Republic of China, 1928: Starting from a Wonton Shop

The seventeenth day of the first lunar month.

The vermilion gate of Feng's residence near Dongsi Archway was tightly closed, with only two huge red lanterns swaying in the wind at the entrance. As a director of Xinhua Bank, Feng Gengguang's residence was naturally extremely elegant.

Inside the warm chamber, the fireplace was burning brightly, and the air was filled with the aroma of fine Da Hong Pao tea.

Today, Feng Gengguang changed into a loose black silk bathrobe, with a mink vest over it. He was leaning back in a grand chair, playing with a Ming Dynasty doucai chicken cup in his hand.

Mei Lanfang, dressed in a dark blue long gown with subtle patterns, looked even more refined and elegant. Beside them, Stuart was examining a painting or calligraphy hanging on the wall with great interest.

However, the important figures in this room today are far more than just these three.

Sitting on a mahogany chair by the window was an elderly man over sixty years old. He was thin but full of energy, with a silver beard that reached his chest. He was wrapped in a slightly worn brown cotton robe and leaned on a cane. This was none other than Qi Baishi, the famous painter of shrimp, who was also known for his eccentric temperament.

Opposite Qi Lao was a handsome young man with a face like jade, sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. Every gesture he made exuded the elegance of a scholar. He was Zhang Boju, who was known as one of the four great gentlemen of the Republic of China and was a master of collecting, calligraphy and painting, poetry and opera.

"Wanhua," Feng Gengguang put down his teacup and looked at Mei Lanfang with a smile, "It took me a lot of persuasion to invite Master Qi and Cong Bi (Zhang Boju's courtesy name Cong Bi) here today. Master Qi usually lives a secluded life. If I hadn't heard that you were taking him to a special place, I'm afraid no one could have persuaded this true god in this cold weather."

Qi Baishi lifted his eyelids, his voice booming but with a hint of Hunan accent: "Don't make fun of me, I'm just a country bumpkin. If Wan Hua hadn't said that the little restaurant had braised pork, I'd still be sleeping at home right now."

Zhang Boju stood to the side, fanning himself with a folding fan. Even though it was the first month of the lunar calendar, he never let go of his fan: "A chef who can make Wan Hua and Mr. Feng remember him so fondly, and even make Mr. Situ praise him so highly, if I, Zhang, don't go and see for myself, I'm afraid I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Stuart turned around, smiling and nodding. "Mr. Zhang, I can assure you, the braised pork and the boiled pork slices there are absolutely delicious!"

Qi Baishi snorted coldly: "What Mr. Yang said is too mysterious. Cooking is just like painting. The most taboo thing is to be too craftsmanlike. Nowadays, those big restaurants in the capital, such as Dongxinglou and Qingyunlou, make exquisite dishes, but they all taste like money. My palate is very picky. If the manager only has some fancy tricks, I will not accept it."

Mei Lanfang took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Don't worry, Master Qi. Li Chunsheng is only in his early twenties. He doesn't have any delicacies like bird's nest, shark fin, abalone, or sea cucumber. Yesterday, he sent an invitation, saying that the private room was completed and inviting us to try it. That's why I thought of you and had Feng Liu inform you."

Feng Gengguang glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already eight o'clock. He stood up, put on his mink coat, and said, "Alright, since everyone is here, let's set off. Manager Li said his place is open until eight o'clock tonight, so if we go now, we can avoid the noise."

Meanwhile, at Li's Restaurant.

"Da Hu, hurry up and clear the bowls from the last table!" Li Chunsheng instructed as he took off his apron, which was stained with oil.

Xiao Wu wiped the sweat from his brow: "Alright! Boss, the snow outside is getting heavier, shall I add some more charcoal to the brazier in the private room?"

"Tian," Li Chunsheng glanced at Yunniang, who was wiping the counter, "Sister-in-law, is Yaya asleep?"

"He just fell asleep. He must have been tired from school today; he's sleeping soundly right now."

As they were talking, the roar of a car engine came from outside, sounding particularly clear in the quiet alley.

Li Chunsheng's expression hardened, and he strode towards the door.

The curtain was lifted, and then came Feng Liu's familiar voice.

"Manager Li, our distinguished guests have all arrived!"

