Chapter Seven, Heaven and Earth

At first, I was wondering if you were just bragging, but after having this meal, the food at home is practically comparable to pig slop

After greeting the distinguished officials in the court, it can be said that more than half of the young scions in Chang'an City are eagerly anticipating the opening of the restaurant called "Tian Shang Ren Jian". The reason is simple: they want to see the misfortunes of Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui.

The rib soup was served bowl after bowl, consumed in a thin, watery consistency, piping hot and making one gasp for breath.

As for shaojiu, Li Yi has no intention of handing it over to these cooks, after all, stir-frying and such cannot be kept for too long. The ancients were not foolish; when new things emerged, they learned and accepted them quite quickly. However, the taste is certainly not comparable to that of one's own home, as they will not be able to learn how to make soy sauce, light soy sauce, and fried sesame oil in a short period of time.

After having the cooked salt finely ground into powder and packed into a box, Li Yi then began to prepare the next seasoning, cooking wine

"Alright, stop being sarcastic." Cheng Chuliang once again cupped his fists towards Li Yi and said, "Brother, I should be a bit older than you, so I will call myself 'brother'. I was in a bit of a rush yesterday and didn't have the chance to register my number. I am Cheng Chuliang, the second son of Duke Lu."

Only after everything is settled will it be the turn of the cooks

After taking care of some basic matters, let ten veteran soldiers receive their pay and go to other taverns to observe how the waitstaff interact with customers. There is no need to learn the art of bowing and scraping; they only need to learn the tune of how dishes are sung.

Roll up the sleeves and slice the ginger

No, matters such as opening a hotel must be taken seriously. Over there, that person, do not wear your clothes so low, put them on properly for me

The chefs were as energized as if they had been injected with chicken blood, practicing cooking every day without exception. Professionals are indeed different; they grasp things quickly upon instruction. By the third day, Li Yi was already able to enjoy quite delicious home-style stir-fried dishes. Of course, the recipes for seasonings like soy sauce and light soy sauce remained a closely guarded secret.

The two dishes and one soup were quickly devoured by the three individuals. Li Yi had even specially prepared a bit more, but he did not expect to underestimate Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui, these two gluttons.

Both individuals were hungry, and at that moment, they could hardly resist the temptation of the fragrant food. When the dishes were served, they initially sat in a kneeling position, pretending to eat properly. However, by the time they reached the third bowl, they were already sitting cross-legged with rice grains all over their faces.

Cheng Chuliang, with his belly protruding and picking his teeth, would resemble Zhu Bajie if he were given a pair of large ears and a pig's nose

Dishes such as grilled fish and roasted meat are certainly impossible to prepare, as the cooking wine and soy sauce are not of good quality. The large dishes produced will not taste good at all; however, simple home-cooked dishes are still manageable

Ten young girls in their teens, not particularly beautiful, but they excel in their youth, along with five individuals in their thirties who clearly appear to be cooks

The practice of stir-frying truly emerged during the Song Dynasty; people in the Tang Dynasty did not even know how to stir-fry. Therefore, when the onlooking guards saw Li Yi skillfully slicing ginger and sautéing it in oil until fragrant, they could not help but drool at the enticing aroma wafting from the oil

I am not a harsh person. Those who work under me will naturally receive their wages. As for the shop assistants, no, from now on your job title will be waiter. There will be a one-month probation period, during which the salary will be one guan. If there are no issues after the probation period, you will be confirmed in your position, and the salary will increase to two guan, with a day off every six days. As for you ladies, you will serve as hosts and food runners. Of course, only four hosts are needed, and I will personally interview each of you to select them. Those who pass the interview will serve as hosts, with a one-month probation period and a salary of one guan. After the probation period, the salary will increase to three guan, with the same day off every six days. The salary and treatment for food runners will be the same as that of waiters.

