The imperial dish. In China, this dish was considered unattainable for everyone except for the emperor – only he could taste it. Therefore, the preparation process was taken seriously – for several days, the duck was being rubbed, coated, marinated, and left to rest before being baked with precise temperature control. Then, it was coated again, basted, and roasted until the skin turned crispy. Throughout this process, the meat remained juicy and tender. Interestingly enough, following the tradition, the chef must cut exactly 108 pieces from the skin. In this oriental culture, the number 108 symbolizes justice, and the duck itself is a symbol of prosperity and happiness.