Li Chunsheng bowed to welcome the guests, and the first to enter were naturally Mei Lanfang, Feng Gengguang, and Stuart.

"Mr. Mei, Mr. Feng, Mr. Situ, it's an honor to have you here! Please come in!"

Mei Lanfang smiled and turned to the side: "Chunsheng, today I've brought you two of the most knowledgeable gentlemen in Beiping. You'd better show us your true skills."

Li Chunsheng smiled and nodded, about to reply, but his gaze fell on the two people who came in after him.

In that instant, Li Chunsheng felt a buzzing in his head.

The old man on the left, leaning on a cane, with that signature silver beard! Isn't that Mr. Qi, who has appeared countless times in art textbooks throughout the ages?!

And the gentleman on the right, so elegant and refined, who else could be so respectful to Mr. Mei, besides Zhang Boju, the renowned collector who risked his life to protect national treasures?!

Li Chunsheng was stunned.

He never expected Mei Lanfang to bring him such a big surprise.

Qi Baishi, Zhang Boju, Mei Lanfang, John Leighton Stuart, Feng Gengguang.

Li Chunsheng secretly gasped as he watched the five people gathered in his small shop!

"What's wrong, Manager Li? Are you intimidated by the names of these two gentlemen?" Feng Gengguang joked.

Li Chunsheng quickly suppressed his shock and bowed deeply to the group.

"Junior Li Chunsheng greets Mr. Qi and Mr. Zhang. It is truly an honor for our humble shop to have you both visit."

Zhang Boju smiled and closed his folding fan, patting Li Chunsheng on the shoulder: "No need for formalities. We're just here for dinner tonight. We just don't know if the dishes are really as delicious as Lanfang said?"

Li Chunsheng straightened his back. "Now that you gentlemen are here, if I were to hold back, I fear you would never visit again. All five of you, please proceed to the backyard!"

In the backyard, the snow fell silently.

Carpenter Wang's craftsmanship was truly remarkable; the wooden house blended seamlessly with the old locust tree, exuding a reclusive air.

Five distinguished guests entered the private room. Old Wu was already waiting at the door, while Da Hu was busy adding red charcoal to the charcoal brazier inside.

After Qi Baishi sat down, he looked around at the furnishings of the private room. They were simple, but not shabby. He nodded slightly and said, "It's quite interesting. It's better than those fancy restaurants that are all decorated with red and green."

Li Chunsheng had already retreated into the kitchen; he had to give it his all tonight.

"Sister-in-law, fire!"

"Okay!"

Li Chunsheng first walked towards the bighead carp that had already been properly prepared.

The fish head was large and plump. He split it open from the back and laid it flat on a large porcelain plate. He first grabbed a handful of peppercorns and coarse salt, rubbed them in his hands to release their aroma, and then carefully rubbed them into every crevice of the fish meat. Then he poured a spoonful of strong liquor down the fish head, and the spicy aroma of the liquor took away the last trace of fishy smell.

Although the most crucial chopped chili peppers weren't homemade, he seasoned them again with a little sugar and high-proof liquor. Li Chunsheng scooped up a large handful of chopped chili peppers and spread them evenly on the fish head, creating a thick layer. Finally, he garnished it with a ring of minced garlic and fermented black beans.

"Get on the pot!"

While the fish was steaming, he turned around and lifted the lid of the casserole that had been simmering on the stove for two hours. The Mao-style braised pork had long since reduced to a thick, dark red sauce, and every piece of meat was crystal clear.

"Big Tiger, serve the food!"

Inside Liuxianglu Restaurant, when the bowl of trembling braised pork was placed on the table, the elderly Mr. Qi Baishi was the first to stop drinking his tea. He squinted at the color of the pork, a hint of surprise appearing on his usually stern face: "This color... it really wasn't made with soy sauce?"

Mei Lanfang smiled and gestured, "Mr. Qi, you'll know once you try one."

Qi Baishi picked up a piece, took a small bite, and his slightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed. "Delicious! It's sweet with a hint of spiciness, and the spiciness has a lingering sweetness. It reminds me of the taste of my hometown."

Zhang Boju also repeatedly praised, "Rich yet not vulgar, rich yet not greasy, delicious, delicious!"

Stuart Leighton, on the other hand, had already started eating skillfully and didn't say much. He was joking; while he was talking, he could have eaten several more pieces!