Chapter 3, The Culinary God of the Tang Dynasty

"Younger brother, this pot has a very peculiar shape. I wonder how you made it?" Fang Yizhi said with a curious expression

In those few moments of eye contact with Fang Xuanling, Fang Yiai felt a deep exhaustion in his heart

Fang Xuanling and Lu Shi descended with delight

In the face of this situation, Fang Yiai and Fang Yizhi wisely turned their heads to look elsewhere, seemingly contemplating the philosophies of the sages.

Fang Yiai stood up: "Father, does your heart feel burning after eating?" Fang Xuanling, puzzled, nodded in confusion.

But this clearly troubled Fang Yi'ai, who inwardly murmured: I merely spoke casually, yet you all took it so seriously. How did this become a clever remark? Is it that the inner world of the ancients is so complex, or am I still too young?

The person next to him shook his head vigorously, clearly in agreement. Even Lu, with a smile in her eyes, seemed to share this sentiment. After all, Lu hailed from the Lu family of Fanyang, one of the prominent five surnames and seven influential families, and possessed a certain level of literary accomplishment

After a long time, having finished the hot pot and the chrysanthemum tea brewed by Fang Yiai to aid digestion, the four of them prepared to leave. Fang Xuanling looked at Fang Yiai and said, "Jun'er, very good, your father is very happy." It was just unclear whether Fang Xuanling was referring to Fang Yiai or the hot pot

Speaking of this, Fang Yiai felt somewhat guilty. This octagonal table was something that only appeared during the Song Dynasty, and he had brought it out ahead of time. He could only hope that his nonsense would manage to pass unnoticed.

Fang Yiai felt a wave of speechlessness, truly unable to comprehend the ancient people's obsession in this regard. However, in order to appease Fang Xuanling, Fang Yiai still pretended to be a dutiful son: "Father, I noticed the weather has been quite cold, and I was ill a few days ago. That is why I devised this warming dish, hoping to let you and Mother have a taste."

"Juner, I find this table quite peculiar; I wonder what it signifies?"

This table is called the Eight Immortals Table, as it has four sides, with two people able to sit on each side, accommodating a total of eight people. Hence, it is given the auspicious name of Eight Immortals. Furthermore, this name symbolizes reunion; if a family gathers around this table for a meal, it surely enhances their bonds.

As Fang Xuanling was eating, he suddenly trembled his chopsticks. Looking at Fang Yiai, who was still eating heartily without a care, his eyes felt somewhat sore, and he was unsure of the emotions stirring within him: my son ultimately does have me in his heart

Fang Yiao truly does not understand that his seemingly gentle elder brother, after drinking, possesses such wisdom! Therefore, Fang Yiao wisely chose not to inform Fang Yizhi. Now, the two girls, Dong Xue and Dong Mei, laugh when they see Fang Yizhi come to find Fang Yiao for a drink. Fang Yizhi, feeling guilty and confused, is unaware of what has transpired.

Fang Yiao was filled with joy upon seeing this. In ancient times, it was not an easy task to find green vegetables during winter. After great effort, he managed to find some. However, meat was plentiful, as pork was considered cheap in the Tang Dynasty, and only slaves and particularly impoverished commoners would eat it. Therefore, Fang Yiao only prepared some lamb and beef

"Jun'er, this food is merely a small matter, and it is only permissible this time; there cannot be a next time." Fang Xuanling said with a serious expression

Fang Yiai's hands did not stop, and soon a pot was filled. After a moment, the braised noodles were cooked to a boil, and the three of them scooped some up to taste.

Fang Yiai snapped his fingers, and one servant after another entered from outside, each carrying trays of vegetables and meats in an orderly fashion. The three of Fang Xuanling were dazzled by the sight.

Fang Xuanling nodded, estimating that Jun'er was uncomfortable kneeling and sitting, thus he signaled Fang Yiai to continue speaking

At this moment, Fang Xuanling and Lu Shi, after their meal, also wore smiles on their faces. Seeing this, Fang Yiai could no longer contain his laughter.

Fang Xuanling had not yet reacted, but Lu Shi was all smiles: "My son is thoughtful; your father said that a gentleman stays away from the kitchen, which has nothing to do with you. My son’s filial piety is truly commendable." Fang Xuanling remained silent, seemingly in agreement with Lu Shi's words

Fang Yiai did not even lift his head: "I specially prepared this hot pot for my father on his day off. This is also my first time eating it, it's fresh"

Parents, please take a look, this pot is a hot pot, it generates heat because it is equipped with charcoal inside

Jun'er, why do you look like you've been hungry for several days? Don't rush, take your time eating

"Yi Ai, a gentleman should stay away from the kitchen, how can you engage in such activities?" Fang Xuanling said with a serious expression. If it weren't for the desk and the grand chair that Fang Yi Ai had just presented, he would have likely reprimanded him long ago

"So delicious it brings tears to my eyes." Fang Xuanling repeated this several times, then couldn't help but laugh heartily, saying, "Jun'er, today I have finally realized how amusing you are, to have spoken such a wonderful phrase."

To be a father is merely to have walked more and seen more

Fang Yiai, feeling helpless, suppressed the turmoil within and returned a look to Fang Xuanling that conveyed, "Father understands me." He even playfully raised an eyebrow.

The mansion, the grand hall

However, just a few days later, Fang Yizhi was overwhelmed with joy and then fell into despair, his mouth full of blisters from the food. ... Fang Yiai was finally free, filled with the joy akin to that of a serf who has turned the tables and sings with delight ...

