The ministers of Taisang had never seen so much meat before.
While they were busy with their duties, a sudden decree arrived: at dinner, His Majesty Ji Xia would host a banquet for the ministers in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
To them, the daily meals of Taisang had already improved tremendously; at least they could now eat three full meals a day.
This lifestyle already exceeded their expectations, and many citizens constantly prayed to the Great Wind deity, hoping to maintain such a standard of living.
As for delicacies and fine cuisine? What were those?
Taisang had existed for over 200 years, but due to various limitations, culinary arts had never developed.
Even the simplest rice was scarce, and the wild herbs and vegetables on the outskirts of the southern forbidden forests were mostly poisonous. The wild beasts in the wilderness were ferocious and hard to hunt.
In such a dire situation for ingredients, how could there be room for developing fine cuisine?
Thus, when they heard about the banquet, they merely assumed it was another opportunity to discuss affairs of state.
However, the reality was far beyond their expectations.
Before each minister, apart from the essential rice, there were two dishes.
What truly captivated them, however, were the two plates of meat!
This meat was clearly different from the tough, dry wild game they occasionally ate during festivals. It was tender, juicy, and fragrant—wild beasts that scavenged out of hunger could never produce such meat.
Even more remarkable, the meat seemed to have been meticulously prepared. Cooked to tenderness, it was seasoned with spices they had never encountered before.
The steaming plates of meat gave off a rich aroma that filled their noses, making their mouths water uncontrollably.
Many ministers couldn't help but swallow a few gulps of saliva.
Ji Xia, seated high on the throne, his hair bound in a crown that framed his handsome face, said, "Today, I gather you all here for two purposes: first, to reward your hard work, and second, to discuss the regulations for Taisang's future."
The ministers stood together, bowing deeply in respect.
Ji Xia motioned for them to sit and continued, "These dishes before you are a gift from the general Dusang of the Jiujun Kingdom. From now on, Jiujun will provide Taisang with approximately 200,000 jin of meat daily!"
The ministers' faces lit up with surprise—not because of Jiujun's submission, as they knew Taisang could easily overpower Jiujun with its current strength. What delighted them was the sheer quantity of meat being offered!
The Jiujun people, who rarely ate vegetables, relied on their vast grasslands and winter survival techniques to sustain their herds of cattle and sheep.
This tribute, representing half of Jiujun's daily meat supply, was an unexpected windfall.
"Distinguished ministers," Ji Xia continued, "Taisang's gradual escape from weakness would not have been possible without your diligent efforts."
Standing, Ji Xia raised his cup in a toast to the ministers.
The cup held freshly brewed rice wine. Though mild, it was sweet and pleasant.
The ministers stood again, raising their cups and bowing to Ji Xia.
Lu Yu, the Senior Minister, exclaimed, "Taisang has endured hardships for over 200 years. The prosperity we see today is beyond our wildest dreams. This is all thanks to our wise ruler, a sovereign unparalleled in Taisang's history and destined to bring us greatness!"
In unison, the ministers declared, "Long live the enlightened ruler of Taisang!"
Ji Xia nodded, downing the cup in one motion. The ministers followed suit, draining their cups.
Looking at his ministers, their solemn yet joyful expressions, Ji Xia announced, "From now on, your stipends will include regular meat rations. The specific allocations will be determined by the royal court's planning."
The ministers' faces lit up with gratitude, and they voiced their thanks repeatedly.
Ji Xia took another sip of wine, picked up a piece of lamb with his chopsticks, and placed it in his mouth.
Instantly, the flavor—so unlike Taisang's usual fare—spread across his palate, filling his throat and warming his entire body.
Seeing Ji Xia begin to eat, the ministers eagerly tasted the dishes before them.
Though they restrained themselves, their expressions betrayed their enjoyment.
As the beef and lamb entered their mouths, their eyes narrowed with pleasure, their faces reflecting the delight of the meal.
For most of them, eating every day had been a privilege; taste was a luxury they couldn't afford.
Now, with Taisang's abundant rice supply, they had food security, but vegetables, seasonings, and variety were still scarce.
Eating such exquisite dishes brought them not only joy but also a tinge of longing—when would every Taisang citizen have meat on their tables every day?
Watching his ministers savor the meal, Ji Xia felt a profound sense of purpose.
As the ruler of a nation, it was his duty to ensure the well-being of his people, to protect them from the ravages of other races. Was this not the true meaning of his position?
For over 200 years, Taisang's rulers had fought against the brutal wilderness, overcoming countless hardships to ensure their survival.
Though their survival was partly due to the absence of overwhelmingly powerful neighbors, the relentless efforts of Taisang's people played an undeniable role.
"I am no mere passerby," Ji Xia thought, his mind stirring.
"When I see elderly citizens willing to die to ease the burdens of their families and nation...
"When I see soldiers fighting valiantly against impossible odds...
"When I see officials toiling selflessly day and night...
"When I see simple smiles of satisfaction from citizens who finally eat their fill...
"When I see people volunteering to face death for Taisang in times of crisis..."
Ji Xia's expression grew resolute.
"How could I be a mere passerby? I am Ji Xia, the ruler of Taisang's people!"
"Perhaps my mission is to lead these kindred spirits, who share the same bloodline, appearance, and origins, out of hardship."
"But to contend with those colossal races, I need more strength."
A surge of determination filled his heart. "I must become even stronger to protect these kind and noble people."
Within him, the Great Snow Mountain began to emit a faint glow. The spiritual essence coursing through it seemed to bubble and dance.
From within the mountain emerged the Great Sun Spirit Furnace, with two three-legged golden crows flying around its edge, chirping joyfully.
Below, Ji Xia's advisors, Ji Qianqing and Shi Yang, sensed a strange and divine aura rising from their ruler.
They exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with excitement.
Their ruler, Ji Xia, was about to break through the barrier of mortality and transcend the ordinary.