The time is approaching noon, and ordinary people only have two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Soldiers are no exception; only the wealthy can afford three meals a day. As for Li Yi, it goes without saying that he is accustomed to three meals a day. Since he has three meals, those around him naturally have three meals as well; he cannot let others watch him eat.

Thus, all the young masters of Chang'an City are waiting for the day when "Tian Shang Ren Jian" reopens

Regarding Boss He’s little schemes, no one has the time to guess. After a discussion, Li Hui and Cheng Chuliang each took three shares, while Boss He took half a share. The remaining three and a half shares belonged to Li Yi. The concept of shares already existed during the Tang Dynasty, and with Li Yi’s clear explanation, everyone was able to understand what it meant

After Li Yi finished speaking, Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui's expressions changed. The ten-year-old child before them turned out to be a little prince? Just yesterday, the two of them were still thinking about beating him. Fortunately, they didn't, otherwise going home would not have been as simple as just breaking a leg

First, completely dissolve the green salt in water, then find some charcoal, crush it, and wrap it in several layers of gauze. Next, insert it into a wooden funnel, have someone set up the funnel, and pour the dissolved green salt solution into it. After a short while, a light green solution slowly flows out.

Li Yi can confidently entrust his belongings to them, allowing Chang'an of the Tang Dynasty to open a modern five-star hotel with contemporary management concepts

First, take out the blueprints for the tables and chairs, and let Fu Si take three carpenters to study them on the side

Along with the slowly wafting aroma of the tender rib soup, Li Yi greedily took a deep breath, damn it, finally no longer having to eat the pig food of the Tang Dynasty

Without cooking wine to marinate the meat and eliminate the fishy smell, one can only use salt for this purpose. In the future, I must find opportunities to promote the method of castrating piglets; otherwise, the odor is too strong. First, place the meat in oil to briefly stir-fry until it turns white, then set it aside. Next, add the soaked wood ear mushrooms to the same oil, stir-frying until the moisture evaporates, and then add the meat along with other ingredients. Before long, the aroma of the wood ear mushrooms, other ingredients, and meat will fill the kitchen, a delightful fragrance of stir-frying. The guards of the Tang Dynasty, the Jinwu Wei, were fortunate to be among the first witnesses of this experience. The soaked wood ear mushrooms are added to the previous oil, stir-fried until the moisture evaporates, then the meat and other ingredients are added. Soon, the mixed aroma of the wood ear mushrooms, other ingredients, and meat will permeate the kitchen, a delightful fragrance of stir-frying, and the guards of the Tang Dynasty, the Jinwu Wei, were fortunate to be among the first witnesses of this experience.

Once again, it is those brothers from the Jinwu Guard, among them of course is Fu Er. Li Yi made a joke asking if his brother's name is Fu San, but he guessed wrong; it is not Fu San, but Fu Si, because the brother who knows carpentry is the fourth in the family order.

Having done too much in the evening, Li Yi is already very tired. He originally wanted to make an effort to prepare the soybeans for soy sauce fermentation, but he has decided to postpone it until next time

He took out the distilled liquor from last night, and with a gulp, Cheng Chuliang exclaimed that it was good liquor and began to drink it down in large swigs. Seeing this, Li Hui could no longer contain himself and started to drink in the same manner. Li Yi watched in astonishment, his eyes wide open. He knew the liquor he had made himself, and he wondered how anyone could still walk out after drinking like this today

In organizing the hotel opening, it stands to reason that Li Yi should be extremely busy. Indeed, during the first ten days, Li Yi was indeed working tirelessly. However, after diligently training Manager He, Li Yi began to relax.

It does not matter, let the two rascals be taken away, and it is sufficient to leave behind those who are useful

After class, as usual, some people carried Li Yi and a group of princes and princesses away. Li Yi had no time to chat with his younger siblings, who had not yet fully matured; he had many tasks to attend to

Every morning after class, in the afternoon, Cheng Chuliang, Li Hui, and the three of them, along with their respective bodyguards, strolled leisurely down Chang'an Street, thoroughly enjoying the taste of a life of extravagance.

