Dining Utensils Examination, Nutrition and Longevity, Famous People's Dishes, Classical Famous Banquets (Four Volumes)

Author: Li Chunxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Taihu Grilled Fish has a history of over two thousand years dating back to the Warring States period. In the Wu Kingdom, in the Taihu Lake area of Suzhou, there was a renowned elderly chef named Taihe Gong, who was exceptionally skilled in cooking aquatic delicacies. The grilled fish he prepared was even famous far and wide. In 524 BC, Prince Ji Guang, the younger brother of King Ji Liao of the Wu Kingdom, sought to regain the throne. He hired an assassin named Zuan Zhu at a high price and planned to assassinate King Ji Liao. Due to the numerous guards and strict security surrounding Ji Liao, outsiders could not get close, making it difficult to carry out the plan. Knowing that Ji Liao loved "Taihu Grilled Fish," Zuan Zhu went to Taihu Lake to become Taihe Gong's apprentice and studied "Grilled Fish" for three months. After completing his training, Ji Guang invited Ji Liao to a banquet at his residence to taste the "Taihu Grilled Fish." Although Ji Liao had suspicions about Ji Guang's banquet, he couldn't resist the temptation of the "Grilled Fish" and decided to attend. For safety, the King wore three layers of thick armor. From the palace to the gates of Prince Ji Guang's mansion, troops were heavily guarded, with the streets filled with soldiers. Around Ji Liao's seat, there were numerous trusted guards, and over a hundred strong men serving at the banquet, all armed with long spears and sharp blades. When the chefs served the dishes, they were searched, had to change clothes, and advanced on their knees (bending forward), not allowed to look up while placing the food, and retreated on their knees afterward. When it was time to serve the "Grilled Fish," Ji Guang suddenly claimed to have a foot ailment and excused himself to go to the back room to bandage it, retreating into a secret chamber. At this moment, Zuan Zhu carried the "Grilled Fish" forward on his knees, passed through the search and clothing change, showing no abnormalities. Zuan Zhu placed the "Grilled Fish" before Ji Liao's table, suddenly grabbed the fish's head, pulled out a dagger from its belly, and stabbed Ji Liao's chest with great force, piercing through the three layers of armor and driving the blade through his back. The King died on the spot. Zuan Zhu was also ground into meat paste. This coup d'état was successful. For the sake of delicious food, King Ji Liao lost his throne and his life.