I opened the Ming Dynasty

In the magnificent Golden Throne Hall, everyone's eyes were focused on Xiaoling again!

She stood there calmly, holding a shining cold sword in her hand!

I saw Xiaoling peeling the cabbage carefully one by one, and then gently washing it with clean water to ensure that every leaf was clean and flawless.

Then, she neatly stacked the cabbages aside and began to carefully trim the roots of the cabbages with an embroidered spring knife. Each cut was just right, making the cabbages look more delicate.

Next, Xiaoling set up a large pot and poured an appropriate amount of water into it. After the water boiled, she carefully put the trimmed cabbage into the pot.

This seemingly simple step requires precise control of heat and time.

Xiaoling stared at the cabbage in the pot intently, adjusting the fire from time to time to let the cabbage stew slowly in the pot.

During the stewing process, Xiaoling gently scratched the edge of the pot with an embroidered spring knife, and a stream of hot air rose up, like clouds and mist.

Her focused eyes revealed her dedication and love for cooking. After a while, Xiaoling gently picked up a cabbage leaf with a embroidered spring knife and carefully observed its doneness.

When the cabbage was cooked to perfection, she scooped it out with a scissor-shaped knife and gently placed it on an exquisite white jade plate.

Then, Xiaoling began to make the inlaid bean sprouts. She carefully selected plump bean sprouts and carefully carved tiny slits on the top of the bean sprouts with a embroidery knife.

Then, she carefully filled the gaps with the crab roe and foie gras sauce she had prepared in advance, making each bean sprout plump and layered.

Xiaoling put the prepared bean sprouts into the pot and quickly stir-fried them over high heat. The bean sprouts moved around in the pot, making crackling sounds. Soon, the bean sprouts gave off an alluring aroma that made people salivate.

When making the dish Farewell My Concubine, Xiaoling showed her extraordinary skills. She first used an embroidered spring knife to skillfully carve six characters on the chicken and turtle: "Brother Xiangtian, I love you", then added various precious medicinal herbs and seasonings and slowly stewed them over low heat.

During the stewing process, Xiaoling constantly adjusted the heat and ingredients to allow the flavors of chicken and turtle to blend with each other and achieve a perfect balance.

The rich aroma spread throughout the Golden Palace, making people intoxicated. When the Farewell My Concubine was served on the Dragon Table, all the civil and military officials in the court were shocked by its color, aroma and taste!

Zhu Di saw all of this, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of unwillingness in his heart!

So he ordered the eunuchs to set up a shockingly large hot pot in the center of the Golden Throne Hall!

This hot pot is so huge that it is beyond imagination, like a huge monster sitting on the throne!

The entire body of the pot shines with golden light, and is carved with exquisite patterns and eight glittering large characters: Mandated by Heaven, May you live long and prosper!

The diameter was wide enough for more than a dozen people to jump in and take a bath at the same time. The bottom of the pot was bottomless, like a mysterious abyss.

Zhu Di looked at the huge hot pot with pride and said loudly: "Today I will also let you see my skills. Come, bring the spicy seasoning!" Soon, all kinds of spicy seasonings were poured into the pot. Suddenly, the whole Jinluan Palace was filled with a pungent spicy smell...

The hot pot began to boil and the aroma filled the air. Various ingredients were served, including the piles of lamb slices, each slice as thin as a cicada's wing, red and white, like pieces of exquisite art; the plates of fresh green vegetables, emerald green with crystal dewdrops hanging on them; the plump shrimps, as round and cute as pearls; and the strings of plump abalone, rolling around in the plate, as if they couldn't wait to jump into the pot.

The mutton slices become curled up after tumbling a few times in the pot, emitting an enticing aroma; the vegetables become even greener and brighter in the pot; the shrimp balls and meatballs are also dancing happily in the pot, as if celebrating this lively moment.

Zhu Di took the lead in picking up a piece of food and putting it into the pot, then said loudly: "My dear ministers, come and taste this delicious spicy hot pot together!"

The civil and military officials looked at each other at first, and then, at Zhu Di's urging, they all rushed forward.

Oh my, what a spectacular scene it was! All the civil and military officials were like hungry tigers pouncing on their prey, their eyes were bigger than copper bells, and their eyeballs were about to fall out.

