Chapter 1423: Ascension Banquet, Gentlemen's Discourse

Some people spend their entire lives, seeking and wishing, yet gaining nothing, achieving nothing possible.Some people press onward with unwavering resolve, having long learned to walk with grace amidst the storms.

In a certain sense, Wang Changji and Jiang Wang held similar attitudes towards fate.Wang Changji did not believe in miracles in this world, for the miracle he awaited never arrived in Fenglin City.And Jiang Wang believed he could accomplish everything he set his heart upon, no matter how impossible it seemed.Neither would place their hopes upon another.

Within the Pavilion of Seeing Me.Having partaken of the "Jade Dragon," another attendant bearing dishes ascended to the second floor, holding a platter upon which sat five wooden cylinders, seemingly veiled in mist.He approached the round table, distributing one to each of the five individuals present.

Having finished the "Jade Dragon," Lord Jiang had already elevated this banquet to the highest degree of respect.He examined the wooden cylinder before him meticulously, studying the exquisite carvings upon it—a scene of fish leaping over the dragon gate.

"This is the second dish of this banquet, named 'Dragon Gate.'"The main attendant, a maiden, completely unveiled the cylinder. Jiang Wang then saw, upon a wooden base carved in the shape of a lotus flower, a small, ancient-style gatehouse of golden and crimson hues.Warm steam curled upwards, like drifting immortals.A faint, refreshing fragrance, subtly playful, wove around his nostrils.

The serving maiden introduced, "This pastry is made primarily with the marrow and roe of the Jade Dragon."She offered ivory chopsticks, saying, "Young master, please enjoy."

Jiang Wang accepted the chopsticks, a faint, gentle reluctance of desecration upon him. He lifted the lid of this exquisite Dragon Gate and placed it in his mouth.A pastry, sculpted into a dragon gate, ought to be somewhat firm, yet it melted the instant it entered his mouth.Amidst the cool, smooth texture, like goat's milk, he tasted tiny, warm granules, bursting one after another upon his tongue.This explosion was exceedingly gentle, as if massaging his tongue.Instantly, a sweet aroma overflowed.

The wondrous texture occupied all his sensations at this moment.It brought a sense of satisfaction.It was the fish leaping over the dragon gate, renowned throughout the world.It was ten years of honing a sword, its frosty brilliance illuminating all.

After that fleeting sensation vanished, Jiang Wang actually felt an urge to draw his sword and dance.What a magnificent Dragon Gate!

Having tasted the marrow, Jiang Wang moved his chopsticks swiftly, not constrained by the presence of so many others.He ate with delight, with ease.Though not as elegant and composed as Zuo Guangshu, he possessed a natural, unrestrained grace.

After quickly finishing his portion of the pastry, he cast a benevolent glance at Zuo Guangshu.Zuo Guangshu habitually used his left hand for dining. At this moment, holding a jade spoon, he was slowly and deliberately eating the Dragon Gate pastry.Without a change in expression, he raised his right hand, resting his forearm on the table.Instantly, a tall wall was erected between himself and his good elder brother…

Jiang Wang expressed regret for the trust between people.Out of respect for this feast, Jiang Wang remained silent.He quietly waited for the other four to finish, for the attendants to collect the five sets of dishes, and then descend the stairs.

New dishes arrived.This attendant, newly ascended to the upper floor, held a large, resplendent golden platter, gleaming like washed silk. Upon the platter sat a miniature palace!

Jiang Wang thought, perhaps it was another kind of pastry.And when the attendant bearing the dishes placed this resplendent golden platter on the round table, the exquisite detail immediately became apparent to all present.This palace was intricate and delicate.Pavilions, terraces, and towers, all rendered with verisimilitude.Divine generals and celestial maidens, all depicted with vibrant spirit.Moreover, wisps of immortal qi curled and flowed around the palace.

Jiang Wang subconsciously thought of the Cloud Summit Immortal Palace above his Five Palaces Sea, but then secretly shook his head…How could that ruin compare?

The main attendant, a maiden, introduced, "This is the third dish of this banquet, named 'Divine Court.' Legend has it that the true dragon resides in the Divine Court, ruling over all directions."

Jiang Wang looked closely and indeed saw that these divine generals and celestial maidens had dragon horns upon their foreheads.He mused, he would have to ask that old dragon of the Sea of Forests later, to see if their dragon race truly had such grandeur before their retreat into the vast ocean.

He then heard the maiden say with a smile, "Gentlemen, please smell this fragrance."Jiang Wang sniffed gently, and immediately felt a sense of peace in his spirit.

