Wuhan duck neck that transcends time

Chapter 273: The Taste of History

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef transported Wuhan duck neck to ancient China, discovering that this delicacy was intricately linked to a historical figure. Through taste, they traveled through history to explore the origins of Wuhan duck neck.

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef stood in an ancient market street, surrounded by antique buildings and pedestrians dressed in Hanfu. They had just successfully brought Wuhan duck necks to this era, and they were full of anticipation for their next mission.

"The atmosphere here is really ancient, making you feel like you've returned to ancient China." Cuihua looked around, deeply moved.

“Yes, the historical figure we’re looking for should have lived in this era.” Ai Lu Chef nodded, then took out an old map from his pocket. “According to the records, the origin of Wuhan duck neck is related to a chef named ‘Zhang San.’ He once served as a royal chef in the palace, but later left the palace for some reason and returned to his hometown of Wuhan, where he invented this delicacy.”

Looking at the map, Cuihua asked with some confusion, "Since we know his name and that he used to be a royal chef in the palace, why don't we go to the palace to find him instead of coming to this market?"

"Because after Zhang San returned to his hometown, he opened a small restaurant here, specializing in Wuhan-style duck neck, which he invented himself. So, we need to find his restaurant first, and then explore his story through the taste," Ai Lu Chef explained.

Following the markings on the map, the two soon arrived at a restaurant with a sign that read "Zhang's Duck Neck". Although the restaurant was small, a long queue had formed in front of it, indicating that business was booming.

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef also joined the queue. After about half an hour, it was finally their turn. They ordered a signature duck neck and a duck intestine, then found a corner to sit down.

"This taste... is really special!" Cuihua took a bite and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. "No wonder it's a historical delicacy."

“That’s right, it’s not just the taste of food, it’s the taste of history.” Ai Lu Chef said with deep feeling, “We want to explore Zhang San’s story through these flavors.”

The two enjoyed their meal while exchanging their opinions on the dish. Soon, they noticed a strange phenomenon: although the restaurant was full, no one was talking or interacting. Everyone was silently savoring their food, seemingly immersed in their own world.

"This is a bit strange. Why are the people here not talking?" Cuihua asked, somewhat puzzled.

"I suspect it's because the dish's flavor is so unique that it creates a special experience for people, making them so absorbed in their feelings that they forget to speak," Ai Lu Chef analyzed.

The two decided to give this hypothesis a try. They closed their eyes and focused intently on savoring every bite of the duck neck and intestines. Sure enough, they experienced a taste sensation they had never felt before: each bite felt like a journey through time, back to ancient China, where they witnessed the birth of this delicacy with Zhang San.

Gradually, they forgot everything around them, completely immersed in this special experience. Until a voice broke their reverie.

"Gentlemen, you've been sitting here for quite some time. Have you forgotten the time?" a gentle voice asked.

Cuihua and Ai Lu, the master chef, opened their eyes and found a woman dressed in Hanfu standing in front of the table, smiling at them. The woman was beautiful, elegant, and gave off a friendly feeling.

"We...we were just enjoying the food here, we didn't expect time to fly by so quickly," Cuihua replied somewhat embarrassedly.

"Since you like the taste of this dish, I have some good news for you." The woman smiled mysteriously. "Tomorrow, Chef Zhang San will be holding a special event at the restaurant, where he will personally teach you how to cook this dish. Would you like to attend?"

In ancient China, long ago, countless moving stories were hidden in the dusty pages of history. Cuihua and the AI-powered chef, traveling through time, brought Wuhan duck neck to that enchanting era, their curiosity piqued by the origins of this delicacy. They wandered through the ancient city, hoping to find the flavors deep within the history of Wuhan duck neck.

They arrived at a bustling market, the air thick with enticing aromas that made their mouths water. An elderly stall owner told them that the roast duck sold there was a local specialty, passed down through generations. They couldn't wait to take a bite; the rich fragrance and tender meat seemed to burst in their mouths, leaving them intoxicated.

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef couldn't help but wonder if there was a connection between the two, given how similar the flavor was to Wuhan duck neck. To find the answer, they embarked on an adventurous journey. They searched through historical records, visited many ancient villages and cities, looking for clues about roast duck.

