Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 258, Section 257: Night Banquet with Snow Salt
Musical instruments such as sheng, xiao, drums, songs, dances, and acrobatics.

Qin's Time was an eye-opener tonight!

This was because the palace entertainments were not as serious and orthodox as she had imagined; on the contrary, they were diverse in style.

There was the opening bronze lamp dance with a supernatural feel, as well as many folk songs, acrobatics, and even ventriloquism performances backstage.

What's most surprising is that the entire banquet's performance was even more lively and unrestrained than the Spring Festival Gala. In addition to singing and dancing, there were also witty people who used humorous language to create jokes, much like the sketches or stand-up comedy of later generations.

So joyful, and so inclusive and ever-changing!

Qin Shi glanced at Madam Chu: Since there are already these folk ditties in the palace, her convoluted and cryptic lyrics must be because she doesn't have much talent, right?

Sigh, is it that shrewdness is only on the surface?
She was lost in thought when Ji Heng happened to glance at her and sighed inwardly:

If all the ministers in the court were as diligent and hardworking as the Queen, without ever taking a break, how could the Qin Dynasty not prosper!
Unfortunately, everyone is like a prime minister, always complaining and disliking working overtime.

He felt a great sense of regret.

If Qin Shi knew this, he would truly shed a tear of sympathy for his ministers, for not everyone in this world can get up at four in the morning and go to bed in the middle of the night like Ji Heng.

On the bright side, although the King of Qin was overly diligent in his duties and hoped that his employees would work overtime, at least he was willing to pay overtime and give generous rewards.

If it were the stingy Old Zhu who started with just one bowl... asking Old Zhu for a reward would be like asking him for his life.
That’s all!

Fortunately, no one knew about this comparison, so everyone was happy and harmonious again.

Besides the banquet, Qin Shi turned to Ji Heng and said, "Your Majesty, Yan Cong is producing salt in Bohai County, and the yield is quite abundant. Although it cannot be distributed to the people for the time being, we can start preparing for sales next year."

While Wuyou and Ba Furen could certainly fetch high prices, the extent to which they could be sold, and how sought-after they would be, depended on the merchant's status alone, making them rare commodities.

Therefore, Your Majesty, please act as our spokesperson.

Ji Heng raised an eyebrow: "The Queen has already spoken about this matter. Are you suggesting that I punish him in public again?"

Qin Shi laughed and shook his head: "Later, I will order the palace chef to serve a new dish to all of you. If Your Majesty finds it palatable, please give it a few words of praise and try some more."

In an era when it was impossible to spread information widely, the best trend was whatever the rulers liked.

Ji Heng frowned slightly, clearly understanding Qin Shi's meaning.

His thinking wasn't rigid—most capable rulers are like this in such details. Besides, everything was for the sake of the national treasury, so his temporary cooperation was only natural.

He then pondered for a moment and said, "If it is too salty and bitter, Your Majesty will need to prepare more honey water."

Qin Shi immediately burst into laughter.

Her eyebrows curved, and her expression was affectionate and gentle.

The officials below the stage were observing discreetly, and at that moment, they all gasped inwardly:
The king had not appointed a queen for a long time, and people thought he was focused on state affairs. However, the queen he brought back in haste was not only favored, but it was clear that there was affection between the two of them!

No wonder they even gave her an extra private army when they crowned her queen. Back when the Queen of Chu was in power, her army wasn't even this large!
Both those on and off stage had their own thoughts.

Before long, the servants indeed brought the earthenware urns to the front of the hall one by one.

Because banquets are now served at individual tables, each person has a jar placed in front of them. Wang Xueyuan, who loves novelty, was greatly excited when she saw the mysteriously presented delicacies, recalling the various dishes that the Queen and the palace chefs had modified!
Although the Grand Historian was old, he still had a great love for food.

Now that he is so addicted to sweets, he boldly asked upon seeing a new product, "May I ask Your Majesty, is this some kind of novel food?"

Qin Shi was surprised by such support and was equally pleased, replying, "That's right."

It wasn't cooked until it was soft and tender, just for the sake of good taste. I don't know if the Grand Historian can eat it.

She noticed that the old man had pretty good teeth, so if all else failed, she would have the servant cut it open.

The Grand Astrologer Yuan Xin had already ordered his servants to open the lid. Looking down again, they saw that it was half a jar of snow-white granules, piled high like snowdrifts.

Many people in the audience had already lifted the lids, and upon seeing these particles, they couldn't help but share the same question:

What is this?

How should it be eaten?
The attendant subtly stopped someone from taking a spoonful, explaining in a low voice, "My lord, please look—"

"This is the snowflake salt, a secret supply from the Xianyang Palace. Its color is pure and its taste is authentic."

"Now, following the Queen's orders, we have prepared a salt-baked chicken dish. Please, Your Excellencies, taste it."

After the servants finished speaking, they gently picked up their spoons and brushed aside the snow-like salt grains to reveal the golden, oily salt-baked chicken underneath.

Although it may not be authentic due to the lack of seasonings, it is still a remarkable delicacy nowadays.

This dish is especially perfect for showcasing a generous amount of snowflake salt.

as predicted!

At this moment, no one cared about the salt-baked chicken anymore. They were already awestruck by the huge pile of snow-white salt grains.

It was also said to be a secret supply from the palace—that's what they said, but after a little thought, everyone knew that such pure and flawless salt must have been made by the Queen using the secret methods of Kunlun!
My heart immediately burned with excitement.

Wang Xueyuan had already immediately instructed her servants:

"I'll come and find out immediately tomorrow how to buy this snowflake salt! I want to showcase this dish at the New Year's banquet!"

When the wealthy and powerful engage in such competitive displays, they clearly disregard the cost.

Moreover, this kind of snowflake salt sounds and looks incredibly delicious.

The attendant nodded cautiously: "I know a lady in the Spring Palace. If I have time later, I will go and inquire about her immediately!"

Wang Xueyuan was immediately satisfied.

Then, seeing the aroma of the whole golden salt-baked chicken wafting out, a smell I had never tasted before, I became even more excited.

The servants were about to bring knives to help cut it, but he saw the Grand Historian in front of him nimbly reach out, grab the chicken leg, and tear it apart with force—

Damn!

The golden, tender chicken skin separates, revealing the steaming, juicy meat inside. You can't wait to put it in your mouth and take a bite!
The Grand Historian frowned, clearly noticing the chewiness of the food.

However, although the meat is firm and chewy, it becomes more and more fragrant the more you chew it! The taste is not pungent, but it is really irresistible!
He took a couple of bites, and his expression immediately became relaxed and content.

Wang Xueyuan watched, and before the servants could even carefully consider where to cut, she grabbed the chicken wing and tore it apart fiercely.

Looking around the hall, one sees people and officials everywhere, not in a hurry to eat meat, but instead tasting the snow-white salt grains.

After savoring it carefully, he shook his head and said, "Truly pure and authentic, colorless and bitter, without a trace of impurity."

Then, with a look of regret, he stared at the pottery urn, thinking that if it weren't for the banquet, he would have taken the urn home to keep as a keepsake.

Oh!

Oh!

The Kunlun secret method, the snowflake salt, is truly extraordinary!
　Here it comes! Historically, Qin Shi Huang was known for his blatant exploitation of working hours, but he was also undeniably generous. As for Zhu Yuanzhang, he not only wouldn't pay, but he'd also take lives…

　　(End of this chapter)