Mandarin Duck Chicken

Mandarin Duck Chicken

　　The mandarin duck, also known as the "righteous bird," is known for living in pairs—male and female together—and flying wing to wing. It has long been a symbol of love and longing. As an ancient verse goes: "If we can fly wing to wing, why fear death? I’d rather be a mandarin duck than envy the immortals." During the golden autumn season, when rice is ripe and chickens are plump, serving a classic, beautifully presented dish—Mandarin Duck Chicken—at the table is sure to bring immense joy to your whole family.

The well-known historical tragedy "Farewell My Concubine" has touched the hearts of many. When Xiang Yu was besieged by the Han army at Gaixia and lamented that all was lost, his concubine Yu Ji sang in response: "The Han troops have taken the land, Chu songs echo from all sides; My lord’s spirit is broken, why should I go on living?" After singing, she drew her sword and took her own life, dying at just over 20 years of age. The story is sorrowful and deeply moving.

However, the romance between Xiang Yu and Yu Ji—and especially the lesser-known, touching legend of how they conveyed their love through cooking—is rarely heard. It turns out Xiang Yu was from Suqian, Jiangsu. In the first year of the Second Emperor of Qin, at age 23, he followed his uncle Xiang Liang to the Wu region (Suzhou), where he led a peasant uprising. One day, he practiced martial arts in front of a temple. Towering and heroic, he exuded great strength and had a ruddy complexion. With one hand, he lifted a huge temple cauldron overhead, drawing a crowd of onlookers—including Yu Ji and her father. Yu Ji, a beautiful and talented woman skilled in singing, dancing, and cooking, was considered a true beauty in both looks and ability. She once swore silently that she would only marry a hero. Seeing Xiang Yu’s striking appearance and single-handed feat of lifting the cauldron, she fell in love. She then asked her father to invite Xiang Yu to their home as a guest. She personally cooked a dish, coloring two chickens differently—one red and one white—and served them together in one plate, resembling mandarin ducks playing in water. She named it Mandarin Duck Chicken. Her father understood the message and happily agreed to let her marry Xiang Yu, thus giving rise to the legend of a marriage arranged by a single dish.