Shocking! The entire court was drooling with envy because of me.

Shen Qing was very generous, tasting as he spoke:

"This stir-fried green beans weren't stir-fried dry enough, and the minced meat was stir-fried too quickly, so the outside was burnt while the inside wasn't dry enough. In my opinion, it should be stir-fried slowly over low heat until the beans are dry, the surface wrinkles, and the color turns a deep yellow-green. That's what I call 'dry'."

"And the seasonings, the soy sauce should be poured along the edge of the pot, using high temperature to bring out the aroma of the sauce and evaporate the moisture instantly, otherwise the green beans will become soft again and the taste will not be good."

"......"

As Shen Qing tasted the dishes, he explained the ingredients of each dish clearly and offered suggestions for improvement.

The inn's cook listened intently, his eyes shining brighter and brighter, his gaze towards Shen Qing filled with admiration.

Guo Tiancheng and his apprentice Situ Liang were dumbfounded. After just one or two dishes, they only thought Shen Qing was a bit amazing.

He described all five dishes clearly and even offered suggestions for improvement. How amazing!

No wonder, no wonder the county magistrate wanted to send this Lady Shen to participate in the competition.

Such a prodigy, the master and apprentice couldn't even compare to one of his fingers.

As soon as Shen Qing finished speaking, the inn's cook ran off in a flash.

Needless to say, they're probably out tasting dishes again.

Turning her head, she saw that Guo Tiancheng and Situ Liang's four eyes were filled with admiration.

"Madam Shen, I was so ignorant and arrogant. I'm impressed. You're really amazing." Situ Liang gave Shen Qing a thumbs up.

Master always said he was exceptionally talented in cooking, but compared to Madam Shen, his talent was practically nonexistent.

"A bet's a bet, I'll drink all of this wine!" Situ Liang picked up the wine jar and started drinking.

I used to think I was incredibly capable, but today I realize that there are always people more capable than me, and there's always something beyond my understanding.

He still needs to practice more when it comes to cooking.

Guo Tiancheng was overjoyed, his chopsticks never stopping as he kept picking up sweet and sour pork ribs.

"That's wonderful, Madam Shen! With you here, Ping'an County is sure to achieve a good result this time!!"

Although I dare not dream of winning the championship, Shen Niangzi's level is definitely good enough to be in the top ten!

Making it into the top ten is good for Ping'an County; it's better than ten years ago.

"It was just a coincidence. There must be countless famous chefs participating in the culinary competition, and I could only do my best," Shen Qing said modestly.

Her goal is to win the championship, but it's better to be humble.

Moreover, she knew nothing about her competitors.

Although ancient times lacked the sophisticated seasonings and additives of modern times, it must be said that there were many renowned chefs in ancient times. These chefs used time and skill to perfect a dish, something that modern technology and ruthless techniques cannot replace.

If she wants to win first place, she has to give it her all.

As he spoke, Situ Liang had already downed a whole jar of wine.

His face was flushed, but his heart was filled with excitement.

"Madam Shen, I...can I become your apprentice...?"

"If you would accept me as your apprentice, I will treat you with the same filial piety I show to my own mother. I will do whatever you ask me to do, and I will never go west if you tell me to go east!"

After saying that, he turned to Guo Tiancheng and said, "Master, the two of us combined can't compare to Madam Shen's cooking skills. Please don't blame me for taking Madam Shen as my apprentice. Don't worry, I'll teach you after I've learned her skills!"

"I know you must want to learn too, but you're too old and can't bring yourself to ask to become an apprentice."

After drinking to his heart's content, Situ Liang started talking without any regard for anything else.

Shen Qing was completely dumbfounded; Situ Liang was completely going against the natural order.

It's one thing to want to become someone else's disciple in front of your own master, but to think about turning around and teaching your own master?

Simply outrageous.

"Young Master Situ has had too much to drink and is talking nonsense," Shen Qing said to Guo Tiancheng with a smile.

After finishing the last rib, Guo Tiancheng burped and said, "That's not nonsense, that's the truth."

"Madam Shen, why don't you consider taking us both in?"

Guo Tiancheng moved closer to Shen Qing, his round face showing a hint of anticipation.

If he can successfully become an apprentice, he will learn unparalleled culinary skills!

He had no particular hobbies or ambitions in his life; the only thing he persisted in was cooking.

But there hasn't been much progress over the years...

"You're joking. I'm too young to take on apprentices," Shen Qing politely declined.

Guo Tiancheng looked disappointed: "Why don't you reconsider? We really are quite obedient..."

"Feel sorry."

"If all else fails, you can take Ah Liang in. He's quite talented, but he can be a bit arrogant sometimes."

"Sorry, I don't accept disciples," Shen Qing said, his smile fading as he repeated.

Guo Tiancheng sighed, turned his head and saw that Situ Liang was already completely drunk, slumped over the table and fast asleep.

"It was my insistence. It is an honor for us to participate in the cooking competition with Madam Shen. My apprentice was really rude just now, and I apologize to you on his behalf."

"It's just a game, you're taking it too seriously," Shen Qing said calmly.

Tomorrow there's a food competition to participate in, and Situ Liang is drunk to the point of unconsciousness. Guo Tiancheng and Shen Qing exchanged a few more words before Guo Tiancheng helped Situ Liang back to his room to rest.

Shen Qing also returned to her room to rest and recharge, preparing for tomorrow's culinary competition.

A good night's sleep~

A new day has arrived in the blink of an eye.

Today, Beijing is even more prosperous, with more people, cars and people coming and going, and it's bustling with activity.

"The once-in-a-decade culinary competition is about to begin! Let's go check it out!"

"I don't know what the competition format will be this year, but it's sure to be exciting!"

"I heard it was incredibly successful ten years ago, producing many famous chefs."

"..."

The crowds on the street all rushed to one place, which was the venue for the food competition.

The competition venue was located at the Dajiaochang (Great Military Training Ground) at the southernmost tip of Beijing. This place is usually used for military drills and covers a vast area that can accommodate 10,000 people.

At this moment, tall flagpoles were erected around the drill ground, and the flags of each region fluttered in the wind.

In the very center of the drill ground, thousands of stoves were neatly arranged, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Behind the training ground is a high platform, which is where the judges and referees stand.

Below the platform stood two neat rows of soldiers, clearly there to maintain order.

At this moment, the area around the training ground was already packed with people, including not only the participants but also many spectators.

Shen Qing, Guo Tiancheng, and Situ Liang were among the crowd.