Ninth Brother Tang stretched his neck as far as he could to peer into the clay pot, but Lin Dan pushed him away, teasingly saying, “Careful now, don’t fall in, or I’ll have to stew you along with it.”

He was amused and he looked at her with gleaming eyes. “The broth you make is completely different from everyone else’s.”

Lin Dan responded slowly, “In 《Master Lu’s Spring and Autumn Annals》, it is said, ‘of all flavors, water is the most fundamental. With five flavors, three ingredients, nine boilings, and nine changes…… one achieves the ultimate taste.’ The three pots of broth I made used pure and sweet mountain spring water infused with secret spices and simmered over Nanshan pinewood. With each boiling, I added a new ingredient. Boil it nine times, add ingredients nine times, and increase the flavor nine times until the broth is complete. Naturally, it will be different from others. There’s a balance of salty and sweet and a range of aromas. My master stock was made using my own ‘fragrant flavor enhancement method’, so it’s naturally richer than ordinary stock.”

Lin Dan placed the cooked chicken, duck, and pork knuckles into a food box, then sliced the large pieces of pork belly and prepared the dipping sauce before continuing, “Old master stock is the best, which is why fresh ingredients need to be added continually. You can take these cooked ones home and enjoy them slowly. Consider it my thanks for your care over the past few days.”

“No need to thank me.” Ninth Brother Tang said politely, though his hands eagerly reached out to take the food box. He then added, “I remember you put pork skin in to cook earlier— how come I don’t see it?” Braised pork skin was one of his favorites, so of course he needed to ask.

Lin Dan pointed to the pork knuckles and belly, laughing lightly. “See, the pork knuckles and belly have been deep-fried, so the outer layer formed a crispy crust, protecting the tender meat inside from disintegrating in the master stock. But the pork skin was fresh and not fried, so after hours of simmering, it dissolved into a thick gelatin, blending with the stock. Good master stock needs to be both aromatic and thick. Where does that thickness come from? It relies on rich fats and gelatinous substances. Without simmering the pork skin down, how could I make new stock taste like aged stock? If you like, next time, I’ll fry the pork skin before adding it to the pot, braise it, let it cool, and have it ready for you to pick up.”

Lin Dan casually discussed culinary techniques, yet her words concealed secrets that others might spend a lifetime trying to learn. Ninth Brother Tang was mesmerized as he listened, swallowing his saliva and emphasizing, “Then make sure to braise plenty of pork skin, I’ll come back for it. If you run into any trouble, just come to the Ministry of War. That’s where I work.”

Lin Dan didn’t pry into his identity, nor did she exhibit any anxiousness about forming a connection with a powerful person. She simply smiled, nodded, and saw him off.

Ninth Brother Tang noticed her lack of curiosity and a hint of disappointment crossed his face. Even after he had walked far away, he kept looking back, his expression complicated. As he reached the alley’s entrance, he saw a few people rushing out of the gambling den across the street, exclaiming, “Where did that delicious smell go? Whose house was cooking? It’s too damn tempting! Let’s go, no more gambling, let’s head home to eat!”

A while later, all the houses in the alley had their doors open, neighbors peeking out at each other, their faces full of longing. That mysterious aroma from the master stock was indeed extraordinary.

Ninth Brother Tang finally left, carrying the food box and shaking his head with a light laugh. Behind him, he could hear the murmurs of passersby, “Whose house was making braised dishes just now? Did you smell it? So fragrant, really fragrant!”

As soon as Ninth Brother Tang entered the yamen^[1]government office, he saw Zhao Liu and Luo Tietou huddled together, eating something that emitted a faintly sweet aroma, very enticing. Zhao Liu raised his chopsticks and called out, “Hey, Captain, you’re finally here! We’ve already started eating.”

“You took another food box from Yan Langqing? How many times have I told you, no matter what she says, don’t let her in, and definitely don’t accept her food. Are you all ignoring my words?” Ninth Brother Tang’s pleasant expression immediately turned to irritation.

On his desk sat an exquisitely crafted food box. Its lid was already open, revealing four dishes inside. Each was placed in a thin, jade-white porcelain bowl and had a mix of meat and vegetables, all uniquely presented. Zhao Liu and the others also had a food box containing more dishes, though less elegantly plated, likely intended as a bribe for them.

As the saying goes, ‘the mouth that eats the food of others is softened; the hand that takes the possessions of others is shortened’. Zhao Liu and the others often indulged in Yan Langqing’s food, so they couldn’t help but speak up for her, “Captain, you should just accept Imperial Cook Yan. You love good food and have a picky palate, so if you don’t marry Imperial Cook Yan, who would you marry? Even the Noble Consort has approved of your marriage. We could never dream of marrying someone like Imperial Cook Yan and you wouldn’t find another wife as skilled as her even with a lantern. Why hesitate? Hurry up and propose!”

Ninth Brother Tang stared at the delicate food box for a long time before sneering, “You can take this food box away as well. From now on, if she sends anything over, feel free to eat it. I won’t care.”

The group had just shown expressions of great joy when they heard their leader continue, “But remember, the food box I bring will no longer be shared with you.”

The food box brought by their leader was surely prepared by the cooks of the marquis’s residence, incomparable to those from the imperial kitchen. The men quickly nodded in agreement. “Alright, alright, from now on, we’ll take care of eating whatever Imperial Cook Yan sends!” With that, they rushed over to snatch the delicate food box from Ninth Brother Tang’s table.

