Chapter 9 Chapter 8 The Last Battle

"King of Fishes"; "Best among the fish"; "The best fresh food in the world"; ... These dazzling titles all belong to the same fish: puffer fish. Puffer fish, commonly known as bubble fish, has a peculiar appearance.Its body is cylindrical, with an extremely fat belly; its eyes are small and sunken, its mouth is like a cherry, with a pair of chisel-like teeth on its upper and lower jaws, and it feeds on shrimp, crabs, fish, etc.; There are horizontal stripes on the belly and back of the fish, and a pair of black spots behind the pectoral fins. There is no pelvic fin.

Puffer fish is famous all over the world, first of all, of course, because of its delicious taste. The history of eating puffer fish in my country has a long history, and there are relevant records in the middle of the second century AD.During the Warring States Period, the land of Wu and Yue was rich in puffer fish. After Wu State became the overlord, it was extravagant and promiscuous, and the puffer fish was praised as the best delicacy. Liver", puffer fish testis is called "Xi Shi milk". Su Dongpo, a scholar of the Song Dynasty, can be said to be the most famous and obsessed among puffer fish eaters throughout the ages.For fugu, he not only had a wonderful praise of "eating fugu is tasteless", but also left a well-known seven-character quatrain:

"Three or two branches of peach blossoms outside the bamboo are the prophets of the ducks in the spring water; the wilting wormwood is everywhere and the reed buds are short, just when the puffer fish is about to come." With all these things, one can imagine the delicacy of puffer fish.It is said that a person who can taste the taste of fugu with his own mouth will not be willing to let go even if you slap him on the face on the spot. However, more people regard puffer fish as a scourge! Mei Yaochen, a poet who lived with Su Dongpo in the Song Dynasty, also wrote a poem describing the palpitating side of puffer fish:

"When puffer fish is at its peak, fish and shrimp are so expensive. It is said that they are too beautiful, but who would say that they are dead like hemp!" Mei Yaochen is definitely not alarmist, puffer fish can indeed kill people, because its body contains a special toxin, and it is extremely poisonous.Tetrodotoxin is a thousand times more toxic than sodium cyanide, and one puffer fish is enough to poison seven or eight adults to death! The most delicious fish in the world is terribly poisonous. Perhaps this is the biggest joke the Creator has played on the world’s diners, right?

Pufferfish, like a beautiful woman with a delicate face but a heart like a snake, makes people love and fear at the same time.You can't resist her temptation, but this temptation is accompanied by deadly danger. There are always many people who cannot see the danger in the face of temptation.In the Jiangnan area, puffer fish has been addicted to food since ancient times.Because toxins in puffer fish are mostly concentrated in the ovaries, liver, kidneys, brain, intestines, eyes, gills, blood and other parts, gluttonous diners think that after careful cleaning and washing, they can eat non-toxic puffer fish meat.

It is true that many people eat this kind of puffer fish that has been carefully prepared, and they are safe and sound while feasting on their mouths. It is no exaggeration to describe it as "death like hemp". At any time, eating wild puffer fish is extremely dangerous, so there is a folk saying in the Jiangnan area: "Eat puffer fish desperately." According to legend, in the past, someone once cooked a table of puffer fish and invited Su Dongpo to the banquet.After Su Dongpo sat down, he shook his arms and ate without saying a word. He didn't ask his friend until he was full with wine and food, "Puffer fish is very poisonous, and it can kill you if you eat it. Do you know that?" : "According to its taste, death is enough!"

This is the momentum of "death to eat fugu". This momentum comes from the incomparable delicious taste of puffer fish. In this regard, puffer fish is fully worthy of this peak matchup tonight.But at the same time, the terrible toxicity of the puffer fish also caused an atmosphere of uneasiness in everyone's hearts. Could it be that tonight, there will also be a "desperate" competition? Jiang Shan, who was the protagonist of the competition, stood up and left under the watchful eyes of all the chefs in Huaiyang. "Blowfish? Is this thing highly poisonous?" Xu Lijie felt the heavy atmosphere in the banquet hall, and asked a little nervously.

"Wild puffer fish are all poisonous." The old man specially emphasized the word "wild", and then added: "However, artificial puffer fish are being cultivated in many places now, and non-toxic species have been bred." Xu Lijie breathed a sigh of relief: "Then the ones used in this competition should all be artificially bred non-toxic pufferfish, right?" Most of the people around shook their heads slightly, obviously not agreeing with Xu Lijie's point of view.I only heard the old man say: "Although artificially farmed puffer fish are non-toxic, their taste is much inferior to that of wild puffer fish."

Although the old man didn't answer Xu Lijie's question directly, the meaning he wanted to express couldn't be more obvious.In a competition at the peak level of the culinary world, if artificially farmed puffer fish with poor taste are used as raw materials, it would be as ridiculous as both sides wearing protective gear in a heavyweight boxing championship match. "If wild puffer fish are used, how can we ensure the safety of eating them?" Xu Lijie asked worriedly. The old man pondered for a moment: "The poison of puffer fish is mostly concentrated in the internal organs and blood. An experienced chef can remove these poisonous things after careful treatment."

"That being said, since eating wild puffer fish, it is impossible to guarantee 100% safety." Ma Yun followed up the old man's words and said, "Old man Xu from Liuxu County, Nancheng, Yangzhou, specializes in cooking wild puffer fish for others. He has accumulated more than 30 years of experience and is known as 'Blowfish Xu', but last year he was inevitably killed by a blowfish he took care of himself." Speaking of this incident, all the chefs in Yangzhou showed expressions of regret.In the south of the Yangtze River, this old man Xu is second to none in stewing puffer fish, and he is well-known in the culinary world.Moreover, he is kind and has many friends. The accident made many people feel sorry for him.

