blogombal Page 595
Page 595
In terms of prominent schools of thought, he prided himself on Confucianism as the ultimate philosophy of human conduct;
But when it comes to cultivation, Taoism is undoubtedly the orthodox school, which seeks to comprehend the Dao and shatter the void.
"Master Xun is too kind. Although these two young fellows have good aptitude, they still lack experience."
Moreover, the Zhang family was already a large and powerful family at this time, and what they needed was not a pioneering spirit, but someone who could maintain the status quo.
I don't seek fame or fortune across the land; I only wish to protect my home and establish a career!
Upon hearing this, everyone understood Zhang Xiaoshan's meaning.
The Zhang family is already a behemoth in terms of both size and strength. If they were to take another step forward, they would overthrow the empire.
The risks involved are not something Zhang Xiaoshan wants to take.
As for ambition?
Judging from Zhang Xiaoshan's romantic and carefree life, it's clear he has no ambition.
But in terms of methods, they are in no way inferior to the wrath of an emperor, which can cause millions of corpses and rivers of blood to flow for thousands of miles.
"Therefore, the young master wants them to learn the Confucian doctrine of the mean at Xiaoshengxianzhuang, and the art of self-cultivation and family management!"
"It's just to teach them the way of self-cultivation."
As for their future paths, Zhang will not interfere too much.
When they grow up, whatever path they want to choose, the Zhang family will only provide them with a platform.
After all, a fledgling eagle can only truly grow by soaring freely.
"Hehe, young master's thoughts and actions are contradictory!"
"Humans are inherently a collection of contradictions!"
Xun Qing looked at the carefree and unrestrained Zhang Xiaoshan. Confucianism emphasizes "Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher," so naturally, elders can arrange everything.
As the parents say, and as the matchmaker commands!
But having reached his level of understanding, he naturally realized that Zhang Xiaoshan was truly acting in his best interest, and that it wasn't just simple pampering and indulgence.
Otherwise, the two children would not have been allowed to study Confucianism and develop correct values.
Moreover, in his view, Zhang Xiaoshan wanted to maintain the status quo, but maintaining the status quo was not the best option.
Or rather, offense is the best defense.
However, given the Zhang family's reputation, they would never take this step unless absolutely necessary.
"By the way, young master, you have come to Sanghai City with the Heavenly Official of the Tomb Raiders. What plans does the Empire and the Zhang family have?"
"I will not hide it from you, Master, nor do I need to hide it from you all."
The Empire and the Zhang family's objective this time is to travel to the New World and to the ends of the earth!
"To the New World? To the ends of the earth?"
Not only Fu Nian and the others, but even Xun Qing looked at Zhang Xiaoshan in shock.
"Does the world really have an end?"
"It can be considered the end, like the yin and yang of Taoism. It is the end, but it may also be the beginning!"
"What do you mean?"
Zhang Xiaoshan smiled but did not explain, but everyone could sense that Zhang Xiaoshan must know something to be so certain.
As for Xun Qing, he seemed to be thinking about something, but he couldn't quite grasp the key point.
"Why do the Empire and the Zhang family plan to set sail from Sanghai City?"
"This is the empire's decision, and as for the reasons, that's something I can only guess at."
Zhang originally intended to land at the mouth of the Longjiang River, but the Empire was probably worried that Jiangnan was Zhang's territory, so they chose this location instead.
Everyone was speechless upon hearing this; this was the only one who dared to inspire such fear in the empire.
The Jiangnan region was almost entirely infiltrated by the Zhang family because of Ghost Street.
Although the Zhang family is not visible on the surface, their prestige is such that at least 70% of people would respond if they raised their arms.
However, the Zhang family was extremely honest, so the empire could not find any fault with them.
Moreover, Ghost Street is no pushover either.
The influence of the underworld and demonic forces that permeated the entire Jiangnan region meant that even infiltrating organizations like the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) could not shake the position of the Zhang family and the Golden-Faced Buddha in Ghost Street.
Unless the Zhang family and the Golden-Faced Buddha are at odds with each other, the Luo Net is nothing more than a large ant in Ghost Street.
"The food is here!"
At this moment, several maids carrying lunch boxes entered the main hall.
This is a customized package at Guanhailou, and the daily cost at Xiaoshengxianzhuang is at least 100 gold coins.
Confucianism advocates "eating finely and cooking with care" and "a gentleman keeps away from the kitchen."
Therefore, all the food was ordered from Guanhailou Restaurant, and Xun Qing and the three great masters received at least ten gold coins (Li Nuo's) daily meals; the instructors were paid one gold coin each day; and even the students, following the set meals, never missed a meal of meat, snacks, and fruit...
If it weren't for the fact that Xiaoshengxianzhuang was a large and wealthy family, and that Guanhailou hadn't been open for only a few years, they would have already squandered their wealth.
For Fu Nian, the sect leader, another benefit of Zi Zhong and Zi Jun joining Xiao Shengxianzhuang was that their meals would be free during this period.
Over a year, you can save 40,000 gold!
After all, for major holidays, both the quality and quantity of food orders need to be doubled.
"Madam, I'm just showing off my limited skills in front of an expert; I hope you can give me some pointers!"
The butcher placed his best dish in front of Huang Rong with a simple, honest smile.
Only then did everyone realize that when it came to culinary skills, this person was undoubtedly the best in the world. For example, their favorite Longjing Shrimp, even the top chefs they had previously hired, still emphasized that it was always just a little bit off after they tried to replicate it.
And this tiny detail represents the level of a top chef and a culinary master!
Moreover, looking at the dishes in front of them, the most important one was Longjing Shrimp.
Other dishes include Eight Treasure Tofu, Wensi Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, etc.
