Transcription
Little Li, are you planning to cultivate poisonous insects from now on? This thing looks like a scorpion that has become a spirit. I've lived this long, what haven't I seen? Eating insects is out of the question. [laughter] This is called a mini crawfish. The king of the water, eat it and you'll be hooked. [laughter] What on earth is this? Mr. Su, this is the Imperial Kitchen, not a roadside eatery. Don't tell me this is our dinner. But they look too much like gangsters. Gangsters are the real deal. If you don't want to eat, please leave. When the smell rises later, you won't even have time to run away with your slippers. Li Yu Ran, I admit your skills are top-notch. But I absolutely will not eat these worms, I'd rather starve to death. I wouldn't touch them even if I had to jump off the city wall. Just looking at them makes me shiver and have nightmares. [laughter] Oh my, these lips are so plump. Let's really roll these shrimp into the pot. You're not like ordinary wine, are you? It has a fragrant toasted barley smell. This is called beer, specially for stubborn people, it makes them soft right away. Let's start changing. This is what a great night should be like. Come here. Peel off the body and eat it, it's so satisfying. Princess, spit it out quickly. I was too demanding, I just closed my eyes and ate it. But why is it so damn delicious? Titty, this piece of meat is still wriggling in my mouth. It's incredibly delicious and appetizing. [sniffle] This is what a real man should eat. Throw away all those steamed buns and chicken skin. How can it be so delicious? It's clearly a worm. Try a bite, if it's not good, I won't charge you. The aroma of barley beer cleanses the grease. A little bit of something else adds to the fragrance. Surprisingly, there's also a hint of sweetness at the end. Sister, eat quickly, it's delicious. This is definitely not a worm. Its big claws are also full of meat. Alright. Mr. Li, do you have plain water? Eating like this and drinking plain water is a waste. You have to pair it with this bottle to be truly satisfied. This is truly a life of bliss. Little Li Zi, make me ten pounds of this. I'll take it back to taunt that rebellious son at home who's craving it. Leave it to me to make sure you're full. Oh no, the house is on fire, everyone! Someone, quickly put out the fire. It's a bit tough, Little Li Zi, get me a hammer. Teeth are the best hammer. Your Highness. Bite gently. Be careful not to pull out your front teeth. Put out the fire, quickly put out the fire! [screaming] Stop, who is blind enough to smash my pot? >> [laughter] >> That's right, Your Majesty the Retired Emperor, Princess. Everyone, everyone dares to eat this dirty, poisonous insect in the same place? Its appearance is disgusting, truly a low-class thing. Your Majesty rules the world with benevolence. You are an elder, yet you lead the way in such absurd behavior. What dignity does the Great Tang imperial family have left? Old Wei, are you managing things at night too? Are you from the Dragon King's family? Why the misunderstanding? It smells good. Clearly, it's using a tongue-numbing spicy flavor to cover up its true nature. Miss Feng, your father is the current Prime Minister, and you were raised with strict discipline. How can you be so frivolous? You can't scold my son and Brother Li. This isn't a poisonous worm. Its meat dances and is delicious. Absurdity is absurdity. Today, even if Your Majesty is here, this old minister will still speak his mind. Someone, take this dirty pot away and burn it quickly. This is a violation of laws and customs, a destruction of tradition. This old minister will submit a memorial tomorrow. Oh, too much nagging. Let's taste it. The insect meat is definitely poisonous, and it's incredibly chewy and crispy. It's dancing between my teeth, even chewier than the finest venison. What is this monstrous thing? This mini crawfish, and you want to throw it away? Although this thing's appearance is ugly, the seasoning is quite good, though the aroma is still a bit lacking. This old minister needs to appraise a few dozen more. Damn it, who was it that was so boastful earlier, now trying to snatch food from me? I heard something wrong. I'm on duty. If something strange enters the palace, and I don't personally taste it, how can I face the world? You cunning old fox, snatching food and talking about principles, my ears are hurting. >> [sniffle] >> This spicy flavor is truly domineering. Master Wei, eat slowly, I haven't given any to the children yet. Princess, don't rush, I'm just criticizing them on behalf of others. Such a fierce appearance, it must have a guilty conscience. Let me peel off its shell and swallow it whole, criticizing