"With more than 30 years of experience, there are still times when you miss it? This puffer fish is too dangerous to eat." Xu Lijie couldn't help shaking her head. Ma Yun sighed and said: "It's also a coincidence. You know, this puffer fish is divided into male and female puffer fish, and there are testes and ovaries in the body respectively. The testes are edible, but the ovaries are highly poisonous. That day Mr. Xu When cooking puffer fish, the testis in the belly of the fish was clearly visible, which was clearly a male dolphin, so he stewed the testis and fish at the same time. After serving it on the table, he took only one bite and fell down in less than five minutes. Later Others went to check the stewed puffer fish, and found that the testis still contained a pair of highly poisonous ovaries only found in female dolphins." Xu Lijie opened her mouth wide in surprise: "What's going on?" "Hermaphrodite." Ma Yun explained, "just like intersex people, it is a deformity of the reproductive system. If you count the probability, there may not be such an intersex puffer fish out of ten thousand puffer fish. Who would have thought that Xu Laoguan caught up." Chen Chunsheng said with emotion: "Old man Xu has lived most of his life, and there are probably tens of thousands of puffer fish slaughtered by his men? It really makes people feel that there is some kind of providence in the end when they meet this kind of ending." "I don't believe in God's will or anything. I just walk by the river all the time, how can I not get my shoes wet?" Shen Fei shook his head and said, "As far as I can see, this puffer fish is eaten once in a while, try something new, as long as you are careful when cooking it , it’s not a big problem, but if you become addicted to eating, there is no guarantee that something will happen someday.” Xu Lijie stuck out her tongue: "Even if I eat it occasionally, I'm afraid I wouldn't dare." "That's good." Shen Fei giggled, "Leave me all your portion for a while." While speaking, Duan Xueming had directed the accompanying woman to remove the leftovers and used tableware such as tableware from the table.After a while, new bowls and plates were placed in front of everyone, but there were no chopsticks. Xu Lijie was feeling strange when she saw a woman holding a large plate in her hand. After coming to the old man, she bowed slightly and brought the plate to the old man.The old man nodded, stretched out his right hand, and picked up a pair of chopsticks from the plate. The woman then came to Ma Yun again, and Ma Yun followed suit, nodding first, and then taking a pair of chopsticks.Xu Lijie poked Shen Fei curiously: "What's in these chopsticks? Why do you want to pick them up one by one?" "Chopsticks are nothing special, but this is the rule when eating puffer fish." Shen Fei explained, "If the host treats guests, if puffer fish is served, not only will he not be able to greet you warmly like other dishes, but even the chopsticks will be taken away. If the guest If you want to eat fish, you must first make it clear that you know the dangers of eating fugu, and then take back the chopsticks yourself." At this moment, the woman had already brought the chopsticks to Xu Lijie. Xu Lijie followed the example of others and solemnly nodded to take the chopsticks, thinking to herself: "It is always right to hold the chopsticks in your hand first, and then the puffer fish will be eaten." table, whether to eat or not depends on the situation." The woman walked around the table, everyone took their chopsticks, and waited for a while, only to see Jiang Shan and the maid who led the way before, walked into the banquet hall one after the other. The first maid, wearing plastic gloves and holding a white porcelain plate, came to the old man first.The old man looked carefully at the items on the plate, then nodded and waved.The maid then went to Ma Yun and showed him the items on the plate. This time Shen Fei didn't wait for Xu Lijie to ask questions, he put his mouth close to her ear, and said softly: "This plate is filled with the toxin-containing parts of the puffer fish, and the cook must remove these parts from the fish. , put it on a plate for diners to check. In total, it should be a pair of fish eyes, a pair of liver, a pair of kidneys, a pair of fish gallbladder, a piece of fish skin, and if it is a female dolphin, there should be a pair of ovaries." When the woman came to her side, Xu Lijie took a closer look, and sure enough, as Shen Fei said, there were a lot of poisonous organs. Thinking of these things could kill people, her scalp couldn't help feeling a little numb, and hurriedly He waved his hand and asked the woman to take the plate down. After everyone had checked, Jiang Shan who followed behind put a large casserole on the table, and then returned to his seat and sat down. Jiang Shan had already completed his work, so it was time for him to make a "one-shot" move, and everyone turned their attention to the figure behind the screen.Duan Xueming winked at the woman accompanying the screen. A woman lightly