They learned of a famous figure from that era, a renowned chef both at home and abroad, skilled in culinary arts. He was said to have perfected the art of roast duck, earning him the title of "God of Roast Duck." This famous figure was none other than Wenquxing (the God of Literature).

Cuihua and Ai Lu, the master chef, arrived in the city where Wenquxing lived. The buildings, weathered by time, exuded an aura of history. They found a restaurant with a century-old history, the very place where Wenquxing had once worked.

As they savored the roast duck, the image of Wenquxing (the legendary Chinese philosopher and scholar) seemed to appear before their eyes. The ancient method of preparing this roast duck is unique and exquisite, each bite bursting with flavor. Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef thus confirmed that the flavor of Wuhan duck neck is inextricably linked to Wenquxing's roast duck.

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef successfully transported Wuhan duck neck back to ancient China. Filled with anticipation and curiosity, they wanted to explore the historical origins of this delicacy.

When they arrived in ancient China, the surrounding environment was completely different from modern times. The ancient buildings, the people dressed in traditional clothing, and the cries of vendors in the streets and alleys all felt new and unfamiliar to them.

However, when they took out the Wuhan duck necks they had brought, the people around them were immediately attracted by their unique aroma. They gathered around, curiously looking at this delicacy they had never seen before.

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef decided to explore the origins of Wuhan duck neck through its flavor. They began searching the market for similar ingredients and seasonings, attempting to replicate the ancient version of Wuhan duck neck.

During their search, they discovered a historical figure named Li Yu. Li Yu was a writer and gourmet during the Ming Dynasty, who possessed profound knowledge and unique insights into cooking.

Through consulting historical documents and interviewing local elders, Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef learned that Li Yu had conducted in-depth research and improvements on the cooking methods of duck meat. He invented a unique marinating and cooking method that made the duck meat more tender and delicious, and also more fragrant.

They also discovered that Li Yu's cooking method bore a striking resemblance to modern Wuhan duck neck. This is evident in both the marinade and the cooking process.

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef successfully transported Wuhan duck neck to ancient China. They traveled to the Ming Dynasty and searched for the origin of Wuhan duck neck in the bustling city streets.

During the Ming Dynasty, they met a famous gourmet named Zhang Dongguan. Zhang Dongguan praised the taste of Wuhan duck neck and told them that this delicacy had already appeared in the Song Dynasty and was closely related to a historical figure.

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef decide to explore the history of Wuhan duck neck. They travel through time through taste, arriving in the Song Dynasty. In the Song Dynasty capital, they find the legendary Wuhan duck neck shop.

The shop owner was an elderly man in his seventies. When he learned that Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef were looking for the origin of Wuhan duck neck, he told them a legendary story about Wuhan duck neck.

During the Song Dynasty, there was a talented poet named Su Shi. Due to political setbacks, Su Shi was demoted to Huangzhou and lived in the Wuchang area. Here, he fell in love with Wuhan's duck neck and personally developed a unique braising method.

Su Shi taught this method to local braised food chefs, who then used it to make duck necks. Over time, Wuhan duck necks became a famous local dish and gradually spread throughout the country.

The old man also told Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef that the history of Wuhan duck neck is not limited to the Song Dynasty; its flavor has been deeply integrated into the bloodline of Chinese civilization.

Hearing this, Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef were deeply moved. They realized that Wuhan duck neck is not just a delicacy, but also a testament to history. This flavor connects the ancient and the modern, becoming part of the long-standing culture of the Chinese nation.

Before heading back to the future, Cuihua and AI Chef Zhang Dongguan decide to use modern cooking methods to create a unique Wuhan-style duck neck for him. They select the finest ingredients and utilize AI cooking technology to produce a Wuhan-style duck neck that Zhang Dongguan praises highly and will never forget.

Finally, Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef, with their newfound understanding of this history, returned to the future. They decided to carry on the story of Wuhan duck neck, ensuring this delicious dish continues to benefit the world and that the flavor of history endures forever.

Back in the modern era, Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef cherish the delicacy of Wuhan duck neck even more and are dedicated to passing on this traditional craft. They offer duck neck making courses, teaching people how to make authentic Wuhan duck neck.