it fiercely. This plump crab must be exploiting the common people, it deserves to be swallowed. This plumpness must be from taking shortcuts, it deserves to be swallowed. Enough with the flowery language, old man, you're making my whole body shiver. This flavor must make all the civil and military officials crave it to death. Your skills here are truly a blessing to all the people in the world. If you were the head chef in the court, there would probably be fights every day. Don't waste that other half of the claw, criticize it. Your Excellency, can this fire still be put out? What fire to put out? Can't you see they're already burning the people? Seal the forbidden gate and don't let anyone in. Don't disturb the Retired Emperor's pleasure. Old Wei Zheng, I've been eyeing that big one for a while. My eyesight has been poor lately, I just accidentally... they took all my meat. It's okay. There's still spicy food in the pot, that's what's satisfying. My mouth is just on fire. Little Li Zi, without wine, how can you call it a meal? Quickly hand me that bottle. Is that glazed pottery? A top-grade tribute item, and you used it to hold wine and even threw it into the well to chill it. You're going too far, it's like liquid bread. Drink it and you'll be full of energy. Your eyes will feel cold and refreshed. This is the wine for an immortal to drink. This flavor is a hundred times better than that pot-washing water. The bubbles pop in your mouth like firecrackers. This kind of wine has the miraculous effect of relieving heat and dispelling fatigue. Brother Li, you've done a great job. Unlike those in the palace who treat me like... soft as cotton. Your Majesty the Retired Emperor, you're too kind. This is Li Yu Ran, a mere servant. Forget the servant, what servant? This is a master, my confidant. Old sir, you flatter me, it's just a meal. Isn't life just about a hot meal? What are rules and rituals? Brother Li, you're in good spirits today, let's become sworn brothers. From now on, we'll be like real brothers. No, absolutely not. It will disrupt the hierarchy. If His Majesty finds out, what will he think? Second son, if you dare to object, I'll just shut you up. Everything will be in chaos. Old sir calls Li Yu Ran "Old Brother." Doesn't the Princess have to call Li Yu Ran "Old Sir"? Then I have to call him "Old Sir"? Thank you for valuing me, but I'm just a small-time operator. Let's become sworn brothers, but next time, remember to bring wine, or my lips won't be able to handle it. Ha ha, very refreshing. Tomorrow, I'll send someone to bring all the silver ingots from Da An to you. It's really lively here. What's wrong? Who dared to bully you? Is it Old Li acting up again? Or is it some blind servant who made you so angry? Tell your brother, and brother will vent your anger for you. [crying] [sniffle] Open your mouth, brother will see. Good boy, don't you want to eat delicious food anymore? Today, brother is going to make something sweet and soft. If you don't open your mouth, brother will eat it all himself. You guys thought something big happened. It's my Brother Li. My teeth are about to fall out. [screaming] Are they completely ruined? Oh, my little old lady, [crying] who told me that losing teeth makes you an old lady? Really? But even a light touch hurts terribly. And they look so ugly. You stay here, don't move. If your teeth hurt, I'll make you something exquisite that doesn't need chewing. This minced meat will melt in your mouth. It won't even reach your teeth. Cover the plate with steam to cook the surface of the steamed egg, ensuring it's smooth and shiny like a mirror, no chewing needed. If I bite my teeth, I'll even chew this bowl for you. It's as smooth as pudding but still rich in meat flavor and a delicate sweetness. It melts with a gentle press of the tongue, no need to use teeth to grind. You're not lying to me, are you? My dear Brother Li. Brother, I want more of that egg. Eat slowly, no one will snatch it. Your teeth are loose, but your appetite hasn't decreased at all. That's because Brother Li cooks so deliciously. If I could eat this every day, I wouldn't be afraid even if all my teeth fell out. If all your teeth fall out, you'll only be able to eat dirt. Wait until this tooth falls out, and I'll make you sweet and sour pork ribs. That's what it means to be satisfied. Brother Li, my teeth don't seem to hurt anymore. Try not to chew hard things for the next few days. Don't bite walnuts anymore. Don't bite randomly, just let them fall out naturally. Do you understand? Yes, I understand. Brother Li, when will you make sweet and sour pork ribs? >> [surprised] >> Wait until this tooth of yours lands gloriously. Can I shake it loose now? Oh