Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Chapter 518: The folk cooking competition begins, delicious dishes compete for beauty

The floor of the Fengtian Hall is paved with golden bricks, and each brick seems to have been carefully carved over the years and is as smooth as a mirror.

Under the flickering candlelight, mottled light and shadows are reflected.

They are like silent historians, quietly narrating the rise and fall, glory and disgrace of the dynasty.

The huge vermilion pillars in the hall stand tall and majestic.

The golden dragon coiled on the pillar, its whiskers trembling slightly.

Under the candlelight, the scales seemed to be glowing faintly.

It seemed as if it would break through the wall in the next moment, fully demonstrating the supreme majesty and dignity of the royal family.

Looking up, the caisson on the top of the hall is exquisite, and the star pattern is intricate and delicate.

Every stroke symbolizes the mysterious connection between the emperor and the heaven, earth and stars, which inspires awe.

Xu Xingzu, the Minister of Imperial Household, was wearing a brocade robe, but his body was slightly hunched because he had been cautious in the palace for a long time.

The caution and loyalty in his eyes seemed to be the mark of life in the palace carved on him by the years.

At this moment, Xu Xingzu stood quietly in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, looking as if he was walking on thin ice.

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang was frowned because of Empress Ma's illness, and the worry on his face seemed like a thick cloud that could not be dispelled.

Xu Xingzu was torn between his conscience and his desires: he knew very well that every word he said in this palace was like a stone thrown into a lake, which would cause ripples, so he had to weigh every word carefully.

After thinking for a long time, Xu Xingzu took a deep breath and bowed his head.

Although his voice was not loud, it was firm and resolute.

"Your Majesty, the Queen has had a poor appetite recently, and I think we can start by looking at her preferences.

There is a saying among the people that 'the husband sings and the wife follows', and the food that Your Majesty loves may arouse the appetite of Your Majesty and whet her appetite."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, a trace of reminiscence flashed in his eyes, and the scenes of his past misfortune flooded into his mind like a tide.

He had been hungry for several days and nights, and was as miserable as a stray dog.

Fortunately, with the help of two beggars, they cooked a bowl of "Pearl Jade White Jade Soup" with tofu and cabbage.

The soup was like a ray of light in the darkness, allowing Zhu Yuanzhang to regain his strength.

Thinking of this, his eyes became determined.

Zhu Yuanzhang then waved his hand and said loudly: "I will offer a reward to anyone who can restore this soup!
I just don't believe that in such a vast country like the Ming Dynasty, no one can make the taste of the past!"

The issuance of the bounty order was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a thousand waves.

The news was like a piece of wings, and with the help of the Ming Dynasty's extensive post station system, it spread to all parts of the country at full speed.

There was a lot of discussion in the streets and alleys of Yingtian Prefecture.

People gather in groups of three or five in teahouses and taverns.

Some talk loudly, some whisper quietly.

Merchants' eyes sparkled, calculating the potential business opportunities; travelers carried the news to further places.

On the official road outside Yingtian Prefecture, dust was flying.

Some of the capable chefs sent by restaurant owners from all over the country rode tall horses.

He whipped the horse, the sound of horse hooves was urgent, and he only wanted to get to Yingtian Prefecture as soon as possible.

Some were sitting in carriages, extremely anxious and wishing they could fly to Yingtian Prefecture immediately.

They came day and night with a desire for fame and fortune.

This scene is like a vivid picture of the hustle and bustle of the city, demonstrating the prosperity and vitality of the Ming Dynasty.

However, faced with so many chefs coming, how to select them became a problem.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was wearing a dragon robe, a crown on his head, and had a calm expression.

He knew very well that in this palace with strict hierarchy and numerous rules, the selection of talents could not be sloppy, and any decision was related to the dignity and majesty of the royal family.

Zhu Biao took a step forward, bowed, and spoke sincerely.

“Father, there are so many of us now, why not standardize the selection by using a cooking competition.

This will not only allow a comprehensive examination of the cooking skills, but also demonstrate the justice of our Ming Dynasty."