The main attendant said, "This is a calming edible fragrance, to be used before dividing the Divine Court."Saying this, she took a dining knife, brought it down at the center of the Divine Court, and with a slight twist of her wrist, divided it into five cuts. This portion of "Divine Court" was thus divided into five equal shares.Then she placed one share onto the Jun ware porcelain plate before Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang was about to move his chopsticks.The main attendant pointed with the dining knife from a distance.The portion of "Divine Court" before Jiang Wang actually burst into flames.Golden flames leaped upon the porcelain plate, not bringing a scorching heat, but this entire portion of "Divine Court" was melting. The pavilions, terraces, towers, divine generals, and celestial maidens disappeared one after another.Jiang Wang felt as though his heart was also melting along with it.

He then looked at the portions of "Divine Court" before the others, which were also igniting with golden flames. Only then could he be certain that the attendant who had served him was not attempting to destroy his exquisite food.

As the golden flames danced, this portion of "Divine Court" grew smaller and smaller, finally melting into a golden sauce that covered the porcelain plate.And in the very center of this golden sauce stood a crimson, round fruit.

The "Divine Court" was cleaved by the sharp blade, consumed by fierce flames.And within the fierce flames, a crimson fruit was born!

The serving maiden offered a jade spoon, and said softly, "Young master, please enjoy."Jiang Wang scooped up this crimson, round fruit with the jade spoon, and could not help but ask, "What kind of fruit is this?"The serving maiden smiled and said, "I will explain after you have finished eating, young master."

Jiang Wang then said no more, and put this round fruit into his mouth.He bit into it, and his heart stood still.What taste?At this moment, Jiang Wang could not discern the taste.He only felt his spirit boiling, his mind slightly intoxicated, and before his eyes, myriad colors burst forth, a dazzling splendor.He could not help but laugh, uncontrollably joyful.He wanted to sing loudly, yet felt it too unrestrained. But if not unrestrained, how could he release this joy?

The wondrous sensation lingered in his mind for a long time before slowly dissipating.As Jiang Wang gradually became clear-headed, he finally understood why the calming edible fragrance was to be inhaled before dividing the Divine Court… otherwise, his spirit would have surely leaped out of his body!

The main attendant then softly explained, "This is a fruit made from the bone powder of the Jade Dragon, nurtured by an entire portion of the Divine Court, yielding only these five fruits."

None of the diners at the table spoke, each immersed in that wonderful feeling.Though their minds were clear, there was a nearly infinite aftertaste in their hearts.Jiang Wang had never imagined that eating could bring such sensations, yet it had happened so truly.

The attendant bearing the dishes collected the five porcelain plates covered in sauce, and also took away the jade bowls and ivory chopsticks, leaving only the exquisitely beautiful phoenix-patterned luminous cups.The serving maidens opened the hidden compartments within the four surrounding columns.One brewed a pot of tea, another lit a brazier of incense, placing them respectively on the east and west windowsills.

Not long after, an attendant approached, carrying a small brazier in his left hand and a dragon-swallowing wine pot in his right.He drew near and first bowed.Then he placed the small brazier in the center of the round table, set the dragon-swallowing wine pot upon it, and with a gentle tap, ignited the small brazier.Before long, the liquid within the pot began to make a sound.Gurgle, gurgle, very softly, causing the listener's heart to also become very tranquil.Then the aroma of wine slowly permeated the air.The wind carried wisps of tea and incense fragrances, making the wine aroma even more translucent.

The group remained silent, still quietly savoring the aftertaste of the Divine Court fruit.Perhaps it was a quarter of an hour, perhaps two quarters of an hour.The main attendant lifted the dragon-swallowing wine pot from the brazier and poured a cup of wine for Jiang Wang.The other serving maidens followed suit."Young master, please partake of this cup. This is the finale of today's banquet," she said in invitation.

Amidst that leisurely joy, Jiang Wang raised his cup and drank it all.This wine… seemed to have no taste.The moment this thought arose in his mind, the various sensations he had experienced during the banquet flooded back.Satisfaction, intoxication, joy…

Jiang Wang felt as though he were a dragon fish, swimming against the current, contending with the heavens. Having endured countless hardships, he finally found the dragon gate, leaped with all his might, and achieved the body of a true dragon!Then he entered the Divine Court, enjoyed all the glory, and received the adoration of all.Finally, he suddenly awoke, finding it all a grand dream.In an instant, it vanished like smoke, leaving him clear-headed and bright-eyed.There was even a hint of wistfulness.