During the course, Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef continuously explored how to combine the traditional techniques of Wuhan duck neck with modern technology to create even more delicious duck necks. They tried to use advanced food technology to improve the taste and nutritional value of the duck necks.

First, they used a new spice extraction technology to make the special spices in Wuhan duck necks more concentrated. This spice not only tastes better, but also has certain health benefits.

Secondly, they developed a rapid marinating technique that allows the duck necks to absorb flavor in a shorter time while preserving the tenderness of the meat. This technique has been well-received by many young diners, making Wuhan duck neck a trendy delicacy.

In addition to innovating traditional techniques, Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef also focus on promoting Wuhan duck necks to the world. They have participated in various international food exhibitions, allowing the charm of Wuhan duck necks to reach a global audience.

During these exhibitions, Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef met many internationally renowned chefs and exchanged ideas about food culture. These exchanges gave Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef a deeper understanding of Wuhan duck neck, which inspired them to create even more.

Once, a renowned French chef suggested that they combine Wuhan-style duck neck with French culinary techniques to create a completely new flavor. Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef accepted the suggestion and, after many attempts, finally created the uniquely flavored "French-style duck neck".

This "French-style duck neck" has become a hit in the international market, becoming another masterpiece in the Wuhan duck neck series. Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef did not stop there, but continued to explore various innovative possibilities, paving a new path for the future development of Wuhan duck neck.

Thanks to the efforts of Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef, Wuhan duck neck has become a shining example of traditional Chinese cuisine. Their story tells us that innovation within tradition is the key to maintaining the vitality of food and allowing it to shine even brighter.

Cuihua and Ai Lu, the master chef, were transported by ripples in time and space to a spacious kitchen. A rich, mouthwatering aroma filled the air. Looking around, Cuihua was astonished to find herself in ancient China.

"Huh, how did we travel to ancient times?" Cuihua asked curiously.

"It must be the smell of Wuhan duck neck that triggered this time travel. It seems this delicacy has intricate connections with ancient China. It's time for us to explore the origins of Wuhan duck neck!" Ai Lu Chef said with a smile.

Following the fragrance, the two arrived at a banquet hall. The hall was brightly lit, and guests were raising their glasses in toasts, their laughter filling the air. In the center of the hall, a man in a magnificent robe was greeting the crowd.

"This is Lu Xun, the chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council!" Ai Lu Chef excitedly told Cuihua.

Cuihua was stunned for a moment, not expecting that Lu Xun was related to Wuhan duck neck, and her curiosity grew even stronger.

"Chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, hello! We are time travelers from the future and would like to ask about the origin of Wuhan duck neck and its relationship with you." Cuihua asked Lu Xun politely.

Lu Xun smiled, not surprised by Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef's time travel. He raised his hand to signal the guests to calm down and began to tell an ancient story.

"The story begins in the Three Kingdoms period, two thousand years ago. At that time, I had just been recruited by Liu Bei as a staff officer in the military camp by Poyang Lake, the main base of Eastern Wu. The military camp was filled with smoke, and the soldiers often drank and made merry at night to relieve the pressure of war. But the soldiers who drank often couldn't sleep because they were too hungry after being steamed and roasted for too long."

So, I invented a new delicacy: duck neck! I used locally sourced duck meat, marinated it with unique chili peppers and spices, then steamed it until cooked, resulting in tender, juicy, and uniquely flavorful duck necks. It solved the soldiers' nighttime hunger problem and brought them a delicious treat. This is the origin of Wuhan duck neck!

After listening to Lu Xun's explanation, Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef couldn't help but feel even greater respect for this delicacy.

"Chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, I am honored to have witnessed firsthand the creation of Wuhan duck neck. This delicacy was not only loved in ancient times, but has also become one of the classic foods of our time," Ai Lu Chef said with emotion.

Lu Xun smiled and nodded. He knew that in the future world, Wuhan duck neck had become a popular delicacy representing the characteristics and unique culture of Wuhan.

Cuihua and Ai Lu Chef have returned to the modern era, bringing with them a deep understanding of Wuhan duck neck and a profound respect for Lu Xun. They are determined to record this historical story so that more people can understand and appreciate this dish that has been passed down for thousands of years.