Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 939 899: Truly Unpalatable

This dish, while resembling braised pork, certainly wasn't prepared that way.

The preparation technique employed is more akin to boiling followed by the addition of dye.

Indeed, only dye was added.

The resulting taste and texture of this dish proved rather unpalatable.

Its sole redeeming quality was its visual appearance.

How this dish was prepared remains a mystery, as it genuinely looks like braised pork.

However, Lin Yi can confidently assert that this highlights the distinction between imperial cuisine and common fare.

Outside the palace, meat is typically boiled, and if resources permit, a bit of salt is added, making it quite palatable.

But within the imperial kitchens, while the cooking method might be similar, the presentation must be visually appealing, signifying the difference between the Royal Palace and the outside world.

After all, occupying the position of king naturally bestows a sense of superiority.

And from where does this superiority manifest? It must be reflected in one's attire, sustenance, dwelling, and mode of transport.

Naturally, we are not delving into the other aspects at this moment; our focus remains strictly on the culinary dimension.

The cooking techniques employed are, by all accounts, identical to those used outside; but if the skills are the same, where does the distinction lie? It can only be in the appearance.

Crafting elaborate presentations and incorporating vibrant dyes would serve to emphasize noble status.

Even as Lin Yi reconsidered the plate of braised pork, a slight frown creased his brow.

He wasn't entirely certain of the origin of this red coloring agent.

Were it not for the system's assurance that this substance was harmless to the human body, he would have likely discarded it long ago.

Even with this confirmation, despite the absence of any detrimental toxins, Lin Yi harbored no inclination to continue eating or to sample another portion, as the flavor profile was simply too difficult for him to endure.

Especially considering that ancient cattle and sheep possessed a significantly more pronounced gamey aroma than their later-generation counterparts; it is no overstatement to claim that the meat available now is truly gamey.

To put it plainly, the beef of today possesses a gaminess comparable to that of mutton in later eras.

And one can only imagine the taste of mutton from this period.

This is not the extent of it; in addition to this particular dish, Lin Yi's attention was drawn to the plate of bear paw presented earlier.

After all, such a dish would be considered inedible in later generations, but the prevailing customs differ now.

In contemporary times, bears still occupy a relatively high position in the food chain; they are abundant within the primeval forests.

Consequently, hunting these creatures is no more challenging than catching a rabbit in later periods.

This is precisely why Lin Yi resolved to sample this delicacy himself, to ascertain its purported deliciousness.

Therefore, he directed his focus toward the bear paw, lifted it before him, and gently probed it with his chopsticks. With a soft yielding, the chopsticks penetrated the bear paw, revealing its remarkable tenderness.

However, upon taking a bite of the bear paw, he was surprised to discover that it offered a texture no different from pig trotters of later generations.

The flavor, naturally, was unremarkable; aside from a salty component, it lacked any other discernible taste.

As a result of this experience, he promptly set down his chopsticks.

He found himself entirely disinterested in the array of exotic delicacies before him.

It can be truthfully stated that, for Lin Yi, this entire spread of exquisite food paled in comparison to the lobsters he had procured along the border.

However, observing Lin Yi's expression, the surrounding individuals were utterly astonished.

They struggled to comprehend the reason behind King You's peculiar demeanor.

They could not fathom what could possibly be amiss.

After all, they had painstakingly gathered the most delectable ingredients available; this table laden with exotic fare was not an experience accessible to the common populace, and they were acutely aware of its allure.

It is not an exaggeration to say that every eunuch present subtly swallowed, longing for a taste.

Yet, witnessing the King You's evident disdain, they could not help but feel a sense of bewilderment.

Nevertheless, Xiao Chen was the first to react. In her estimation, this individual was no ordinary person; he was an Immortal, and it was entirely plausible that an Immortal would remain unfazed by the mundane cuisine of this world.

With this reasoning, she cautiously approached Lin Yi and inquired:

"Your Majesty, do these dishes not meet with Your Majesty's approval? If they are unsatisfactory, I shall have them replaced immediately."

It is undeniable that this individual is quite astute and possesses foresight.

He immediately perceived Lin Yi's lack of enjoyment regarding the food, prompting him to speak first. Lin Yi, however, merely waved his hand:

"There is no need. The ingredients themselves are of excellent quality; it is merely that the culinary techniques employed differ somewhat from those used over there.

While this method largely preserves the inherent flavors of the ingredients, the taste itself? It is truly not commendable. Let it be, I shall refrain from partaking today."