Chapter 85 Family Banquet

Chapter 85: Family Dinner

Training Ground.

The sharp crackle of gunfire echoed across the range. Ji Mingcheng and Yu Xin, both wearing ear protection and shooting glasses, stood side-by-side, each wielding a rifle, firing at targets dozens of meters away.

After losing to Yu Xin in a game that day, Ji Mingcheng, claiming the in-game firearms lacked realism, had dragged Yu Xin to the base’s shooting range for a real-gun showdown.

Both displayed exceptional marksmanship, hitting the bullseye with nearly every shot, making it impossible to declare a clear winner based on scores alone.

Fang Yuting, roped in as referee, used advanced instruments for precise measurement before solemnly announcing that Yu Xin was approximately 0.001 centimeters more accurate than Ji Mingcheng.

Unwilling to concede, Ji Mingcheng immediately challenged Yu Xin to another round, this time with moving targets.

As their lively competition unfolded, the doors of the shooting range slid open, and Bai Yizhou, in full military uniform, strode in.

He took in the scene at a glance and glared. "Still pestering Yu Xin every day? What about your own training?"

"Brother Yizhou, don't worry about it," Ji Mingcheng retorted confidently. "Practicing with Yu Xin is far more effective than training alone. My performance has improved across the board recently. If you don't believe me, check my training data."

He wasn't exaggerating. His frequent losses to Yu Xin had fully ignited Ji Mingcheng's competitive spirit. Each defeat spurred him to voluntarily intensify his training, spending day and night at the range, leading to significant improvements in all his metrics.

"Hmph, I'm just worried you're wasting Yu Xin's time. Yu Xin can do whatever he wants; why should he be your free sparring partner?" Bai Yizhou stated bluntly.

"It's fine. I was bored anyway, so this is a good way to stretch my limbs," Yu Xin interjected, coming to Ji Mingcheng's defense.

"In that case, whenever you don't feel like it, just ignore this kid," Bai Yizhou said with a smile, then turned back to Ji Mingcheng with a sarcastic edge. "Keep getting ahead of yourself, Ji Mingcheng. How many more days do you think you'll get to enjoy life at the base?"

Ji Mingcheng grew alert. "What do you mean? I've said I won't leave Iris Base unless my orders change."

"This time, it's not up to you to be stubborn," Bai Yizhou's expression turned serious. "Guess who's here to personally take you back?"

"Whoever it is, it doesn't matter. Even if the old man himself came, my answer wouldn't change. Either I join the Fourth Legion, or I'm entering the entertainment industry!" Ji Mingcheng stiffened his neck, his tone unwavering.

Yu Xin knew a bit about his situation. That night they met in the kitchen, Ji Mingcheng had shared most of the story with him.

Honestly, he didn't think Ji Mingcheng was wrong, but the intricate dynamics between the empire's nobility and the military were beyond his understanding, so he couldn't judge whether Ji Mingcheng's stubbornness was for better or worse.

Bai Yizhou sighed softly, wrapped an arm around Ji Mingcheng's shoulder, and patted him gently. "Mingcheng, it might really not work this time. Your eldest aunt is here."

Everyone in the star system knew that the Ji family's enduring prosperity and rise to greater heights were due to two legendary figures: Imperial First General Ji Yixing and, even more influential, the family's most authoritative political figure, Ji Yixing’s eldest sister, Ji Shuwen.

Ji Shuwen was a natural in politics, displaying exceptional strategic acumen and skill since her youth, making her the most outstanding among her peers in the Ji family.

The family treated all talented descendants equally, but as individuals grew at different paces, resources were gradually allocated toward the most gifted, eventually leading to one person holding the final say.

Ji Shuwen was the first female leader of the Ji family. She was more authoritative and ambitious than her predecessors. Under her management, coupled with Ji Yixing’s ascension as the military’s Polaris, the Ji family reached a peak of splendor and power in this generation.

While Ji Yixing fought abroad, adding honor to the family, Ji Shuwen managed the family with unshakeable unity at home. No one in the Ji family dared defy her, and Ji Yixing held deep respect for his eldest sister.

Not only did she wield power within the family, but she was also a highly respected and influential political figure in the empire, her political clout even surpassing Ji Yixing’s.

At home, Ji Mingcheng admired his uncle Ji Yixing the most, but the person he feared the most was undoubtedly his eldest aunt, Ji Shuwen.

