Mythical Three Kingdoms-Chapter 1417 - 1367: To Endure Through the Ages and Be One With It

Sun Qian was speechless; from his perspective, Chen Xi’s lifestyle was the perfect portrayal of an aristocratic family’s noble son.

Not being satisfied with coarse food, he indulges at will but also restrains his desires, holding power yet not abusing it. This mindset, this lifestyle, is hard for many to achieve, regardless of other factors.

"Zichuan, not even considering your attitude towards life, just this lifestyle alone is out of reach without a solid family background," Sun Qian sighed, "Not to mention anything else, just having a chef like yours is beyond most people’s means."

Chen Xi laughed loudly; in this era of the Late Han, nothing could change the lack of resources.

"A better life is always an individual’s pursuit. This is my only hobby," Chen Xi said with a smile. "Oh, here comes the food. Let’s not be picky and just sit on the ground and share it here."

"What’s there to be picky about?" Sun Qian, not one to fuss over details, although a disciple of Zheng Xuan, studied benevolence, not rites.

Since Chen Xi wasn’t particular, neither was Hua Xiong, a Xiliang warrior. After Chen Yun brought a few dishes made from local ingredients, the three of them began taking turns grabbing food with their chopsticks. Chen Lan only cooked the dishes but didn’t serve them personally.

"Ah, I finally understand why Confucius emphasized ’Not being satisfied with coarse food, nor with bad mincemeat.’ Perhaps besides the noble codes, it was for the joy of eating," Sun Qian, though studying benevolence and not rites, rarely jested about Confucius.

"I won’t eat the meat if not cut correctly, hahaha." Chen Xi laughed as he picked a beautifully sliced but misaligned piece of fish, jokingly uttering, and then unceremoniously stuffed it into his mouth.

Hearing this from afar, Chen Ying was first startled, then quickly looked in Chen Xi’s direction, just in time to see him stuffing the fish into his mouth, leaving her in a state of amused disbelief.

"The Family Head’s words suddenly startled me; I thought he really wouldn’t eat," Chen Ying said to Chen Yun, half-laughing.

"The Family Head was just making fun of Confucius," Chen Yun replied with a smile. Having been seized by Fan Jian for some time and studying with Cai Yan, she had spent a considerable amount of time there.

Additionally, Chen Yun was quite talented from the start. Liuu Yun originally tried to cultivate her in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, so being taken to study with Cai Yan raised her knowledge considerably as well.

"Making fun of Confucius?" Chen Ying completely didn’t understand.

"Yes, Confucius once said, ’If the meat is not cut correctly, do not eat it,’ meaning the meat’s grain and alignment must be correct, or it should not be eaten," Chen Yun explained with a smile, "I’ve told you to read more books, but you just play all day."

"So how is it considered correct?" Chen Ying asked curiously, having no talent for learning, yet having a lot for playing.

"I don’t know. When the Great Scholar Cai taught this lesson, she specifically sliced a piece, but no one learned it," Chen Yun recalled that after Cai Yan’s lesson, they didn’t leave. Cai Yan hosted dinner and gave everyone a plate of what was supposed to be correct meat.

But Cai Yan mentioned this after the meal. Chen Yun, not having a photographic memory and lacking attention to detail with food, didn’t know what was considered correct.

It was then Chen Yun realized that Cai Yan could be quite particular, yet her cooking was wonderfully flavorful using simple seasonings, though a bit mild, overall quite palatable.

"Fortunately, the Family Head generally isn’t this particular; he must have recalled this suddenly," Chen Yun said with a smile, understanding Chen Xi quite well.

Hua Xiong silently wielded his chopsticks; matters like Confucius didn’t concern people of Guanzi. They didn’t venture into Qin, which was of little consequence, as the Lub Kingdom was harmonized by the early Warring States, failing to preserve the Saint’s legacy.

Poor Hua Xiong didn’t understand a word between Sun Qian and Chen Xi, focusing solely on battling his fish. Unfortunately, even after several plates, he was far from full.

"Zijian seems to have not eaten enough," Chen Xi joked, placing his chopsticks down before laughing at Sun Qian.

"On the march, getting a meal like this is beyond expectation," Hua Xiong said, using a fishbone to clean his teeth. "The chefs of Marquis Chen’s family are indeed skilled."

"You could have your chef learn from mine," Chen Xi suggested with a smile, "And when encountering good ingredients on the road, I certainly don’t eat dry rations. Having them with me is not for play, as Chen Ying is the best chef in my family."

"Gong Youu, I won’t linger here for long, though it’s a ruse to confuse the enemy, there’s still a need to maintain a basic march speed. I’m just here to check the bridge construction progress and see if there’s anything you need," Chen Xi said, bowing to Sun Qian while sitting on the ground.

"It’s just that one thing, but alas, after this meal, there’s no next," Sun Qian shook his head, saying, "As for the rating, Zichuan, pay more attention to it. I’ll find time to quickly submit a document explaining the situation."

"Rest assured, at the next post station, I’ll reflect this situation to Ye City," Chen Xi said earnestly.

"Then I’m relieved," Sun Qian replied with a smile, "I won’t detain you further; I’ve been overseeing the artisan work, and I’m starting to worry after being away for a bit. Clearly, I have a problem," he mused.

"That’s a good thing, being responsible," Chen Xi replied cheekily, then, adopting a more serious tone, bowed and said, "Take care, Gong Youu. If any illness arises due to the climate, head back to Ye City immediately. Don’t drink river water directly, boil it first."

"I value my life greatly; this bridge over the Yellow River isn’t my ultimate goal. There will be more over the Yangtze, and after I, Sun Qian, pass, I’ll remain with these bridges and the roads of Central Plains," Sun Qian said, bowing solemnly.

"The Master said, ’If one could hear the truth in the morning, one could die in the evening.’ The Saint’s benevolence impresses me. I used to think I’d never find a way of benevolence worth pursuing in this life, but now I have a path worth dedicating my life to," Sun Qian said with utmost solemnity.

"Congratulations, Gong Youu," Chen Xi said, looking into Sun Qian’s eyes; foundational development also needed someone to dedicate a lifetime to it.

"But it’s not enough yet; you still have many things to learn. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time. Perhaps a thousand years from now, you’ll indeed remain with the roads of Central Plains," Chen Xi said with emotion.