Some ministers opened their mouths as wide as if they could swallow the entire hot pot, with saliva pouring down three thousand feet; some ministers waved their chopsticks like windmills, wishing they could put all the food into their bowls at once; some ministers even grabbed the food with their hands, completely disregarding etiquette and shame.

In order to grab a string of abalone, a minister jumped up like a kangaroo, but he missed and fell flat on his face; several assistant ministers bumped into each other in the process of grabbing food, and instantly piled up into a ball, like a huge rolling meat ball, and let out a series of screams. A general finally grabbed a piece of lamb chop, but because of his excitement, his hand shook and the lamb chop flew out and hit another marshal in the face. The marshal was still confused, and his funny look made everyone laugh!

Some ministers ran out of breath and sweated profusely, but they still refused to give up, as if there was a life-saving straw hidden in the hot pot; some ministers were so anxious that they cried and wanted to hang themselves because they couldn't get the shrimp paste...

The whole scene was so chaotic that it made people laugh until their stomachs hurt. It was so funny and so ridiculous that it will be unforgettable!

The aroma of the spicy hot pot, accompanied by bursts of laughter and screams, echoed in the hall for a long time...

Suddenly, a great monk with a celestial appearance stood up!

He has an upright posture, bright eyes, and exudes an otherworldly, mysterious aura!

Everyone's eyes were focused on him, with surprise and curiosity.

This monk was Zhu Di’s “black-robed prime minister” Yao Guangxiao!

There was a deep and unique friendship between Zhu Di and Yao Guangxiao.

When Zhu Di was still the Prince of Yan, Yao Guangxiao attracted Zhu Di's attention with his extraordinary wisdom and strategy.

They often talked all night long, discussing the general trend of the world: "long-term division will eventually lead to reunion, and long-term reunion will eventually lead to division"!

Yao Guangxiao made plans for Zhu Di behind the scenes and made decisions thousands of miles away, helping him gain a firm foothold in the turbulent political situation.

Yao Guangxiao once urged Zhu Di to rise up in arms to fight for the throne. When Zhu Di was hesitant, it was he who stood firmly by Zhu Di, analyzed the pros and cons for him, and gave him confidence and courage.

During the long years of war, although Yao Guangxiao did not go to the battlefield in person, he fanned the flames in the rear and used his outstanding wisdom to guide Zhu Di.

Zhu Di also respected and trusted Yao Guangxiao and regarded him as his trusted adviser. Whenever there was an important decision, Zhu Di would always listen to Yao Guangxiao's opinion first.

Yao Guangxiao never let Zhu Di down and always assisted him wholeheartedly.

When Zhu Di successfully ascended the throne, Yao Guangxiao remained low-key and humble, rarely went out, and behaved himself.

He continued to provide advice to Zhu Di and contribute his efforts to the prosperity and stability of the Ming Dynasty!

Their relationship has long surpassed that of a monarch and his subjects, and is more like close friends with similar ideals!

In this atmosphere full of joy and expectation, the moment Yao Guangxiao stood up, a trace of relief and pride flashed in Zhu Di's eyes.

He is well aware of Yao Guangxiao's ability and wisdom, and believes that he will be able to bring a new turnaround to the current situation!

Everyone's eyes were focused on Yao Guangxiao, with surprise and curiosity.

He walked forward slowly, smiling, bowed to Zhu Di and said, "Your Majesty, I heard that there will be a wonderful talent show here today, and I can't help but feel itchy. I would like to compete with this talent. How about drinking?"

Zhu Di was slightly stunned, then burst into laughter. He looked at Yao Guangxiao and me with interest and said, "Okay, today I will come to see this unique contest between you!"

Yao Guangxiao and I sat opposite each other and set up the wine table in the center of the hall.

The table was filled with delicacies from land and sea, and fine wines. The refreshing aroma of wine filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel a little nervous, after all, I was facing the famous Yao Guangxiao!

But I was unwilling to back down, and secretly made up my mind to show my ability to be a good-for-nothing and eat and drink to excess!

We began to drink, one cup after another. Yao Guangxiao's drinking posture was strange and terrifying. Every time he drank a cup, he let out a shrill wail, as if drinking was a torture like being cut into pieces by a thousand knives!

I was not to be outdone and tried hard to keep up with his rhythm. Every time he wailed, I would laugh out loud three times towards the sky.

