the other three countries had some friction with each other. However, the talks that should be discussed were completed two days ago. Everyone has a tacit understanding not to talk today. In state affairs, we only talk about food, so as not to spoil the atmosphere.
Song Huizong took a sip of the wine, glanced at it, and said, "What do you think of this unparalleled thing in the world?"...
"This wine is like a beautiful woman, making people intoxicated and unable to extricate themselves." A middle-aged man sighed. But seeing that this man was wearing a pink robe, his appearance could be called rich and handsome, and he shouldn't be a bit effeminate. .
This man is Duan Zhengwen, the cousin of Duan Zhengyan, the king of Dali. Because the dragon is always seen but not seen, and travels around the mountains and rivers, the people of Dali call him Prince Xiaoyao. In terms of eating, he is on par with Cai Jing. A frequent visitor to the Four Nations Banquet.
Duan Zhengyan is Duan Yu in Jin Yong's novels. Since he came to the throne, he has always advocated good relations with the Song Dynasty, and once sent envoys to Bianjing to pay tribute. Song Huizong loved this kind of thing, and immediately sealed Duan Zheng. Yan was given various titles, and the relationship between the two countries reached the highest level in history. This was also the greatest achievement of Duan Zhengyan's reign. As for other aspects, he was more than willing, because the power was still in the hands of the Gao family.
Therefore, when attending banquets, the Duan family usually sends people, but to discuss military and state affairs, it is the Gao family who sends people.
"Your Majesty, you really hit the spot." Song Huizong laughed heartily. He and Duan Zhengwen also had the same bad temper.
"I don't think so."
It was He Shiliebohe who spoke. He was holding a glass of wine with a very indifferent expression.
Song Huizong was slightly unhappy and said, "I wonder what special envoy Jin has to say?"
Heshi Liebohe said: "I dare not. It's just that I think this wine, although it is mellow and fragrant, is too sweet, the wine taste is too light, like fruit juice, and too weak. It is far less powerful than the cold gin of my country of Jin." , that’s the kind of wine a solid man should drink.”
As soon as these words came out, Song Huizong and other ministers felt that He Shiliebohe was too rude. He was obviously mocking the weakness of the people of the Song Dynasty. Zhao Kai had long been unhappy with him. He immediately sneered and said: "Look Mr. Laihe Shilie's understanding of Tianxia Wushuang is only the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to spirits, what kind of wine in the world can be compared with Tianxia Wushuang's fierce fire."
Yes. How could I have forgotten this wine? Song Huizong laughed and said: "Kai'er is right, but this wine is too strong. I usually just drink it to warm up. That's why I didn't order anyone to bring it to me. If it's Jin The special envoy thinks this wine is too weak, I can order someone to change it for you."
Heshi Liebohe said with a smile: "Then I want to taste this fierce fire." His voice was very disdainful.
Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty did not get what he asked for, so he said: "Come here, let's serve some wine."
After a while, a maid came up carrying a tray, and saw two flaming red porcelain wine bottles on the tray.
"I also want to try this fire wine."
A burly man said boldly. This man was a member of the Xixia royal family, named Richard, and he was also a prince.
Song Huizong waved his hand, and the two maidservants poured wine for He Shiliebohe and Richard respectively. When they saw two streams of water-like liquid pouring into the cups, a strong aroma of wine suddenly filled the air.
"Is this what men drink?"
Heshi Liebohe smelled the smell of the wine and sighed. He also saw that the wine looked like water, but he didn't care about it in his heart.
Li Qi had brewed this strong fire wine a long time ago. It is the strongest wine in the world and the purest wine. However, it is not very popular and its reputation is far less than that of other types of Wushuang in the world. Therefore, few people know that in the entire hall,
That is to say, only a few people have tasted this wine.
"please."
"please."
Heshi Liebohe and Richard respected each other, but they both drank the wine in one gulp.
"Cough cough cough."
As soon as the wine entered his throat, Richard was choked by the pungent and spicy alcohol and coughed violently. He even coughed up snot and tears. The water-like liquid was like a ball of fire burning from his throat to his abdomen.
Extremely uncomfortable.
Although Heshi Liebohe was not so embarrassed, he still resisted and quickly drank a sip of water, but his face was very excited.
When Song Huizong and other ministers saw this, they all laughed in a low voice. In fact, Li Qi had already told Song Huizong that this wine was too strong and had to be tasted carefully. It was not suitable to drink it all in one gulp. However, Song Huizong obviously wanted to see it.
They made a fool of themselves, so they hid it.
Zhao Kai raised his eyebrows and said, "How is it? Mr. He Shilie doesn't think this wine is too strong again."
Heshi Liebohe's face looked slightly embarrassed, he took another sip of water, waved his hands, and sighed: "I didn't expect that the difference between each type of wine is so huge. This wine smells pleasant, but when it enters the throat,
Just like fire, the wine is strong and sweet, but it is by no means a good glass of wine, much more powerful than the cold gin of my country."
It can be seen that he is indeed a person who loves wine, and his words are sincere.
Zhao Kai smiled and just opened his mouth when he suddenly saw Wang Fu shaking his head gently. He then stopped his mouth and said no more.
