EPISODE 4
Qing Dynasty Envoys’ Banquet
Inhyeok moved swiftly, giving instructions to the skilled cooks, who responded quickly, washing and cutting the vegetables to appropriate sizes.
“Ah… there are vegetables here that we don’t have in this place.”
Glancing around, Inhyeok clicked the fridge icon in the status window, took out all the broccoli and asparagus from the vegetable section, and casually handed them to the cooks. They prepared them quickly without suspicion.
Once all the vegetables were prepped, the cooks awaited Inhyeok’s next instruction.
“Blanch these vegetables in boiling water with a pinch of salt, then immediately put them in cold water to preserve color and crunch.”
“Yes, sir.”
As the banquet approached, Saongwon’s atmosphere became increasingly hectic. Officers and cooks carried out their roles, completing dishes one by one.
Inhyeok inspected the finished dishes, checking seasoning and texture, and arranged the food neatly on the plates. Broccoli and asparagus, slightly blanched and cooled to maintain crispness and vibrant colors, were placed next to the prepared croaker and croaker alongside the already plated fish, making the presentation visually appealing.
At that moment, a hesitant cook approached, pointing at the broccoli and asparagus.
“Sir, what are these? I don’t think we’ve seen these ingredients in Saongwon before…”
“These are special ingredients I brought along with the fish through the steward.”
“Ah… I see. Just think of them as similar to cabbage, ha-ha!”
The cook, still intrigued, carefully observed the unfamiliar vegetables and asked again.
“How should we cook these cabbage-like vegetables?”
Inhyeok smiled gently, trying not to show any confusion.
“It’s simple. Just like we did earlier, blanch them to preserve color and texture, or stir-fry them in oil. If you let them retain their juices, the flavor will be even better.”
The cook nodded, still amazed by the unfamiliar ingredients.
Suddenly, the voice of a rushing officer filled the kitchen:
“The banquet is about to begin! Everyone, hurry!”
The entire Saongwon instantly became more bustling. Officers and cooks finished their last checks and completed the dishes. Inhyeok confirmed each dish himself, moving swiftly.
“The steamed croaker and grilled croaker are done… How is the stock? Is it properly brewed?”
“Yes, we boiled it to produce a clear and rich flavor, as you instructed.”
“Good. Strain it one more time to keep it clear, and ask a senior officer to taste for seasoning.”
Inhyeok gave final instructions, his calm voice guiding the cooks.
“Hurry, everyone! Not only taste but presentation is important. Serve each dish with absolute care!”
Finally, the doors of Saongwon opened wide, and the drum signaling the start of the banquet echoed.
The palace maids carefully carried the dishes into the banquet hall. Croaker meunière, golden grilled croaker, soft glutinous rice cakes, and the lightly blanched broccoli and asparagus were arranged beautifully, resembling a painting. Alongside the main dishes were clear soup and delicately prepared glutinous rice cakes, creating a perfectly set table.
“The banquet dishes are all ready.”
The maids bowed politely and withdrew. The hall was filled with ministers and Qing envoys. One of the envoys gazed at the table in admiration:
“Indeed! Joseon cuisine is neat and formal. Seeing such a well-prepared table, we can feel the sincerity of our welcome.”
The Minister of Rites smiled and quietly raised his cup:
“For those who have traveled a long way, this is the least we can prepare. I hope you enjoy the dishes made with care.”
“Ha-ha! Then let us taste!”
The envoys began sampling the dishes one by one. The first Qing envoy took a bite of the croaker meunière, eyes widening in surprise:
“This soft yet deeply umami flavor… is truly unique.”
Another envoy, tasting the grilled croaker, nodded approvingly:
“Ah… this fish tastes exceptional. The preparation differs from fish I’ve had in Joseon before. And these green vegetables are unlike anything I’ve seen… their taste is very distinctive.”
He pointed at the broccoli and asparagus. The Minister of Rites smiled and explained:
“These are special vegetables personally brought in by the Saongwon officer through the steward in charge of the fish. Joseon is gradually embracing new ingredients and expanding culinary possibilities.”