my ancestors, teeth are like flesh and blood, not like a knife that can be pulled out and regrown immediately. What's the rush? They'll fall out naturally when it's time. Falling out naturally is the proper way. Deliberately pulling them out is inviting trouble. It's okay if you don't understand. Just remember, whether you have teeth or are toothless, there will always be food for you here. Try this, it's sweet. You don't need to chew, just swallow it in one go. Didn't you cry for something sweet yesterday? I don't want to eat it. Hmph, you're so picky. It's sweet, indeed. But in my heart, I'm disgusted. You used to see me as a king, and now you see me as a servant and avoid me? The Princess must have gone to Master Li's again. What does that mean? I'm the father, and I have to rely on a cook with pockmarks who doesn't even bother to come to the Imperial Kitchen? Despite all the delicacies, I can't compare to that. Bring the appetizer from the Imperial Kitchen here quickly. Brother Li, I want to find Brother Li. [screaming] Sour duck soup, minced pork and celery congee, soft and tender. Your Majesty, the dishes from the Imperial Kitchen are all here. Brother Li is here. Sit down and rest for a bit. This dish takes a lot of sweat. Eating it like this is naturally sour. What medicine is this? It's medicine specifically for picky eaters and loose teeth in young children. Medicine should be bitter, shouldn't it? This smells sweet and fragrant. Brother Li, is this shiny thing hard? I can't bite it. You don't need to bite it, you don't need to open your jaw. The crispy sugar shell outside is very brittle. It shatters with a light touch. The fruit inside is soft, and the red bean paste inside is even softer. Don't use your front teeth to scrape it. Use your molars to bite it gently. >> Sweet, sour, fragrant, chewy, crispy. Five flavors fighting in my mouth, and it doesn't even take any effort to break my teeth. Sweet crab, sweet crab, sour and sweet, it's so delicious. Can I take this back for my brother and sister? It's all mine. Give it to whoever you want. Can you carry it? I can carry it. Brother Li, let's sell candied hawthorn skewers. Candied hawthorn is incredibly delicious. Oh my, my little ancestor, where did you get this from? Give me a skewer. Eat quickly, Brother Li makes it incredibly delicious. Give me a skewer for my sister who has a toothache. What's all the noise outside? Don't you know I'm in a bad mood? Shut up, all of you. Father, look quickly. It's the red apple Brother Li gave me. It's incredibly sweet and has red bean paste inside. I left the tribute grapes there, and you, a glutton, went and ate those wild things and even shared them with your companions. Do you care about them more than me? I'm craving it. Hmph. I have to go and see what tricks that Li Yu Ran is playing, using those roadside snacks to lure my children. You still have a skewer from Brother Li. Li Yu Ran, your teeth are about to fall out, and you dare to eat that hard candy? Did you get poisoned? Why are you so angry? Is it because you're jealous of the candied hawthorn? That's called candied hawthorn, it's crispy and crunchy. It's an appetizer, not a fart. It's because it hasn't entered my stomach yet. This is what's called candied hawthorn? That's leftover food. That's right, it's leftover food, it would be a waste to throw it away. I'll risk my life to see what's so special about it. I have to prove that this thing is as hard as rock and as bad as it gets. It's not finished yet. Leave the seeds. You don't have to risk your life to bite off your teeth just to snatch food. Are you also about to lose your teeth, my dear uncle? This Imperial Kitchen of yours is truly a storm. Brother Li, what's wrong? Your Highness the Eldest Princess, who kicked your tail? Don't mention it. Father has ordered a grand Mid-Autumn Festival banquet to celebrate the Empress's birthday. I looked at the menu from the Imperial Kitchen, and it's still the same old dishes: steamed buns, fried cakes, and that reunion cake that's hard enough to break someone's head. It's called a reunion cake, but it's actually a dead lump of dough, with red dates and lard baked on it. Every year, eating that makes me feel like I'm choking to death. That's right, that cake is incredibly hard, it can cause a concussion. Are you using the cake to practice head-butting? Like Granny Zhen, last year Granny Zhen used the cake to hit a few big lumps on her head. The Great Tang is a place where people use mooncakes to fight like gangsters. Look at it this way, but brother can't make hidden weapons. This year, brother will make a special moon for you all. It's different, soft, sweet, and the filling flows out. How does it flow