Yellow Gourd and Artemisia Soup

Yellow Gourd and Artemisia Soup

　　When it comes to the local flavors of Xiantao, there is one dish that is even more famous than Mianyang’s Three Steamed Dishes, but it has been forgotten over time, never receiving the attention or promotion it deserves. If you were told about it, you’d be extremely interested—maybe even salivating at the thought, eager to try it right away to see what it tastes like. So, what is this dish? It’s a famous yet pricey delicacy we all crave but hesitate to order—a unique creation by our ancestors: “Mianyang Yellow Gourd and Artemisia Soup.”

　　 Mianyang Yellow Gourd and Artemisia Soup is a household name in Xiantao, and this premium dish can be found in nearly every local restaurant. The soup is made by simmering the tender buds of lake artemisia with yellow gourd fish from ditches and lakes in an iron pot. The resulting broth is milky white, with tender meat and a delicious taste, offering high nutritional value that has won the hearts of food connoisseurs.

　　 The history of Mianyang Yellow Gourd and Artemisia Soup goes way back—to the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Zhao Kuangyin. During the Tianfu era of the Later Han dynasty in the Five Dynasties period, although Zhao Kuangyin was somewhat well-known, he had no stable place to settle. One day, he came to the Chu region and sought refuge under Wang Yanchao, the Defense Commissioner of Mianyang. Wang Yanchao understood Zhao Kuangyin’s intentions, so he avoided discussing state affairs with him and instead treated him to fine wine and delicious dishes. He also invited Zhao Kuangyin to enjoy the scenic beauty of the water town, ensuring the future emperor ate well and had a great time. With days as blissful as those, even immortals wouldn’t want to leave—and Zhao Kuangyin planned to stay on a while longer before making any decisions.

　　 But guests staying too long inevitably have idle moments. After more than ten days, seeing that Zhao Kuangyin still hadn’t mentioned leaving, Wang Yanchao grew a bit puzzled and hatched a plan. He prepared a banquet and served a top-tier Mianyang specialty—Mianyang Yellow Gourd Soup—for Zhao Kuangyin. Upon tasting it, Zhao Kuangyin exclaimed in delight: “Delicious, so good!” But just as he was enjoying it the most, he suddenly heard a group of children outside singing, “Four dishes and two bowls, then you’re sent away.” Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin felt uneasy: “If you want to send me away, just do it—why involve the kids to egg it on?” Filled with indignation, he finished his meal and left without saying goodbye.

　　 After Zhao Kuangyin left, his fortunes changed—he became a military governor, led troops in the Chenqiao Mutiny, and became the first emperor of the Song Dynasty. As emperor, Zhao Kuangyin enjoyed the company of beautiful women and indulged in the finest food and drink every day, living a life fit for the gods. One day during a meal, he said to his ministers, “I care not for all the rare delicacies—I only want yellow gourd cooked with artemisia!” The emperor’s words threw his ministers into a panic. They searched everywhere for “Yellow Gourd and Artemisia Soup,” but to no avail. Enraged, Zhao Kuangyin rebuked his officials for their incompetence. As fate would have it, the gatekeeper suddenly reported: “Wang Yanchao of Mianyang has come to offer tribute and beg for forgiveness!” Upon hearing it was Wang Yanchao, Zhao Kuangyin snapped, “What does he want? Wasn’t I driven out by him? No, I won’t see him!” The gatekeeper continued, “He has brought water from Mianyang, Mianyang’s artemisia, Mianyang’s yellow gourd fish, and Mianyang’s chefs, all the way to the capital to cook the soup for Your Majesty.” Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin’s anger turned to joy: “If it weren’t for Wang Yanchao, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Quickly, give him a seat.” This reassured Wang Yanchao. Soon after, in front of all his ministers, Zhao Kuangyin finished every last bit of the “Yellow Gourd and Artemisia Soup” prepared by the Mianyang chef.

　　 Zhao Kuangyin said to Wang Yanchao, “You’ve satisfied my craving!”

　　 The ministers said to Wang Yanchao, “You’ve saved us from a great crisis!”

　　 And from then on, Mianyang Yellow Gourd and Artemisia Soup became famous throughout the land.