stretched her arms, lifted the curtain behind the screen, and said softly, "Sir, it's your turn. Please follow me." "Yi Dao Xian" didn't say a word, got up and left with the woman.At this time, almost everyone stretched their necks, wanting to see the true face of this legend in the culinary world, but unfortunately, the screen was just between the entrance of the back kitchen and the wine table, and everyone could only vaguely see a blurred back .I saw that he was not tall, and he didn't seem to have any special demeanor in his gestures. For the next time, everyone in the hall was silent, they were waiting. When "Yidaoxian" returned to the banquet hall with a casserole in hand, the result of this waiting was ready to come out. The casserole was brought to the table by the maid. "Yi Dao Xian" finished his work and sat back behind the screen. No one could see his face. But at this time, everyone's attention was no longer on him. Everyone was staring intently at the two casserole pots on the table. The more than two hundred years of family grievances between "Yidaoxian" and Jiang Shan, the reputation of "Yixiaotian" restaurant, and the reputation of Yangzhou culinary circles seem to have all been concentrated in these two small casserole. The old man let out a clear cough, and asked seriously: "You two, can you open the pot?" While Jiang Shan answered "yes", "Yidaoxian" also nodded slightly behind the screen. The accompanying lady stepped forward and lifted the lid of the casserole, and the rich and tangy fragrance permeated the air instantly. All the people present couldn't help but close their eyes, and took a deep breath. The fragrance seemed to permeate every part of their body. pores, bringing an indescribably sweet sensation. However, everyone's location is different, and the smell they smell is also slightly different.Master and apprentice Ma Yun blurted out: "Mutton!" Chen Chunsheng said confidently: "Cai Xin!" Sun Youfeng and Ling Yongsheng beside him also nodded in agreement. As famous chefs in Huaiyang, their taste judgment is still accurate. Mutton and cabbage sum are the different ingredients that Jiang Shan and Yidaoxian use when cooking puffer fish. "Stewed puffer fish with mutton. The combination of fish and sheep is forming a word 'fresh'. The purpose of this dish is to add umami to the extreme, and to maximize the umami taste in the world. Well, it's a good idea!" Ma Yun pointed to Jiang Shan. The casserole was shaking its head and commenting. Chen Chunsheng looked at the "one-knife fresh" work in front of him, and followed Ma Yun's words: "This dish is 'puffer fish and cabbage'? Use the cabbage heart to absorb the fragrance of the puffer fish. The puffer fish is tender and the cabbage heart is smooth. No matter the taste In terms of taste, taste and color, the two match, it is indeed a wonderful pen that complements each other!" "En." The old man nodded, "From the point of view of the technique, these two dishes have their own strengths. It seems that we have to taste them before we can come to a conclusion." After hearing this, "Yidaoxian" behind the screen suddenly laughed "hey" and said, "It's a pity, but none of you can see the real function of those choy sums." Everyone was taken aback, and Jiang Shan frowned even more.After boiling the pot just now, judging from the overall situation of the two dishes, he at least has the confidence not to lose.But when the other party said such words suddenly, could there be another powerful foreshadowing? Chen Chunsheng turned around in excitement and bewilderment, and asked "Yi Dao Xian": "You mean, what mystery is there in this dish?" "Pluck a vegetable leaf and have a look." The old man took a pair of serving chopsticks from Duan Xueming's hand, put them into the casserole, and gently pushed aside a vegetable leaf. Everyone's eyes widened, and they saw many small golden round grains stuck in the gap between the vegetable heart. "This is... fish roe?" Ling Yongsheng scratched his head in surprise, seemingly unbelievable. "Not bad. The roe of puffer fish is very delicious. However, it is not easy to eat when it is broken into pieces in the pot. If you put cabbage heart, the fine roe can be attached to the gaps in the vegetable leaves, which is convenient for everyone to enjoy. .” "Yi Dao Xian" said these few words with ease, but everyone who listened was stunned.You must know that the most toxic organ in the puffer fish is the ovary of the female fish, and during the ovulation period, the mature fish roe in the ovary is even more poisonous. After a long while, Chen Chunsheng grinned wryly and said: "The fish roe is indeed the part with the strongest umami taste in puffer fish, but it is also the most toxic part. If you do this, the delicacy of this dish is of course extremely high, but who dares to eat it?" what?" Just listen to "Yi Dao Xian" said: "The toxicity of puffer fish is not born. The formation of toxins in its body is closely related to its acquired living environment and food sources. This is why non-toxic puffer fish can be bred through