Well, at least the name is easy to remember

I am Li Hui, the second son of Wang from Hejian

The only thing that can be improved at hand is salt. First, let someone bring some green salt from the imperial kitchen. Looking at the chunks of green salt, Li Yi sighed, marveling at how the ancients were truly able to endure hardship, as they could even consume such things.

The people from the dental office are indeed reliable in handling matters. The newly rented house has already been cleaned by someone. The three carpenters who were hired have also washed up and changed into clean clothes. Upon seeing Li Yi, they all bowed in unison to pay their respects. The set of kitchen utensils customized from the blacksmith has also been completed and delivered. Although there are still some minor flaws, they are sufficient for use.

Yesterday, I had already agreed with two people that they should not eat before coming, to try out my exclusive secret recipe for making a fortune

The two shareholders, Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui, are also very diligent and responsible. Every day, during their leisure time, they promote the news that the world's number one building is about to open, insisting that everyone must come. If you don't come, they will break your legs, and this is not a joke

Then pour the solution back into the pot and wait for it to bubble. Li Yi is not in a hurry; he waits for the moisture in the pot to gradually evaporate, leaving a thick layer of bluish-green hard crust at the bottom of the pot, which is the salt.

All move to one side, place a bowl on one person's shoulder, stand with feet in a T-pose, wear a smile, and place a small copper coin on each side of the face. The bowl must not fall, and the coins must not fall either. First, practice the standing posture and smiling face before proceeding.

Although he is a dandy, he is still very efficient in getting things done

The cooking wine should be allowed to sit for a whole day after being prepared, then filtered and sealed for an additional week before it can be used. Of course, high-quality cooking wine is typically aged for six months, which enhances its effectiveness.

It seems that the discomfort associated with kneeling and sitting is a common sentiment among the public; it is just that everyone has become accustomed to it. If more comfortable seating furniture were to emerge, it would undoubtedly be very popular

Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui, being both second sons, naturally do not need to worry much about family matters, and since they have not yet reached the age of maturity, they are not assigned any responsibilities. They spend their days idly, and it would not be an exaggeration to describe them as young rascals.

Can these two fellows open a restaurant? Pigs can climb trees now

On one side, Li Shimin planned to watch Li Yi's jokes, while on the other side, Li Yi had already used bamboo and available materials to create a simple distillation tool. After half a night's experimentation, he managed to refine the so-called low-alcohol spirits of the Tang Dynasty to the level of true spirits, and just the smell alone was enough to give one a sense of intoxication

The training for the young ladies has also yielded significant results; they now wear smiles on their faces all day long and have forgotten how to express any other emotion

The cook and the bouncer are not suitable; it is the waiter. They are all veterans who have retired from the military, and their loyalty is absolutely guaranteed. Ten young girls are also slaves. The original staff of the restaurant has, of course, been completely dismissed; they are no longer needed, as there is no way to ensure their loyalty.

Li Yi took some ingredients and had someone bring back the newly made cooking utensils such as iron pots and spatulas. He then dove into the kitchen, asking Fu Er to help with chopping vegetables and lifting pots, while Li Yi took charge of the cooking

I took a small pinch and put it in my mouth to taste, and yes, it is much better than the previous salt block; this is the real table salt

First, stew the soup. The people of the Tang Dynasty did not eat pork, not because of religious reasons, but because there were no soy sauce or cooking wine to season it, making the taste of pork quite unpalatable. Moreover, people believed that pigs eat anything, which is not clean. It was not until several hundred years later, when Su Dongpo invented Dongpo pork, that pork began to be favored by the Han people.

I am Li Yi, the ninth son of His Majesty. Speaking of which, I should address you, Li Hui, as my cousin.

As for all of you chefs, you will need to study with me for one month. I will teach you some new recipes, and I guarantee that once you master these recipes, you will never have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of your lives. However, before learning from me, you must sign a contract, and you absolutely cannot change jobs. You will only work for me for the rest of your lives. As for your children, I have no control over that.

