GBP Chapter 16 Daring to Covet My Wife
Chapter 16 Daring to Covet My Wife
The tense atmosphere permeated the hotel kitchen.
Li Mao paced among the kitchen staff with his hands behind his back.
You guys,
Li Mao's voice pierced through the noise of the kitchen.
Since you began following me, your knife skills and mastery of the craft have improved considerably. But today, I am giving you a choice, a choice that will determine your future. If you fear the might of the imperial city and are unwilling to venture into that complex realm, withdraw now, and I will give you another chance.
The chefs exchanged glances, a hint of hesitation flashing in their eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.
One of the older men stepped forward, kneeling slightly, and said resolutely, "Your Highness, our fates changed the moment we met you. Your kindness in recognizing our talent is heavier than mountains and deeper than the sea. We will face any danger, no matter the circumstances, as long as Your Highness gives the order."
Li Mao gently patted his shoulder, a barely perceptible hint of relief flashing in his eyes.
These people were his carefully selected and secretly trained elites, each of whom had mastered his unique cooking techniques.
He knew all too well that the court was a place of unpredictable events, and only those who possessed both loyalty and ability could be trusted.
it is good!
Li Mao's voice carried a hint of boldness.
I, Li Mao, have remembered your loyalty. Upon entering the palace, you need only remember the precise proportions of every dish and seasoning I teach you. Prepare them for His Majesty to enjoy daily, not only to earn his praise but also to bring him satisfaction.
He changed the subject, his gaze softening.
As for your families, I will arrange for their proper care and ensure their safety. You only need to focus on your knives and spice jars and put my plan into practice. Once the Emperor is pleased, your future will be bright and your careers will soar!
After he finished speaking, several cooks knelt down on the ground in unison, their foreheads touching the cold floor tiles with a thud.
In their hearts, Li Mao was not only their mentor in skills, but also the benefactor who changed their destiny.
But unbeknownst to them, behind all this lay Li Mao's profound scheme—using knowledge from a thousand years later, he meticulously planned a silent "feast."
Those seemingly ordinary seasoning combinations actually contained hidden secrets, with only one purpose: to slowly erode Li Longji's health, so that this once-powerful emperor would still appear vigorous and energetic in front of outsiders, but in reality, his inner strength would gradually diminish.
A barely perceptible smile appeared on Li Mao's lips.
snort!
How dare you covet my wife!
Let's see if you can live to see next year!
Li Mao's plan was like a meticulously woven net, with every thread fitting perfectly.
He first used fragrant orchids as bait, cleverly arousing Li Longji's senses, causing this once peerless emperor to gradually fall into the tender embrace of the gentle embrace, and unconsciously lower his guard.
Subsequently, he skillfully orchestrated events in the kitchen, using a chef with exceptional skills to help Li Longji relive the glory days of his youth.
As time slowly passed, this dependence, which grew from the outside in, became like a slow poison, gradually eroding Li Longji's body and mind.
He became increasingly intoxicated by the fragrance of orchids, unaware that this fleeting pleasure was quietly consuming his already aging vitality.
The depth and ruthlessness of this plan lies in its ability to subtly lead people into a state of decline while they are enjoying themselves. It is a clever and ruthless tactic!
……
Deep within the Imperial City, in the heart of the Imperial Household Department.
Gao Chen sat upright on a rosewood chair, his magnificent brocade robe highlighting his seemingly kind yet subtly shrewd face.
As the chief eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, he enjoyed extremely high prestige in the palace.
At that moment, a series of hurried footsteps outside the door broke the silence of the inner room, and a small figure stumbled in—it was Gao Chen's trusted confidant, Xiao Xizi.
Although Xiao Xizi is young, she is highly valued by Eunuch Gao because of her intelligence and quick wit. She is always able to gather intelligence for Gao Chen in the complex court struggles.
"Eunuch Gao, something terrible has happened!"
Xiao Xizi's words were filled with barely concealed panic, as if the sky had fallen and the earth had collapsed.
Gao Chen frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He slowly put down the exquisite white porcelain teacup in his hand and said calmly, "What's the panic? Why are you making such a fuss? If the Emperor sees this, do you think you can keep your head?"
After saying that, he took a small sip of tea, as if everything before him was insignificant.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xizi quickly wiped the fine beads of sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and said respectfully, "I know I was wrong, and I will definitely pay attention next time."
Gao Chen was quite pleased and nodded in satisfaction.
"At least they know when to stop, unlike some stupid people who don't know their own limitations."
A figure flashed through Gao Chen's mind, and a barely perceptible cold smile appeared on his lips.
Seeing this, Xiao Xizi became even more apprehensive. He continued to report respectfully, "Eunuch Gao, we have made some discoveries regarding the matter you instructed me to investigate. The newly opened restaurant of Prince Shou is not only not as deserted as we expected, but it is also packed with customers and its business is booming!"
Upon hearing this, Gao Chen frowned.
"How can this be?"
Xiao Xizi shrank back, trembling as he repeated, "That's right, I saw it with my own eyes, I dare not utter a single falsehood."
Gao Chen suppressed his anger, pondered for a moment, and then a cunning glint flashed in his eyes, as if he had gleaned something from this unexpected news.
Has the quality of the restaurant's food declined? What's its reputation like?
he asked.
Xiao Xizi shook her head and confirmed, "No, on the contrary, it's receiving rave reviews, and the guests are full of praise."
Gao Chen's anger, which was about to erupt, instantly turned into a cold laugh.
"Hmph, Prince Shou, do you think you can escape our grasp like this? This time, I will make you pay the price for your past contempt!"
……
In the imperial study room.
Li Longji was holding a wolf-hair brush, wielding it with vigorous strokes on the Xuan paper.
Beside him, Xianglan moved gracefully, dressed in simple white, like an orchid blooming in early spring, gentle and charming.
"Your Majesty, your calligraphy is truly magnificent, full of vigor and spirit. I am filled with admiration every time I see it."
Xianglan spoke softly, her words full of sincere praise, as she gently massaged Li Longji's tense shoulders and neck with her delicate hands.
Li Longji smiled faintly upon hearing this.
A hint of tenderness flickered in his eyes.
Xianglan's meticulous care and the allure of delicious food gradually lessened his previous resentment towards Li Mao.
Just as this warm and harmonious atmosphere was spreading, Gao Chen, who had been standing to the side with a calm expression, seemed unwilling to let this tranquility last too long. He spoke up at the right time, but somewhat abruptly.
"Your Majesty, this old servant has something to say. Recently, there have been rumors that Prince Shou's restaurant business is booming, with customers thronging the doors. Prince Shou is truly capable; many nobles and dignitaries now prefer to entertain their guests at his establishment."
Upon hearing this, Li Longji's brows relaxed slightly, and he stopped writing to look at Gao Chen.
Gao Chen bowed even deeper, but his voice carried a chill as he continued, "Yes, and this old servant has heard that those princes and nobles are now very close to His Highness Prince Shou!"