My father Liu Xuande

Chapter 373 Shangyu Banquet
Watching Liu Feng lead the way in the distance, with a forest of iron armor behind him, its cold light dazzling, Wei Teng felt an overwhelming admiration for Wu Fan.

Wu Fan had made the prediction several days earlier.

Shangyu is sure to be blessed with auspicious purple clouds!

Just a few days later, Liu Feng announced his tour of the counties, with Shangyu as his first stop.

That's absolutely amazing.

Upon seeing Jia Kui leading a welcoming party comprised of generals, county officials, and local gentry such as Wu Fan and Wei Teng, Liu Feng immediately dismounted and approached, surrounded by his personal guards led by Xu Chu. Among the guards were two rather youthful faces: Lü Meng, who had just turned twenty, and Ling Tong, who had just turned ten.

After the Battle of Qiantang, Liu Feng took Ling Tong and Lü Meng under his wing as personal guards and attendants, which made Ling Cao, Yuan Xiong, and Deng Dang overjoyed.

Now that Liu Feng is traveling, they naturally have to follow.

"Your humble servants pay their respects to the General."

Jia Kui led the way, and dozens of people behind him knelt down in unison.

Originally, Shangyu County had far more powerful and aristocratic families than this, but now, even with Jia Kui's military officers and county officials such as the county magistrate and registrar, the number is still only this many. This shows how great the losses have been for the local powerful and aristocratic families in northern Kuaiji.

Wu Fan and Wei Teng also knelt down. Wu Fan stole a glance at Liu Feng and felt that Liu Feng had a full forehead, broad face and thick ears, and a heroic air about him.

Just then, Liu Feng turned his gaze over, his eyes revealing a hidden glint.

The moment their eyes met, Wu Fan was startled and quickly lowered his head.

"Liang Dao, there's no need for this between us."

Liu Feng feigned displeasure, but personally stepped forward to help Jia Kui up.

The local gentry, including Wu Fan and Wei Teng, were all taken aback, with Wu Fan and Wei Teng feeling a surge of secret delight.

Because they volunteered their services and even handed over tens of thousands of acres of land to the county government, Jia Kui greatly appreciated them and directly promoted them to positions in the county government, appointing Wei Teng as the chief clerk and Wu Fan as the head of the household affairs department. He entrusted them with important responsibilities and allowed them to participate in government affairs.

Wu Fan and Wei Teng also regarded Jia Kui as their benefactor and served him wholeheartedly.

Seeing that Jia Kui enjoyed Liu Feng's deep trust, it's no wonder that the two of them were secretly delighted.

Under Jia Kui's guidance, Liu Feng successfully took up residence in Shangyu County.

After Liu Feng took office, Xu Chu and his men took over the security of Shangyu County Government, while Jia Kui had already moved out of the county government a day earlier and moved to the courtyard opposite the county government.

"Didn't I tell you in the letter not to make trouble?"

After entering the hall, Liu Feng reprimanded Jia Kui with displeasure, saying, "Is it unfair to you to live with me?"

Jia Kui, however, remained unfazed. Although he bowed his head in apology, it was clear that he intended to return next time.

Liu Feng could only shake his head with a wry smile. The longer he spent with Jia Kui, the more he began to doubt whether Jia Chong was actually his son.

These two people have completely opposite personalities and ways of doing things, and the ending is just too dramatic.

It is well known that Jia Kui's loyalty to Cao Wei was beyond question, even Cao Pi and Cao Rui, who did not like him, acknowledged this.

Neither Cao Pi nor Cao Rui liked Jia Kui very much.

When Cao Cao died, it was Jia Kui who stepped forward and risked his life to persuade Cao Zhang to give up the throne. However, Cao Pi respected Jia Kui more than he was close to him and always kept Jia Kui out of the public eye.

One characteristic of the Cao Wei regime was that, under normal circumstances, the Grand Commanders of the three major war zones were the highest-ranking officials outside the capital, followed by the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers of the central government, and finally the officials of the outlying provinces.