The incredibly rich aroma made people's mouths water, and everyone immediately turned to look at the butcher.
This fat guy is up to no good!
It seems they haven't even used seven-tenths of their skill in preparing the food they usually eat.
Chapter 693 The Battle of the God of Cookery: Butcher Ding's Defeat
"Eight-treasure tofu has a light and elegant aroma, mixed with the umami flavors of mushrooms, ham, dried scallops, etc. It is a blend that is also distinct in its layers, and it is not greasy at all, leaving people with an unforgettable aftertaste!"
It must be said that Chef Ding's culinary skills have reached their peak, no less than Rong'er's.
Moreover, Zhang had heard that Chef Ding could replicate any dish he had even tasted, a truly extraordinary talent!
"Young master, you flatter me. How could my culinary skills compare to yours, madam?"
Although the butcher was pleased, he knew to restrain himself.
Besides, he is only not inferior to Huang Rong.
He was confident that his culinary skills were second to none, but he still admired Huang Rong.
After all, Huang Rong had worked part-time at the Empire State Building for a period of time, and all the chefs at Zhang Family Restaurant were envious of her culinary skills.
Only those who have spent time there know that Zhang Family Restaurant is full of masters, and if Huang Rong wants to impress them, her culinary skills must be no less than his.
Those few experienced craftsmen were no less skilled than he had been when he first arrived in Sanghai City three years ago.
"However, Master Paoding's work is merely an imitation, not a surpassing one; it is already the pinnacle."
Upon hearing this, the butcher's expression froze.
Upon hearing this, Xun Qing and Fu Nian were also filled with admiration for Pao Ding's culinary skills, and at this moment they also looked at Zhang Xiaoshan with curiosity.
If it were others who commented on the masterful cooking skills of the butcher, it might be a bit of a stretch, but Zhang Xiaoshan is different. Having eaten Huang Rong's dishes over the years, he naturally has some insights.
"Please enlighten me, young master!"
Even though the butcher was somewhat unconvinced, he still remained patient.
He knew that this young master Zhang was a true genius, and even in order to protect his wife, he would have to come up with a reason.
Let's see if this reason can hold up in this hall.
"Master Chef Ding's culinary skills are no less than Rong'er's."
Even his extraordinary talent is admirable, but did the butcher ever consider that "a skilled cook cannot make a meal without rice"?
"Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice."
The butcher looked at Zhang Xiaoshan in confusion. Could it be that he was making something up out of nothing?
"Has Chef Ding ever prepared the Great Harmony Banquet?"
"I've studied it!"
Everyone was puzzled, but Xun Qing suddenly nodded, understanding Zhang Xiaoshan's meaning.
He then looked at the youthful Huang Rong with a hint of a smile.
"The Great Harmony Banquet uses ingredients from all over the world, selecting the most delicious and rarest ingredients."
Therefore, the ingredients for the Great Harmony Banquet are not static, as they must be sourced from all over the world and will change each time. For example, the new continent and the ends of the world that the empire is going to this time will surely bring many top-quality ingredients.
Handling these requires not only culinary skills but also the chef's ability to process ingredients and bring out their best flavor.
Rong'er can then use these ingredients to prepare the Great Harmony Feast.
"Pao Ding..."
The butcher was suddenly speechless. He could replicate any food he had ever eaten, but what about food he had never seen before?
"The skill of Butcher Ding in carving up an ox is close to the Dao."
But the true 'Tao' is to follow the natural way and to understand the principles of Heaven.
At the competition that year, Rong'er's Longjing Shrimp and Miss Liu's Fire Roll Ribs were both their own creations.
Rong'er's Longjing Shrimp was nearly perfect, while Miss Liu's Spicy Pork Ribs Rolls ultimately made a mistake.
I don't even need to taste the Longjing shrimp; just from its alabaster color and familiar aroma, I know Chef Ding's skill in cooking is on par with Rong'er's. But could Chef Ding elevate the flavor of the braised pork ribs to this level?
The butcher was stunned, because most of the flambéed spare ribs on the market at this time were made from the cover-up left by Liu Yiyi last time.
Therefore, the best flavor is naturally similar to Liu Yiyi's work at that time.
Even Fu Nian and Yan Lu couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Only Zhang Liang looked at Zhang Xiaoshan with admiration, never expecting that such a philosophical principle could be reflected in just a few dishes.
"Rong'er!"
Following Zhang Xiaoshan's gaze, Huang Rong's exquisitely beautiful face couldn't help but show an apologetic expression as she said:
"Master Chef, please forgive me. My husband had no other intention. This time, we are just having a friendly exchange."
As for improving the savory pork ribs, simply add a touch of tomato juice to the sauce. Too much, and it will mask the savory, bursting flavor; too little, and the ribs won't retain their tenderness.
With just a simple change, the butcher's eyes suddenly flashed with a terrifying light.
Even the few foodies who heard Huang Rong's revisions became very interested and full of anticipation.
It may seem like a simple change, but they know that this is the difference between a master chef and a top chef.
Huang Rong could handle the Great Harmony Banquet, but Cook Ding could not.
It's not that the butcher's skills are lacking, but rather that he couldn't bring out the full flavor of the unknown ingredients.
After all, the Great Harmony Feast was a fixed event, but with the development of the ocean and the New World, all kinds of top-quality ingredients appeared in people's sight, which could not be handled by 'conservative' chefs.
For example, tomatoes were only recently introduced to China. Apart from eating them as fruit, who would have thought of using them to make dishes?
"Thank you for your guidance, Madam."
"Rong'er only discovered this improvement method by chance."
Upon hearing this, Butcher Ding smiled. You must know that he is a master chef who deals with ingredients every day and makes countless dishes.