out? It smells so good, with a hint of salty freshness. Gelatin is the secret to the flowing filling. At room temperature, it solidifies, but when you put it in your mouth and gently press, the filling will flow out like lava. How can it be delicious with so much oil and sugar? Just hearing it makes me sick. Brother Li, I want to taste a bite, just a bite of raw dough. Eating it will cause stomach cramps. Eat it when it's cooked. It's said that it doesn't need to be baked, it's not greasy, and it has an elegant and sophisticated air. This is called a cold mooncake. The moon is naturally cold, so why would you bake it? It's beautiful, soft, smooth, and cool. Brother Li, can I eat it now? It's cold, I'm so hungry. If you're impatient, you'll burn yourself and won't be able to eat the mooncake. Put it in the ice cellar for half an hour, then it will be delicious. >> When did the bright moon appear? Raising a wine cup, he asked the Azure Sky, and his words were directed at the heavens. So heroic and lonely. How can those imperial scholars compare? Hiding in the palace, high in the nine heavens. What year is it tonight? I want to laugh with the wind blowing towards the ancient capital, but I fear hiding in the Jade Palace and the Jade Pavilion, freezing on the lofty peak. Blowing with the wind? Could it be that he truly guessed correctly, that Trích Tiên was pushed into the mortal world? Why does it resemble the human world? Damn it, you're overdoing it. Oh, brother was just talking about the wind. Don't believe it so easily. If you can create such a masterpiece by "talking about the wind," what do you call it? What is this ordinary poem called? It doesn't have a name, I just read it casually. If you insist on giving it a name, let's call it "Shui Diao Ge Tou." "Shui Diao Ge Tou"? Brother Li, is it done freezing? Can I put it in my mouth? What's the point of the sky? How is it more important than a sweet mooncake? It's almost ready. Come and scrape it. Try it. This is the real delicacy of the human world. It's soft and chewy, like kneading a cloud. Salty and sweet, ice and fire, soft and firm, these contrasting elements combine to create fireworks. This is the different kind of moon, the ultimate peak, Brother Li. This flowing thing smells amazing. It's a million times more delicious than that hard cake. You're the one who ordered it, remember to bring some back for Old Li, in case he gets hungry and loses his teeth. Wait a minute, Li Yu Ran, what about the latter half of this poem? I forgot it. I'll read it again when I remember. Freezing on the lofty peak. If my father hears this poem and this cake, I wonder how shocked he'll be. Sister, slow down a bit. My short legs can't keep up. >> [crying] >> Oh, my stomach hurts so much. The cake brother made went down so smoothly. Did it just jump into my mouth? I can't blame Huizi. Did it just jump into my mouth? Seeing the flowing filling stick to my lips, it must have jumped onto my grave. Is it delicious? And, and brother didn't eat much either. That's for Father and Mother. There were six in total. I've been sneaking bites and ate two and a half. How can I explain this to Father? If you haven't finished this, I'll eat it. Brother doesn't dislike Huizi. Hurry up, or it will be cold by then. If the cake melts, it will be eaten raw. You bastards. Second son, what's wrong? Did the Ministry of Rites provoke you? It's still about the Mid-Autumn Festival. Those old officials presented a menu of venison and then concluded with a mooncake that could break someone's head. I've already seen it. This is a ritual, clearly self-torture. Every year, I see the officials, and my jaw gets tired from chewing. Brother, Sister Huizi is back. Where did you go to get so dirty? Father, Li Yu Ran just made a divine mooncake. Your humble servant intentionally brought it back for Father and Mother to taste. What trick is that brat playing now? If it's another dish of chili oil and greasy food, I won't be able to digest it tonight. It's not spicy, it's mooncake. What can you do with mooncake? At most, you'll add some oil and sugar. This is a mooncake made by Li Yu Ran. He calls it a cold, soft mooncake, saying it doesn't need to be baked. It's chilled in the freezer, soft, fragrant, and smooth to the touch. This one too. Quite interesting, my mouth is so satisfied. This is the mooncake for people who eat! Such a smooth, dark shell. I wonder how he made the filling flow. Brother calls this flowing filling, meaning the inside will flow out by itself. This half is quite flavorful. It's full of saliva from the women. What did he mutter while making the cake? There are no poems. The desire to ascend to immortality. If I reveal it, I might be committing