artificial breeding. You should all know this, right?" Ma Yun is rich in knowledge and said: "Yes, the toxins in puffer fish are accumulated in the food chain. The toxins are mainly produced by some fungi and other microorganisms. These toxic substances enter the puffer fish through the food chain. Puffer fish pass through some special Physiology accumulates toxins and thus arms itself as a deadly venomous fish." Ling Yongsheng's eyes lit up: "So, if wild puffer fish have not eaten poisonous substances..." "Yes." Before Ling Yongsheng could finish, "Yi Dao Xian" took the lead, "Not 100% of wild puffer fish are poisonous. Depending on the living environment and food source, some wild puffer fish are highly poisonous." , some are less toxic, and even a very small part are completely non-toxic." Jiang Shan understood the meaning of the words "one knife is fresh", and his face became serious. "You mean, this is one of the very few non-toxic wild puffer fish?" Sun Youfeng shook his head suspiciously, and said: "But since it is a wild puffer fish, it is impossible to control what it eats. You can't tell the difference." "Others can't tell the difference, but I can, and it's one of the culinary skills that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family." The words "one knife is fresh" are so confident that even the well-informed Jack Ma couldn't help but exclaim: "It's really unheard of to have such a magical ability, I admire, admire!" Jiang Shan was stunned. After a moment of stunned, he said with emotion: "With wild puffer fish roe in the dish, coupled with exquisite cooking skills, the delicious taste of this puffer fish cabbage can be imagined. It seems The chances of me winning this competition are already slim.” All the chefs in Huaiyang showed joy on their faces, thinking in their hearts: Jiang Shan has been unstoppable in Yangzhou's culinary world these days.In front of the "one knife fresh", after all, you have to bow your head and admit defeat. "One Knife Fresh" has been known in the culinary world for more than two hundred years, and it really deserves its reputation. But Jiang Shan didn't seem to give up completely. He pointed to the casserole on the table and said, "Anyway, I'd like to ask you to taste these two puffer fish dishes before giving your final judgment." Jiang Shan's request was reasonable, and all the chefs in Huaiyang had no objection.And facing this wild puffer fish roe, everyone can't wait to eat it immediately.The old man waved his hand and said, "Then let's start." After the old man finished speaking, everyone remained motionless. Only Jiang Shan picked up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of puffer fish he had cooked, and put it in his mouth to chew.At the same time, a maid stepped forward, picked up the casserole of "One Knife Fresh", and then walked towards the screen. Xu Lijie glanced at Shen Fei, and secretly smiled and said: "You are all talking lively, when you really want to eat, you are not like me, no one dares to move chopsticks." "What?" Shen Fei rolled his eyes at Xu Lijie, "This is the rule when eating puffer fish. The chef in charge must eat it first, and the guests can only eat it after ensuring it is safe and non-toxic." After finishing speaking, he immediately turned his head Go, staring intently at the "one knife fresh" behind the screen. The woman opened the curtain and brought the casserole to "Yidaoxian". "Yidaoxian" picked up a piece of puffer fish with chopsticks, but did not eat it immediately, but looked at it carefully in front of his eyes. There was silence in the banquet hall, and everyone was waiting silently.Finally, "Yidaoxian" raised his wrist slightly, and slowly sent the piece of fish to his mouth. Shen Fei suddenly shouted: "Wait a minute!" "Yi Dao Xian" was stunned, the chopsticks stopped halfway, and everyone's eyes turned to Shen Fei.The old man asked in surprise, "What's wrong?" But Shen Fei just stared at the screen, and said seriously: "You can't eat this puffer fish." After a moment of silence, "Yi Dao Xian" asked back, "Why?" "It's too dangerous for you to do this. The proportion of wild puffer fish that is non-toxic is less than one-tenth." Shen Fei's tone and expression were uncharacteristically serious when speaking. "What do you mean?" I don't know whether it was excitement or nervousness, but the voice of "Yi Dao Xian" was extremely hoarse at the moment. "There is no way to distinguish the toxicity of wild puffer fish. You are gambling with your life. Is it really worth it for a cooking competition?" When Shen Fei said this, all the chefs in Huaiyang were in an uproar, and Xu Lijie's eyes widened in surprise.Only Jiang Shan's face was as sinking as water, and his eyes were piercingly looking at Shen Fei. "Yi Dao Xian" sighed, and replied: "Young man, my 'Yi Dao Xian' family's reputation has been passed down for more than two hundred years. Naturally, I will have extraordinary skills. How dare you conclude that I am taking a risk and gambling?" Ling Yongsheng, who has always respected Shen Fei, chose to