I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 75 Hot Pot Warms Hearts

In Chengdu, it gets dark early in winter.

After the students in the liberal arts and martial arts classes graduated, the Imperial Academy became somewhat deserted.

Students are still studying in the school.

Some of them were unable to graduate because their grades were not up to standard or their graduation thesis was not up to par. They could only continue to study hard and wait for the last chance before the twelfth lunar month—a make-up exam.

If you fail the makeup exam, you'll have to start all over again.

However, they were not alone, because students from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering were still there. However, they rarely came to the academy, instead going out to do practical work.

The academy became lively again because of the arrival of a group of beautiful young girls, which added a touch of color to this winter.

The newly added "tea ceremony class" is, as the name suggests, about dealing with tea.

Liu Shan still personally came to the academy to teach the tea farmers and young girls the art of tea making, and asked them to produce the first batch of new tea for the court the following year.

After finishing the tea-making process, it was already December. Just past Shen Shi (3-5 PM), the thin sun on the horizon shrank back into the clouds, and a cold wind blew in through the narrow passages of the palace walls, causing the lanterns under the eaves to sway incessantly.

When Liu Shan came out of the main hall, he shrank his neck and tucked his hands into his sleeves.

The eunuch Wang Gui quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, let's go back to the palace. It's cold outside."

Liu Shan nodded, took a few steps, and suddenly asked, "Have the pots I ordered the craftsmen to prepare been completed?"

"Your Majesty, it's ready. It was sent to the Empress's palace this morning, and the Imperial Household Department was instructed to prepare charcoal and imperial food. We're just waiting for Your Majesty."

Liu Shan's lips unconsciously curved upwards, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Let's go take a look."

The Pepper Chamber Palace was warm and inviting.

As soon as Liu Shan stepped across the threshold, he felt the warmth of a charcoal fire.

A few steps further in, we saw Zhang squatting beside a copper pot, poking at the charcoal inside with fire tongs.

"His Majesty?"

Zhang raised her head, her face showing a mixture of surprise and apology, and then stood up to bow.

"Your Majesty, I was unaware of Your Majesty's arrival and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me."

Liu Shan stepped forward and helped her up, saying, "It was I who prevented them from spreading the word; the Empress need not blame herself."

The two walked to the copper pot, where the soup was bubbling away.

"You've already started the fire so early?"

Madam Zhang smiled and said, "It's cold outside, so the soup will take a long time to boil. I thought that Your Majesty could have it right after court, so I started cooking it now."

Liu Shan glanced at her.

Under the candlelight, her face was slightly flushed from the heat, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

Liu Shan wiped her sweat, saying with concern, "These things can be done by the subordinates. What are you doing squatting there?"

Lady Zhang said softly, "Seeing how much Your Majesty likes this item, I feel more at ease keeping an eye on it."

Liu Shan didn't say anything more. He sat down on the mat next to the copper pot and stretched his hands out to warm them by the charcoal fire.

"Is it cold outside?" Zhang sat down next to him and pushed a cup of hot tea toward him.

"Warm yourself up first."

Liu Shan picked up his teacup and took a sip.

The tea was warm, not too hot to drink, just right.

Although the taste is still somewhat bitter, the aftertaste is sweet.

He looked up at the table, where slices of meat, vegetables, tofu, and other items were neatly arranged, which pleased him.

"Your Majesty, what exactly is this new way of cooking that you mentioned earlier?"

Although Zhang was busy running around, she knew nothing about the copper pot filled with boiling water in front of her.

Liu Shan rubbed his hands together and said, "The weather is freezing, and the food cooked in the kitchen gets cold easily. Only by eating by the stove can we enjoy a hot meal."

Eating while sitting in front of the stove?

Zhang found this way of eating quite novel and hurriedly asked, "How do we eat it?"

"Sit down first, sit next to me."

Zhang pursed her lips, somewhat hesitant.

According to palace rules, one is not allowed to sit next to the emperor.

"Oh dear, this is a family dinner, there aren't so many formalities, come on over."

At Liu Shan's urging, Zhang finally sat down.

The wind picked up again outside, making the window paper rustle.

Inside, the charcoal fire burned brightly, and the soup in the copper pot bubbled and steamed, casting a hazy glow over the two figures.

Liu Shan picked up a piece of mutton with his chopsticks, dipped it in the boiling soup, and the meat slices instantly changed color.