a crime. If I reveal it, I don't know if Father will misunderstand. Why are you so quiet? Did he accidentally say something wrong? No. That brat kept looking at the moon in the sky while making the cake and casually recited a poem. Let me hear it. I also want to see how many pretentious words this chef can come up with. When did the bright moon appear? Raising a cup and asking the heavens, so audacious. Raising a cup and asking the Azure Sky, how arrogant. Hiding in the palace, high in the heavens, what year is it? Hiding in the palace, high in the heavens. I want to laugh with the wind blowing. The cold, soft mooncake is detached from the dust of the ancient world. It's not the taste of the ancient world, but I fear hiding in the Jade Palace and the Jade Pavilion, freezing on the lofty peak. Blowing with the wind, blowing towards the wind. Is it possible that Li Yu Ran is truly from above? Freezing on the lofty peak implies the bone-chilling loneliness of a solitary person. How can a mere servant from a humble background... unless he has stood in a high position? In the eyes of the court, it's just a mortal world. Starting the dance, creating a beautiful image. He recited it like that. Your humble servant heard it with his own ears. Does he understand? His face looks haggard, as if he's about to be swept away by the wind. Swept away by the wind, remember. Then I'll try to lure him with wealth. Bring him money, I'm not afraid. Hiding in the Jade Palace and the Jade Pavilion, descending to the mortal world to breathe in some dust. If he's too slow, I absolutely won't let him... Where did you find such a VIP immortal chef? He's treating Father. Are you okay? I'm fine. If this thing is frozen like ice, let's call it "Guanghan Cake." If he finds it cold up there, let's make this mortal world warmer. Transmit the imperial decree from the Imperial Kitchen: from now on, the doors are closed. He cannot be casually disturbed. Whatever ingredients he needs must be provided. No delays. This year's Mid-Autumn Festival, get rid of that stone cake and make something. I don't want him to think that the Imperial Kitchen of the Great Tang is so bad that even an immortal wouldn't want to eat it. The servant obeys. In the end, did Father truly understand, or is he overthinking? Li Yu Ran's expression at that time clearly showed that he was reluctant and yearning. Will Brother Li still make cakes for Sister Huizi to eat in the future? Yes, as long as our mortal world still carries a trace of the scent of smoke and fire, he will stay. I can't resist him, how can I resist an immortal? Brother Li, this super giant worm is too fierce. It's even blowing bubbles. Is it thirsty? Let me give it some water. This thing is also very... slimy. My hands are covered in it, I can't touch it carelessly. It's so fragile. Its face is hideous, and it's all shell. Touching it makes my hands sticky. It tastes terrible and loses all its image. That's because everyone doesn't know how to eat. The roe and fat inside are like gold. I'll show you what a feast is. However, if you want to eat delicious food, you have to work hard to peel off the shell. Do you understand? This meat is so sweet. Oh, it's too tough, my beak is about to break, and it still won't break. Just put it in your mouth and eat it. How can I eat this fishy smell? Just watch and see. "Thốc hoàng du" means only roe and fat, no meat or bones mixed in. Brother, this rice is sticking to your lips, your mouth is full of fragrant fat, even more fragrant than meat. It's the ultimate luxury not to need any side dishes. Each grain of roe explodes on your teeth, the fat flows down your throat, warming you from your stomach to your heart. [laughter] I just happened to pass by. Tonight, the cool breeze is blowing, I went out for a walk, and unexpectedly ended up here. Brother, if you're free, take a bowl and get your share. Shui Zi, move over and make room for me. The rich, greasy smell fills the air, all of it is pure fat, making the pores of my whole body expand. Eat slowly if you want to enjoy it. This thing is full of... You're getting old, brother, slow down. Mr. Li, what kind of creature do you think this is? What kind of creature is it? It looks fierce, with two huge claws, but it's just an empty shell. Look at it, it walks back and forth, but no matter how hard its shell is, it's just for show. This thing is full of fat and oil inside. Normally, in the river, it's the king, but when thrown into the fire, it dies. Then it lies there, its fat dripping. Are you talking about the emperor crab? You're clearly scolding the noble families. As soon as you touch them, they get agitated. They even dare to neglect water conservancy. In my opinion, if