The Age of Discovery: Chinese cuisine swept across Europe

Fernando said, "They are a bunch of fools! They know nothing about politics and just take it for granted. Your Majesty has just taken power and wants to prove himself more than anyone else, but who could have expected our current situation? They think that our only enemy at sea is Luzon. In fact, the Netherlands and Britain are like hyenas on the grassland, always taking advantage of the fire. Our country is small and weak, and we cannot fight to the death with Luzon, because that will only benefit the Netherlands and Britain. These sour poets think that competition between countries is like a fight between children."

Min Xi said, "Lord Melo wouldn't be so foolish as to follow these people and make a fuss, would he?"

"He wouldn't be in such a bad situation, but he is familiar with that group of people, so he is not favored by His Majesty. If he were not the only heir to the Marquisate, I'm afraid the title of Lord would have to be replaced." Fernando said.

"Then why is he still associating with this group of people? I don't think they are good people, they are just a bunch of people who are greedy for small gains." Min Xi said.

Fernando said, "That's the kind of people. Simon is a very proud person. He can't bear to refuse people when they come to him for help. Yun helped him to fend off the group of people this time, which saved him a lot of trouble."

Yun Ji said: "As long as it doesn't cause him any trouble."

"Why bother? He's grateful to you." Fernando said, "By the way, Yun, the horses you painted are so beautiful. Please paint one for me, and I'll pay you."

Yun Ji glanced at Min Xi, who smiled and said, "The Baron gave you 100 reais as a reward for writing this."

Yun Ji was also surprised: "So many!"

Fernando said, "The main reason is that I like the style of the horse you painted for His Majesty so much that I want you to paint a picture of my beloved horse as well."

Yun Ji agreed: "Okay!" Of course he was happy to make money from painting.

"Then I will pick you up to go to the palace tomorrow, and you should go to bed early." Fernando did not stay any longer and turned away.

Yun Ji returned to the attic and took out a carving knife to carve his seal. This was the second one. He was not very satisfied with the first one, so he had to rush to carve the seal tonight and stamp it at the signature. Then the painting "Running Horses" would be officially completed.

Unfortunately, there was no ink in Europe, so Min Xi came up with a solution: use red mineral pigment instead. Then mix the pigment with olive oil and evenly absorb it with cotton to make a rough version of ink. The color is naturally not as pure as cinnabar ink, but it is barely acceptable.

By the time Yun Ji stamped the painting, Min Xi had already fallen asleep.

When he woke up the next morning and saw the red seal at the signature, Min Xi said with satisfaction: "Hehe, it looks quite realistic. It shows that there are always more solutions than problems."

Yun Ji rolled up the painting. Since they only bought raw silk for the base, it was not easy to find silk for mounting the top and bottom. So they did not make a scroll for the painting. It would be better to let them make it themselves. If they did not have it, they could just put it in the frame.

I didn't go shopping this morning, so I made some egg-filled pancakes. Just as I was about to eat them, Fernando arrived: "I came a little early on purpose so that I could have breakfast with you. What do you want to eat today?"

"Egg pancake." Min Xi put down the egg pancake he had taken a bite of and stood up. "You guys eat first, I'll make a few more."

Fernando ate the delicious egg-filled pancake and sighed with satisfaction: "How come the same ingredients taste completely different when they are in your hands? Have your hands been kissed by an angel?"

Min Xi laughed: "Maybe." Speaking of which, we should thank our ancestors for their generosity. After the unification, Chinese history entered a long period of stable development. Although there were brief divisions and turmoil in the middle, it was definitely not like the European countries that were scattered for thousands of years and could not be unified. Small countries fought each other, and the people's survival became a problem. They were lucky to be able to fill their stomachs, so how could they care about satisfying their appetites?

Min Xi made a few more stuffed pancakes and gave two to the driver. The driver was very grateful and also enjoyed the feast with his master.

After dinner, Min Xi and Yun Ji took the galloping horse painting and got on the carriage. Although Diego wanted to visit the palace, he couldn't go there whenever he wanted, so he could only go to church for worship.

The carriage passed through the city and headed north. An hour later, it finally arrived at the castle on the mountainside. It was called a mountain, but in fact it was just a high slope. The carriage did not even need to build a winding mountain road, and could drive directly from the foot of the mountain to the outside of the castle.

You may not notice it from a distance, but when you get closer you will find that this stone castle is truly majestic and towering.

