Chapter 7: Cao Yidao

Hehe, Xiaohua, you don't understand this. This fragrant marinated meat may look simple, but it truly tests the chef's knife skills and mastery of heat. Just look at these slices of meat; each one measures five centimeters in length, three centimeters in width, and three millimeters in thickness, with no discrepancies whatsoever. Now observe the color of the meat; each slice presents a jade hue, perfectly cooked through, yet not so overcooked that the slices curl up

Upon seeing the old man settle down and immediately engage in conversation with Zhou Yi, Zhu Xiaohua felt a sense of imbalance as he completely ignored her. Intentionally bringing up this topic, she aimed to rattle the old man.

The discussion on the Book of Changes was eloquent and animated, with saliva flying everywhere. Zhu Xiaohua listened with wide eyes, unable to find a way to voice her doubts, her face displaying an expression of 'though I do not understand, I still feel it is impressive'.

Young friend, you also know this old man's little reputation...

Cao Lang stroked his goatee and smiled with satisfaction; this was the effect he desired: "I see that you, young friend, are naturally suited to my culinary path. However, after several generations, it seems that the family culinary skills may no longer be inherited. Nevertheless, if you are interested in learning to cook... I will certainly impart all my knowledge without holding anything back."

This time I came to the capital of Chu to visit a few old friends and to support some younger relatives from my family. The old man has no sons, no daughters, and no partner; his only relatives are a few nephews and nieces from his wife's side. Coincidentally, one of his nephews is the owner of this old establishment. The old man, feeling delighted, decided to enhance his nephew's reputation by disregarding his own status and passing this fragrant marinated meat dish to the chef in the restaurant. However, the dish that Zhou Yi ate was precisely made by the old man himself.

However, after the old man prepared a few dishes, he began to feel some regret. The saying goes that Bo Ya broke his zither because true understanding is hard to find. Given his status, it was rather disheartening for him to cook for these unappreciative patrons in this small restaurant. Thus, he stopped his work and went out for a stroll, only to coincidentally overhear a commentary on the "I Ching".

"Old sir, are you surprised? Hehe, to be honest, my buddy's ancestors once prepared imperial meals for Empress Dowager Cixi. Although it was because that old hag was on a western tour and didn't bring her chef, it still shows the prowess of my buddy's ancestors..."

At this time, the Book of Changes has already taken on the demeanor of certain self-proclaimed experts, capable of easily misleading people

Moreover, the system has determined that the person who prepared this dish possesses culinary skills equivalent to level 8, which corresponds to a first-class chef in reality. This implies that the culinary master of level 9, known as the Great Perfection of the I Ching, has already surpassed the existence of a first-class chef.

His background is quite impressive, being a veteran and a revered figure in the realm of Jingbang cuisine, as well as one of the few first-class chefs in the country. If it were a usual day, for ordinary people to taste his dishes would be akin to the Earth God gazing up at the Queen Mother of the West's peaches.

I see, so the old gentleman is from Kyoto... Oh, Cao Lang, Cao Yidao!

After exiting the system, Zhou Yi discreetly picked up a piece of fragrant marinated meat and stuffed it into his mouth: "I never expected that in this old place, such a small restaurant would actually have a top-tier chef. I wonder how much the old place had to spend to hire him."

Learning to cook is akin to learning martial arts; a truly good disciple who can inherit the master's teachings must be sought out by the master. Moreover, the master must also provide for their living expenses, food, and even manage significant life events, which is referred to as an inner disciple inheriting the master's legacy

Is it really that exaggerated? Zhu Xiaohua shook her head and said, This plate of fragrant marinated meat is indeed delicious, but can you be sure it is the skill of a top-tier chef

Hehe, sir, you are mistaken; I am just a foodie, how could I possibly understand cooking

The Zhou Yi chuckled and said. Observing the demeanor of this old man, he was undoubtedly a senior figure of some standing within the diligent practice. If I were to reveal my true abilities, it would surely attract trouble. No, I must keep them hidden.