these officials are incompetent and cause problems, they should be removed. Since its belly is full of fat, just fry it until the fat is dry, then mix it with rice, and it will be a super dish that benefits the people. Look at the crab from earlier, it was fierce, but now it's lying there obediently, serving your stomach. This is truly the work of a master. Seeing noble families as crabs, and governing as cooking. Preaching principles is useless. You need to light a big fire and cook them. The people are like crabs, they need to be cooked. If they are cooked well, they are easy to handle. Sir, you are truly a great master. Your words are worth more than a thousand days of labor. I'll send soldiers to capture the biggest crabs right away. Wait for you to eat them. You can eat them yourself. You're flattering me. There are still many left, so you can take some home. I'm tired of this. You want to avoid danger but don't want to get involved in politics, you just want to use a meal to enlighten people. This is truly the demeanor of a hidden master. Gather them all up and take some back to offer to the Emperor. Leave a bowl for my son.
No matter how you lean, I love this dish. I'll leave it all for you. My child, go away! With this dish, you'll definitely be off the list. Hurry up and go. What are you standing there gawking at? A bunch of gluttonous pigs who don't know how to clean up after themselves. Oh my, the old master is here from a distinguished guest! It's been a few days since I last saw you. I thought you had retired to the countryside to enjoy your blessings. What blessings? My old body is worn out from wine and travel, I can't walk anymore. My legs tremble, so I have to hide in a corner of the house. How can I escape the palace until I'm old? I know this lonely feeling too well. Since you're here, sit down quickly. The timing is perfect, just as the first batch is out of the oven. Let's see if eating it hot is better than the usual restaurants. This thing is chewy and springy. [singing] My hands and feet are weak, I can't even handle food. I remember back then, I drew my bow on horseback and shot at the deer. These hands once wielded a broadsword, destroying enemies and deciding the fate of the world. Yet now, I can't even peel a chestnut. It's a small matter, like a rabbit. This first chestnut is to offer to the Kitchen God. Try peeling another one, don't use brute force, use skill. If you can't peel it, you don't pay. Oh, Brother Li is too kind. It's hot. I want sweet candy, but Huizi wants to eat this. Come here, Grandpa will peel this for you. It's so sweet, Grandpa peeled it right away. The servants in the Great An Palace only tremble. Which of them dares to look at me with such admiration? Praising me as extraordinary just because I can peel a chestnut. I want more. It's so delicious, I want more. [sniffles] Hey, you kid named Li, it's delicious. But it's so sticky and messy to eat. The more I eat, the more I feel it. This is just a snack to start with. It's just right, I haven't eaten yet. Old master, before you leave, I'll have some. I want to eat meat. You should stew it slowly so the sweetness of the chestnuts seeps into the chicken. The chicken broth seeps into the chestnuts. It's nutty, chewy, and sweet, melting in your heart. It's so satisfying to put something good in your mouth. My Du doesn't have a headache. The wine in the palace is too strong. This kind of wine suits my old bones better than this young man. What do you think a person works their whole life for? To eat well, dress warmly, and seek pleasure. I can't find any joy anymore. What's wrong? Did someone upset you? It's nothing. It's just that these days are so bland and tiresome. The person at home is wary of me. Every half month, he sends someone over. Clearly, he's afraid I'm not content and is plotting with his brothers. Since we were born together, they've seen me from dozens of meters away and are already afraid. Even if they have to force a smile, this is what you call being cautious. It's like going to a prison where everything is provided, but you're not allowed to leave. The founding emperor of the Great Tang, what's so great about him? He's just an old master who can't find a place to rest in his twilight years. Old master, you are clearly suffering from a typical retirement syndrome. Idleness breeds mischief. I am forced to do this. Regardless of whether you are forced, if you get such good fortune as a father, you should wake up early, put on a smiling face, eat and sleep well every day, and even laugh in your dreams. You haven't figured it out yet. You think people are wary of you because you still see yourself as a powerful figure. Try seeing yourself as a