Chapter 194 – Grand Inspection

Author’s Note:

Note: “Forbidden Delicacy” (jin luan), “jin” means “prohibited.” “Luan” means “meat.” The phrase refers to the most exquisite meat, reserved exclusively for the royal family. It is a metaphor for something precious, enjoyed solely by one person and not to be touched by others. The term originated from a story recorded in “Shi Shuo Xin Yu: Pai Diao” during the Eastern Jin Dynasty founded by Emperor Yuan of Jin.

In the early days of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the economy was backward, and resources were scarce. The food consumed was limited and coarse, even for the nobility, who viewed pork as a delicacy. Whenever they obtained a pig, they would cut a piece of meat from its neck to present to Emperor Yuan.

They believed that the meat from a pig’s neck was exceptionally tender and delicious, the pinnacle of culinary delights, suitable only for Emperor Yuan’s consumption. No other officials dared to indulge in it, earning it the name “forbidden delicacy.”

Later generations used this term to refer to something that others should not touch, or directly to exquisite dishes. After the death of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin, Yuan Shan Song wanted to marry his daughter to Xie Hun. People joked, “Don’t get too close to the forbidden delicacy.” Su Shi of the Song Dynasty said, “Taste just one slice from the neck, akin to savoring the claws of a frost-covered crab.”

In this context, “forbidden delicacy” is used in its original meaning, referring to a precious treasure exclusive to the emperor, representing the emperor’s possessiveness at that moment. Please do not associate it with other extended meanings.