Hearing this, he deflated like a punctured balloon, his stiff neck drooping. "Eldest Aunt is so busy... why would she come?"

"Mingcheng, she's your family, but she's also the leader of the Ji family. Be obedient and don't always oppose your aunt," Bai Yizhou said, soothing him. They didn't want to see Ji Mingcheng suffer either, but sometimes circumstances were stronger than individuals. Families like theirs might seem to have everything, yet they often had less freedom to follow their hearts.

"But... but Brother Yizhou, you know me. From the day I entered military academy, my goal was to join my uncle's Fourth Legion. I became the top cadet, and now going to the First Legion would feel like betraying my past self. I... I can't do it." Ji Mingcheng was distraught, shaking his head repeatedly.

"You... sigh. First, go see your aunt. Talk to her properly, and let's discuss together if there's any room for negotiation, alright?"

Bai Yizhou sighed again, then turned to Yu Xin with a serious expression. "Yu Xin, you heard. A very important guest is coming to the base. I'll leave tonight's banquet preparations to you."

"Alright, I understand," Yu Xin nodded, his heart growing heavier.

Ji Mingcheng was a fine young man, but in this situation, there was little he could do to help.

No matter the era, human connections were always complicated and troublesome. Nature was simpler—wind was wind, rain was rain, and after the storm, there was always clear sky.

*

Returning to the base, Yu Xin threw himself into preparations for the evening banquet.

Bai Yizhou, worried he might be overwhelmed, assigned two assistants to help. Fortunately, there was still plenty of time, and Ji Yixing had instructed that it needn't be too grand—since there were no outsiders, it should feel like an ordinary family gathering.

Yu Xin carefully inquired about Madam Ji’s taste preferences and dietary restrictions, jotting them down meticulously.

He quickly drafted the menu for the day: lotus root and tofu skin meat rolls, braised yellow catfish, sour plum duck, hua diao wine-marinated drunken shrimp, and Chinese yam and jujube cake.

Several of these dishes were labor-intensive, requiring half a day of preparation.

The duck for the sour plum dish couldn’t be too fatty, or it would be overly greasy, nor too lean, or it would be dry and affect the texture.

The best choice was a three-month-old duck, just mature, with thin skin and tender meat, perfect for cooking.

For soup, an older duck with a longer growth cycle, rich in flavor, was ideal.

The duck was chopped into pieces, cleaned, and pan-fried without oil until both sides turned golden brown, then transferred to a clay pot for stewing.

In another pot, finely chopped scallions, ginger, garlic, and onions were stir-fried until fragrant.

Since the duck itself was quite oily, very little oil was needed—too much would be excessive.

During his free time, Yu Xin had preserved some plums, originally for pairing with meals or alcohol, which now came in handy.

The soft, pickled plums were mashed, and the pulp was extracted. Along with the stir-fried scallions, ginger, garlic, and onions, it was added to the duck stew. To counteract the duck’s gaminess, cooking wine was added for deodorizing, along with aromatic vinegar for flavor, light and dark soy sauce for color, and rock sugar to enhance the taste. Yu Xin also added a few whole plums to the clay pot.

After bringing it to a boil over high heat, it was simmered on low for two hours, ensuring the duck became tender and fully infused with the flavors, until the sauce reduced to a thin, sticky layer.

The duck was taken out to cool, cut into appropriately sized pieces, plated, and the reserved sauce was evenly drizzled over it. The whole duck, glistening and cool, paired the rich meat with sweet and sour preserved plums, creating an unexpectedly harmonious clash of flavors.

The lotus root and tofu skin meat rolls were an exquisite fried dish. Though fried, they were surprisingly non-greasy.

The preparation was more complex than typical fried foods. Autumn lotus root was used, and since lotus roots vary—some crisp, some soft—the crisp variety was chosen for better texture.

Pork shoulder was finely minced and mixed with incredibly fragrant shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and chopped lotus root. Sweet potato starch, scallions, minced ginger, a bit of salt, and five-spice powder were added for seasoning. To improve binding, egg white from one egg was mixed in, and all ingredients were thoroughly combined.

Thin tofu skin sheets, so thin that words on paper could faintly be seen through them, were used to wrap the filling into rolls. The rolls were sealed with the remaining egg wash, cut into small segments, and pan-fried over low heat until set.

The final product had semi-transparent tofu skin wrapped around red meat filling, white lotus root dices, black shiitake mushrooms, and green scallions. Fried to a golden brown, with the filling faintly visible, they looked delicious.