protector, and they won't be wary. That makes sense. So what do you think we should do? For now, let's just watch each other and find amusement to pass the time. In the past, you must have played high-stakes, brain-burning games. Now, playing intellectual games like this is also reasonable. The house is terrible, but it's not as bad as when I drew my bow and shot the deer. Shooting the deer was a physical activity. Now, it's a mental exercise, requiring strategy and psychological manipulation. It's like watching those cunning and dirty tactics you used when fighting for the world. Oh, Si Qiankun, is the food not to your liking? It's not bad, just lacking a bit of flair. Qing Jun, what do you think? Is that young man named Li in the imperial kitchen messing with some new toys again? My daughter doesn't know. I haven't been to the palace in a while. You are a young lady, showing off your skills. It's not proper to be in the midst of the palace's turmoil. However, our family has never been strict about such things. It's just that the princess has been visiting there often lately. It's only natural that you go to keep the princess company. My daughter will immediately go to the palace to pay her respects to Princess Chang Le. Go early and come back early. Remember to bring that large stone box. Mr. Li, you've arrived at the perfect time. I need someone to help. Spread this cloth flat and cover the base of the tree. Use some force. Are you afraid of hurting the cloth? Pull it towards her, cover it well. Don't let the flowers fall to the ground. Those are for eating. Next is the technique. Do you know how to shake the tree? That is, you use your body to shake the tree so that the ripe petals fall. This is called "beating the flowers." Why are you shaking the tree so timidly? Then you stand further away, so the dust doesn't get into your eyes. It's like Lin Daiyu plucking willows. It's beautiful, indeed. It's a pity that the fallen flowers are on your head. It's done eating. This stuff has pollen, the more you rub it, the itchier it gets. Go clean yourself. Poisonous gas? Huizi's nose is itchy. The smell here is too strange. It's going to suffocate Huizi. That's the fallen petals. Who told you to stick your head into the flowers just now? You're having an allergic reaction, aren't you? But those flowers look so... [laughter] like fallen tears. Are you picking flowers or embroidering flowers? By the time you finish picking them, they'll all be wilted. I've never done this before. Look here. Relax your fingers. Don't grip tightly. Use your fingertips to feel. The dry petals are hard, the soft petals are soft. Your eyes should be focused on one spot. The scent of osmanthus fills the courtyard, it's a bit sentimental. Have you learned it yet, Mei Mo? Roughly, it's a layer of osmanthus petals, a layer of sugar. This is called osmanthus syrup. Keep it in a cool, dark place for about 10 days to half a month, so the sugar seeps out and the floral water blends together. Then, it's delicious to mix with water or make cakes. This part is yours. Take it back and store it carefully, don't let your father or your snacks open it and eat it first, or it will taste like grass. For me? Is this specially saved for me? In the script, the talented scholar and beautiful lady give osmanthus flowers as a token of their sweet affection, and they must be sealed and waited for. Could it be Mr. Li? This gift is too heavy with emotion. What emotion? It just happens to offset the money you owe for washing dishes last time, plus the labor fee for helping just now. We're even, right? Offsetting debt? Even? This guy is truly a heartless block of wood. Not enough? Or you can clean up this place, and I'll give you another jar. No, thank you. One jar is enough. This requires meticulousness. Your hands are better suited for holding a brush. Don't fill the rice too full. If it expands and you pack it tightly, it will explode. [sniffles] Let me. This is called "compressing the storehouse." You need to leave room for it to breathe, otherwise it will become wrinkled. Ah, it smells like vinegar. The scent of the lotus root lingers. [singing] [singing] Brother Li! It's too stringy. It sticks to my teeth. Try it, it's the result of our cooperation. Soft and tender, the sweetness seeps into every fiber of the meat. What is this dish called? Lotus root with glutinous rice and osmanthus. The sweet scent lingers, inseparable. The lotus root, the night dew still lingers. Sister, look, your face is as red as your butt. You're talking nonsense. It's because it's hot, the smoke is blowing into your face. Didn't you see Sister looking at Brother Li with eyes as sticky as silk? This lotus root is so sticky, it won't