The main attendant explained at the appropriate moment, "This cup of wine is called Awakening Dream. It is brewed from the marrow of the Jade Dragon. Only two pots were made this spring, and this is one of them.""Indeed, the dream is awakened!" Jiang Wang sighed.This Jade Dragon, Dragon Gate, Divine Court, and Awakening Dream were truly magnificent, the utmost flavors in the world.

Jiang Wang was not someone who had never enjoyed life. With his current status, his food, clothing, housing, and transportation in Linzi could not be anything less than superb.He had dined in the Palace of Eternal Joy, Grand Duke Yan had hosted feasts for him. The four famous pavilions, the most exquisite delicacies, he had been to and tasted most of what was available and worth tasting.But today, here on the Huangliang Terrace, with just three dishes and a cup of wine, it was already the most delicious meal Jiang Wang had ever enjoyed in his life, surpassing all others.It was truly a Huangliang dream, a thousand years in a single dream!

There was only one cup of wine. After everyone had drunk it, the attendant removed the small brazier and the wine pot.The five maidens also took away the empty cups, bowed slightly, and descended the stairs.Only the five who had partaken of the banquet remained, still enjoying the gentle breeze from all sides.Though the grand dream was awakened, the aftertaste was endless.

"Elder Brother Jiang, how was it?" Qu Shunhua asked the guest of honor."Truly the utmost flavor in the human world!" Jiang Wang praised unstintingly. "Besides seeing Guangshu, this is the happiest thing that has happened to me on this trip to Chu."He was indeed speaking the truth. Today, because of this feast, he had experienced a genuine feeling of "happiness."He even drew some inspiration for Dao arts from this, regarding the Tongue Hell of the Five Sense Hells…Without having tasted the utmost flavors of the world, how could one construct a truly convincing Tongue Hell?

Qu Shunhua smiled and said, "To receive such words from Elder Brother Jiang, this banquet was not set in vain!"This Ascending Dragon Banquet was truly an Ascending Dragon Dream. After the dream was awakened, each person was different.Jiang Wang was already renowned throughout the world, so he awakened earlier than the others.

Ye Lan'er pouted from the side and said, "So the banquets I've eaten in the past were all in vain?"Qu Shunhua smiled and said, "Whether they were in vain or not, you have to ask yourself. If you only eat the banquet without doing any work, how can that be?""Alright, I knew you had ill intentions. How is it that even accompanying a banquet now requires repayment!" Ye Lan'er's beautiful eyes turned slightly, looking at her and saying, "Speak, Young Lady Qu, what are your instructions?"Qu Shunhua looked at her and simply smiled softly, "I will instruct you later."

Zuo Guangshu remained silent, while Chu Yuzhi spoke with emotion, "Today's feast, the taste seems even better than before, though in a daze I cannot quite describe it. I have benefited from Brother Jiang!"Jiang Wang quickly said, "I am too embarrassed to hear such words. It is all the intention of Miss Qu, it just used my name.""Elder Brother Jiang, I sincerely invited you, you are the guest of honor!" Qu Shunhua pouted, "How can you say it merely used your name?"She turned her head to ask Zuo Guangshu, "Don't you agree?""You are right," Zuo Guangshu replied."Alright, alright, I misspoke, I apologize to both of you," Jiang Wang offered an apology. He continued, "This feast cannot be made by an ordinary chef…"He pondered carefully for a moment and asked, "May I ask which esteemed figure it is?"

"A sage of the Confucian school once said that a gentleman keeps a distance from the kitchen. This saying is widely spread because of its compassion."Qu Shunhua smiled and looked at Jiang Wang, "Speaking of which, many people have eaten at Huangliang Terrace, and many are curious about the chef, but few think of some important figure. Elder Brother Jiang, how did you guess?"

Jiang Wang thought for a moment, and said with considerable seriousness, "Hungry, one eats; cold, one clothes oneself. This is the natural order. Food is sought for its fineness, clothes for their beauty. This is innate desire. The heart of compassion, people should possess it. The heart of love for beauty, everyone possesses it. The heart of filling the belly, everyone must possess it.The heart of compassion is indeed the heart of the benevolent, but what does it add to the natural order and innate desire?The sage said a gentleman keeps a distance from the kitchen, but that was for a certain time, spoken to a certain person, not a law for all ages.I think within the kitchen, there are also many gentlemen!"

Although he did not have much time to devote to cooking, his love for the art of cooking had not diminished… at least not yet.Therefore, he was very serious about defending cooking itself.What he said was—"Within the kitchen, there are also many gentlemen."What he thought was—"And I, Jiang Qingyang, am one of them!"