support "Yi Dao Xian" at this moment, and said with a little complaint: "Brother Fei, you shouldn't make random guesses. There must be many abilities of "Yi Dao Xian" that you and I were unable to do before." imagination." Shen Fei shook his head, and said to himself helplessly: "'Yi Dao Xian', 'Yi Dao Xian'... Sigh, can this 'Yi Dao Xian' really be so powerful?" Although Shen Fei's character is wild and unrestrained, he has always respected his elders very much.But what he said just now had a hint of contempt for "Yidaoxian". All the chefs in Huaiyang were surprised and confused for a moment, not knowing what kind of medicine he was selling in the gourd. But Shen Fei suddenly grinned, picked up the chopsticks, took out a piece of vegetable heart from the small bowl in front of him, and said with a little complacency: "Just now, while everyone was not paying attention, I had already secretly picked up a piece of vegetable from the casserole. Xin. If the gentleman behind the screen is really so confident, why don't you let me take the first bite." After speaking, he raised his hand, as if to put Na Cai Xin into his mouth. "Yi Dao Xian" was obviously taken aback, his wrist trembled, and the fish caught on the chopsticks fell back into the casserole, and at the same time he yelled: "No! You can't eat it!" Shen Fei's movements stopped, and he looked at the screen with a half-smile. When Shen Fei initially expressed doubts about "one knife fresh", the reason why the chefs in Huaiyang were in an uproar was mostly because they blamed Shen Fei for his reckless words, but seeing the current situation, everyone inevitably had the same doubts in their hearts.Even the old man on the main seat frowned, and asked anxiously: "Brother, is your ability to identify non-poisonous puffer fish true or false?" "Yi Dao Xian" sat behind the screen blankly, silent, and the atmosphere in the venue was a little awkward for a while. Jiang Shan looked at Shen Fei, then at "Yi Dao Xian", suddenly smiled slightly, and said, "Don't fight any more. How about this, as long as the gentleman behind the screen agrees to my request, I will automatically admit defeat. Puffer fish are poisonous and non-toxic, so there is no point." Jiang Shan's remarks are undoubtedly a good step to get rid of the embarrassment, whether it is for "One Knife Fresh" or for the Huaiyang chefs present.But everyone also understood that if Jiang Shan offered to admit defeat, then his request must be extraordinary. "What request, tell me." "Yi Dao Xian" snarled his throat, and those words seemed to be squeezed out of his throat with great difficulty. "For more than two hundred years, the reputation of 'Firework March' has almost become a legend in the culinary world, but for a long time, no one has really seen this dish. I would like to ask Mr. to show his skills today and make a dish 'Fireworks in March', on the one hand, it will open the eyes of everyone here, and on the other hand, it will convince my Jiang family." After Jiang Shan finished speaking, he looked at Shen Fei with a strange look, "Shen Fei, you What do you think of this proposal?" A smile appeared on Shen Fei's face, both relieved and helpless.But before he could answer, Chen Chunsheng couldn't wait to interject: "That's a good idea! Let's turn hostility into friendship, and let's enjoy the food together, so that we can be harmonious." Ma Yun also nodded in agreement, and said at the same time: "But this matter, you have to agree with yourself. There must be a reason why this dish has been kept secret for so long." "Fireworks in March" has been known as the best dish in the world for more than two hundred years. Who in the culinary world would not like to see its secrets?Everyone held their breath, quietly waiting for the answer of "One knife is fresh". But what "Yi Dao Xian" said next surprised and disappointed them. He neither agreed nor disagreed with Jiang Shan's request. After a long silence, he said: "'Firework March'...I will not do it." All the chefs in Huaiyang looked at each other, they couldn't believe their ears. The story of the "Yidaoxian" family and "Firework March" has been in the kitchen industry for more than two hundred years, but now, the successor of "Yidaoxian" says that he does not know how to cook "Firework March". Xu Lijie shook her head strangely: "Could it be that the plaque and the legend are all fake?" "Impossible." Ling Yongsheng maintained the dignity of the idol in his heart as always, "Maybe because of the age, this dish has been lost?" "The plaque and the legend are all true, and this dish probably hasn't been lost." Jiang Shan glanced at the bewildered crowd, and then said with a smile, "It's just that the gentleman behind the screen is not the successor of 'one knife fresh'. " The chefs in Huaiyang were speechless. To them, they were surprised one after another, and their minds were already foggy. The person behind the screen did not deny Jiang Shan's statement, but asked instead: "Why do you say that?" "Actually, when I heard your voice for the first time, I was already a