Huangjiu, water, scallions, ginger, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon, pepper, as well as the freshly made shaojiu and salt, all these basic ingredients were prepared. Li Yi poured everything together except for the shaojiu and started to cook. After boiling in a large pot for half an hour, he removed the firewood and added all the shaojiu, then left it there unattended

Of course, Li Shimin was not at ease allowing his son to leave the palace alone. It would indeed be strange if there were no arrangements for protection around Li Yi. The Jinwuwei reported Li Yi's activities throughout the day to Li Shimin, which made him feel quite puzzled. However, Li Yi did not use his royal status to oppress others, and all transactions with the shopkeepers were documented. He felt he could not say much about it, but with so much money, how could his son, who had never been particularly bright, manage to gather it? Should he ask his mother for help? Upon hearing that Li Yi was partnering with Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui in business, Li Shimin laughed. Could these two young scions really succeed in business together?

Li Shimin waved his hand to dismiss the Jinwuwei who had finished reporting. Forget it, perhaps it was better not to concern himself with it. After all these years, he had not treated his ninth son well. Now that the boy had just recovered from a serious illness, what was wrong with wanting to indulge a little and experience the life of a merchant? When he inevitably faced setbacks, he could always lend a helping hand then. Opening a tavern was nothing to Li Shimin; it was not a significant matter.

The production of liquor is already halfway established, and the taste can be gradually adjusted later. The next step involves the matter of seasonings; the spices and pepper powder are already available, albeit at an exorbitant price. Li Yi plans to set up a greenhouse in the future, so that he can cultivate pepper year-round to produce pepper powder.

The shop assistants are now practicing singing dishes according to Li Yi's requirements and style. One of them has a particularly good voice and has been brought over by Li Yi to be trained as a storyteller, starting with the tale of "The Heaven Sword and the Dragon Saber".

Li Yi said that every shopkeeper feels dizzy; one thousand guan of money only counts as half a share, not even a full share. Does this not count as being oppressed by imperial power?

The funds for the hotel renovation can be gathered by Li Hui, Cheng Chuliang, and the manager, and it should be sufficient. It is said that in order to get money from home, both Li Hui and Cheng Chuliang were beaten. However, when the two brothers think of Li Yi's excellent cooking and the intoxicating wine that leaves one in a stupor, they can't help but smile despite the bruises on their faces. It is simply better than the wine made from grapes in the Western Regions. Each person receives five hundred guan every month, which is truly not a dream

The carpenter has added some more; Li Yi has requested one hundred sets of tables and chairs within a month, which is indeed too tight for four people

The other eunuchs and palace maids watched Li Yi busying himself until now, not daring to say anything. After all, if His Highness the Prince can play with mud and roast chickens, what is it to play with fire and roast salt late at night?

"This dish should only exist in the heavens, how could it possibly..." Before Li Hui could finish his sentence, Cheng Chuliang poked him from the side

The personnel issues have been resolved, and the next step is training. The training is quite simple; everyone can just move a stool and sit in a row. We will first establish some rules and regulations of the tavern, such as the daily morning meeting, rewards and punishments, working hours, and so on. Next, we will have mutual self-introductions. Everyone is a bit shy, but that's okay; we can take our time. Stimulating each employee's initiative is the first step towards the success of the enterprise. If the employees are stagnant, dreaming of the company's success is truly wishful thinking. Next, we will have mutual self-introductions. Everyone is a bit shy, but that's okay; we can take our time. Stimulating each employee's initiative is the first step towards the success of the enterprise. If the employees are stagnant, dreaming of the company's success is truly wishful thinking

Similarly, scrambled eggs with chopped chives also whet the appetite just by the aroma and the appearance of the dish

As Li Yi stepped out of the kitchen, he saw a group of individuals outside the door, nearly overwhelmed by saliva, among whom were two people, Cheng Chuliang and Li Hui, who had agreed to come this afternoon.

