General Crosses the Bridge

General Crosses the Bridge

　　Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, when Zhang Fei was blocking Cao Cao’s troops at Changban Slope, he employed a clever ruse due to the critical situation. He ordered over twenty of his men to tie tree branches and leaves to their horses’ tails and gallop back and forth behind the woods east of Changban Slope Bridge. The branches swept the ground, kicking up dust and creating billowing smoke, making it look as if thousands of soldiers were charging forward. When Cao Cao’s troops approached, Zhang Fei glared fiercely with his round eyes, held his long spear, and stood firmly on the bridge. He shouted loudly, “Zhang Yide from Yan is here—who dares to fight me to the death!” Wow, that roar was like thunder, even louder than a clap of lightning, scaring the Cao troops so much they dared not advance. In a sudden fit of rage, Zhang Fei stomped his feet hard, and the sound roared like a leopard or tiger. The bridge collapsed instantly, the water turned murky, and the river flowed backward, with fish and shrimp fleeing in panic. The Cao troops were so startled that they retreated in all directions. By the time the Cao commanders realized Zhang Fei’s trick and led their troops to build a bridge to pursue him, Zhang Fei and his men had already disappeared without a trace.

　　After shaking off the Cao troops, Zhang Fei and his men sought food and shelter in a remote place. When the locals learned it was Zhang Fei, they caught some blackfish from the river, cooked and boiled them, and served the meal as an offering. After the exhaustion of battle, everyone was too hungry to be picky—the fish pieces made a great dish, and the fish soup soothed their throats. Everyone praised it highly. After the meal, Zhang Fei expressed his gratitude to the locals and asked about the name of the dish. An elderly man said, “The fish came because of the general, and the dish was made for the general. With roots by the Yandang Bridge, if there’s no objection, let’s call it ‘General Crosses the Bridge.’”

　　General Crosses the Bridge, also known as “Two Ways with Ink Fish,” is made with cuttlefish, egg whites, shredded magnolia shoots, black fungus, chicken broth, and various seasonings. This dish features tender fish slices, fragrant and soft fish intestines, rich and savory soup, delicious taste, and high nutritional value—perfect as both a drink accompaniment and a main meal dish.