Princess Lin'an Zhu Jingjing was dressed in gorgeous clothes, with pearls and jade in her hair, like a flower blooming in spring. She was smart and quick-witted, and had a keen insight into the situation in the harem.

At this moment, Zhu Jingjing took light steps, bowed slightly, and a hint of intelligence flashed in her eyes.

She said softly: "Father, my mother is ill and the harem is without a master.

This cooking competition will not only help relieve the Queen Mother's worries about food, but also serve as an opportunity to examine the concubines' management and ability to appoint people to the right positions, and select someone who can share the worries of the Emperor and temporarily take over the Queen's duties."

Li Wenzhong, the legitimate son of Cao State Princess Zhu Funu, had an upright stature and a calm temperament.

Influenced by his family since childhood, he has a keen political vision.

Li Wenzhong knew very well that in the Ming Dynasty court, which attached great importance to etiquette and regulations, the master of the harem shouldered important responsibilities, and every word and action of hers affected the stability of the court.

He clasped his hands together and said respectfully, "Princess Lin'an is right. But temporarily taking over the responsibilities of the Queen is definitely not an easy task.

The master of the six palaces must have high management skills and political wisdom to ensure harmony in the harem.

In addition to daily palace affairs, there are also complicated matters such as court etiquette, sacrifices, and marriages of royal family members.

It takes a lot of experience and knowledge to master it properly.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes sharp.

He looked at everyone, and finally landed on Zhu Gang: "Old Third, you also say something."

Zhu Gang was a generous person. He looked heroic in his military uniform.

He was eager to stand out in front of his father and was eager to prove his ability in this ever-changing court in order to realize his own ambitions.

When Zhu Yuanzhang called out his name, Zhu Gang could not wait to step forward, clasped his fists and said loudly: "Father, I think that if the people can hold a cooking competition to select talents, the harem can also follow suit and select someone to temporarily replace the queen.

This can not only solve the problem of the Queen Mother's diet, but also allow the concubines in the harem to display their talents. Isn't it wonderful! "

After listening to Zhu Gang's words, Zhu Biao frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Third brother, what you said makes sense.

The personnel of Shangshenjian and Shangshiju were the candidates for assessment, with concubines recommending them and Guanglu Temple and the Ministry of Rites’ Jingshensi supervising them.

This way the competition can be carried out in an orderly manner and all palaces can participate, which is a good idea. "

Zhu Biao knew that only by balancing the interests of all parties and ensuring the fairness of the competition could the stability and order of the palace be maintained.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and a trace of worry flashed across his face.

“The harem has been a little uneasy lately, and we’re worried that the cooking competition will turn into a power struggle.

Tell me, if this happens, how should we deal with it? "

At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became solemn, and the candlelight seemed to flicker because of the tense atmosphere.

Zhu Di, who remained silent throughout, stood aside.

There was shrewdness and wisdom in his eyes, and he was always looking for opportunities to show off.

At this moment, Zhu Di hurriedly stepped forward, bowed and said: "I think that moral character is the key to selecting talents.

Your Majesty, you can spread the word first, severely punish those who take advantage of loopholes, and deter those who have evil intentions.

At the same time, the court should pay close attention to the folk competition, and if there is a suitable candidate, solve the food problem for the queen mother as soon as possible."

Zhu Di knew very well that in the vortex of court struggles, every opportunity to show his ability could change his destiny.

Now he is very eager to gain the favor of his father through his own strategy.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression eased a little and he nodded slightly.

"Biao'er, you are responsible for organizing the memorials, please make sure you consider everything carefully.

Daddy needs to concentrate on accompanying your mother, and the government affairs will depend on you and the third brother to take care of them."

Everyone left the Fengtian Hall, and the moonlight outside the hall was like water.

It sprinkles on the white marble steps, casting a cool light.

Zhu Gang moved closer to Zhu Biao and lowered his voice.

He said sincerely, "Brother, the court is in a state of turmoil right now.

Only by joining hands can we, brothers, overcome difficulties together."

(End of this chapter)