These tofu skin lotus root meat rolls were crispy outside and soft inside, best enjoyed with a dip of sweet chili sauce—refreshing, non-greasy, appetizing, and tasty.

Next was a cold dish: hua diao wine-marinated drunken shrimp.

The shrimp used were giant river prawns, ideally about the length of a pinky for easy eating. They had to be fresh, and Yu Xin used shrimp bred in the base’s kitchen, cooked immediately after harvesting for the utmost freshness.

The shrimp were simply prepared: scallions, ginger, and cooking wine were used to remove any gaminess. They were boiled for two to three minutes until they changed color, then transferred to ice water. The ice bath caused the shrimp meat to contract, making it firmer and more springy.

While the shrimp cooled, another pot was used. Half a bowl of water was combined with rock sugar, the preserved plums, star anise, bay leaves, and other spices, along with various seasonings. After boiling, the mixture was cooled before adding hua diao wine to prevent the alcohol from evaporating and losing its aroma.

Pour the prepared seasoning over the cooled shrimp and refrigerate for at least four hours to achieve the best flavor and texture, so Yu Xin prepared this dish first.

There was also a braised yellow catfish dish. Yellow catfish are a type of small fish with tender, non-fishy meat. This dish included perilla leaves, green and red chili peppers, offering a tangy and spicy flavor that made it great with rice.

Finally, there was a dessert: yam and jujube paste cake.

This was a traditional Chinese pastry, sweet without being overwhelming, and the preparation was straightforward, without fussy techniques.

Steam the yam and red dates together in a steamer until soft and mushy, until a chopstick could easily pierce through. After removing the skins, mash each separately into a paste, lightly flavored with dried tangerine peel and rock sugar. Use the yam as the outer layer and the jujube paste as the filling, then press into flower-shaped molds. This simple Chinese snack was now complete.

After working hard all day, all the dishes were finally prepared just before the dinner began.

Today was indeed a family meal. The only attendees were three members of the Ji family—Ji Yixing, Ji Shuwen, and Ji Mingcheng—along with Bai Yizhou, who grew up in the Ji family.

Yu Xin personally made sure all dishes made it to the table and was about to leave the dining room to fix himself something in the kitchen.

Normally, after cooking, he would sit down to eat with Ji Yixing, Bai Yizhou, and Ji Mingcheng. But today was special—it was a Ji family gathering. As an unrelated person, he naturally didn't want to intrude.

Unexpectedly, just as he was about to leave, the door was pushed open. Ji Yixing entered first, then stepped aside, merely holding the door for the person behind him.

The only person for whom General Ji would hold the door could only be one person.

Leaving now would be impolite, so Yu Xin stood quietly aside, watching as a middle-aged woman emerged from behind Ji Yixing.

She was significantly shorter than Ji Yixing, but her presence was just as imposing—in fact, it was even more authoritative.

She didn't look her age; one would never guess she was over sixty just by looking. Time had not left many marks on her face, but the lines around her brows and eyes hinted at years of deep thought.

Ji Shuwen possessed the good looks characteristic of the Ji family, but the first thing one noticed about her was not her appearance but her innate, commanding presence—a quality that inspired trust regardless of gender or looks.

Such an outstanding and successful woman deserved everyone’s respect.

Behind her, Ji Mingcheng followed with a dejected expression, and finally, Bai Yizhou entered, carefully closing the door.

Facing a woman who commanded such awe, Yu Xin observed all the proper etiquette. After greeting her, he prepared to leave.

“Yu Xin, wait a moment.” Unexpectedly, Ji Yixing called out to stop him.

Yu Xin turned back. Ji Yixing pulled out a chair beside him and said gently, “We usually eat together. Why make an exception today?”

He introduced Yu Xin: “This is my elder sister, Ji Shuwen. We’re all family here; no need to stand on ceremony.”

Hearing Yu Xin’s name, Ji Shuwen looked up with interest. “So you are Yu Xin?”

She studied the young man before her. He had good looks, but what was more appealing was his overall presence. Having held a high position for many years, Ji Shuwen had a keen judge of character. She could tell at a glance that this young man possessed a calm clarity beyond his years, which made her instantly fond of him.

Moreover, Yu Xin had cured Ji Yixing’s anorexia, solving the Ji family’s biggest problem.