And upon hearing these words, Ye Lan'er's perception was finally somewhat salvaged.It is compassionate not to bear seeing cattle and sheep slaughtered. But the slaughtering of cattle and sheep itself is done to fill the belly, which is a natural principle.Both are actually reasonable.When Jiang Wang objected, he merely stated his views rationally and calmly, without belittling the words of the sage in order to attract attention. For a person who had achieved fame at a young age like him, this restraint was quite rare.

"Elder Brother Jiang's words are excellent. If my ancestor were to hear them, perhaps he would find a kindred spirit!" Qu Shunhua said with a smile.

Upon hearing these words, everyone present, except Zuo Guangshu, was astonished.Qu Shunhua's grandfather…Grand Duke Yu, Qu Jin Kui!Could the esteemed Grand Duke Yu actually be the chef behind the Huangliang Terrace?

"You…" Ye Lan'er looked at Qu Shunhua with feigned anger, "You've been hiding this from me for so long!"Of course, she knew that the chef at Huangliang Terrace must be an extraordinary person, but she never would have thought of Grand Duke Yu.After all, the identity of a distinguished duke of a nation and that of the chef at Huangliang Terrace were truly difficult to associate.

Chu Yuzhi repeatedly exclaimed, "No wonder, no wonder! If we compare the way of cooking to cultivation, today's feast is the pinnacle. Who other than Grand Duke Yu could achieve this! I just never thought I would have this fortune!"

Qu Shunhua cupped her hands and begged for forgiveness, "My ancestor does not wish for others to know, lest too many people crowd in and disturb him. Therefore, I ask that you all just listen and do not spread the word. This is a secret of our Huangliang Terrace. If Elder Brother Jiang had not brought it up, I truly would not have told you."

"I never thought that Grand Duke Yu, who is so busy with national affairs, would also have such refined tastes," Jiang Wang said with emotion.He was particularly moved by the thought that he himself was quite interested in cooking, but was too busy with cultivation to carefully study it, feeling quite a sense of melancholy and regret!Otherwise, he might not be unable to exchange ideas with Grand Duke Yu.

Qu Shunhua said, "His old self actually personally prepares a feast only once a month. This feast generally does not receive outside guests. The rest of the time, the dozens of chefs at my Huangliang Terrace follow the recipes he has left behind. Every step must be executed flawlessly in order to serve three feasts a day and capture five parts of its essence."She smiled gracefully, "I specifically chose today to host Elder Brother Jiang precisely because my ancestor was free today and personally presided over the cooking!One can imagine how many informed princes and nobles of Great Chu would flock to a feast personally prepared by Grand Duke Yu.The value is simply immeasurable.And the reason why Qu Shunhua treated him in this manner was, of course, because of Zuo Guangshu.

Jiang Wang was deeply touched, "Miss Qu is very considerate!"

"Sister Qu said that Grandfather Qu might find a kindred spirit in Elder Brother Jiang, and I think it is very likely!" Zuo Guangshu spoke at this moment, "My grandfather and Elder Brother Jiang chatted very happily. They chatted for several hours yesterday, and I don't know what they talked about. Perhaps Elder Brother Jiang is simply likable to older people. If Grandfather Qu is free, Sister, you might introduce them."

How precious was the time of a duke? To chat for several hours could not be explained by mere courtesy. This added even more respect to Chu Yuzhi's eyes.What surprised him even more was that someone with Zuo Guangshu's personality would actually take the initiative to pave the way for others, thinking of having Grand Duke Yu meet Jiang Wang.Only because this Jiang Wang was a marquis of Qi. If he were a Chu citizen, his rise would begin from here.

How did Jiang Wang and Zuo Guangshu cultivate such a friendship?He heard they met in the Tai Xu Illusionary Realm.Besides practicing martial arts and sparring, was the Tai Xu Illusionary Realm also a place for expanding one's connections?Chu Yuzhi, who had originally been respectfully declining the Tai Xu Illusionary Realm, believing that without genuine life and death struggles one could not truly contend, now felt a hint of interest.

"Good," Qu Shunhua smiled and agreed to Zuo Guangshu, then said to Jiang Wang, "I imagine Elder Brother Jiang is also a gentleman of cuisine."

Jiang Wang smiled with restraint, "There are many gentlemen of cuisine in the world! As far as I know, the Crown Prince of Qi is also fond of cooking."

But after these words were spoken, his heart suddenly stirred—Should he re-examine the strength of the Great Qi Crown Prince Jiang Wuhua?If those who are dedicated to cooking can include supreme figures like Grand Duke Yu.Then could Jiang Wuhua, who was also dedicated to the art of cooking, be more than he seemed?

Qu Shunhua smiled and said, "I must have the opportunity to try Elder Brother Jiang's craftsmanship."Jiang Wang smiled confidently, "You and Guangshu are family, there will be many opportunities in the future."