The old man glanced at the Book of Changes, feeling somewhat skeptical. Not to mention anything else, just the recent commentary on the Book of Changes certainly did not resemble the demeanor of an ordinary gourmet

It is said that Cao Yidao once performed a public demonstration of his extraordinary skill in butchering an ox, separating bone from flesh with a single stroke, which left a profound impact on the culinary world of the entire capital. This nickname originated from that event. Zhou Yi never expected that he would actually meet the man himself

Upon looking back, Zhou Yi saw an elderly man standing behind him, approximately sixty years of age, with white hair and beard. He was dressed in a blue cloth shirt and black cloth shoes, appearing quite vigorous and spirited.

How is it that this dish was made by you, elder?

Although he is also a qualified food enthusiast, he does not yet have the ability to discern the level of a chef. This fragrant marinated meat is quite well made, undoubtedly crafted by a top-tier chef, but it is uncertain whether it is from a first-class chef.

Oh?

Oh? I didn't expect that in this small place of Chudu, there are such connoisseurs of food. The young people are quite remarkable. My dish of fragrant marinated meat is not a case of a hidden gem being overlooked...

As Cao Lang, one cannot know how many people wish to take him as their master. However, culinary skills are easy to learn but difficult to master, heavily reliant on talent. Skills such as knife techniques and fire control can be honed through diligent practice, but the innate sensitivity to ingredients and the ability to discern flavors cannot be acquired merely through hard work; it ultimately depends on whether the ancestral master bestows this cleverness.

In Cao Lang's view, the Book of Changes is akin to a genius with a silver tongue, which sparked some interest in him. Upon learning about the disciple's family background, he truly contemplated taking him under his wing. However, he could never have imagined that the disciple he valued so highly was, in fact, a true culinary master. When it comes to teaching culinary skills, neither of them could say for certain who would be teaching whom

Upon seeing the name on the business card, Zhou Yi was taken aback. As a connoisseur of food from a family tradition, not knowing Cao Yidao, a veteran figure in Jingbang cuisine, would truly be a wasted life

He took out a business card and handed it to Zhou Yi, completely ignoring Zhu Xiaohua, who was staring at him eagerly.

Looking across the nation, how many truly top-tier individuals are there? They are typically found in places like Zhongnanhai, the State Guesthouse, or the People's XX Hall. Would they ever visit a mid-range restaurant in a second-tier city? Even the tales of One Thousand and One Nights aren't that fantastical, are they

This old man was quite familiar, as he spoke while sitting beside Zhou Yi, sizing him up a few times: "Young friend, are you also someone who is active in the circle?"

Moreover, this rice residue is made from red glutinous rice. As the saying goes, "The best glutinous rice comes from Sanyang: Liyang, Sheyang, and Danyang," among which the highest quality is still Danyang. If I am not mistaken, the red glutinous rice used to make this residue should be the first batch of 'Danding Nuo' harvested in Danyang last autumn, which can be regarded as the king of glutinous rice, the best in the world

The old man couldn't help but glance at the Book of Changes a few more times: "I, the aged Cao Lang, am fortunate to meet a young friend here in the capital of Chu; it is indeed a matter of fate. Let us exchange contact information. If you have the opportunity to come to the capital, you may reach out to me."

It turns out to be a family tradition, no wonder...

After reaching the maximum level in his culinary side profession, Zhou Yi has officially transformed from a food enthusiast into a top-tier gourmet connoisseur. If the food channel were to invite him as a judge now, it would undoubtedly be well-deserved

In simple terms, becoming a good chef is not difficult; with enough effort, an ordinary person can achieve it. However, to become a top chef, or even a culinary master, one must first possess a discerning palate, which is an innate quality that cannot be forced.

You think too highly of it; I am merely somewhat shocked

Indeed, this is my creation. When my old man returned home to visit relatives, he felt a bit inspired upon seeing the restaurant opened by the younger generation, which led him to prepare this dish. I initially thought the guests would be of a lesser caliber, but unexpectedly encountered a kindred spirit like you, which is truly delightful