Travels of a Female Physician in the Ming Dynasty

After the banquet, the night in the capital seemed particularly quiet.

In the Imperial Garden, the colorful lights were still on, and the air was filled with the faint aroma of wine and the aftertaste of dishes from all over the world.

Zhu Yuan, the "chief director" of the banquet, finally relaxed amid the praises of the crowd, leaning back in his chair with a smug smile still on his face.

"Miss Yang, how do you think this banquet went?" He looked up at me lazily, with a hint of pride in his eyes.

I smiled helplessly: "It's really good, at least there are no more troubles."

Zhu Yuan scratched his head and smiled even brighter: "This shows that I'm becoming more and more stable, right? Look, there was no trouble at the party, and everyone had a good time. This is a win-win situation!"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "You're steady? Don't be ridiculous. If it weren't for the imperial kitchen and those musicians backing you up, your banquet would have been a complete mess."

Zhu Yuan chuckled, unfazed. "Ah, it's just the details. The overall situation is what's important. Look, the Emperor and the envoys from various countries are all satisfied. That means I've succeeded!"

I sighed, sat next to him, and whispered, "You always make things worse, but fortunately, you can always get out of danger."

Zhu Yuan raised his eyebrows proudly: "This is my unique skill! No matter how big the situation is, I can keep my composure."

Just as we were chatting, we heard footsteps in the imperial garden.

A young eunuch hurried over to us, panting, "Master Zhu! The Emperor sent word that tonight's banquet was a great success, and he's rewarding you with a precious sword!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuan's eyes lit up immediately: "A sword?! This is a valuable item! The Emperor is indeed discerning and recognizes my hard work and contribution!"

I laughed and shook my head. "You're so proud of yourself after achieving a little success. You don't know how to use the sword, so you're just displaying it for decoration?"

Zhu Yuan immediately patted his chest and acted like a hero: "Miss Yang, don't underestimate me! Although I don't practice swordsmanship much, I still have some impressive aura! With this sword, I will definitely be able to intimidate many people in the martial arts world!"

"Okay, okay," I waved my hands helplessly, "Just continue to dream of being a hero."

The young eunuch smiled and handed over a letter: "By the way, Master Zhu, in addition to the reward, the emperor also wants to ask you, what activities are you planning to hold next time?"

Zhu Yuan was stunned, then a sly smile appeared on his face. "Hehe, it seems the emperor really likes my idea! But, I have to think about it again next time, don't be too hasty. Miss Yang, do you think we can hold a royal chef competition in the Ming Dynasty?"

"What?!" I nearly choked on my own saliva. "What the hell are you thinking about? Sports meets and banquets are fine, but now you want the chefs from the imperial kitchen to compete?"

Zhu Yuan's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Right! Think about it, the Imperial Kitchen of the Ming Dynasty is world-famous. If we could have a competition where they could showcase their talents and boost the capital's culinary industry, wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"

I shook my head helplessly. "Your imagination is getting bigger and bigger, but I do think it's interesting this time. At least you won't break your leg again."

Zhu Yuan chuckled, "See, I knew you would support me! Once I finish writing the plan, we'll go and propose it to the Emperor together!"

That night, the aftermath of the banquet seemed to have not completely dissipated.

Although it was late at night, the palace was still bustling with activity, and everyone was discussing the food and performances at the banquet.

Zhu Yuan, on the other hand, was lying on a chair, already thinking about the next step of the "Chef Competition".

"Miss Yang, do you think we should ask envoys from various countries to send representatives to compete in cooking skills? This way we can also have a cross-border food exchange." Zhu Yuan blinked and asked me with anticipation.

"You really never stop." I sighed helplessly. "But since you're so motivated, go for it. You always come up with something new."

Zhu Yuan smiled proudly: "That's right! I, Zhu Yuan, was born to love to make trouble."

A few days later, Zhu Yuan's leg injury had completely healed, and he regained his former energy and began running around the capital, busy preparing for his "Royal Chef Competition." However, this time, he learned his lesson and did not go it alone, but instead recruited a lot of helpers.

