Chapter 44: The Magical Self-Heating Hot Pot

Night fell over the military camp, casting a veil of moonlight that was fractured by the jagged shadows of the tents.

Campfires flickered like scattered stars among the canvas dwellings, sending glowing embers dancing lazily on the breeze. From time to time, a log would crackle, sounding as though it were whispering tales of the battlefield. Patrolling soldiers wove between the tents, their figures appearing and vanishing in the firelight while the cold moonlight glinted off their armor.

Li Ji paced back and forth in front of the military physicians' tent, his expression hesitant. His boots made a soft rustling sound as they pressed into the damp earth. The wind-shielded lantern hanging before the tent swayed in the gale, its dim, yellowish glow dancing back and forth as if prying into Li Ji's troubled thoughts.

Every now and then, he would halt, turning an ear to catch the ripples of laughter drifting from within. That carefree mirth felt jarringly out of place in the silent, solemn atmosphere of the nighttime camp, intensifying his already heavy tension.

Finally, he drew a deep breath, mustering his courage, and called out toward the tent flap, "Is Physician Hao within?"

Physician Hao was the leader of the one hundred and twelve military doctors who had accompanied the army from Xianyang.

A subtle fragrance of dried herbs drifted through the physicians' encampment—the lingering scent of their daily medicinal brews. Bright lanterns illuminated the interior of the tent, casting the silhouettes of the occupants against the canvas walls in a series of swaying tableaus. They had just overcome a minor cold-medicine formulation issue that had plagued the army for some time, and the occupants were currently basking in the joy of their success, the atmosphere overwhelmingly warm and lively.

Hearing a familiar voice calling him from outside, Physician Hao frowned, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes. He slowly rose to his feet and walked toward the exit.

The moment Physician Hao stepped outside, it was truly a case of seeing is believing—and the sight nearly startled him out of his wits.

Standing before the tent was none other than Grand General Li Ji himself! No wonder the voice had sounded so familiar!

Beneath the dim moonlight, Li Ji's armor gleamed with a cold, hard metallic sheen, making his figure appear towering and majestic. Taken aback, Physician Hao hastily bowed low, preparing to offer a grand salute, his heart filled with awe.

The Grand General had come in person; it must be a matter of utmost importance!

Yet, Li Ji stepped forward and caught him by the arm.

Physician Hao raised his head in surprise, looking at Li Ji with utter bewilderment. "Grand General, what is the meaning of this? Do you have business with me?"

Physician Hao was not old, appearing to have just passed thirty. He possessed a straight posture, refined features, and a scholarly air. He stood in place, the hem of his robe fluttering in the wind.

Li Ji, a veteran of countless battlefields, bore the deep scars of time upon his face. Confronted now by a junior young enough to be his own son, the inexpressible awkwardness in his heart grew all the more acute. He looked into Physician Hao's youthful face, then glanced at the occasional soldier lingering in the distance, a whirl of complicated emotions churning within him. After all, the errand he had come to run was rather beneath his dignity. In this strictly regimented military camp, for a Grand General to come scurrying about out of sheer gluttony was truly a blow to his prestige.

The surrounding tents stood in silent judgment.

Seeing that Li Ji remained silent with a rather peculiar expression, Physician Hao's confusion deepened. Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, his expression turned grave. He fixed his gaze on Li Ji, his tone urgent and solicitous: "Is the Grand General feeling unwell? Do you require my treatment? If you trust this humble one, please, Grand General, step inside the tent and speak!"

As he spoke, he gestured with an outstretched hand, inviting him in. If the Grand General had truly fallen ill, there was not a moment to lose; his well-being concerned the safety of the entire army. On a night when the temperature swung wildly, any minor ailment could easily worsen in the harsh environment.

"Grand General! Whatever the illness may be, one must not avoid the physician. Sickness cannot be dragged out! You are the commander of our forces, and your safety concerns the fate of the entire army. You must not come to any harm!"

In the distance, the campfire seemed to flicker more violently in response to the heavy atmosphere, scattering sparks into the wind.

Observing the eager worry in Physician Hao's eyes, Li Ji's mouth twitched slightly. He shook his head with a wry, helpless smile.

"No, Physician Hao, you have misunderstood. My health is not ailing in the least; I merely came to ask you a question."