little confused." Jiang Shan said, "When 'Yidaoxian' went to Beijing, although I didn't meet him, according to my father, he was just A young man in his twenties. Although you deliberately spoke in a hoarse voice, you still couldn't hide the deep breath in your voice." "'Yi Dao Xian' is a young man? How could this be?" The man behind the screen looked very surprised.But when he said this, he actually admitted that he was not really "one-shot". "'Yidaoxian' suddenly appeared back then, sweeping the Beijing culinary world, and then disappeared without a sound. A pendant, hanging in his hand and showing it to everyone, "When 'Yidaoxian' competed in cooking in Beijing, he always hung this pendant in front of the kitchen table where he could see it when he looked up. The last match with my father As soon as the competition was over, he left in a hurry and even forgot to take the pendant. After my father found out, he kept it.” "There seems to be a photo embedded in this pendant?" Xu Lijie became curious, "Can I see it?" "Yes." Jiang Shan handed over the pendant, "You should know who is in this photo." "Really?" Xu Lijie took the pendant and looked at it carefully in the palm of her hand.The photo showed a beautiful girl with a bright smile on her face, Xu Lijie suddenly remembered something, and asked doubtfully, "This...isn't this Xiao Qiong?" Jiang Shan nodded: "That's right. She was also in the group photo you saw at Shen Fei's house last time. Please return this pendant to Shen Fei now." Shen Fei smiled at Jiang Shan and said "Thank you".Xu Lijie looked at these two people with a fog in her mind.Suddenly, she finally understood, and exclaimed in surprise: "Ah! Shen Fei...you are the 'one-shot'!" Shen Fei didn't speak, he took the pendant from Xu Lijie's hand, looked at the photo on it, thought of too many things at once, and became a little crazy. Ling Yongsheng opened his mouth wide in disbelief: "Brother Fei...you..." Shen Fei got rid of the thoughts of the past, and smiled lightly: "Little Lingzi, I didn't deliberately try to hide it from you, but there are many things that don't need to be said." Although he didn't say it clearly, the subtext in Shen Fei's words couldn't be more obvious: he has already approved Xu Lijie's guess. Shen Fei is "one cut"! "One Knife Fresh" is Shen Fei! From the moment the dinner started today, the Huaiyang chefs who attended the meeting experienced surprises again and again, but the sum of all the previous surprises was less than one-tenth of the present moment.If it wasn't for the fact that they were in front of them, even if it made them think hard, they would never associate the uninhibited and unrestrained Shen Fei with the legendary "one knife fresh". Even the fake "Yi Dao Xian" behind the screen couldn't hold back the excitement in his heart at the moment, and asked with a trembling voice: "Shen Fei, are these... all true?" Shen Fei nodded, this time what he said was more clear: "That's right, the 'one-shot fresh' in Beijing eight years ago was me." "Who was the one at the 'Yixiaotian' restaurant before the Cultural Revolution?" "That's my father." Shen Fei replied with a respectful expression. "Your father... No wonder, no wonder, the first time I saw you, I thought you were destined for this restaurant. Oh, why didn't you tell me earlier?" At this point, the man had no need to hide and pretend, He got up and raised the curtain and walked out of the screen. "Boss Xu!?" "Master!?" "Father!?" Everyone yelled loudly.It turns out that this mysterious person pretending to be "Yi Dao Xian" is the boss of "Yi Xiao Tian" who claims to be sick: Uncle Xu. Uncle Xu looked a little embarrassed, laughed "hehe" twice as if mocking himself, and then said: "It was a helpless act for Mr. Cao and I to act in such a play together. Please don't be offended. Alas, if you know Why should I bother with 'one knife fresh' right in front of me?" Hearing Uncle Xu's words, everyone understood: He must have seen that the betting period was about to end, no one in Yangzhou could beat Jiang Shan, and the "Yi Dao Xian" hadn't shown up for a long time, so he put all his eggs in one basket and pretended to be "Yi Dao Xian" , use the special raw material of puffer fish and ginger mountain as a last-ditch. Thinking of the scene of her father and Jiang Shan's competition just now, Xu Lijie couldn't help feeling terrified. She stepped forward and took her father's hand, half distressed and half complaining, "Dad, how could you take such a big risk and bet your life?" Uncle Xu looked at his daughter and said, "If you can't keep this plaque, the signboard of Yixiaotian will collapse, and you don't want to stay with me, so what else do I have? Live a few more days, or live a few less days." never mind." Uncle Xu's words were obviously full of anger.Xu Lijie felt sore, knowing that her father's choice was somewhat related to her leaving Yangzhou, she couldn't help feeling guilty and worried, and her voice was crying: "Dad, if something really happened to you, didn't you want me to leave Yangzhou?" Are you guilty