Value

Just a couple of days ago, Xiao Yao and Xiao Banxia had dined on Tan family cuisine, but today’s experience at the Diaoyutai was a world apart. Although Diaoyutai also specialized in imperial court-style dishes, its dining environment, level of service, and the flavor of its dishes were absolutely top-notch.

To begin with, the ambiance was exceptional. The royal garden setting was an exceedingly rare luxury in the capital—pavilions and waterside gazebos, every step offering a new vista, truly flawless. The garden design rivaled the Summer Palace, radiating imperial grandeur, stately and elegant. The sparkling lake, the charming scenery, black and white swans, mandarin ducks, and wild ducks gliding across the water, while peacocks and red-crowned cranes strolled gracefully along the banks, and countless flocks of magpies flitted to and fro—man and nature in perfect harmony.

Such surroundings put one completely at ease, making it easy to forget one’s worries. Simply walking through this place was enough to soothe both body and mind.

Inside, the restaurant’s décor exuded sophistication and grandeur—even the tableware was exquisite and beautiful. The plates, with their yellow background and coiling blue lotus designs, were majestic and elegant; all the cutlery was custom-made silverware.

The service was equally impeccable, truly worthy of a state banquet. The staff were warm and personable, composed and dignified, making guests feel welcomed and comfortable—the atmosphere and feeling were both superb.

The young women serving in the restaurant were all at least 1.7 meters tall, timing the courses perfectly. During the meal, they gave detailed introductions to the history and culture of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, as well as the preparation methods and stories behind each dish, patiently answering every guest’s question, their speech and manners always perfectly measured.

After the pre-meal sweets and cold appetizers were served, the next dish was a clear soup with matsutake and fish maw. Tang Zhengshan made a special introduction: “This is Chef Li’s specialty. It takes a great deal of time and effort—over ten hours in fact. First, free-range chicken and duck are simmered into a rich broth, adding just enough water at once to preserve the flavor, and then it’s clarified for three or four hours to make a clear soup. Please, Mr. Xiao, give it a try and see how it tastes?”

Xiao Yao took a sip. The taste was indeed excellent, and he praised it: “The fish maw has a lovely texture, and the soup is very flavorful. This dish is truly well made.”

Pleased by Xiao Yao’s compliment, Tang Zhengshan said, “The late Mr. Zhao was especially fond of Chef Li’s clear matsutake and fish maw soup, and his braised shark fin as well. That’s why I reserved Building No. 10, so you could try them too.”

When the braised shark fin was brought to the table, Xiao Yao remarked, “Let me have a taste of this braised shark fin.”

After tasting it, he showed a satisfied expression. “This is truly authentic. The golden color of the fin comes naturally from saffron; both the ingredients and the technique are first-rate.”

Tang Zhengshan smiled again as he explained, “No artificial coloring is ever used in Diaoyutai’s cuisine—the colors are all natural. This dish uses only the best dorsal fins from shark, at least thirteen inches long, and they’re simmered in rich broth for five hours. The late Mr. Zhao often praised Chef Li’s mastery of this dish.”

“Mr. Tang, you’ve really put thought into this. To be able to taste these two signature dishes from Chef Li today has made the trip worthwhile,” said Xiao Yao. Having inherited all of Pan Wu’s memories, he had always been a discerning critic of fine food, but these two dishes were indeed made to perfection—no wonder the late Mr. Zhao had praised them.

Tang Tianhao added, “These two dishes are excellent, but the rest are a bit lacking. Each building’s head chef has their own specialties. Next time we come to the Guesthouse, we should try a different place.”

“Certainly. I look forward to it—hopefully, there will be more surprises next time.” For someone as exacting as Xiao Yao, to find even one or two dishes in a meal that satisfied him was no small feat.

Ever since learning that Xiao Yao had inherited the late Mr. Zhao’s remarkable abilities, Tang Zhengshan and his son had become even more enthusiastic in their attitude toward him, and today’s meal was a delightful experience for all.

As they were about to leave, Xiao Yao made a point of reminding them, “When you go out, don’t forget to wear a helmet—make sure you choose the very best quality one.”

Tang Tianhao quickly replied, “Someone is bringing one over right away. I wouldn’t dare neglect your advice.”

After seeing off the Xiao siblings, Tang Tianhao said to his father, “Xiao Yao really surprised me. He’s nothing like how he was described in the files. He must have truly received Mr. Zhao’s enlightenment—otherwise, there’s no way he could act like this.”

“You have to look at the details when judging a person, and I agree with you. If he hadn’t received that enlightenment, Xiao Yao would be nothing more than an ordinary recent graduate—he couldn’t possibly display such poise and maturity,” said Tang Zhengshan, affirming his son’s view.

Xiao Yao’s demeanor today was nothing like that of a young man just stepping into society; he was much too composed and unflappable.

When faced with a powerful family like the Tangs—especially when Tang Zhengshan himself was present—not to mention a young newcomer, even those with years of experience and some social standing would tread very carefully, filled with anxiety. It was impossible to be as calm, poised, and self-possessed as Xiao Yao, standing on equal footing, conversing with them as a peer.

Tang Zhengshan even sensed a certain transcendence in Xiao Yao’s bearing, though not as pronounced as in the late Mr. Zhao.

It was precisely this composure and transcendent attitude that convinced the Tang father and son of the truth behind Xiao Yao’s words.

Whether composure or transcendence, it all pointed to one thing: Xiao Yao possessed an extraordinary confidence in himself. To have such confidence when facing a family as powerful as the Tangs spoke volumes.

“Tianhao, you know what Mr. Zhao was capable of. Xiao Yao is his successor, after all. No matter how much of Mr. Zhao’s skill he’s inherited, you must take his warnings seriously—never treat them lightly,” Tang Zhengshan cautioned sternly.

“Don’t worry, Dad. I value my life. At worst, people will laugh at me for a night—what’s the harm in that? I can put up with wearing a helmet for one night,” Tang Tianhao replied, feeling he could easily endure such a minor inconvenience.

“Remember what you said—don’t make me worry. If anything happens, call me immediately,” said Tang Zhengshan, already resigned to a sleepless night.

Though deeply concerned, Tang Zhengshan couldn’t shadow his son’s every move. Apart from assigning more bodyguards to protect his son, there was little more he could do.

On the way back, Xiao Banxia asked curiously, “Young Master Xiao, were you bluffing today? Can you really read faces and tell fortunes?”

“Of course I can,” Xiao Yao replied. “I’m not stupid enough to tell a lie that could be exposed in a single night.”