In fact, before the Cao Wei imperial family was decimated, officials outside the court were not qualified to serve as the Grand Commander of the three major war zones. Given Sima Yi's abilities, he had no chance to touch the power of the Grand Commander of the three major war zones before Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu, the second generation of Cao, died.

Zhang Liao, despite his legendary status as emperor, was still overshadowed by Xiahou Dun, the hostage general.

Of course, in terms of seniority and merit, Xiahou Dun certainly deserved the title, and even Zhang Liao was completely convinced of his abilities. However, from a purely military perspective, Xiahou Dun was no match for Zhang Liao's capabilities.

After Xiahou Dun returned to Luoyang, Zhang Liao felt even more aggrieved.

On the surface, Zhang Liao was favored by Cao Pi, but Cao Pi still did not promote him to the position. Instead, Cao Pi sent Cao Xiu to take over.

What merit or ability does Cao Xiu possess to be compared to Zhang Liao?
It is evident that the position of Grand Commander of the three major war zones in Cao Wei was far more prestigious than that of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.

If there is any official position that can surpass the Grand General, it would probably only be Cao Shuang, the Grand General of Wei, who was appointed during an abnormal period after Cao Rui's death. Even Sima Yi's official position at that time cannot be considered.

It was Sima Yi's skill that made him powerful, not his official position.

Jia Kui was skilled in both literature and martial arts, and had contributed to the success of the emperor's rise to power, yet he could only serve as a low-ranking official in a remote province, not even reaching the rank of one of the Nine Ministers. This shows how cold-hearted Cao Wei was towards Jia Kui.

There are even clear records of this in official historical records.

Cao Xiu and Jia Kui had always been at odds due to their personalities. Cao Pi was once amazed by Jia Kui's abilities and wanted to grant him a tally.

This was a crucial opportunity for Jia Kui, because at that time, the Cao Wei imperial family could no longer provide candidates for the three major war zones.

At that time, Cao Xiu was in the Hefei war zone, Cao Zhen was in the Guanzhong war zone, and there was really no member of the imperial clan in the Jingzhou war zone with enough ability and prestige to serve as the governor.

Cao Pi wanted to promote Jia Kui, but was stopped by Cao Xiu's slander, and ultimately left only three words: "The Emperor then stopped."

Cao Pi's son, Cao Rui, was an even more astute man. He simply said "yes, yes, yes" to Jia Kui. Cao Rui was always very satisfied with and praised whatever Jia Kui submitted, and then shelved it.

Jia Kui had a grand strategy for dealing with Wu, which was highly feasible and strategically insightful. It is no exaggeration to say that if Cao Rui had adopted this suggestion, the fall of Eastern Wu might have been decades earlier.

The advantage brought by this strategic height is such that unless Lu Xun can achieve brilliant results like the Battle of Shiting every time, Eastern Wu can be preserved. Otherwise, let alone defeat, even if it doesn't win enough, it will perish.

During the battle against Wu, Jia Kui keenly perceived the disadvantage of the Eastern Wu side, which was the central route, namely the Lujiang area along the Dabie Mountains.

If Cao Wei attacks the Jiangdong region of Eastern Wu, the elite troops of Eastern Wu's Jingzhou war zone can sail down the river to reinforce Jiangdong and jointly resist the northern army. Conversely, if Cao Wei attacks Eastern Wu's Jingzhou war zone, the elite troops of the Jiangdong war zone can also sail up the river to reinforce the Jingzhou war zone in a timely manner.

Because of the Yangtze River, their reinforcements could be delivered very quickly. On the other hand, the Cao Wei side was cut into two war zones by the Dabie Mountains, making it difficult for them to support each other and forcing them to fight alone.

Upon discovering this, Jia Kui immediately petitioned Cao Rui, hoping to construct a canal in Yuzhou to connect the many rivers of Yuzhou with the Yangtze River. The cost, however, was that the canal would be four hundred li long, a massive undertaking, which was one of the reasons Cao Rui refused.

However, Cao Rui overlooked a very important point: Jia Kui had already built a two-hundred-mile-long canal in just a few years in Yuzhou.

