The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Lunchtime was fast approaching, and the Crown Princess warmly invited Chen Mengyao to stay for lunch. To entertain Chen Mengyao, the Crown Princess specially instructed the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous lunch. She had heard about the delicious dishes the Crown Prince had tasted at Ouyang Han's residence that evening, and how they were made with her seasonings. The Crown Prince had immediately arranged for them to be made, and indeed, they tasted exceptionally good. Therefore, the Crown Princess had also specially ordered the kitchen to prepare over a dozen unique imperial dishes for Chen Mengyao to try using the modern seasonings Chen Mengyao had provided.

Before long, a series of exquisite dishes were served. The sweet and sour carp was pan-fried until golden and crispy, the sauce a rich, glossy red, exuding an enticing sweet and sour aroma, as if every drop had seeped into the fish. Then there was the Kung Pao chicken; the chicken was tender and springy, the peanuts crunchy and delicious, and the numbing spiciness of the chili and Sichuan peppercorns perfectly stimulated the taste buds, blending with the unique flavor of the seasonings to create an irresistible aroma.

Then look at the plate of bright red sweet and sour pork ribs, each piece neatly arranged like a work of art. Upon tasting it, a sweet sensation first floods the tongue, followed by a slight sourness that perfectly balances the sweetness, making it irresistible.

Next up is the Yu Xiang Rou Si (Fish-Fragrant Shredded Pork), a dish known for its sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors. The addition of modern seasonings has made the taste even richer. The tender shredded pork perfectly complements the Yu Xiang sauce, making it irresistible. The Jade Shrimp features translucent shrimp surrounded by vibrant green vegetables, offering a fresh and elegant yet flavorful dish. The shrimp meat is plump and firm, smooth to the touch, with a subtle salty and sweet aroma – undoubtedly thanks to modern seasonings. The Mapo Tofu is truly exceptional, with its glistening red oil and incredibly tender tofu. The red and white tofu cubes, highlighted by the red oil and Sichuan peppercorns, are particularly enticing.

Steamed lion's head meatballs, resembling plump little balls of meat, lie quietly on the plate. This dish may seem simple, but its preparation is meticulous. The meat is firm yet elastic, and the broth is rich and flavorful, leaving a lingering fragrance on the palate. The small and delicate pearl meatballs are as round and adorable as pearls. Glutinous rice wraps around tender meat filling; the steamed rice grains are distinct, soft, sweet, and fragrant, blending perfectly with the savory meat filling to create a unique flavor.

Peking duck is renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, and the addition of modern seasonings enhances its flavor even further. The perfect combination of crispy skin and tender meat with sweet bean sauce, along with the refreshing aroma of scallions and cucumbers, is incredibly appetizing. The aroma of the duck, the refreshing side dishes, and the rich sauce intertwine to create an unparalleled experience. The exquisitely crafted "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix," resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, is undoubtedly a visual feast. This dish is not only visually stunning but also boasts a rich variety of ingredients, including various rare poultry, meats, and seafood, prepared with exquisite and unique techniques, resulting in an exceptionally delicious flavor.

The hibiscus egg, like a blooming flower, sits on the plate, its egg white as white as snow and its yolk as golden as gold, the two complementing each other to create a beautiful picture. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate flavor make it a delicious dish suitable for all ages. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, a dish that brings together a variety of precious ingredients, including abalone, sea cucumber, and fish maw, which are stewed for a long time, allowing them to blend and permeate each other, resulting in a rich, savory, and flavorful broth.

Braised shark fin showcases Cantonese cuisine's ultimate pursuit of ingredient quality and culinary skills. The golden shark fin, soaked in a rich broth, has a smooth texture and a mellow flavor, exuding nobility and luxury. Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, named for its resemblance to a squirrel, is fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with a sweet and sour sauce, resembling a squirrel leaping. When tasting it, one can appreciate both the tenderness of the fish and the crispy exterior, making it truly unique.

The seemingly plain, clear broth of the boiled cabbage soup actually contains the essence of various umami ingredients carefully simmered together. The cabbage heart absorbs the broth's savory flavor, resulting in a refreshing and sweet taste. The Osmanthus Shark Fin Soup cleverly combines shark fin and osmanthus flowers, with the floral fragrance and the shark fin's umami complementing each other to create a unique taste experience. The shark fin, soaked in osmanthus syrup, releases a fragrant aroma. The smooth texture of the shark fin and the sweetness of the syrup are perfectly combined, preserving the nutritional value of the shark fin while adding a unique sweet flavor.

Finally, there's a plate of stir-fried vegetables. The fresh vegetables, quickly stir-fried, retain their original color and nutrients. Their crisp and refreshing texture, coupled with a subtle garlic or floral aroma, adds a touch of natural freshness to the entire meal. And of course, don't forget the steaming pot of sea cucumber and chicken soup. The tender sea cucumber and the savory chicken complement each other perfectly, and the nutritious broth is a true health tonic. The chewy texture of the sea cucumber and the savory chicken complement each other beautifully, creating a delicious and comforting soup that warms the body and soul.

Looking at the table laden with colorful and fragrant dishes, Chen Mengyao was filled with surprise and pride. The Crown Princess smiled and said, "Sister, come and try some. These are dishes I specially instructed the kitchen to add the seasonings you provided." Chen Mengyao thanked the Crown Princess, then gently picked up a piece of fish and put it in her mouth. Her taste buds were instantly ignited. After trying the other dishes, she found them all to be very delicious. Everyone who tasted them also praised them highly. Chen Mengyao was secretly delighted; it seemed that modern seasonings had truly conquered the palates of the ancients.