break. This little ancestor dares to say anything. Children speak carelessly, children speak carelessly. This lotus root is really sticky. Father, have some snacks. The taste is perfect. It's definitely not made by those incompetent kitchen staff. Did you bring it from the palace again? Hurry up. Let me try it and see if there are any new dishes. It's refreshing and not cloying, with a rich brown sugar, soft glutinous rice, and a nutty lotus root. The faint scent of osmanthus is like a finishing touch, dispelling all the greasiness. This delicious dish is called "sweet to the heart." This expression is too familiar. Years ago, when my wife wasn't a tiger like now, when she first married me, she looked at me with these dreamy eyes. Qing Jun, did Mr. Li make this dish? He taught me how to make it, he didn't make it. I just helped a little. Just helping? The cornfield, which I've painstakingly cultivated for years, has been trampled by some pig. Although Li Doan's skills are unparalleled, his demeanor surpasses that of any prince or noble, and he has even captivated His Majesty and the Retired Emperor with his cooking. But if the truth be told, if this young man becomes my son-in-law, won't I have as much divine food as I want in the future? Status is a big issue. I don't mind Xuan Ling, but the Great Tang values noble families. He doesn't even have a government position now. If this gets out, the officials will be shocked. We need to find him a position, not a high one, just one with a rank, and things will be easier to discuss. Brother Li, you smell so bad, you can't even walk in this weather. This terrible weather is freezing me. Li Doan, quickly make something hot. My teeth are chattering. This kid is a potential stock. I must find an opportunity to tie him to the Feng family. This is sheep's offal. Commoners in Chang'an find it fishy and unpleasant. Why are you making such a fuss? In this freezing weather, nothing is more warming than a bowl of sheep offal soup. What is this? White pepper? High-quality goods from the Western Regions. The best in Chuhan. Crush it and soak it in the soup. [crying] The half-soft, half-chewy baked cake, infused with the soup, is chewy and fragrant. The rich lamb soup, the crispy stomach, the fragrant sesame, the rich flavor that numbs your senses. How can the useless imperial kitchen make such a flavorful broth? This looks like someone who knows how to please others. This potential son-in-law is about 70-80% confirmed. The whole sheep is a treasure. It's too wasteful to just eat the meat. The wool, after removing the grease, can be used to make three down jackets that are light and warm. The wool is smelly and stiff, wearing it would be torture. Your Majesty, you don't know. No matter what kind of wool it is, make two for me. Now give me another bowl, with more pepper. Little Brother Li, do you have anyone else at home? Are you married yet? This old fox is bringing up family matters during a meal. He's probably buying me food to eat alone so the whole family doesn't go hungry. Delicious soup, a delicacy of the human world. Your Majesty, if you popularize this among the people, so they know offal is edible, won't it save food? Let's eat first, then think about it. Give me two of those cakes. Wang Dequan, pack some bamboo shoots. I'll take them back for the Empress to try. Yes, sister, I want the reddest one on top. Get a ladder. Your Highness, the branches are high and small, they won't be stable. If you break a branch, you'll damage the tree. The ripe persimmons will fall to the ground and be crushed. When Brother Li said that, it was clumsy. Mr. Li is too tall. Let the guards do it. It looks too difficult. Brother Li is so amazing. Huizi wants that persimmon. Mr. Li, I don't understand. The imperial court values form and rules. Even your discarded leftovers become a feast. Persimmons are delicious, why bother grinding them into powder to make filling? Eating cold persimmons hurts the stomach. Life is already bitter, especially in late autumn, it looks so desolate. Why don't we add a little sweetness to ourselves? Finding ways to comfort ourselves when we're alive, what's the meaning of life? Life is too hard, whether it's arrogance in armor or the need to maintain dignity, it's unbearable. These words make my heart ache. It's truly sweet, sweet to the core. The bitterness from before has been smoothed over by this hot cake. So, do you find it sweet now? How can it not be sweet when there's encouragement, a baby to dote on, and candied persimmons to eat? How can it not be sweet? Brother Li is the sweetest, a million times better than stone cakes. Listen, this is the expert's evaluation. It's indeed better than the palace snacks.