Richard almost poured a pot of water into it before he recovered and said, "This wine is really as its name suggests. It's burning in my belly. I can't stand it anymore."
Duan Zhengwen asked curiously: "I wonder how this unique thing in the world is brewed?"
This question seemed to get to the point, and everyone looked at Song Huizong.
Song Huizong showed off: "You may not know that Tianxia Wushuang does not represent a kind of wine, but a kind of wine culture. This wine is ever-changing. Even if it is the same wine, if it is not brewed at the same time, the taste will be slightly different.
.The meaning of Tianxia Wushuang is that the taste of every glass of wine is different, so there is no secret recipe. Only Li Qi in the world can brew it."
After everyone listened, they nodded frequently.
Duan Zhengwen sighed: "This guy named Li Qi is really amazing. When I came to Tokyo this time, I could hear his name everywhere. It's a pity that I went to Zuixianju three times and he was not there. It was his apprentice who did it."
The food tastes just average.”
Cai Jing stroked his beard and said with a smile: "That prince is really unlucky. Li Qi's cooking skills are really nothing to say."
Duan Zhengwen chuckled and said: "When it comes to Tokyo's food, I still love Wanglou's cave plum buns the most."
He was talking about the earliest soup dumplings.
Song Huizong smiled and said: "I know how good you are. I have already had someone prepare it and it will be presented to you later."
Duan Zhengwen's face was filled with joy and he bowed hurriedly: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Cai Jing smiled and said nothing.
Duan Zhengwen saw this and asked, "I wonder what kind of delicious food the Grand Master has tasted recently?"
Cai Jing said with a smile: "In terms of deliciousness, Cai believes that puffer fish meat is the best in the world."
"Fugu?"
Everyone looked surprised.
Duan Zhengwen frowned and asked hurriedly: "Is the Taishi talking about the highly poisonous pufferfish?"
"Exactly."
"Then how dare the Grand Master eat it?"
Cai Jing smiled and said: "Because there are people in Song Dynasty who can cook non-toxic pufferfish. What is the name of that method?"
Gao Qiu said: "Master, it's called the law of the river fish."
Cai Jing patted his forehead and said: "Yes, yes, the rule of pufferfish, tsk tsk. This is truly the most delicious dish in the world, and it is endlessly memorable."
Song Huizong glanced at Cai Jing, smiled and shook his head.
Duan Zhengwen moved his index finger and said hurriedly: "Oh? May I ask Grand Master where this person is now? I can go and have a taste."
Cai Jing shook his head gently and smiled without saying a word.
***************
Before I knew it, an hour had passed.
Except for Li Qi, the first dishes of the other three royal chefs have already been prepared.
The dish from Dali Kingdom Gaoping was presented first. Since there was still a long way from the pavilion to the attic, it had to be covered with a cover. After the assistant placed the plate on the long table in the middle, Gao Ping took a step forward and asked Song Huizong
He bowed, then took off the covering and said, "This is my first dish, Blood Guanyin."
Everyone took a closer look and saw a blooming blood-red lotus on the plate. Standing on the lotus was a graceful and graceful woman, who was none other than the compassionate Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. They were all made of watermelon from head to toe.
Song Huizong stood up and came forward with a group of ministers and took a closer look. Wang Fu smiled and said: "Yes, yes, the watermelon rind is used to make the lotus petals, and the pulp and core are used to make the lotus seat. And this Guanyin statue is even more lifelike.
It’s really ingenious.”
A large number of people nodded in agreement with Wang Fu's words.
But Song Huizong, Cai Jing, Song Moquan, Zhang Zeduan and other artists shook their heads.
Cai Jing sighed: "This Avalokitesvara statue does look lifelike, but it only retains its shape and not its spirit. The Bodhisattva is dignified and kind, but your statue has a dull expression. It really cannot be called a masterpiece."
"Yuan Chang's words make sense."
Song Huizong nodded and said: "And the name is not pleasant. This is the great merciful and compassionate Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, but you call it Blood Avalokitesvara. The name does not convey the meaning and is a big failure."
The two people got up and the people behind them stood up and complained, which made Wang Fu very embarrassed. In terms of scheming, I am afraid no one can match him, but in terms of real talent and learning, he is far behind.
There are a group of great artists here. They can't bear any small flaws, and they are not merciful when it comes to their mouths. There is no need to be merciful. Those who have poor mental tolerance are really not suitable for participating in the Shikoku Eyes.
Gao Ping was embarrassed by their training, but he could only nod in agreement.
Next was Guo Qian from Xixia Kingdom. Guo Qian and two assistants were seen walking into the hall carrying a tray.
Song Huizong said calmly: "Master Guo, don't you also carve Buddha statues?"
Since the Tang Dynasty, the emperor of the Central Plains has been rejecting Buddhism and promoting local Taoism, especially in the Song Dynasty. However, countries like Dali and Xixia are countries that advocate Buddhism, so Huizong of the Song Dynasty had this question.
Guo Qian bowed and said: "Reporting to your majesty, what I carved is not a statue of Buddha, but a saint of the Three Purities."
Song Huizong was delighted and said hurriedly: "Okay. Let me take a look."
After Guo Qian opened the cover, Song Huizong glanced at him, and the joy on his face suddenly disappeared. He spat out two words and said: "Failure." (To be continued.)