Fang Xuanling was the first to speak: "This noodle dish is indeed quite good, with a strong texture. What is most remarkable is that it is cooked in hot pot broth, and the flavor is also excellent"

The younger brother beside Fang Yi nodded in agreement with his father's viewpoint, much like a chick pecking at grains. However, his mouth did not stop moving, as if speaking would waste his time. Fang Yi's heart twitched: this older brother is really lacking in ambition; in the future, I would be embarrassed to take him out.

Watching Fang Yizhi speak incessantly, Fang Yiai's brows immediately furrowed, with three large black lines appearing. Could it be that my elder brother has the potential to be a food critic

Fang Xuanling nodded and said: "To recognize one's mistakes and correct them is a great virtue. Since you are already aware of your error, there is no need to bring up past matters."

Fang Xuanling felt that his younger son had given him a great surprise tonight. It was a sense of comfort that comes with seeing one's child grow up. He followed Fang Yiai's words and asked, "Is the staple food you mentioned this dough? How do you eat this dough?"

In the following days, Fang Yizhi would often run to Fang Yiai's room whenever he had free time, dragging him along to enjoy hot pot, claiming that it was a shared blessing. Moreover, they would not indulge without alcohol, but Fang Yiai also enjoyed this pastime. While eating hot pot and drinking, they would boast together. However, Fang Yiai could not tolerate Fang Yizhi's peculiar behavior whenever he got drunk. For instance, he would always like to sit on the beam and ponder life after getting intoxicated.

Please have the parents and elder brother take a seat. Fang Yiai is standing by, and the child will now introduce the food to the parents and elder brother

Fang Xuanling responded with a gaze that conveyed, "You are truly a mischievous child, but I like it very much." He then returned to his room with Lu Shi, completely ignoring Fang Yiai, whose heart felt as if ten thousand alpacas were galloping through it.

Father, please wait a moment; I still have some food to offer. Fang Yiai waved his hand, instructing the servants to bring in a large round table and four chairs.

Fang Yiai looked at Fang Xuanling, who was in a very good mood, and couldn't help but joke, "Father, is it so delicious that it moves you?"

Seeing Fang Xuanling laughing heartily, Lu Shi beside him could not help but chide, "My lord, even while eating, you should not forget your official duties. I still want to taste the hot pot made by Jun'er"

Fang Yiao looked at his elder brother and Lu Shi, who were attentively listening with their ears perked up, and decided not to beat around the bush. He directly picked up a piece of dough: "Everyone, please pay attention, the next moment is when we witness a miracle."

An hour later, all four were thoroughly satisfied, looking at the sweat brought out by the spiciness on each other's faces, unable to help but burst into laughter

At this point, Fang Xuanling glanced at Fang Yi'ai, and their eyes met. They exchanged smiles, displaying a perfect understanding between them

Fang Yizhi had just swallowed and then gave a thumbs up: "Jun Di, your hot pot is truly delicious. The vegetables are tender as soon as they enter the mouth, and the fragrance of the sesame emerges as I chew. After it enters the stomach, the spiciness is released, making me feel warm all over"

This is designed in conjunction with the chair due to the many inconveniences that children experience during their daily meals

Father, Mother, and Brother, this pot is divided into two sides: one side is spicier, while the other is milder. You can choose according to your taste. In front of you are two types of dipping sauces, namely sesame paste and minced garlic. You can dip the ingredients into these sauces to enjoy. That's all, please hurry and give it a try

Fang Xuanling chuckled and said, "Madam is right, it is my fault. Jun'er, please continue."

Fang Yiai wore a look of guilt: "At this point, I feel somewhat ashamed. Back then, I spent all my days idling around outside, causing my parents much worry." As he spoke, he bowed slightly to Lu Shi and Fang Xuanling: "This hot pot is exactly what I saw at a Hu person’s place during that time."

Fang Yiai nodded to indicate that he understood

Upon hearing this, Fang Yiao immediately rushed to his seat, his chopsticks moving as if they were on fire, and he even snatched the dishes from the side belonging to Fang Yizhi, which caused Fang Yizhi to look at him with disdain

Fang Yiao waved his hand, and another servant came over carrying a plate of dough: "After finishing the hot pot, my stomach feels fiery, and even though we feel full, we have actually only consumed a large amount of vegetables; our stomachs have deceived us. Therefore, we need to eat staple food."

Fang Yizhi eagerly tossed a handful of water shield into the pot, and within moments, it was boiling and cooked. He dipped it in a bit of sesame sauce and swallowed it directly. Fang Yiai stared intently at Fang Yizhi, resembling a young wife eager for affirmation.

Just watching Fang Xuanling's unceasing use of chopsticks, Fang Yiai felt a wave of speechlessness. Just thinking about a hot pot could leave you all at a loss; that fish-flavored shredded pork, braised beef, sweet and sour tenderloin. With so many dishes, how could you not be drooling? Once I capture your appetite, I won't want to do anything else.

"Jun'er, why are you still standing there foolishly? Come over and eat." Finally, Lu Shi did not forget about this son.

Fang Xuanling, after listening to Fang Yiai's words, paused for a moment and then spoke: "My son speaks wisely; this item can indeed enhance family bonds. When dining, we usually sit apart and share food, which, while adhering to propriety, inevitably leads to a sense of estrangement among family members. This item is truly beneficial; my son has done well!" Upon saying this, he burst into hearty laughter.

Fang Yiao nodded: "Father is indeed remarkable, he immediately grasped the essence. I admire him greatly"

Fang Yiao picked up the dough and shook it continuously with both hands, causing the dough to stretch longer and longer. Then he tore it in half and directly tossed it into the pot. Indeed, this is the braised noodles, but seeing Lu Shi and Fang Yizhi staring in astonishment, a sense of pride surged within him

Fang Yiai smiled and said, "I kindly invite my parents to come down and taste it."