GBP Chapter 15 Going to the Newly Opened Restaurant
Chapter 15 Going to the Newly Opened Restaurant
The next morning, the entire Xingqing Palace was bustling with activity.
Numerous palace maids and eunuchs moved back and forth in the palace, and the Imperial Guards, unlike in the past, gripped their weapons tightly and became more vigilant.
This is because His Majesty Li Longji will be leaving the palace today!
Officials from the Ministry of Rites and eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs stayed up all night, preparing the ceremonial guards and the imperial procession.
Finally, with the help of palace maids, Li Longji, dressed in a dragon robe, boarded the imperial carriage.
"Get started!"
With a shout from Gao Chen, the massive procession drove out of Xingqing Palace.
Meanwhile, within Chang'an, the news spread like wildfire.
Thanks to Li Mao's deliberate propaganda, the people from all walks of life learned well in advance that the emperor was going to leave the palace today.
This news was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.
Endless curiosity and anticipation welled up in the hearts of the people, and an invisible force was drawing them from their homes to the streets.
The streets were already packed with people, shoulder to shoulder.
"I heard that His Majesty is leaving the palace today to go to that newly opened restaurant?"
"That's right. It's said that the dishes in those restaurants are not only delicious, but also quite inexpensive. I didn't expect that even His Majesty would be so impressed."
"After today, let's go to that restaurant and have a taste. A restaurant that can attract His Majesty's entourage must have delicious food!"
"Let's not talk about that for now. What an honor it would be if we could catch a glimpse of His Majesty's face today!"
……
As time went on, more and more people filled the streets, and the discussions among them grew louder and louder.
Everyone waited quietly, hoping to witness Li Longji's demeanor and this rare event.
"I'm coming!"
Someone shouted, instantly breaking the tense yet expectant atmosphere.
The crowd immediately stirred and surged forward like a raging sea.
"I saw it! Wow! That's spectacular!"
"Shh, keep your voice down, don't disturb His Majesty."
As Li Longji's imperial procession drew nearer, people finally saw the magnificent sight.
The magnificent carriage gleamed golden in the sunlight, its body adorned with exquisite and lifelike carvings.
The horses pulling the cart were tall and strong, their manes fluttering in the wind.
The Imperial Guards surrounding them were dressed in bright armor and held weapons, looking majestic and imposing.
The sound of drums and music was deafening.
The people knelt down and bowed, shouting, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The sounds rose and fell, resounding through the sky.
Hearing the shouts coming from outside the palace, Li Longji gestured to Gao Chen to roll up the curtain and sweep it lightly.
A moment later, as the curtain was lowered, Li Longji raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, before calmly closing them.
When the imperial carriage passed through the sea of people and arrived at the restaurant, Li Mao and a group of idle princes and nobles who had been waiting there were already kneeling respectfully to greet it.
"Your subjects pay their respects to Your Majesty!"
As Gao Chen helped him walk down the steps of the imperial carriage, Li Longji slowly raised his eyes, scanned the crowd, and nodded slightly.
"Be flat."
Li Mao and the others quickly stood up. Li Mao bowed slightly, a respectful smile on his face.
"Father, I have been waiting here for a long time. Everything is ready. Please take a look."
A group of princes and nobles stood aside, their expressions reserved yet somewhat ingratiating, carefully trying to please them.
Li Longji simply nodded, his eyes showing little emotion.
"Lead the way!"
"Father, this way please."
Led by Li Mao, Li Longji walked steadily into the restaurant, surrounded by the crowd.
The restaurant was already decorated in a magnificent and opulent style, with silk and satin adorning the walls and tables and chairs, and a faint scent of sandalwood permeating the air.
In the center of the lobby on the first floor sits a unique open kitchen.
Looking around at the novel decor of the restaurant, Li Longji remained expressionless, but a sense of anticipation began to stir within him.
Shibalang's restaurant does indeed have a unique charm.
I just wonder if the culinary skills of those chefs are really as good as I've heard?
Thinking of this, Li Longji looked at Li Mao.
Feeling the gaze of his cheap father, Li Mao smiled knowingly and strode towards the open kitchen.
However, no one noticed that before turning around, Li Mao gave a wink to his servant in the crowd.
Seeing this, the servant silently stared at Gao Chen in the crowd.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Li Mao gave instructions to the chefs who were already prepared.
"let's start!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Without the slightest hesitation, the cooks quickly got to work in front of the stoves, their movements skillful and agile.
Soon, a rich aroma wafted over, instantly filling the entire space and making everyone present drool.
Then, everyone's attention was drawn to the chefs' superb skills.
The chefs tossed the ingredients high into the air and caught them steadily, their spatulas flying up and down as flames danced in the pot.
The food in the pot tumbled and rolled under the licking flames, gradually turning a tempting golden color and radiating an alluring luster.
Before long, one exquisite dish after another was served on the table.
Each dish is adorned with exquisite carvings, resembling a work of art that is pleasing to the eye.
Li Longji looked at the delicious food in front of him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded slightly.
There are such exquisite dishes in this world!
With so many varieties, just looking at them makes one's mouth water...
After a moment's thought, Li Longji's gaze towards Li Mao softened considerably.
Li Mao personally served the last dish to the table, and smiled respectfully.
"Father, please enjoy your meal."
"Ah."
Li Longji, who had been expressionless, took the chopsticks handed to him by Gao Chen, gently picked up a bite of food, put it in his mouth, and savored it.
The delicious flavor instantly spread in his mouth, and Li Longji's facial muscles relaxed slightly, revealing a hint of barely perceptible pleasure in his eyes.
Wonderful, wonderful!
This dish is absolutely delicious!
In his delight, Li Longji sampled several other dishes. Although his face remained calm, the pleasure in his eyes became even more apparent.
"Not bad!"
In response to Li Longji's praise, Li Mao bowed with his hands clasped.
"Thank you for the compliment, Father."
"These chefs practice diligently every day, just to prepare a delicious meal for the Emperor."
"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you bestow a name upon me."
Li Longji nodded.
Let's name it 'Longevity Banquet'!
No sooner had he finished speaking than Gao Chen wisely offered his support.
"The Holy One is wise!"
"These delicious dishes not only taste amazing, but they also bring joy. If you eat them every day, they will surely make you live a long life!"
As he spoke, a cold smile appeared on Gao Chen's lips.
If we say that, His Majesty will surely take all these kitchen staff into the palace!
In that case, let's see how you run this restaurant!
Upon seeing this, Li Mao strode forward and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Father Emperor, for bestowing this name upon us. This name is not only a praise for this delicious meal, but also contains our beautiful expectations for the prosperity of the country and the longevity and well-being of the people."
"Your son thanks Your Majesty for bestowing blessings upon the people!"
Li Longji simply nodded slightly, his eyes showing little joy, only a hint of satisfaction.
"Get a pen and paper."
Gao Chen, who was standing nearby, quickly took the pen, ink, and paper from the maid and presented them to Li Longji.
Then, Li Longji picked up a brush and wrote the three large characters "Shou Wang Yan" (Longevity Banquet) on the paper.
Li Mao knelt down, raised his hands above his head, and respectfully accepted the paper.
"Thank you, Father Emperor, for bestowing this name upon me."
"Ah."
"Not bad!"
"Shibalang is very thoughtful."
After saying that, Li Longji got up and walked out of the restaurant.
"My son, I respectfully send you my father."
But as he approached the restaurant, Li Longji paused, turned around, and looked at Li Mao, who was still kneeling on the ground.
"Shibalang, let those cooks enter the palace!"
"My son, I obey."
"Please rest assured, Father, I will personally deliver it shortly."