As the wine glasses were constantly raised and put down, the atmosphere gradually became tense and heated.

The ministers around us looked at us with bated breath, their eyes full of anticipation and nervousness.

While drinking, in between wailing and laughing, Yao Guangxiao and I began to have some communication.

I found that not only could he drink a lot and his wailing was inhumane, but he was also extremely intelligent!

His words and deeds revealed his profound insight into the world and his unique understanding of life. He told me about his experiences and insights, which gave me a deeper understanding of him.

Zhu Di listened to our conversation quietly, his eyes flashing with admiration. He seemed to sense a unique wisdom and charm from Yao Guangxiao's words.

Through communication with Yao Guangxiao, I gradually understood that the reason why he was called the "Black-robed Prime Minister" was not only because of his wisdom, but also because he had a heart that could see through people's hearts.

As time went by, I gradually changed from being surprised to respecting Yao Guangxiao. I was impressed by his free and easy manner and wisdom, and I began to truly appreciate this unique person.

And Yao Guangxiao seemed to be convinced and admired me!

There was no longer only provocation in his eyes, but more friendliness and admiration!

In this competition, we are not only opponents, but also found shining points in each other. The distance between us has been shortened unconsciously, and a wonderful emotion has quietly grown between us...

When the drinking reached its climax, something unexpected suddenly occurred. The atmosphere in the hall became more tense, as if an invisible force was surging in the dark.

Yao Guangxiao frowned slightly, as if he had noticed something? I also felt a little uneasy, and the wine glass in my hand couldn't help but tremble slightly.

Just then, a strong wind suddenly blew in from the window, causing the wine glasses on the table to shake.

Then, a flash of lightning streaked across the night sky, illuminating the entire hall. Everyone was stunned by this sudden change, wondering what would happen next?

At this tense moment, Yao Guangxiao suddenly burst into laughter. He stood up and said loudly, "Haha, today's contest was truly wonderful! This talented scholar and I are tied for the winner!"

I also stood up and bowed to Yao Guangxiao, saying, "Master, you have an extraordinary drinking capacity. I admire you!"

Zhu Di also stood up, clapped his hands and stamped his feet, praising: "Good! What a wonderful contest! You are all my white jade pillars supporting the sky and purple gold beams bridging the sea!"

Me: "Haha, this drinking contest was really intense, and it ended up being a draw."

Yao Guangxiao: "Yes, I really didn't expect this to be the outcome."

Me: "But even though there's no winner, it seems like the relationship between us has changed."

Yao Guangxiao: "Indeed, we are no longer just rivals. It seems that we have developed a respect for each other and have become friends."

Me: “This competition is really a rare experience for me.”

Yao Guangxiao: "Oh? How rare is it?"

Me: "It made me more determined to pursue cheating, and taught me that I can't give in easily!"

Yao Guangxiao: "Haha, that is indeed of great significance to you. But for me, it may just be a small episode in my life."

Me: "A small incident? Lord Yao, don't be too modest. Doesn't this competition have any special meaning to you?"

Yao Guangxiao: "Well...it also makes me more deeply appreciate the complexity of water and the simplicity of wine!"

Me: "By the way, Lord Yao, do you think this drinking contest will have any impact on the country?"

Yao Guangxiao: "This... there should be some!"

Me: "I admire your wisdom and courage, especially the way you wail every time you drink a glass of wine. It's simply earth-shattering and makes the gods and ghosts weep!"

Yao Guangxiao: "Thank you for the compliment, but I can die with peace of mind if I can get your recognition!"

Me: "Master Yao, we need to visit each other more often in the future. Friendship is not just talk."

Yao Guangxiao: "Of course, we will have more opportunities to communicate with each other in the future."

Me: "Haha, OK, I look forward to meeting Master Yao again."

Yao Guangxiao: "So do I."

Me: "Come to think of it, this contest is really unforgettable."

Yao Guangxiao: "Indeed, she will be more unforgettable than my first love!"

Me: “I hope there will be more interesting and meaningful things like this in the future.”

Yao Guangxiao: "Haha, I believe there will be. There is no shortage of stories in the imperial court."

Me: “Yeah, let’s wait and see what’s next!”

Yao Guangxiao: "Yes, let's witness it together."