His voice sounded somewhat low in the night wind, yet it carried a trace of hard-to-conceal anticipation.

Hearing that Li Ji was unharmed, Physician Hao visibly exhaled, his tense posture relaxing as he patted his chest. "Thank goodness it is not the Grand General who is ill; otherwise, the responsibility would have been too great." He straightened his back and looked at Li Ji with solemn seriousness. "Please speak your mind, Grand General. If it is within my power, I shall spare no effort!" He thought to himself that he must surely resolve whatever troubled the Grand General.

At that moment, the lamplight from inside the medical tent spilled through the gap in the curtain, outlining their figures against the ground.

Seeing this, Li Ji stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and chuckled. "Physician Hao, relax, calm yourself! You look so grave that you've almost made it impossible for me to speak."

He paused, as if making a mighty resolve, and was just about to bring up the subject of hot pot when a sudden flash of inspiration struck him, and he instantly changed his tune.

"This old man merely wished to inquire whether Physician Hao has dined tonight? You medical personnel who came from Xianyang are the emperor's prized treasures! I, Li Ji, cannot allow you to go hungry!"

As Li Ji spoke, a look of profound concern washed over his face. *I am merely showing care for them, while incidentally finding out where on earth that hot pot is hidden,* he reassured himself inwardly.

A gust of night wind swept past, bringing a faint trace of woodsmoke from the distant mess kitchens, mingling oddly with the scent of medicinal herbs.

Hearing Li Ji's expressions of care, warmth flooded Physician Hao's heart, and his nose tingled. *The Grand General cares for us so deeply; how considerate.*

He hurriedly replied, "Grand General, we have all eaten! His Majesty has provided us with plenty of supplies, and we medical personnel even have self-heating hot pot to eat. Please set your mind at ease, Grand General! We shall take good care of ourselves!"

Even as he spoke, low murmurs of conversation drifted from nearby tents, punctuated occasionally by the faint clinking of weaponry.

Upon hearing the four words "self-heating hot pot," Li Ji feigned an expression of profound bewilderment. His confusion was half-genuine, half-feigned: genuine because he truly had no inkling of what manner of magical contrivance "self-heating" might be, filling him with curiosity; feigned because while he understood what a hot pot was, the modifier "self-heating" completely baffled him.

Realizing Li Ji's confusion, Physician Hao, being a sharp-witted man, caught on immediately.

With a smile, he said, "If the Grand General will wait a moment, I shall fetch some self-heating hot pot, and all will become clear!"

With that, Physician Hao turned and strode away, his figure quickly vanishing among the tents. His footsteps echoed in the night sky, and the shadows of the canvas dwellings seemed to chase at his heels. *The Grand General has surely never laid eyes on such a novelty; I must let him witness it.*

Watching Physician Hao depart, a triumphant smile bloomed on Li Ji's face—a smile tinged with a touch of childlike glee, much like a mischievous boy about to receive a coveted toy. *Ha! Aren't I clever, Li Ji? I'll have that self-heating hot pot in no time, and I won't have let His Majesty down after all.*

He stood in place as the surrounding air seemed to grow lighter, a fresh wave of cool air scattering the residual summer heat of the night. In the distance, the campfire blazed all the more fiercely as if celebrating his success, sending fiery sparks leaping joyfully into the air.

Before long, Physician Hao returned carrying a stack of wooden boxes. He set them gently upon the ground, causing the blades of grass beneath to bend under their weight.

Picking up one of the boxes, he presented it to Li Ji. "Grand General, look. This is the self-heating hot pot."

"See, the outer layer is made of wood, crafted with exquisite precision and sturdy texture. One merely needs to slide off the top lid, and one is ready to partake of the meal."

With that, Physician Hao opened a portion of the hot pot and began demonstrating its usage to Li Ji. *The instructions must be explained clearly to the Grand General; one cannot use this carelessly, especially the step involving the quicklime.*

At that moment, the surrounding light seemed to converge upon the small hot pot, illuminating every intricate detail. As the lid was removed, the internal structure was revealed to the eye. Within lay neat rows of small packets wrapped in oiled paper.