He scooped it up, rolled it in a small bowl of soy sauce, carefully blew on it, and brought it to Zhang's lips.

"Watch out, it's hot, ah..."

Zhang was initially somewhat resistant, but seeing Liu Shan's sincere and expectant eyes, she mustered up her courage and opened her cherry-like mouth.

"ah......"

Ah!

Hot, fragrant, spicy, and tender.

"This meat is excellent," Zhang said without any attempt to hide her feelings.

Liu Shan smiled, picked up his chopsticks and added a few more slices of meat to the pot. After the meat changed color, he took it out, rolled it in light soy sauce, and stuffed a mouthful into his mouth.

Well!

Hot pot is the perfect food for winter!

Although the signature chili pepper is missing, the addition of finely ground Sichuan peppercorns to the soy sauce creates a unique flavor.

Another piece of tofu and a glass of wine.

Even the emperor is no match for me.

"Yun'er, look, whatever you're eating, just put it in the broth to keep it hot. That's what makes it delicious."

Zhang nodded, her eyes filled with admiration.

Although hot pot has existed for a long time, it was mostly made of bronze tripods, and only kings and generals could use it.

Later, Cao Pi improved the internal compartments of the cooking utensil, which could cook multiple foods at the same time. However, in terms of portability and heat conduction speed, it was not as good as the copper pot that Liu Shan had made.

"I heard that Zhang Bao has graduated and will be joining the army after winter."

After taking a few bites, Liu Shan began to chat about everyday matters.

After listening, Madam Zhang remained silent for a while, then sighed softly, "That boy Xingguo is just like my father; he loves leading troops into battle. I'm truly worried about him..."

Seeing the worry on her face, Liu Shan comforted her, saying, "If you are concerned about his safety, I will transfer him back and find him a position in the court."

"No!"

Zhang's answer was very affirmative.

"Xingguo is from a military family, and it is only natural for him to die on the battlefield. I was just saying it casually."

"Of course I know your loyalty to the court. There is no war at the moment, so it will be good for Zhang Bao to join the army, learn more, and broaden his horizons."

Liu Shan sighed and looked out at the dark night.

"I have only been on the throne for a year. The mess left by my father is huge, and the burden is heavy. To the north is Cao Wei, and to the east is Eastern Wu. They are supposed to be allies, but who knows when they will turn against each other? In chaotic times, one must risk one's life to survive. I am also risking my life to fight."

Zhang looked at Liu Shan, the candlelight reflecting on his face, outlining a soft silhouette.

She suddenly felt that the person in front of her was much more composed than before.

"This is the ambition of a man," she said softly.

The wind outside grew stronger, causing the lanterns under the eaves to sway back and forth. Inside, the charcoal fire slowly dimmed, and Zhang got up to stir it with fire tongs, causing the flames to leap up again, making her face glow red.

Liu Shan looked at her and suddenly said, "From now on, we'll eat like this every winter."

Zhang raised her head, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

"It's cold, this will warm you up."

As Liu Shan spoke, he added some more meat to the pot.

Just the two of us.

Zhang was stunned for a moment, then lowered her head, her eyes stinging, and softly murmured "Mmm".

After an unknown amount of time, Liu Shan put down his chopsticks, leaned back, and let out a long sigh of relief.

"I'm full."

Seeing the satisfied look on his face, Zhang couldn't help but smile.

"His Majesty ate more today than usual."

Liu Shan patted his stomach and laughed, "It's so warming to eat, I ate too much without even realizing it."

After clearing away the bowls and chopsticks, Liu Shan looked at the stove and said, "The fire is still burning brightly; it can stay a little longer. Sit with me a little longer."

Zhang nodded and leaned on Liu Shan's shoulder.

Zhang sat down next to him, and the two of them sat there without speaking, watching the charcoal fire in the copper pot gradually die down.

The wind outside subsided a bit, and the window paper stopped rattling.

Liu Shan suddenly lowered his head and gently touched Zhang's forehead with his lips.

Zhang Shi shrank even closer to Liu Shan, but kept her head down and didn't say anything.

They both felt their hearts racing.

Liu Shan gently lifted her chin with his hand and looked at her like that.

The candlelight flickered and then went out.

The room darkened, leaving only the faint glow of the last embers in the copper pot, casting two shadows that swayed gently on the wall.