Gong Bao. Speaking of "kung pao chicken", of course, we can't help but mention its inventor-Ding Baozhen. According to the Draft of Qing History, Ding Baozhen, born in Pingyuan, Guizhou Province, was a scholar in Xianfeng for three years, and served as the governor of Sichuan in Guangxu for two years. It is said that Ding Baozhen has a good knowledge of cooking, and likes to eat chicken and peanuts, especially spicy food. When he was governor of Sichuan, he created a delicious dish which was made of diced chicken, red pepper and peanuts. This delicious dish was originally just Ding Jia's "private kitchen", but later it spread more and more widely and was well known. But not many people know why it was named "Gong Bao".

The so-called "Gong Bao" is actually the honorary title of Ding Baozhen. According to the explanation in China Dictionary of Official in Past Dynasties, officials at all levels in Ming and Qing Dynasties had "virtual titles". The highest virtual titles are "Tai Fu, Shao Shi, Tai Fu, Shao Fu, Taibao, Shao Bao, Prince Tai Fu, Prince Shao Shi, Prince Tai Fu, Prince Shao Fu, Prince Tai Bao and Prince Shao Bao". The above titles are all empty titles addressed to important officials in the DPRK, and they have no actual power. Some of them are posthumously presented, and they are generally called "palace titles". After Xianfeng, these virtual titles no longer used "so-and-so teacher" but "so-and-so guarantee", so these highest virtual titles have another nickname-"Gong Bao". Ding Baozhen ruled Shu for ten years, and made many achievements as an official. He died in the 11th year of Guangxu. In recognition of his achievements, the Qing court posthumously presented the "Prince Taibao". As mentioned above, "Tai Zi Tai Bao" is one of the "Gong Bao", so the dish he invented was named "kung pao chicken", which is also a commemoration of this Ding adult.

Times have changed. Many people don't know what "Gong Bao" is, so they take it for granted that "kung pao chicken" is written as "Kung Pao Chicken". Although it is a word difference, it has changed the original intention of commemorating Ding Baozhen.