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

Zhu Gang was about to answer when he caught a glimpse of Xie Yuer winking at him from the corner of his eye.

That look was like a breeze in spring, gently sweeping across Zhu Gang's tired face, and the concern in it was self-evident.

He immediately understood and realized that Xie Yuer was worried about his long journey and couldn't bear to see him worry about official duties again.

Xie Yuer smiled brightly, and her voice was as melodious as a yellow oriole in spring.

"OK OK!

My husband has just come back and he is exhausted from the long journey. Let’s not talk about these official matters for now.

Today, I specially invited Master Su Mingzhi, who won the second place in the folk cooking competition. His 'Squirrel Mandarin Fish' is a unique dish in Suzhou Prefecture. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and tastes sweet and sour.

I want Wang Dianshan to learn from me, so that we can enjoy this delicacy often in the future."

Zhu Gang followed Xie Yuer's words and responded in a casual manner: "I have also heard that this 'Squirrel Mandarin Fish' is Master Su's specialty, but according to the rules, you have to become a disciple to pass on the skills.

There is a big age gap between Wang Dianshan and Master Su, would he be willing to be a disciple of a commoner master? "

As soon as he finished speaking, a faint fish fragrance wafted in the air, as if a picture scroll of gourmet food was gently unfolding in the air.

Su Mingzhi, wearing a white chef's uniform, walked in with steady steps, holding the freshly made "Squirrel Mandarin Fish" steadily in his hands, and smiling.

The mandarin fish on the plate held its head high and its tail raised, its body fried until golden brown, like a golden squirrel about to leap out of the blue waves.

The marinade poured on it sizzles and has an attractive sheen.

Su Mingzhi bowed respectfully and said, "I am Su Mingzhi from Suzhou Prefecture. I am honored to meet your highness and the two princesses!"

Looking at Su Mingzhi's calm appearance, Zhu Gang couldn't help but recall the scene when they first met.

He said with emotion: "Mr. Su is indifferent to fame and fortune, and is only dedicated to pursuing the highest realm of culinary skills. I admire him deeply.

Today's palace is hosting a family dinner, Mr. Su doesn't need to stick to the formalities."

Su Mingzhi smiled and responded, "Your Highness, I am grateful for your kindness.

It is my honor to serve this dish of 'Squirrel Mandarin Fish' to His Royal Highness and the two princesses."

After the "Squirrel Mandarin Fish" was placed on the table, Su Mingzhi continued, "Your Highness, you are already doing me a great favor by calling me 'Mr. Su'.

As for the emphasis on red tape, it is just as the saying goes, "A gentleman is cautious when alone and does not deceive in secret."

The proper etiquette still needs to be maintained."

Xu Miaoyun said with admiration in his tone: "A gentleman is cautious when alone and does not deceive in secret.

Be humble and discipline yourself, and be reserved and chaste.

A real man stands between heaven and earth, he should cultivate the great and upright spirit of heaven and earth, and do things that are upright and aboveboard.

Control yourself, be cautious when alone, guard your heart, and understand your nature.

Conquer yourself with the heart that conquers others, and tolerate others with the heart that tolerates yourself.

I didn't expect Mr. Su to be a well-read man, but why didn't he choose to be an official in the court, but instead chose to be a kitchen cook?"

Su Mingzhi smiled and explained: "Since the princess is well-read, she should know the sage's saying 'A gentleman should stay away from the kitchen', and the following 'I cannot bear to see him die when I see him alive'.

It means that gentlemen should stay away from the kitchen because they cannot bear to see animals being killed.

This sentence reflects the saint's benevolent government thought, emphasizing that gentlemen should maintain respect and sympathy for life, and it does not mean that men cannot cook in the kitchen. "

The court situation has been changing dramatically in recent years, and Your Majesty has implemented a series of measures aimed at strengthening ideological rule.

Both at the imperial court and in the government, the control over all kinds of doctrines became increasingly strict.

Not long ago, Mencius' tablet was moved out of the Confucius Temple.

Zhu Yuanzhang also specifically announced to the world that it was strictly forbidden to spread many remarks related to Mencius, and violators would be severely punished.

This move caused an uproar among scholars, and everyone felt insecure.

People in the palace often discussed this matter in private, and the atmosphere was quite tense. Xie Yuer was keenly aware of the subtle changes in Xu Miaoyun's attitude towards her recently, and she had already made up her mind.

Today, seeing Su Mingzhi mention Mencius' remarks during this sensitive period, I decided to take advantage of this to make trouble.

On the one hand, he wanted to test Xu Miaoyun's attitude, and on the other hand, he wanted to establish his authority in the palace.

So Xie Yuer's eyes were stern, and she slowly said: "Mr. Su, His Majesty is now vigorously rectifying thoughts and strictly prohibiting the spread and removal of remarks related to the saints from the Confucius Temple.

Why do you mention Mencius' words here? What is your intention?
Do you think the palace will allow you to do whatever you want?"

When Su Mingzhi heard this, it was like a thunderclap exploding in his ears, and the smile on his face instantly froze.

His heart suddenly tightened, and a chill ran up from the soles of his feet to his heart.

Su Mingzhi never thought that his unintentional words would be used as a handle by Xie Yuer.

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Su Mingzhi's mind, and fear overwhelmed him like a tide.

Su Mingzhi knew very well that in this palace with its strict hierarchy, the slightest mistake could lead to his death.

At this moment, he regretted deeply and hated himself for being so outspoken.

However, the instinct for survival made Su Mingzhi react quickly.

He knelt on the ground with a thump, and apologized in a trembling voice: "I spoke without thinking, and made a big mistake in a moment. I beg Your Highness the Prince of Jin and the two princesses to forgive me.

I am only absorbed in cooking and learning, and I had no other intention in mentioning Mencius's words just now. I hope Your Highness and the Princess can understand this."

As he spoke, Su Mingzhi's forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, which slowly slid down his cheeks.

Zhu Gang was shocked when he saw this and was worried that the situation would get out of control.

He smiled and waved his hand and said, "Yuer, Mr. Su may have just made an unintentional mistake.

'A gentleman is cautious when alone and does not deceive in secret', this sentence is clearly said by Zengzi, so don't scare Mr. Su.

Mr. Su is devoted to studying cooking, so it is understandable that he neglected these minor details."

Su Mingzhi quickly followed Zhu Gang's words and gave Xie Yuer a way out.

“To be honest, I am ignorant and I took advantage of the fact that I have read a few books to show off my knowledge in front of His Highness and the two princesses.

The princess opened her mouth to warn me so that I won't say anything sinister in the future, and it was well-intentioned.

I am grateful for your advice, Princess, and will be careful with my words and actions in the future."

Seeing that Su Mingzhi was so tactful, Xie Yuer's anger subsided a little and a smile appeared on her face again.

"Mr. Su, you are too serious. I was just anxious at the time.

But given the current situation, we have to be cautious.

Mr. Su is so talented, if he were to suffer misfortune due to a moment of negligence, wouldn't it be a pity? "

Seeing that the atmosphere had eased somewhat, Zhu Gang thought about what he had been thinking about in recent days.

He turned to Xie Yuer and said, "Yuer, I remember you mentioned before that you wanted to find a mentor for Ji Hui.

I have also been thinking about this matter these days. Today I met Mr. Su, who has extraordinary conversation and some talent.

How about letting him be the tutor in the palace?

Mr. Su, what do you think?

Su Mingzhi was slightly stunned, then he quickly said: "Your Highness, I am deeply honored by your kindness.

However, I am just a cook. Although I know a little about literature and writing, I am afraid that I cannot take on such an important task and ruin the young master's future."

(End of this chapter)