Picking up one of the packets, Physician Hao pointed to it and explained, "Look, Grand General, this packet contains quicklime. It is of the utmost importance, and must be placed at the very bottom. Furthermore, one must only add cold water; hot water must never be used. If hot water were used, it would be dangerous—it would explode!"

As he spoke, he carefully positioned the quicklime packet at the very bottom, his expression focused and earnest.

"Next, after inserting this second-tier small metal plate, one may pour in the water."

Operating smoothly, Physician Hao completed the step.

"Once the water is added, you may place the vegetables and dried meats from the paper packets inside, followed by the seasoning packet. Look at these vegetables and dried meats—they have all undergone special processing, and their flavor is exquisite. I am certain the Grand General will relish the taste."

The unique aroma of mixed vegetables and seasonings grew rich and heavy within the passages of Li Ji's nose. *It smells this fragrant before it's even cooked—just how delicious will it be when it's boiling?!*

"Once the water boils, it is ready to be consumed! This self-heating hot pot is truly a marvelous invention, both convenient and swift. His Majesty provided us with such generous portions that a single box is quite enough for two people to share," Physician Hao continued.

"Because this self-heating hot pot is still in a stage of exorbitant production costs, only we medical personnel have been issued them. The soldiers of the three great camps are already accustomed to our rations, but if the men of Tang were to see us eating fare this fine, it would inevitably breed resentment. Thus, whenever we wish to partake, we consume them privately within our tents and dare not make a fuss. It is a pity that such a fine delicacy cannot be shared with everyone!

"Since the Grand General has asked, this humble one will present five boxes for the Grand General to sample. If they are to your liking, you may simply come to us for more! I must beg the Grand General to keep our secret!"

Physician Hao looked at Li Ji with an earnest expression, hoping the Grand General would understand their difficult position. Beneath the watery moonlight, his gaze appeared exceptionally sincere.

Hearing this, Li Ji nodded in agreement, a satisfied smile blooming on his face.

"Then I shall accept without modesty and take them back to taste. I thank you, Physician Hao!"

"You must take good care of yourselves as well. If you encounter any difficulties, come straight to my grand tent!"

"What words are these, Grand General!" Physician Hao replied with a smile, gladdened in his heart that he had been of service.

The physicians' encampment returned to tranquility, with only the sound of their parting words lingering in the air.

Having secured the five boxes of self-heating hot pot, Li Ji summoned a soldier. Pointing to the boxes on the ground, he instructed, "Carry these for the General, and take care not to drop them."

The soldier nodded hurriedly, carefully scooping up the hot pots into his arms. Li Ji himself retrieved two bottles of "Little White Dry" liquor from the supply department, and then marched proudly back toward his grand tent.

Along the way, his spirits were high, and his stride exceptionally light. His figure wove through the tents, leaving a trail of carefree footprints in his wake.

Inside the grand tent, Li Shiming was growing drowsy with fatigue. The candles flickered in the draft, casting dancing shadows against the canvas walls. He sat upon his mat, stifling repeated yawns as his thoughts drifted longingly toward the chairs of Xianyang. The prolonged wait had brought on a wave of sleepiness that dulled even his appetite.

Contemplating the matter, Li Shimin decided it would be far more sensible simply to return to his own tent and sleep.

Just as he rose to his feet, however, Cheng Yaojin reached out and yanked him back down.

Grinning broadly, Cheng Yaojin laughed, "Your Majesty, do not be hasty! Wait a little longer! Li Ji that fellow might well bring back both the hot pot and the Little White Dry!"

His booming voice echoed through the tent, laden with anticipation and excitement. The air within the pavilion seemed to liven at his words, causing the candle flames to sway even more wildly.

Li Shimin shook his head in resignation and sank back onto his mat, his eyes flashing with mild annoyance toward Cheng Yaojin.

A moment later, a commotion arose outside the tent. Yuchi Jingde called out excitedly, "Li Ji is here!"

Li Ji strode in proudly, carrying the two bottles of liquor, while the soldier behind him carefully bore the five self-heating hot pots, placing them one by one upon Li Ji's commander's desk.

Li Ji nodded in satisfaction, then reached to his belt, fished out a hundred copper coins, and handed them to the soldier. "Take this, your reward for the errand!"

The soldier's eyes lit up at the sight of the coins, his face blossoming with surprise. *The Grand General is truly generous,* he muttered repeatedly.

