[quote=@Vilageidiotx]
So it's very similar, but without the added impetus of overseas trade or long distance military expeditions. 

EDIT: And the Vietnamese no doubt traded in Pho. There isn't another culture on this earth that can make a broth that stands up to Vietnamese broth. 
[/quote]

Probably more to the tune of, "How can we pay off the Mongols and Jurchens to keep them from climbing our walls!"