“The flavor is fresh and nutty. Joseon cuisine really emphasizes natural taste.”
The envoys tasted each dish in turn, marveling at the presentation and flavors.
“These green vegetables are unlike any we’ve seen at Joseon banquets before, and the cooking style is different from typical Joseon dishes… Who created these?”
“Indeed, the aroma is fresh, and the crunch is excellent.”
“By composing the dishes so harmoniously rather than just serving fish, the overall flavor is enhanced.”
The Minister of Rites, observing quietly, gestured for a maid to call the officer who prepared the dishes:
“Bring the officer who made these dishes here.”
The maid bowed and quickly left for Saongwon.
Back at Saongwon, the kitchen was still bustling. The cooks washed tools and organized leftover ingredients, while Inhyeok continued working, finishing the remaining tasks.
‘The status window is quiet… I wonder when I can return to the modern era…’
A palace maid rushed in:
“We are looking for the officer responsible for the fish dishes at today’s banquet!”
The cooks and officers froze in surprise. Inhyeok, slightly taken aback, straightened and spoke calmly:
“That would be me… What seems to be the matter?”
The maid, slightly excited, explained:
“The Qing envoys were greatly impressed with the dishes you prepared. They wish to meet the person who made them. The Minister of Rites requests that you come to the banquet hall immediately.”
Silence fell across Saongwon. The cooks exchanged astonished glances. It was rare for a Saongwon officer to be called before foreign envoys, as usually only high-ranking ministers would meet them.
Inhyopk quickly composed himself, straightened his apron, and adjusted his attire:
“Understood. Please guide me.”
The maid led him to the banquet hall. Inhyeok cautiously stepped inside. Some broccoli and asparagus remained on the table, and the envoys were observing them with interest.
The eldest Qing envoy addressed him:
“Finally, the person who prepared these dishes has arrived.”
Inhyeok bowed politely before the envoys:
“I am Kim Inhyeok, a Saongwon officer. I hope the dishes were to your liking.”
The envoys smiled at one another.
“Not just to our liking — these dishes are truly remarkable. We never expected to experience such cuisine at a Joseon banquet.”
Another envoy picked up the remaining broccoli:
“Where did these come from? We’ve never seen such vegetables in our Qing country either…”
“These were not standard Saongwon ingredients. I brought them through the steward, wishing to experiment with new ingredients.”
“Ha-ha! So you are not only a cook but also an innovator!”
The envoys looked at him with interest, laughing heartily.
“Even these croaker and grilled croaker dishes differ from the usual Joseon methods. Typically, they are steamed with soy sauce, but today, they were prepared with oil to preserve tenderness and moisture.”
“Your observations are sharp. This banquet’s dishes were specially researched and prepared by Officer Kim Inhyeok.”
The envoys, impressed, turned their admiration toward Inhyeok.
“Hmm… With skills of this level, you could be welcomed at banquets in Qing as well.”
“Indeed. A talent like this is too valuable to remain in Joseon alone. You would make an excellent court chef in Qing.”
The banquet hall filled with laughter. Inhyeok smiled quietly:
“You are too kind. But I wish to continue serving as a Saongwon officer here.”
‘It would be even better if I could return to the modern era now…’
He swallowed his unspoken thoughts.
“Ha-ha. Of course! What a pity.”
One envoy sighed, raising his cup. Then, the eldest envoy set his cup down and spoke seriously:
“May I ask you one thing?”
“Please, go ahead, sir.”
“You have brought an entirely new wave of innovation to Joseon’s banquet cuisine. Will Saongwon continue to produce such innovative dishes in the future?”
Inhyeok paused, considering. This work had happened by chance, and if he continued, some might doubt him.
‘But… perhaps I can take a little pride in this.’
Perhaps he could leave a mark in Joseon’s culinary history. Furthermore, receiving praise from Qing envoys and the Minister of Rites could mean the king would hear of it.
“As a Saongwon officer, I only strive to do my best. I believe I can continue to create tastier, more harmonious dishes using what I know, in my current position.”