forever?" Xu Lijie's words were sincere, and Uncle Xu also touched the heartstrings. He felt that his words were indeed a little too much, so he found a way in a soft tone: "I have no choice. There is still hope of winning if I do this. It's better than watching Let others take the plaque away." "Then you have to promise me that you will never do such a thing again." "Okay, I promise, I promise." Uncle Xu responded with a smile from the corner of his eyes.She thought to herself: Even if her daughter is not by her side in the future, at least she has this father in her heart. A maid had already added a seat, and the father and daughter sat down next to each other.Their attention was also focused on Jiang Shan and Shen Fei just like the others present. Since coming to the "Yixiaotian" restaurant, apart from the "Bosnia and Herzegovina War" for Xu Lijie, Shen Fei has never cooked a dish, and everyone has always believed that Shen Fei can't cook at all. Now everyone knows what a ridiculous mistake this was.As early as eight years ago, Shen Fei was already the top swordsman who swept across the capital. And tonight's peak duel between Jiang Shan and "Yi Dao Xian" seems to have just kicked off at this time. Jiang Shan looked at Shen Fei, and Shen Fei also looked at Jiang Shan. Both of them were silent, maybe they both thought of many things at this time. Finally, it was Jiang Shan who broke the silence first: "Shen Fei, 'one knife is fresh', I have studied cooking for eight years, just for the day I met you." Shen Fei smiled faintly: "I know." Jiang Shan also smiled: "But before knowing your identity, we have become good friends." Shen Fei nodded. Indeed, their current demeanor and tone did not look like they were opposites with more than two hundred years of grievances. If you were present, you would only think that they were friends, and they were the kind of friends who had known each other for many years and were in love with each other. So Jiang Shan couldn't help sighing, and asked helplessly: "How should we proceed in this competition between us?" Shen Fei didn't answer, he was looking at the photo on the pendant again.The photo brought him back to eight years ago, and he suddenly felt that Jiang Shan was very similar to himself eight years ago: his cooking skills were at the peak, he was full of arrogance in dealing with people, and he was also full of curiosity about the secrets of "Firework March". Thinking of this, Shen Fei couldn't help raising his eyes to look at Jiang Shan, and asked: "You have studied Huaiyang cuisine for eight years, so you should be familiar with the characteristics of Huaiyang cuisine? If you can sum it up in one word, can you do it?" ?” After thinking for a while, Jiang Shan replied confidently: "Light! Huaiyang cuisine pays attention to the original taste of the dishes. Huaiyang cuisine is the most appropriate portrayal." After Shen Fei asked the question, all the chefs in Huaiyang who were present also thought about it secretly. Now listening to Jiang Shan's answer, everyone agrees in their hearts.The word "light" really summarizes the highest state of Huaiyang cuisine. "Great taste must be light, great taste must be light... well said." Shen Fei muttered a few words to himself, and then said to Jiang Shan: "For more than two hundred years, your Jiang family has always wanted to know the original What kind of dish is 'Fireworks in March'? Since you can say these four words, I will satisfy your request just now and cook 'Fireworks in March' for everyone!" Jiang Shan was suddenly moved.Xu Lijie clapped her hands excitedly: "Ah, that's great!" All the cooks in Huaiyang were also showing joy. Ma Yun stroked his beard and clicked his tongue repeatedly: "Firework March...do you really want to open your eyes today?" The old man was pleasantly surprised, but he did not forget his identity as the owner. He waved his hand and said politely: "Since Mr. Shen is so magnanimous, please follow Manager Duan to the back kitchen. All raw materials and stoves can be cooked as you like." Choose." "Okay, everyone just wait for a while." After Shen Fei finished speaking, he stood up casually and followed Duan Xueming.As soon as his figure disappeared at the door, everyone couldn't wait to discuss it. Uncle Xu first shook his head and said with emotion: "It's really unexpected. I have been looking for 'Yi Dao Xian' for so many years, and it turns out that he is by my side." "Actually, when I saw Shen Fei for the first time, I felt that he was not an ordinary person." Xu Lijie said this at this time, which somewhat meant "an afterthought". "It's unbelievable, unbelievable that the successor of 'Yidaoxian' actually fried stinky tofu on the street... The market value lost every year is more than one million?" The person with such business acumen is naturally Chen Chunsheng, the owner of "Jingyuexuan". 一直对沈飞敬若兄长的凌永生此时的感觉恍若梦中，不时喃喃自语：“飞哥就是'一刀鲜'，飞哥就是'一刀鲜'……”一脸抑制不住的兴奋和喜悦。 马云忽然想到一个问题，略带担心地问老者：“这'烟花三月'那么神奇，也不知是以什么为主料，后厨不会没有吧？” 老者显得极为自信：“只要是叫得上的鱼肉果蔬，这里的后厨都能够提供。” 徐叔在一旁附和：“这红楼宴厅现在的工作人员都是昔日曹家奴仆的后人，各方面的准备和服务工作绝对是无需担心的。” 