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

The table was laden with food, a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

Yan Wenli has already tidied up again.

A group of people sat around the table, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Shen Qing was already used to it, and she said with a smile, "Everyone can try these happy chicken wings first."

Everyone couldn't resist any longer and each grabbed a chicken wing.

The chicken wings were coated in an amber-colored sauce, with a few white sesame seeds scattered among them.

Madam Yan took a bite directly.

The first thing you notice is the sweetness of the cola sauce, refreshing and full-bodied, but this sweetness isn't cloying; it carries a subtle, almost imperceptible sourness.

The chicken skin is tender and smooth, with a slight elasticity between the teeth.

The chicken is simmered for a long time in the carbonation of the cola, making it so tender that it can be separated from the meat almost without chewing.

With one bite, sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors unfold on the tongue in succession, creating an extremely rich and complex experience.

After swallowing, it doesn't feel greasy at all, but rather refreshing, with a sweet aftertaste of caramel.

"ah--"

"This is so delicious, it's so delicious I want to cry!" Madam Yan exclaimed as she ate, her face full of surprise.

These happy chicken wings are so delicious, eating them really makes you feel happy.

"This sweet and sour pork is absolutely amazing, Madam, you must try it!!" Yan Wenli had already started eating heartily, recommending it to Madam Yan as he ate.

Madam Yan picked up another piece of sweet and sour pork with her chopsticks.

The first bite is crispy, and the moment your teeth break through the outer shell, scalding hot meat juices gush out. The tenderloin inside is so tender it's almost chewy, and the sweet and sour flavors explode on your tongue at the same time. It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and one bite leaves you wanting more.

"This sweet and sour pork is simply the best I've ever had in my life!"

As she spoke, she eagerly picked up a piece of stir-fried vegetables with minced garlic.

It's incredibly crisp to the touch, with the caramelized aroma of garlic coating the leafy greens and blending perfectly with the natural sweetness of the greens, creating a very refreshing flavor.

Another bite of the cold cucumber salad is incredibly crisp and juicy, with a layered sour and fragrant flavor and the smoky aroma of dried chili threads. After swallowing, there's a slight numbing sensation from the Sichuan peppercorn oil, making you want to have another bite.

And then there was that plate of glistening braised pork, the slices of which were extremely thin, each with a perfect balance of fat and lean meat. It was fragrant and tender, with a hint of spiciness from the green garlic, and not greasy at all.

The table was laden with dishes, each one an absolute delicacy, each with its own unique characteristics and delicious flavor; it was impossible to say which was better.

"It smells so good! All these years of being a chef have been a waste..." Guo Tiancheng let out a burp, put down his chopsticks, and couldn't help but say.

Only after tasting Shen Qing's cooking today did he realize that the food he had made before was not delicious at all.

His skill level is still far from that of a master chef.

No wonder this dietary competition stopped at the second stage again.

"Burp~ That was so satisfying, I haven't eaten this much in ages~" Yan Wenli patted his round belly, looking completely content.

Situ Liang kept eating, even though he was already very full, he couldn't bear to stop eating.

Madam Yan's eyes crinkled with joy, and she felt extremely happy after finishing her meal.

Fortunately, Yan Wenli was clever and invited Madam Shen to his residence; otherwise, she wouldn't know when she would be able to eat such delicious food.

She now only hopes that the food competition can last for a few more days, so that she can eat more of Madam Shen's cooking.

......

Shen Qing and the others spent a comfortable night at the Yan residence.

After a good night's sleep, the three of them packed their things the next day and prepared to head to the culinary competition venue.

"I'll go with you!!" As soon as the three of them reached the door, Madam Yan rushed out, her face beaming with excitement.

Last night, Yan Wenli told her that she would have the chance to eat Shen Niangzi's delicious food at the competition venue.

"If Madam Yan is interested, of course she can come with us." Shen Qing was happy to take Madam Yan along.

Madam Yan was beautiful and had a straightforward personality, which suited Shen Qing's taste perfectly.

"That's wonderful!" Madam Yan immediately took Shen Qing's arm. "Don't keep calling me Madam Yan. I'm a few years older than you. If you don't mind, just call me Sister Wanrong."

Madam Yan's maiden name was Tao Wanrong.

"Sister Wanrong~" Shen Qing smiled, "Then let's hurry up and go."

"good!"

Apart from Yan Wenli, who was tied up with official duties, everyone else went to the food competition.

By this time, the venue had already been surrounded by a large number of spectators and contestants, a veritable sea of ​​people.

The third stage of the competition was even more intense and exciting, attracting even more spectators than yesterday.

When the time came, the seven judges took the stage in turn.

With the sound of a gong, the host announced the rules for the third stage of the competition.

"The third stage of the competition is divided into three rounds. The first round is a knife skill competition. Contestants need to cut their tofu into strips that are thin enough to thread a needle within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. The winner is the one who can do this."

"All contestants, please proceed to the stove to prepare. You can start cutting the tofu as soon as the gong sounds."

As soon as he finished speaking, a servant led the contestants to the stove.

There are only forty contestants left, so everyone's stoves are in a good position, right in the center of the competition area.

Looking down from the judges' platform, you can clearly see every contestant.

Shen Qing glanced at the items on the stove: a piece of soft tofu, some seasonings, basic knives and spatulas, etc.

It is quite complete.

Li Zhesheng's stove was opposite Shen Qing's; he was confident and composed.

Although Shen Qing won the Golden Chopsticks Token for two consecutive days, he felt that it was just by using some underhanded methods. When it came to basic skills, he would never lose.

Moreover, he had made ample preparations for today.

Li Zhesheng took a knife out of his basket.

This knife is shaped like a willow leaf, with a blade as thin as paper, and the thickest part of the back of the blade is no more than half an inch.

The blade gleamed with a frosty silver light, and near the hilt were two small characters: "Cut Clouds".

"Look at Li Zhesheng's knife!! That's Caiyun!!"

"My God, I heard that Caiyun is the last knife made by the famous knife-making master Shen Yidao, and it was made specifically for cutting tofu."

"I've heard that this knife can cut hair in an instant, and it's especially good at slicing soft tofu—it cuts it perfectly!"

"Li Zhesheng actually took out this knife; it seems he's serious."

"Sigh, putting everything else aside, just the fact that this knife was drawn means that Madam Shen has already lost more than half the battle."

"..."

Those present were filled with amazement. Li Zhesheng's knife was truly famous, named "Cloud Cutter," meaning it could cut the clouds in the sky into silk.

If you can cut clouds into silk, how much more so a piece of tofu?

On stage, Mr. Fang Shanren and Mr. Qingci couldn't help but worry about Shen Qing.

Li Zhesheng, from a family of imperial chefs, undoubtedly possesses exceptional skills, and now, on top of those skills, he has added a fine knife to his already formidable abilities.

It's like adding strength to strength.

Grandpa Jin and Grandpa Sun smiled slightly, relaxed, their eyes filled with pride and smugness, and they even leisurely sipped their tea.