Min Xi couldn't help but wonder as he looked at it, is this the palace of the most powerful Avis dynasty in Portuguese history?

When they arrived at the edge of the square in front of the castle gate, they all got off the carriage according to the rules and then walked into the palace.

The entire square was paved with marble, with only grass and trees on the edges. The square was very wide and flat, and it was probably a place for gatherings. At this moment, there were several carriages parked on the edge of the square, which should be the carriages of ministers.

Min Xi looked around as he walked. He wondered how much manpower and resources had been spent on building the castle. This was because the mountain itself was not a stone mountain and all the stones had to be transported from other places.

They walked for a long time before they reached the first gate of the castle. Baron Fernando showed his family emblem and the guards at the door respectfully welcomed them in.

After entering, there is another square paved with stone slabs. However, this square has fountains, sculptures, flowers, plants and trees. It should be a place for people to have activities.

After getting off the bus and walking for a quarter of an hour, we finally arrived at the main gate of the castle.

Fernando explained his reason to the attendant at the door. The attendant turned and went in to report. Fernando said, "Let's wait a moment. His Majesty should be in prayer at this moment."

Min Xi asked curiously, "Sir, aren't you going to church today?"

Fernando made a face: "With God in your heart, you can worship anytime and anywhere."

Min Xi held back his laughter. In this era, in this social atmosphere, the Baron was truly a maverick guy.

Soon, the attendant said, "Sir, please go to the side hall and wait."

Min Xi and Yun Ji followed to a side hall. The first impression of the castle's rooms was that they were tall and spacious. The roof was more than ten meters high. People would feel very small after entering. This was probably the purpose of the builders.

The side hall is covered with exquisite Persian carpets and many huge oil paintings are hung on the walls, including historical paintings of the Avis dynasty and religious paintings. The golden ceiling is also covered with narrative Catholic murals.

Although there are huge windows, the window glass is made of colored glass and the light transmission function is average. If it is not a sunny day today, it will feel dark if you come in on a rainy day.

Min Xi and Yun Ji sat down on the chairs as instructed and waited for His Majesty the King. The servants poured tea for them using a complete set of blue and white porcelain, which was obviously shipped from China.

What surprised Min Xi even more was that this set of blue and white porcelain tea set had cup sleeves and handles made of pure gold, which made it suddenly very valuable.

Min Xi took a closer look and found that the export porcelain was quite exquisite, but it was still not as good as the official kiln porcelain he had seen in the museum.

He picked up the teacup and couldn't help but smile and said, "Seventh Brother, it's so kind to see this!"

Yun Ji picked up the teacup with a smile on his face: "Yes. This cup holder is also very beautifully made!"

Fernando said: "This tea set is quite old. The previous king bought it from the people of Tianfang."

These people from Arabia were actually Arabs. They were good at doing business. They resold the porcelain, silk and other products they got from China to Europe and made a lot of money from the difference in price.

Because of the cup holder, I couldn't see the inscription on the bottom of the cup, so I didn't know which kiln it came from. But Jingdezhen produced the most Yuan and Ming blue and white porcelain, so it must be similar.

Min Xi thought to himself that if such a set of teacups had been preserved to his time, it would probably be worth 18 million yuan. He really wanted to travel back to his time with the Yuan and Ming blue and white porcelain. However, it was just a dream.

Before I finished my cup of tea, I heard a voice coming from outside the door: "Are you in?" The voice sounded quite young.

Fernando stood up: "Your Majesty is here."

Min Xi and Yun Ji quickly put down their teacups and stood up.

A young man of medium build strode into the hall, and Fernando said, "Your Majesty!"

Min Xi and Yun Ji also hurriedly saluted: "Your Majesty!"

Sebastian I raised his hand and waved: "No need to be polite, just stand up! Sit down." He quickly walked to the main seat in the middle and sat down, staring at Min Xi and Yun Ji curiously.

Min Xi and Yun Ji sat down again and looked up at the king. The king was too young, clearly a teenager.

Sebastian I asked: "What are your names?"

Min Xi said: "In reply to your Majesty, my name is Min Xi, you can call me Min."

Yun Ji also introduced himself like Min Xi.

The king asked again, "How old are you?"

Yun Ji said: "Your Majesty, I am twenty years old."

"Your Majesty, I am eighteen years old."

Sebastian I was surprised and said, "You are so young! You are only a few years older than me, so we are the same age. Don't be too formal with me. I don't like those red tapes. Talk casually and tell me how you came to Lisbon."