"Miss Yang, you have to help me choose the recipe this time!" Zhu Yuan ran to the pharmacy to find me early in the morning, his face full of excitement. "I plan to make the dishes for the competition both beautiful and healthy. This way, the Emperor and the Empress will definitely be satisfied!"

I looked at him helplessly: "You are always thinking about how to please the emperor."

Zhu Yuan said with a grin, "Of course! When we work for the Emperor, we have to be considerate."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, I'll help you take a look, but don't make a mess of it again."

Zhu Yuan patted his chest and assured: "Don't worry! There will be no problem this time!"

A few days later, the emperor agreed to his plan for the "Royal Chef Competition." As the news spread, the imperial kitchens and major restaurants in the capital began to prepare, and even some chefs from the public were eager to try, hoping to take this opportunity to show off their culinary skills.

"Miss Yang, look, I've accomplished something big again, haven't I?" Zhu Yuan proudly stood before me, holding up a list. "This is the list of participating restaurants from all over the country. Even the chef from the most famous Zuixianlou in Beijing has signed up!"

I looked at the list and couldn't help but sigh, "You really have a way."

Zhu Yuan smiled proudly: "That's right! Who can resist the charm of me, Zhu Yuan?"

On the day of the competition, the Imperial Garden was decorated again with a new look. Unlike previous banquets, this time the entire Imperial Garden was filled with the aroma of food.

The participating chefs started preparing early, and the various dishes were carefully presented, showing their color, aroma and taste.

"This competition is going to be really exciting!" Zhu Yuan said to me excitedly, standing in the center of the competition venue. "Not only are there chefs from the imperial kitchen, but there are also local experts. Who do you think will win?"

I smiled and said, "I don't understand these things anyway. I just need to wait and eat."

After the competition began, the atmosphere was extremely lively. Chefs from all over the world showed off their unique skills, including exquisite knife skills, precise heat control, and some even demonstrated their culinary skills, which drew cheers from the onlookers.

Zhu Yuan was so excited that he danced with joy. "Miss Yang, look over there! That chef is performing a flying knife chopping trick! Wow, and over there, he's actually grilling fish with flames! That's amazing!"

I couldn't help but laugh: "You organized so many activities, but in the end you became the biggest audience."

Zhu Yuan laughed heartily. "That's called enjoying the fruits of one's labor! However, I think the significance of this competition goes beyond just eating. We can also spread the culture of the Ming Dynasty through these delicacies!"

The competition was in full swing. In the end, the chef from the imperial kitchen won the championship with his "Imperial Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" dish.

Zhu Yuan excitedly ran forward and personally presented him with the prize, while also enthusiastically promoting it to the audience: "This Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is not only delicious, but also rich in various nutrients and suitable for all body types. Everyone should try it more!"

I watched him talking nonstop and couldn't help laughing: This guy is really promoting his Ming Dynasty culture all the time.

After the game, Zhu Yuan once again became a hot topic in the palace.

This "Chef Competition" not only broadened everyone's horizons, but also allowed the people of the capital to have a deeper understanding of the Ming Dynasty's food culture.

The emperor once again expressed his appreciation for Zhu Yuan's plan and even suggested that it be held every year in the future.

"Miss Yang, look, have I accomplished something great again this time?" Zhu Yuan asked me proudly.

I smiled helplessly. "Indeed, but don't get too complacent. The Emperor said it has to be held every year. You succeeded this time, but you'll be under pressure every year from now on."

Zhu Yuan was stunned for a moment, then a hint of helplessness appeared on his face. "Ah? Every year? Then wouldn't I have to come up with new ideas every year?"

I smiled and patted his shoulder: "Yes, you dug this hole yourself."

Zhu Yuan smiled bitterly and shook his head: "Ah, it seems that I can't live without these activities in my life."

Life in the capital was still bustling, and Zhu Yuan was still busy. Although he always complained about being "under a lot of pressure," whenever he had the chance, he would enthusiastically plan new activities.

Sometimes, I can’t help but think: although this guy is always careless, his enthusiasm and persistence make people around him unconsciously infected by him.

And I, through his struggles, gradually learned how to find my own peace amidst laughter and noise.