Today, we will first start with the process of refining incense oil

The next day's lesson was still being taught by Wei Zheng on stage. As for the copy of the Three Character Classic in Wei Zheng's hands, it had already begun to spread widely throughout Chang'an City. Although only a day had passed, some scholars had already obtained a handwritten copy of the Three Character Classic. When they met, they no longer chatted about the weather but discussed the Three Character Classic instead. The origin was said to be a chance acquisition by His Highness, the Ninth Prince, from the palace. As for how he obtained it, it was said that the Ninth Prince himself could not remember. The crowd expressed their amazement at the Ninth Prince, who had been somewhat simple-minded since childhood. Some claimed he was fine, while others said he was not, leaving everyone unsure of whom to believe. However, some scholars had already obtained a handwritten copy of the Three Character Classic. When they met, they no longer chatted about the weather but discussed the Three Character Classic instead. The origin was said to be a chance acquisition by His Highness, the Ninth Prince, from the palace. As for how he obtained it, it was said that the Ninth Prince himself could not remember. The crowd expressed their amazement at the Ninth Prince, who had been somewhat simple-minded since childhood. Some claimed he was fine, while others said he was not, leaving everyone unsure of whom to believe.

However, Li Yi knows how delicious the pork rib soup is when the ribs are stewed. First, bring the ribs to a boil to remove the blood, then discard the blood water, refill with freshly boiled water, add the ribs, ginger slices, a small amount of spices, and radish slices. Cover the pot and set it aside to simmer slowly

The unique secret of our hotel is undoubtedly the distilled liquor, and whether we can open branches one, two, three, four, five, or six entirely depends on the liquor.

The name of the hotel has also been changed to Heaven on Earth

He ordered someone to buy some food, and the three enslaved craftsmen were included as well

As for whose complexion is the most pallid, it must certainly be that of He, the tavern owner, for today the matters of the tavern are to be discussed, and as the current manager, he has undoubtedly been summoned as well

The remaining ten individuals are tall and strong. At first, I thought they were hired thugs, but upon inquiry, I learned that they were actually here to work as waiters. Goodness, waiters are usually polite and accommodating, but these ten or so people have booming voices. It is said that they are veterans from the military. Can they really serve as waiters? If they encounter any minor inconveniences, they might just tear the customers apart.

What do men pursue? The strongest liquor, the most beautiful "horse"; with such distilled spirits in hand, half of the hotel industry is already within reach.

He thought of countless possibilities but never expected that Li Yi was a prince, with the world belonging to his father. To own a tavern and sell it for 1,000 guan? His legs were trembling in disbelief

Your Highness! That one thousand guan of money, I absolutely dare not accept it!

Li Yi did not directly mention the chef's wages, mainly out of concern that others might become envious. After all, the most important aspect of a hotel is the chef; if the food is not delicious, everything else is in vain, except for brothels, which rely on physical allure rather than culinary skills

Old He, do not be nervous, you can forgo your one thousand guan, I will consider you as having invested half a share, and there will be dividends every month

Indeed, not long after, the two individuals who were completely intoxicated were carried out. If it were not for their knowledge of Prince Li Yi's identity, the servants would have thought that their young master had been drugged by Li Yi, as they had never seen their young master become incapacitated from drinking so quickly

Naturally, not many people like spare ribs

Stir-fried shredded pork with wood ear mushrooms, scrambled eggs with chopped chives, and tender pork rib soup, not too much, two dishes and one soup

Then it was time for the girls' interviews. During the first interview, Li Yi realized just how open the Tang Dynasty was. One young girl after another was rubbing against him, and those who were unaware might have thought it was an interview for a brothel.

I selected four relatively sweet and cute girls who have beautiful smiles; they will be the first batch of greeters. I was fortunate that one of them can even sing a little tune