She had long wanted to meet Yu Xin and express her gratitude in person, but her busy schedule had kept her from doing so until now.

Today, her wish was fulfilled. She had met Yu Xin and was very impressed.

She offered her hand. “I’ve heard your name for a long time. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Yu Xin quickly shook her hand. “I’m Yu Xin. It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Ji.”

Ji Shuwen met his gaze seriously and said earnestly, “Yu Xin, on behalf of the Ji family, I thank you for curing Yixing’s anorexia. This means a great deal to us.”

“You’re too kind. Mr. Ji employed me; it was my duty,” Yu Xin replied with humility and confidence, which only deepened Ji Shuwen’s admiration.

“Stay for dinner,” she said. “Let’s taste your cooking together.”

“Alright.”

Yu Xin didn't decline further and took a seat beside Ji Yixing, with Ji Shuwen on his other side. Ji Mingcheng sat across from him, looking sheepish, while Bai Yizhou happily poured wine for everyone.

The dishes on the table had just been served and were at their perfect temperature, still steaming.

The table was filled with vibrant, visually appealing dishes, their colors and aromas whetting everyone’s appetite.

Ji Shuwen looked over the feast, feeling a warmth in her heart. She turned to Yu Xin, her tone even softer. “You’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

Due to years of overthinking, her liver energy was disrupted, affecting her spleen and stomach, and her appetite had long been poor. This meal, with its sour, sweet, and spicy flavors, was particularly appetizing.

There was also the yam and jujube paste cake—yam nourishes the spleen and stomach, while red dates enrich blood, both beneficial for her health.

“I only did what I should. I’m glad you like it.”

“Aunt, try Yu Xin’s cooking, and you’ll understand why I don’t want to leave Iris Base,” Ji Mingcheng seized the opportunity to add.

Ji Shuwen shot him a glance but picked up her chopsticks and took a piece of the sour plum duck.

The duck skin, fried and then braised, was glazed with sauce, retaining its beautiful color. The first bite revealed tender, soft meat with a perfect amount of fat—oily but not greasy, sweet and sour, with no trace of gaminess.

Ji Shuwen savored it slowly before finally saying, “Delicious.”

“I told you it was good!”

Even the biggest worries had to take a backseat to such delicious food.

Yu Xin had clearly put great effort into today’s meal. Even Ji Mingcheng set aside his troubles to fully enjoy the feast.

The tofu skin lotus root meat rolls were rich in flavor and texture—crispy yet chewy, fresh yet savory, with the richness of fried food. Paired with the braised yellow catfish sauce over rice, it was irresistible.

The yam and jujube paste cake was rich and smooth, the fragrance of yam blending with the subtle sweetness of the jujube paste, without being too sweet.

The meal was well-balanced and appetizing. Despite her remaining worries, Ji Shuwen ate more than usual. After finishing a bowl of rice, she even asked for half a bowl more.

This family dinner wasn’t originally about the food, but in the end, the agenda was postponed, and eating became the main event.

Ji Shuwen finished the rice in her bowl and ate another piece of yam and jujube paste cake before setting down her chopsticks contentedly.

The Household Robot came in to clear the table. With everyone full and satisfied, the family dinner finally approached its main purpose.

Perhaps because of the harmonious meal, the atmosphere was less tense than during their phone call.

Noting his aunt’s rare good mood, Ji Mingcheng spoke up boldly, “Eldest Aunt, I really don’t want to join the First Legion.”

“What, planning to threaten me again with dropping out and entering the entertainment industry?” Ji Shuwen said calmly, her voice soft yet authoritative.

“Ji Mingcheng, if you say anything else to upset your aunt, I’ll be the first to deal with you,” Ji Yixing warned his rebellious nephew.

“Being ordered around by those good-for-nothings in the First Legion is worse than acting in cheesy TV dramas. At least I’d be entertaining the public,” Ji Mingcheng muttered under his breath.

Ji Shuwen’s gaze sharpened. Ji Mingcheng stiffened, his voice fading until he lacked the courage to argue further, though he still looked defiant.

“Mingcheng, I’ve repeated this many times. I believe you understand the reasoning. Since you bear the Ji name and have enjoyed the privileges of being a Ji, you must contribute to the family—even if it’s something you don’t want to do.”

“Then I’d rather not be a Ji. I can still become a chief and join the Fourth Legion honestly, without bearing any damn family responsibilities—” “Mingcheng!”