"Thank you, Grand General! Thank you, Grand General!"

With that, he departed the tent in high spirits, his receding footsteps fading gradually outside until they vanished entirely.

Once the soldier had left, Li Ji looked toward the others with the triumphant air of one presenting a rare treasure. He picked up one of the self-heating hot pots, turned to Li Shimin, and asked with a grin, "Your Majesty! Do you know what this is?"

The candlelight illuminated his proud expression, casting dancing light and shadow across his features.

Li Shimin shook his head, his eyes brimming with curiosity. "Never have I seen such a thing!"

His voice carried a trace of imperial dignity, yet could not conceal his wonder.

Cheng Yaojin could contain himself no longer. He stepped forward and demanded, "Li Ji, where is the hot pot? Why did you bring back these wooden boxes? Are you storing jewelry in them?"

His crude speech and boorish manner earned him a look of utter disdain from Li Ji. Cheng Yaojin stood planted there, his bulk blocking a portion of the candlelight and casting a massive, dark shadow against the tent wall.

Li Ji rolled his eyes at him. "You bumpkin! What do you know? This is the hot pot you wanted! And what is more, it is a self-heating hot pot!"

"This is a hot pot?" Cheng Yaojin widened his eyes, disbelief written all over his face. He pointed a finger at the wooden boxes and burst into booming laughter. "What sort of hot pot is this supposed to be! It's not as though I've never eaten one! Could it be, Li Ji, that you were too embarrassed to ask and brought back some broken boxes to fool us? No matter, at least we can wet our throats with a bit of Little White Dry before going to sleep!"

"You untutored oaf, Cheng Yaojin, you really are incorrigible! I told you long ago to read a few more books!" Li Ji retorted with annoyance. "I told you, this is called a *self-heating* hot pot! As for how one eats it—I shall demonstrate it for an ignoramus like you!"

Even as he spoke, he inwardly mocked Cheng Yaojin's ignorance. The atmosphere within the grand tent grew livelier still amid their bickering, the candlelight thrashing violently in time with their words.

"One box has already been opened; opening one more will be plenty!"

Li Ji chattered on as he set about opening a fresh box of self-heating hot pot. "Physician Hao said that these self-heating pots are generously portioned—a single box is quite enough for two people!"

In the flickering illumination, every movement of his drew the intent gazes of the others.

The three men stared unblinkingly as Li Ji fumbled through the process of arranging the ingredients, adding water, and inserting the metal plate. Before long, the hot pot truly began to hiss and heat up. As billows of steam rose, a wave of enticing fragrance drifted and swirled through the tent.

The rising steam, bathed in the candlelight, looked like delicate wisps of mystical cloud, radiating an alluring scent.

Witnessing this, Li Shimin could not help exclaiming, "What marvelous ingenuity!"

"That this world should contain such wondrous artifice—it is truly an eye-opening experience."

The atmosphere in the tent was driven to a climax by this magical spectacle, the candlelight softening into a hazy glow amidst the rising fragrance and vapor.

Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Jingde wore identical expressions of utter bewilderment, resembling a pair of inquisitive children. Cheng Yaojin scratched his head, pointed at the hot pot, and asked, "Where did these vegetables and meats come from? Why were they so tiny at first, yet swelled up so much the moment they touched water?"

His mind was filled with doubt, finding this miraculous phenomenon entirely beyond comprehension. His eyes revealed a childlike curiosity, appearing wonderfully innocent within the fragrant, steamy expanse of the grand tent.

Li Ji gazed proudly at their astonished expressions. Though he understood nothing of the mechanics himself, it in no way hindered him from putting on airs.

He cleared his throat, readied himself to offer an explanation, and promptly realized he had not the foggiest notion where to begin, plunging into sudden awkwardness.

Recovering his composure swiftly, however, he smiled and said, "This... this is precisely the wondrous nature of the self-heating hot pot! Pay no mind to the details, just wait to eat!"

*I cannot let them see that I haven't the slightest clue either; I'll bluff my way through first.*

His smile was slightly stiff, but amid the bustling excitement, no one noticed.

The fragrance within the grand tent grew ever richer, drawing the full attention of all present as they eagerly awaited the tasting of this novel delicacy.