"Ruling a great nation is like cooking a small fish," Ye Lan'er said languidly, "Governing the world with the Dao, its spirits will not be divine; not that its spirits are not divine, but their divinity does not harm people; not that their divinity does not harm people, but the sage also does not harm people. When neither harms the other, virtue is exchanged."

Jiang Wang's eyes shifted. What Ye Lan'er recited were original lines from the Classic of the Dao and Virtue, the傳道之典 of Mount Da Luo.Although the Dao院 of Fenglin City belonged to the Jade Capital Mountain lineage, he had read it when he was young in the Dao院. He knew that this passage spoke of governing by non-action, leading to peace under heaven.However, he did not engage in the conversation.

Instead, Chu Yuzhi spoke up, "So, Miss Ye admires the Daoist school?"

Although they were in Chu territory, this was not a malicious statement.All cultivation schools in the world originated from the Daoist school.Countless people admired the Daoist school, and it had nothing to do with political stances.

"Who wouldn't want to catch a glimpse of where the Dao began?" Ye Lan'er turned the topic back, "I just want to say that as long as there is the Great Dao in one's heart, all things are cultivation. Governing a nation is, and cooking is too."

She smiled softly, "Where is there no gentleman's way? Only the lack of gentlemen!"

Ye Lan'er's words seemed to have a hidden meaning.

Jiang Wang smiled and said, "In Miss Ye's eyes, how many gentlemen are there among the young people in Chu?"

The word "gentleman" in Confucianism refers to someone whose moral cultivation and spiritual realm have reached a certain level.But as they were discussing today, it referred to extraordinary individuals.

Qu Shunhua and Chu Yuzhi perhaps both felt that Jiang Wang was intentionally finding something to talk about with the most beautiful woman in Great Chu.Only Zuo Guangshu glanced at Jiang Wang, knowing that his Elder Brother Jiang had entered "combat readiness," and was beginning to assess his opponents.The gentlemen among the young people of Chu…Were they not all competitors in the Mountain and Sea Realm?

Ye Lan'er's smile was very charming, and she was also skilled at smiling.Hearing the question, she simply smiled, "Each flower is seen differently, it's hard to say."Turning her eyes to Chu Yuzhi, she asked, "What do you think, Young Master Chu?"

As the most beautiful woman in Great Chu, it was naturally not appropriate for her to comment on young heroes, lest it lead to rivalry and jealousy.

Chu Yuzhi, however, had no such scruples. Upon hearing the question, he pondered for a moment and then said, "Xiang family's Double Pupils, valiant and resolute, can he be called a gentleman?"This statement overtly praised Xiang Bei, while subtly elevating Jiang Wang.Who present didn't know about the confrontation before the Huangliang Terrace just now?

Ye Lan'er nodded and said, "He can."Chu Yuzhi then said, "Wu family's Wu Ling, the confluence of military and Confucianism, forming his own school, can he be called a gentleman?"Ye Lan'er smiled, "He can."

Chu Yuzhi continued, "Zhongli Yan of Xian Valley, who was narrowly defeated by Dou Zhao in his early years, angrily abandoned his art and cultivated the martial way on his own. Now his spine is opened to the twentieth layer, can he be called a gentleman?"This was the first time Jiang Wang had heard the name Zhongli Yan. A martial cultivator whose spine was opened to the twenty-first heaven could be compared to a Divine Arrival. Chu was renowned for its magical arts, and for Zhongli Yan to abandon his art and cultivate the martial way required great courage. Especially since he could reach the twentieth layer so quickly, his cultivation directly rivaling Dou Zhao, he was naturally a heavenly talent.

Ye Lan'er smiled and said, "Zhongli Yan is naturally a gentleman."Chu Yuzhi paused, then suddenly spread his hands and smiled, "Can Dou Zhao be called a gentleman?"He had briefly introduced each person he mentioned before.Only when speaking of Dou Zhao did he merely state a name.But everyone present applauded and sighed, "This is a true gentleman!"

Dou Zhao, Zhongli Yan, Wu Ling…It seemed these three were the biggest competitors in the Mountain and Sea Realm.As for the others…Perhaps this sounded disrespectful, but it was the truth—Xiang Bei was the best in the Inner Palace of Chu. Those below Xiang Bei naturally did not need to be given too much importance.This included Chu Yuzhi who was speaking now.As for Qu Shunhua, well, she was now recognized by Lord Jiang as his brother's wife, and not on the list of opponents.

He just didn't know who these people would invite to assist them.Would there be familiar faces?