All things considered, it would only take five to ten years to complete this 400-mile-long canal. Once the canal is open to navigation, Cao Wei's Yuzhou and Hefei war zones will immediately be connected.

As a result, Eastern Wu was forced to open a new Yuzhou front. With the Yuzhou front in place, Eastern Wu's Jiangdong and Jingzhou war zones were immediately separated and could no longer support each other as before.

Cao Wei's Yuzhou front acted like an artificial Dabie Mountains, severing the connection of the Yangtze River and preventing Eastern Wu from coordinating its two war zones in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, thus hindering the free movement of its troops.

In contrast, Cao Wei's three war zones actually began to coordinate, a brilliant strategy that killed three birds with one stone. Cao Rui's attitude towards this was simply "The Emperor approves," and that was it.

You're absolutely right, don't say that again.

After praising Jia Kui, Cao Rui then provided Cao Xiu with a large amount of wealth and military equipment to support him in the Battle of Shiting.

Cao Xiu's army was not completely wiped out in this battle, thanks entirely to Jia Kui's timely reinforcements from afar.

After escaping the predicament, he shamelessly blamed Jia Kui for failing to provide adequate reinforcements. He even humiliated Jia Kui on the spot, demanding that he help him retrieve the ceremonial regalia. He then directly complained to Cao Rui and submitted a memorial impeaching Jia Kui.

In the end, Cao Rui chose to compromise, and the consequence of this compromise was that Jia Kui was angered to death by Cao Xiu, and Cao Xiu was so ashamed by Cao Rui that he died from a boil.

Compared to Jia Kui, Jia Chong's loyalty was only to two people: Sima Shi, whose abilities and methods completely overwhelmed Jia Chong, forcing Jia Chong to dare not be disloyal.

Another one is Guo Huai's niece, who also completely overwhelmed Jia Chong and killed Jia Chong's two sons. However, he, who was vengeful, didn't dare to utter a word and would even secretly hide in a small house when he was sad.

The most amazing thing is that both sons were born to Guo Huai's niece and both starved to death because their wet nurse was killed.

As for Sima Zhao and Sima Yan, they were deceived by Jia Chong countless times. Apart from beheading Cao Mao in battle, there is really nothing else to say about their loyalty.

After discussing government affairs with Jia Kui, Liu Feng went to rest.

Jia Kui was fine, but Wu Fan and Wei Teng were quite disappointed. They had originally planned to take this opportunity to impress Liu Feng and win his attention.

Wu Fan and Wei Teng's disappointment was so obvious that even Jia Kui could see it clearly.

Originally, given Jia Kui's personality, he would have completely ignored them, but now the two of them have indeed helped Jia Kui a lot, and they have also done their best in their work.

After thinking for a moment, Jia Kui decided to try to appease them.

"You need not do this. Zheng Nan is a just man, and he is fair in rewarding and punishing."

Jia Kui said to Wu Fan and Wei Teng, "I have already reported your achievements to the General of the South. Moreover, how can a true man act solely for fame and fortune?"

Wu Fan and Wei Teng have also come to understand Jia Kui's personality these days, especially Wu Fan, who has quite figured him out.

They immediately gave Wei Teng a wink and bowed in unison, saying, "The county magistrate's words are thought-provoking; we have been too shallow."

Jia Kui nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave.

"Brother Wenze, this..."

As soon as Jia Kui left, Wei Teng looked at Wu Fan with a grim expression.

Wu Fan pondered for a moment, then resolutely said, "Brother Zhou Lin, we have no way out. Besides, I just secretly observed Zheng Nan's face, and he has the appearance of someone of great nobility. Moreover..."

Wei Teng's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but ask, "Besides what?"

Wu Fan smiled and said, "Besides, in our county today, besides Yu Zhongxiang and He Gongmiao, who else has a reputation that can match Brother Zhou Lin? Magistrate Jia is a trusted and beloved general of the Southern Expedition, and judging from today's situation, he is highly regarded by the Southern Expedition. We have already gained Magistrate Jia's trust, so why should we be afraid of not having a chance to catch the Southern Expedition's eye?"