老者微微一笑，看着众人换了个话题：“大家不要干坐着，姜先生的这份河豚现在可以动了，来，边吃边等。”说着，他自己率先夹起一块鱼肉，吃了两口后，大赞：“好！如此鲜味，妙不可言！” 淮扬众厨也纷纷跟着举筷，鱼肉下肚后，无不满脸陶醉，众口一辞地大加赞美。 徐丽婕虽然仍有些害怕，但见此情景，终于还是按捺不住肚子里的馋虫，拣了锅中最小的一块河豚肉，先仔仔细细端详了许久，然后才送入了口中。 那河豚肉融与唇齿之间，立刻有一股奇鲜溢出，肥、香、细、嫩、滑，诸多美妙口感都趋极致，连舌头都变得软绵绵的，好像要脱离身体飞去一般。徐丽婕一生之中，从没有尝过如此的美味，终于明白了为什么那么多人会冒着生命危险一饱口福。 众人正吃得痛快，忽然听到不远处一个熟悉的声音说道：“这么好的东西，你们可别全吃光了，也得给我留点。” 说话的人正是沈飞，他不知道什么时候已回到了宴厅内，正笑嘻嘻地看着大家。 众人全都停下了筷子，目光齐刷刷射向沈飞手中托着的一只土钵，那土钵是以黄陶烧制而成，看上去普普通通，毫无特别之处。 可谁都知道，号称“天下第一名菜”的“烟花三月”，现在就盛在这只土钵中。 “这么快就好了？”徐叔忍不住问道。从沈飞离席到现在，最多不超过十分钟的时间，这么短的时间内便完成了“天下第一名菜”，确实让人有些诧异。 沈飞点着头，非常肯定地回答：“好了。” 此时在座的所有人中，心情最为复杂的无疑便是姜山了。“烟花三月”，这道神秘的菜肴，姜家和“一刀鲜”家族两百多年的恩怨就是因它而起，两百多年来，姜家的后人为了获得这道菜中的秘密，不知做过多少次努力，可他们却始终只能在猜测中承受一种失败的感觉。 那种感觉，就像你被人打到了，却连对方是谁都不知道。 今天，这一切终于可以有一个结果。不管这道菜怎样的神奇，怎样的了不起，怎样的不可超越，至少它会露出真实的面目，让姜家明白，两百多年前，他们究竟是为什么而败。 所有的答案，都在那只土钵中。 “这就是'一刀鲜'代代相传的'烟花三月'。”与旁观者兴奋眼神形成鲜明对比的，是沈飞平淡的话语，淡得宛如一杯白水。 伴着这句话，土钵被摆在了桌上。 紧随而来的是一片寂静，所有的人都奋力瞪大了眼睛，甚至连呼吸都忘记了。 他们终于看见了传说中的菜肴：“烟花三月”。只见土钵中清汤寡水，绿的是青菜，白的是豆腐，除此之外，别无它物。 徐丽婕不是厨界中人，说话没什么顾忌，首先忍不住问道：“这就是'烟花三月'？” “'烟花三月'是当年乾隆太上皇御赐的菜名。”沈飞平静地回答，“这道菜其实还有个大家都知道的名字，叫做'青菜烩豆腐'。” “青菜烩豆腐？”众人面面相觑，他们眼中的兴奋消失了，取而代之的是疑惑和惊讶。 老者阅历丰富，也最为沉稳，略微一愣后，立刻说道：“大家先尝一尝这个菜，如何？” 陈春生等人立刻跟着附和。的确，真正的烹饪高手具有藏巧于拙的神妙本领，这看似普通的“青菜烩豆腐”中又焉知没有出人意料的玄机？ 姜山拿起筷子，看看沈飞：“可以吗？” “当然可以。”沈飞做了个“请”的手势，“大家只管随便用。” 众人伸筷入钵，或取豆腐，或夹青菜，然后小心翼翼地送入口中，闭眼咂舌，不敢错过半点滋味。很快，他们的脸上或多或少出现了失望的神色。 淮扬众厨都把目光看向姜山，等待着他的评论。 因为这道菜最终关系到的，正是姜山和沈飞间的对决。 姜山酝酿许久，终于一字一句地说道：“菜做得很好，可它就是一道普普通通的青菜炖豆腐。” 这也正是其他人心中的感觉，作为“一刀鲜”的传人，沈飞的厨艺无可挑剔。可无论如何，青菜炖豆腐就是青菜炖豆腐，就像“神仙汤”和“蛋炒饭”一样，名头再响，也终究脱不了原料本身的束缚，难登大雅之堂。 姜山的脸色变得有些难看。难道当年以自己先祖为首的大内一百零八名御厨，就是被这道菜所打败？两百多年来姜家苦苦追寻的“天下第一名菜”，就是任何一个市井老妇都会做的青菜烩豆腐？ “这道菜在传说中那么神奇，它到底又什么特别的地方呢？”徐丽婕不甘心地追问着。 “菜并没有什么特别的地方。”沈飞回答说，“特别的是做菜和品菜人的心。” 姜山像是被针蛰了一下，不安地挪了挪身体。沈飞的话说得非常简洁，但其中却包含着极为博大的哲理，他似乎有些明白，但一时又无法完全想透。 “当年我父亲教给我这道'眼花三月'的时候，我也和你们一样失望。”沈飞又开口说道，“直到八年前，我才真正理解了这道菜。” “八年之前？”姜山皱了皱眉头，“这么说你是明白了这道菜里的奥妙之后，才到北京挑战去的？” 沈飞摇摇一笑，言语中不无遗憾：“你猜错了。如果我早一点理解了这道菜，我就不会去北京了。” 众人茫然相觑，如同一头雾水。却听徐叔问道：“那你父亲是什么时候教给你这道菜的呢？” “在我回扬州城之前。” “回城？”徐叔有些不太明白。 “我父亲当年离开了'一笑天'之后，就在高邮农村居住了下来。”沈飞解释说，“在那里，我父母结了婚，然后生下了我。” “原来你父亲就住在高邮农村。文革结束以后，他为什么不回来呢？”徐叔回想起三十年前的沈飞父亲的风采，不禁思绪澎湃，恨不能立刻就飞往高邮，拜访这位昔日的前辈。 “我父亲不回来，是因为他在那里过得很快乐。”沈飞笑着说，“我父母的感情非常好，附近的村民要办红白喜事，我父亲就过去帮他们做菜。他现在是那一带远近闻名的'沈师傅'，那里的村民只知道沈师傅，不知道'一刀鲜'。” “这样的日子倒是自得其乐。不过太平淡了些，未免浪费了你们父子俩的一身厨艺。”陈春生免不了又是一阵惋惜。 “我当时也是这么想的。从小，我父亲就把祖传的烹饪技艺教给了我，到我十多岁的时候，我已经对自己的厨艺非常自负了。十年前，当我修完了学业之后，就一心想着要外出闯荡，我父亲并没有阻拦我。不过在我离开的前一天，他教给我这道'烟花三月'，并且告诉我，只有真正理解了这道菜，才能称得上是'一刀鲜'的传人。” 众人再一次把目光投向了桌上的土钵，这“青菜烩豆腐”中到底藏着什么样的秘密呢？ “我来到扬州后，首先就找到了'一笑天'酒楼。那副'烟花三月'的牌匾向我见证了家族曾经有过的荣耀，不过我们离开酒楼已经二十年了，我决定暂时隐瞒自己的身份，在酒楼做一名菜工，观察一段时间再说。”说到这里，沈飞看了一眼凌永生，“没过几天，小凌子也来了。” 凌永生回想起当时的情况，恍若隔世：“那时候你总对我讲你的抱负，还讲了很多有关'一刀鲜'的传奇故事，谁能想到，原来你自己就是'一刀鲜'。” “抱负……是啊，在后厨呆了一段时间之后，我对自己已经充满了信心。那时候我的目标就是要成为天下第一名厨。”沈飞眯起眼睛，似乎也被勾起了颇多感触，“可就在我准备找个机会一展身手的时候，一个人的出现打乱了我的计划。” 徐丽婕脱口而出：“小琼！” 姜山插口问道：“就是照片上的那个女孩吧？” 沈飞点点头：“我和她相遇、相识的每一个细节，我到现在都清晰地记得。我们在一起相处了近两年，那段日子对我来说充满了阳光。她喜欢吃我炸的臭豆腐，我就每天都炸给她吃，后来我们还一起炸给其他人吃，我们的摊点前总是能吸引很多的食客，这使得我们非常有成就感，每天都很快乐。” “能和自己喜欢的人一起做着自己喜欢的事，那确实是一种幸福。”姜山不禁听得有些神往，不过他随即又话锋一转：“这种幸福使你把自己的抱负都抛在脑后了吗？” “不，其实那时候我也经常向小琼提起自己名厨的梦想。每到这时，小琼就会在我面前撒娇，让我再多陪她一阵。我也知道，如果我真的成了大厨，两人在一起炸臭豆腐的日子就结束了。而这种快乐甜蜜的生活实在让我不忍舍弃，所以我实现梦想的日期便一次一次地被拖延了下去。” “可你终究还是来到了北京。当年你横扫京城，就是为了实现自己的梦想吧？”姜山猜测道。 “不错。我之所以会这么做，是因为在此前的一个星期，小琼突然提出要嫁给我。” 听到这话，凌永生禁不住惊讶地“啊”了一声，当时他和沈飞、小琼的关系都很好，可关于这件事情还是第一次听说。 沈飞看着凌永生，略带抱歉地一笑，说：“当时是我让小琼瞒着你的，因为我觉得自己无论如何不能以一个菜头的身份娶回自己所爱的女孩。我告诉小琼，我要先成为天下第一名厨，然后再回来娶她。” 徐丽婕手托着腮，专注地听着，她已经隐隐猜到故事下面将发生什么。 只听沈飞继续说道：“为了在最短的时间内实现我的目标，我决定直接去北京，挑战京城的名厨。小琼曾试图说服我留下，等娶完她以后再走。可我那时决心已定，我要用自己的功成名就来作为送给爱人的新婚礼物。小琼见我如此坚决，也就没有再说什么，只是在我临走前，她交给我一封信，嘱咐我在北京成功之后再打开观看。我当时并没有多想，向酒楼请了假后，就急匆匆地赶往北京去了。” “我还记得你当时请假的理由是回老家探亲。”徐叔回忆道，“没想到是这么回事。” “我到北京之后的事情，你们也大概知道了。一个月内，我与京城各大酒楼的名厨们展开较量。”说到这里，沈飞看了眼姜山，“最后一战，就是和你父亲进行的。” 姜山点点头：“嗯，我父亲，包括整个京城厨界都是一败涂地，'一刀鲜'的声名震动了北京，从这一点上来说，你当时确实算得上是天下第一名厨了。” “天下第一名厨，我终于实现了自己的目标。那一刻，我高兴得几乎要大喊出来。可当我如约打开那封信时，心情却一下子沉到了谷底。”沈飞略顿了顿，然后淡然地一笑，接着说道：“那封信我一直保留着。虽然已经过去了八年，但信中的每一个字我都还记得。” “那信中的内容，方便说吗？”徐丽婕试着问道。 “沈飞，祝贺你获得了成功，真希望能和你一块分享这份喜悦，我想，这肯定也是你现在最大的愿望吧。 对不起啊，这个愿望很可能无法实现了。也许从一开始我就不该瞒着你的，不过我真的不愿意在我们快乐的日子里蒙上任何阴霾。 那天我说让你马上娶我，你一定以为我在开玩笑吧？但我是认真的。我患有先天性的家族病，这种病的死亡率非常高。下个月11号的我将进行一次决定自己命运的移植手术，这次手术会有很大的危险性，医生告诉我，以前成功的案例不到三分之一。但如果成功了，我就能获得新生，不管怎样，我总是要试一试的。 你看这封信的时候，我也不知道自己会是什么样的结果了。也许我还没有手术，还等得及你回来娶我；也许我已经获得了新生，正在筹划我们未来的美丽生活；也许，也许，我已经再也无法看见你了……” 沈飞娓娓而言，将那封信完全复述了一遍。徐丽婕和凌永生早已知道小琼的结局，此时得知其中的细节，仍不免动容。其余众人则都是一脸愕然的表情。 姜山忽然想起什么，说道：“11号？那正是你和我父亲进行比试的当天。” 沈飞点点头：“我看完信后，一刻不停地赶回了扬州，在医院中正巧赶上小琼从手术室中出来，她没有等到见我最后一面。” “什么？”姜山似乎难以接受这种故事结局，“那个女孩……她就这样走了？” “是的。”沈飞做了个无奈的表情，“没有什么生离死别，一切就这样地结束了。” 众人一片默然，都沉浸在了这个忧伤的故事里。 可沈飞的话还没有说完。 “在北京，我实现了自己长久以来的目标。当时我叱咤厨界，风光无限。可是当一切过去之后，最让我怀恋和回味的，还是和小琼在一起炸臭豆腐的平淡时光。不过人总有个毛病，都会向往那些没有经历过的波澜壮阔的生活，而不知道珍惜已经拥有的快乐。就像这做菜，'大味必淡'的古语已传了几千年，可又有几个人能真正品出这'淡'的好处呢？”说着，沈飞轻轻拿起筷子，从土钵中夹出一块豆腐，送入口中细细地品尝着。 沈飞话语中显然包含着极深的道理，众人听完，脸色都是一凛。却听沈飞此时又趁热打铁地说道：“乾隆爷在位数十年，尝遍了天下的珍奇美味，到最后值得回味的，却是这道极为平淡的青菜烩豆腐。姜山，你先祖当时身为御厨总领，又怎能体会到乾隆爷退下皇位后那种历尽沧桑，尝遍百味的心境？就是我自己，如果没有经历小琼离去的痛苦，恐怕直到现在也无法理解'烟花三月'的真谛，也不会明白真正属于我的快乐生活究竟是怎样的。” 众人反复咀嚼着沈飞的这几句话，心情各有不同。良久之后，姜山轻叹一声：“原来这'烟花三月'不是一道菜，而是一种人生。” 沈飞笑了笑：“这句话，你只说对了一半。'烟花三月'既是菜，也是人生，菜和人生原本就是相通的。就像这'大味必淡'四个字，既是做菜的道理，也是做人的道理一样。” 姜山神情恍然：“'烟花三月'这道菜，不理解的人不屑于提及，理解的人又没有胜负争斗之心，不愿提及，难怪这秘密能保守两百多年。” 沈飞看着姜山：“这样的一道菜，你现在能做得出吗？” 姜山沉默半晌，终究还是摇了摇头：“我做不出，我输了。”