So even though it’s early winter, everyone can still dine in the courtyard.
Especially with a steaming hot Carp on the table, the atmosphere is just perfect.
Moreover, the owner is very business-savvy; beneath the large fish platter, there is another tray. In the space between them, several alcohol stoves are placed, with small flames constantly burning, ensuring that the fish stays warm, thanks to Hui Liang’s careful planning, so that people can enjoy a warm fish feast in the countryside courtyard even in early winter.
Lin Yang raised the glass, which Wang Feng had already brought—the vintage homemade liquor. The Moutai glass swirled gently, with the slightly sticky, amber liquid shimmering in the firelight.
"Come on, cheers."
"Eat fish, cheers."
Everyone raised their glasses together, and after a drink, they felt warm inside.
Then came the moment to eat fish.
"Lin Yang, my brother, since you caught this fish, you should do the honors."
Hearing Wang Feng’s words, Lin Yang readily obliged.
Because the fish head was facing him, there was an unspoken rule at the table that whoever the fish head points to is the first to use their chopsticks.
Only after this person takes a bite can the others start eating the fish.
Of course, at some banquets, there would also be customs like head fish wine and tail fish wine, which makes it even more complicated.
Lin Yang, without saying much, picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of the most tender fish meat from under the fish eye, considered the prime part of the fish.
After a bite, it was indeed extraordinarily delicious.
As he took the first bite, others joined in, naturally focusing on the prime parts of the fish.
Despite their eagerness, they were measured in their movements, ensuring that no part was completely taken by one person and leaving plenty for others to taste.
The fish was large enough, with plenty of meat for everyone to enjoy.
Lin Yang also tried a side dish, wide Northeast noodles, taking a long strand and swallowing it whole, savoring the taste.
He couldn’t help but exclaim: "No wonder they call it a double portion Carp, even the noodles are delicious."
Everyone else displayed expressions of enjoyment as well, it was truly delicious.
A double portion Carp brought everyone together in a lively and joyous meal.
And thus, the second leg of the competition in Hui Province concluded successfully.
Lin Yang’s leadership in changing rods twice not only demonstrated his outstanding performance and achieved a decisive first place, but he also received high praise from all audiences, experts, and competitors.
If not for his initiative in changing rods twice, the entire competition might have deviated, turning into an airstrike contest and self-doubt competition.
Even the local officials were very grateful to Lin Yang.
Because without him, what was supposed to be positive publicity for the event might have turned negative.
Imagine, with such an important river designated as an ecological reserve and intangible cultural heritage, yet if there were no fish, the local departments, especially those related to the environment, would likely have had to resign.
Thanks to strategic moves, people came to know that this place not only boasts beautiful scenery and cultural heritage but also rich fish resources, attracting many tourists and boosting the local economy of this small county town.
For a county, such positive publicity and the immense traffic brought by Lin Yang are invaluable.
There’s precedence, as seen with some places in Caiyun Province that became popular online tourist spots after being featured in a program and with Lin Yang’s influence.
Especially some prime fishing spots, which have become sought-after destinations for anglers nationwide, with a feverish enthusiasm.
Knowing a place is rich in fish, even featuring rare species or just providing a thrilling experience, many anglers will drive hundreds of miles to get there.
With the conclusion of the second competition, the publicity for the third competition in Hui Province began immediately.
Hui Province had previously announced the competition outline, with 4 events in 4 different waters: Yellow River waters, Huai River waters, Yangtze River waters, and Qiantang River waters.
So far, the first competition at Chaohu completed the fishing for Yangtze River waters.
The second competition at the Yellow River Old Channel completed fishing for Yellow River waters.
The third event, as officially announced, will be held at the Huai River waters.
Upon hearing this news, netizens began heated discussions.
"I’ve never been to the Huai River, though I know it’s a large river, I’m not familiar with it."
"Indeed, it seems rarely mentioned in other programs."
"Great, I can learn about another unfamiliar water body, although the exact location remains unknown."
As anticipation built, the next competition in the Huai River waters drew closer.
The Huai River originates from Tongbai County, Yunnan Province, in a valley on the northwest side of Tongbai Mountain, Taibai Peak. Its main stream flows through four provinces, joining Yangzhou City, Sanjiang, Yinlu, and Jiang Liu in Xiangbei, Yu, Nan, Hui, Su, and Lu Provinces. The north is bordered by the Yellow River, dividing into the Huai River and a large four-river-two system.
The main stream of the Huai River stretches approximately 1000 kilometers, with a drainage area of about 270,000 square kilometers, of which one tributary covers about 80,000 square kilometers.
Overall, the Huai River flows through five provinces, with Hui Province not being the most prominent, but within Hui Province, the Huai River holds considerable significance.
For instance, Huainan City is named after the Huai River.
Historically, this area often served as the seat of states or was granted as fiefdoms.
The famous Huainan King, Liu An, the inventor of tofu, established his fiefdom here.
As the event drew nearer, the production team announced the next competition location, which happens to be in Huainan City.
Specifically, in Shou County of Huainan City, at a place called Zhengyang Pass.
Zhengyang Pass, also known as Huainan Ancient Town, is one of China’s eight major passes.
In the first year of Emperor Chenghua’s reign in the Ming Dynasty (1465 AD), a major tax post was established here, directly managed by the Ministry of Revenue, known as Silver Zhengyang or East Zhengyang.
Zhengyang Pass derived its name from this.
Currently, Zhengyang Pass Town is part of Shou County, Hui Province, and is a key development center and comprehensive reform pilot town in Anhui Province, known for its vibrant folk arts.
Zhengyang Pass boasts a prominent historical status and was a crucial stronghold along the Huai River, often referred to as the "Little Magic City."
After the founding of the People’s Republic, many merchants, capitalists, and soldiers ventured abroad, and today, there are many former Zhengyang residents in countries worldwide, with extensive family connections overseas.
Historically, Zhengyang Pass had a period of remarkable prosperity.
Located at the confluence of the Pi River, Ying River, and Huai River, it was a thriving trade center and the most important goods distribution hub in the middle reaches of the Huai River.
In the Ming Dynasty, a major tax post was established here, with ships passing through contributing significant white silver taxes, earning it the reputation of Silver Zhengyang.
....
Soon, the competition day arrived, and all the contestants came to this little-known town.
Although Zhengyang Pass might not be famous today, its weathered ancient walls and historical ambiance still testify to its former glory.
At the start of the show, host Xia Xiaoxue narrated extensively, introducing everything about Zhengyang Pass to the audience.
Her narration revealed to the viewers that this seemingly ordinary, even slightly desolate town, had once had a glorious past.
Viewers in the live broadcast room expressed their amazement.
"I never expected a small town in Hui Province to have such an incredible past."
"Zhengyang Pass, connecting 15 provinces and linking to overseas, is impressive."
"The title ’Silver Zhengyang’ is indeed extraordinary; one can imagine the busy trade and silver flowing here in the past."
"It’s a pity that this once thriving stronghold has turned out this way."
"But it’s quite nice too, with a taste of historical heritage, and free from the damage too many tourists cause."
"That’s true; many famous historical sites today were once bustling places, now overrun and destroyed by tourists."
"Yes, I don’t like traveling to crowded places; it’s hard to tell if I’m there for the scenery or the people. A place like Zhengyang Pass is wonderful—quaint, historically authentic, and not crowded."
"However, after the program airs, lots of people might soon visit."
"No, everyone should stay away, let me go first, then everyone else can go."
"Haha, wishful thinking; I’m from Hui Province and already driving to see Zhengyang Pass."
"I’ve already set off....."