After listening, Wei Teng pondered for a moment and felt that what Wu Fan said made a lot of sense.

So he nodded emphatically: "Then, according to Brother Wenze's words, what should we do now?"

Wu Fan chuckled and said, "Let's wait and see!"

Wu Fan and Wei Teng had the right mindset and were very patient.

However, Liu Feng did not keep them waiting for long. On the fifth day after arriving in Shangyu, he held a banquet in the county government to entertain Wu Fan, Wei Teng and other powerful and influential families in Shangyu.

Everyone happily attended the banquet, but soon noticed some differences.

In addition to the regular dishes, this banquet also featured many specialty dishes.

These dishes are glossy and golden, with an enticing aroma that whets the appetite.

On the table, there are two small cups on the left and right, filled with white crystals, which are snow salt and frosting sugar used as seasonings.

The powerful clans of Kuaiji acted like country bumpkins, feeling as if they were tasting such delicious food for the first time in their lives.

It's no wonder they behave this way; nowadays, table salt relies entirely on high-quality natural mineral salt to achieve its salty and savory taste with minimal bitterness.

Most table salt is actually brownish bitter salt.

Not to mention sugar. Sweetness is a delicious taste that all mankind has been pursuing. China is extremely lucky because there are no sugar crops native to the Central Plains, but it acquired the only two major sugar-producing crops very early on.

During the reign of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty, sugarcane was introduced from India to the Indochina Peninsula, and then entered southern China via Jiaozhi (present-day northern Vietnam). Another major crop, sugar beets, was introduced to northwestern China from the Arabian Peninsula via Persia during the Wei and Jin Dynasties in the 5th century AD, and began to expand into the Central Plains and south.

In ancient China, beets were called "Tiancai," and were also known as Jundacai, Flame Vegetable, etc.

In the 6th century AD, Tao Hongjing, a Liang dynasty scholar, wrote "Mingyi Bielu" (Records of Famous Physicians), which states that "beetroot has a sweet and bitter taste and is extremely cold. It is mainly used to treat epidemic fever and relieve wind-heat toxins." This shows that at that time, in the Yangtze and Yellow River basins, beetroot was already being used as a medicine to treat diseases or as a vegetable.

With two sugar-producing crops, sugar beets and sugarcane, China has never lacked sugar; what it lacked were sugar-making techniques and filtration technology.

Liu Feng planted a considerable amount of sugarcane and sugar beets in Guangling County, south of Xuzhou, effectively increasing sugar production. Now that he has conquered Jiangdong, it's time to use these delicacies to harvest the stored wealth of the Jiangdong gentry.

"What are your impressions of today's luncheon, gentlemen? Are you satisfied?"

As the banquet drew to a close, everyone was in high spirits and, upon hearing Liu Feng's question, they all praised him.

Wu Fan tentatively asked, "Today's meal is quite unique, and it is the first time I have ever tasted such a dish. May I ask where Zheng Nan obtained such a chef?"

Liu Feng glanced at Wu Fan. This man really knew how to talk. No wonder he made the emperor feel so comfortable in the original timeline. He almost got a marquisate just by relying on his divination skills, and his title was almost decided.

Liu Feng replied with a smile, "I made it when I had nothing else to do."

Wu Fan, Wei Teng, and the others were all surprised. Before the Song Dynasty, the diet of the Chinese people was actually very simple, with very few delicacies. There were only three main types of seasonings: salt, wine, and plum.

It wasn't until the Wei, Jin, and Sixteen Kingdoms period that sauces began to be used on a large scale to enhance flavor.

Even during the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the food was a whole level inferior to that of the weak Song Dynasty.

One of the key differences is the explosive growth in edible oil production.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, even the aristocracy could not regularly consume oil, and there were no proper iron pots, so there was no such thing as stir-frying.

This time, Liu Feng was treating everyone to Xuzhou's new flagship product – cooking oil.

(End of this chapter)