“That’s settled then.” Ninth Brother Tang bent down, pulled out a jar of fine wine from under the table, and, after removing the seal, poured himself a cup. He then opened the food box given by Lin Dan and took out a plate of steaming braised chicken. Lifting the next layer, he revealed a plate of braised duck, and another layer down, he found a plate of braised pork knuckles. The last layer held a plate of thinly sliced braised pork belly, each piece cut incredibly thin, sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions, accompanied by a plate of bright red garlic chili sauce. The rich aroma of the braised dishes filled the room, overpowering and dominant.

Ninth Brother Tang gently tugged at a chicken feet and the entire leg came off easily. The tender, succulent meat, coated in a glossy layer of skin, was rich with juices that shimmered with oil. A bite released a burst of savory flavor, absolutely delicious. The pork knuckles had also been braised to perfection. The skin tore apart with a slight pull and the soft meat melted in the mouth, while the tendons retained a bit of chewiness, easily rolled into the mouth with a light touch of the tongue, giving a slightly elastic texture. The pork belly was perfectly balanced between fat and lean, fully coated with a flavorful sauce. The lean parts were chewy, while the fatty parts were tender and soft. A few bites allowed the juices from the fat to merge completely with the tender lean meat. Enhanced by the sharpness of the garlic and the heat of the chili, it created an exquisite taste!

Ninth Brother Tang devoured everything in a few bites, almost choking. He hurriedly gulped down a large swig of strong wine before sighing in satisfaction. Noticing the unusual silence in the room, he looked up to find Zhao Liu and the others completely stunned, their eyes, tinged with green, were fixed on his food box.

“Get lost!” He sneered.

“Come on, Captain, where did you buy those braised dishes? They smell incredible! Let us have a taste!” Zhao Liu pleaded with a fawning expression.

The delicacies Yan Langqing brought were always served in exquisite small bowls, leaning towards sweet and mild flavors, and with portions so small that they could be finished in a single bite. While tasty, they weren’t satisfying. But their leader’s braised dishes were entirely different, full of rich, hearty flavors, with the kind of heavy, oily taste that was intimidatingly strong. Pulling off a drumstick, stuffing it into one’s mouth, and chasing it down with a throat-burning gulp of alcohol— now that was the kind of food that tough men craved!

“Captain, Captain, please let us have just one bite, just one bite! We promise we won’t accept anything from Yan Langqing anymore, really!” Zhao Liu and the others crowded around, drooling over the dishes. The closer they got, the more the aroma of the food teased their senses, nearly causing them to bite their tongues.

“Get lost!” Ninth Brother Tang repeated, finishing his meal and tossing aside the bones. He saved some of the pork knuckles and pork belly, instructing his servant to take them home for reheating as a midnight snack.

Zhao Liu and the others beat their chests in frustration. They wailed in despair and swore to never accept anything from Imperial Cook Yan again. No matter what she sent, they wouldn’t take it. They kept begging their leader to let them try some of the braised dishes. The scent was too overpowering, almost as if it had stolen their souls.

Ninth Brother Tang brushed them off and headed straight to the barracks. Good things were meant to be savored slowly. Who would be willing to share with them?

———pr


After a dreamless night, the next day, Lin Dan woke up early. She started by kneading dough, covering it with a damp cloth to let it rest, then began preparing porridge and chopping vegetables, ready to welcome guests. Most of the servants who had returned to the capital with her had left, leaving only Xiao Zhu and two literate waiters, while Shaoyao and Dujuan were responsible for helping in the kitchen.

“We’re only selling noodles and porridge?” Shaoyao asked, surprised that her master hadn’t prepared any other ingredients.

“In the morning, people should eat lightly. A bowl of porridge or noodles is enough. Besides, those who get up before dawn are usually laborers who need to get to work. They don’t have extra money to spare. Ordering a bowl of plain porridge or plain noodles is already a luxury. We only sell noodles and porridge in the morning. At noon, we’ll serve whatever the customers order— rice, noodles, vegetables. In the afternoon, we’ll close early and not do business because the nearby brothels and gambling dens make the area too chaotic by then.” Lin Dan patiently explained.

There was a dock nearby, frequented by merchant ships, with several escort agencies set up to facilitate the transport of goods. With the influx of merchants from the north and south, brothels, gambling dens, and inns had sprung up, forming a unique commercial district. Those who rose early were mostly porters, sailors, or escorts. None of them were wealthy. But by noon, the streets would be filled with all sorts of people— the poor, the rich, those from the underworld, those from the upper class, officials, or wealthy merchants traveling by water— truly a mix of dragons and snakes.

Lin Dan was quite pleased to open a restaurant in such a bustling place. She couldn’t understand why the Yan family seemed to think she would suffer a great loss.

Smiling and shaking her head, Lin Dan noticed that dawn was approaching. Hearing the faint sounds of footsteps on the street, she instructed Xiao Zhu and the two waiters to take the large earthen jar of master stock outside and place it at the entrance, setting up stoves underneath to keep it warm over a low fire.

“Remove the cloth strips, lift the lid, and give it a stir with the long ladle.” Lin Dan instructed loudly.

Xiao Zhu followed her instructions, but as soon as he lifted the lid, he felt dizzy and his mouth started watering, almost dripping into the broth. He quickly covered his mouth, turned his head away, and handed the long spoon to another boy while slurping. “Hurry up and stir, I haven’t had breakfast yet!”

“I haven’t had breakfast either!” The boy quickly swallowed a mouthful of saliva before stirring. The moment he did, the already overpowering aroma of the master stock spread even further, filling the alleys, streets, and docks. It permeated the entire city with its irresistible fragrance, causing everyone nearby to become restless.