Chapter 43 Who is the recipient of the meat? The lady praises it.

The large cauldron was set up, and it took two days and one night to prepare. Although the cooking of this fine food was arduous and tiring, no one died.

The dragon's roar was completely burned.

The broth in the cauldron, after being boiled from grayish-brown to pale blue, finally turned milky white. The flavor gradually cleared and diffused, making one's mouth water with just a gentle sniff.

A faint, pleasant fragrance wafted out, lingering for miles.

"This fine food soup is a real delicacy."

"Madam is truly a celestial being. If it weren't for her, we would never have been able to enjoy a single sip of her wine in our entire lives."

"Yes, the lady even shares this precious soup with the servants. Alas, those servants are as lowly as mud, how can they possibly deserve such kindness from the lady?"

...

When the mission was accomplished, the fire in the cauldron had already gone out. The guards were sent back several miles away. The tall buildings and lush greenery in the village blocked their view, preventing them from seeing the bronze cauldron.

They would never have the chance to witness the scene of the soup being prepared.

"The lady is as beautiful as a fairy, yet mysterious and ethereal." Everyone had a similar thought.

Suddenly someone said:

"The lady eats meat, and we eat soup. I wonder how it will be divided this time."

Upon hearing this, everyone perked up.

"According to past practice, the guards will receive 70%, Pang Tong will take 20%, and of the remaining 50%, 20% will be given to Class A, and the remaining 30% will be divided equally among Class B, Class C, and Class D."

"There are many of us guards, and if we count them, each person can only drink two or three sips."

At times like these, everyone wishes they could climb even higher. The higher you climb, the fewer people there are at your level.

The more of the pie you get, the more you'll naturally receive.

"This time, however, things may be different. Didn't you see? There are four pieces of meat in total. The largest one is naturally for the lady. But what about the other three?"

"Yes, now that you mention it, it is indeed strange. Commander Pang got one piece, Miss Qiuyue got one piece, but where is the other one?"

"..."

This topic further heightened everyone's interest. Although they had no chance of getting that piece of meat, the question of "who got it" was certainly worth investigating.

“I guess… it should be for Master Ying. I remember once, Madam glanced at Master Ying.”

"Ah! You mean the winter hunt last time? Master Eagle shot a spotted tiger, and Madam turned to look?"

A murmur rippled through the crowd, all turning to look at the person at the front. Hua Hanying stood tall and proud, radiating smugness and an air of arrogant disdain.

Her thin lips curled up, and her mind, stirred by the crowd, became increasingly lively and expectant.

"Could it be... really for me?"

“Last time during the winter hunt, the lady did indeed glance at me.”

My heart was pounding, and the more I thought about it, the more likely it seemed. A look of joy spread across my face.

"Ahem, don't talk nonsense. How can we presume to know what the lady means?" Hua Hanying pretended to be indifferent and gently stopped her.

"Brother Eagle, everyone has witnessed this, so there's no harm in talking about it."

Wan Xingke, who was also a Class A guard, nudged Hua Hanying and said with a smile.

Although both are of the highest rank, strength and seniority are still important. Among the hundreds of guards, Hua Hanying's talent and martial arts skills are second to none.

"Very well." Hua Hanying waved his hand dismissively, quite pleased that everyone was discussing the matter, and feeling rather pleased himself.

The crowd continued:

"It's a good thing that Eagle Master has such good fortune; he must be very capable himself. Winter hunting happens every year, but only Eagle Master can hunt back a spotted tiger."

"Congratulations, Eagle Master! Congratulations, Eagle Master!"

"I just don't know what the meat tastes like. I hope you can tell us about the taste here later."

...

"If this piece of meat is truly for me, and if Madam truly values ​​me, I must seize the opportunity and do my best to perform well, so that... Madam will take a second look at me and remember my name!"

Hua Hanying could no longer remain calm. He turned his head toward the direction of the cauldron, a slight smile playing on his lips, appearing quite spirited.

A short while later, footsteps approached. The guards looked at Hua Hanying, their envy palpable.

Pang Long entered the crowd's view, laughing heartily. Hua Hanying stared intently at Pang Long.

Unexpectedly, Pang Long simply nodded at him, then turned and swept away, heading straight for the Class C guards, where he called out to a figure, "Li Xian, Madam is calling for you."

The moment the words "Madam is calling you" were uttered, everyone stared in disbelief, their expressions filled with astonishment.

Everyone looked around, their gazes gradually focusing on one person, some surprised, some astonished, some bewildered…

A mere third-class guard is qualified to be summoned by the madam?!

"good!"

Li Xian had anticipated this and calmly walked out of the crowd.

"You all wait here and behave yourselves."

"This time there's plenty of soup, everyone gets some, hahaha."

Pang Long was in a good mood.

As the two walked away, the guards immediately became noisy.

"Li Xian? Is that the Li Xian who started as a menial servant and became a guard, and was promoted to rank C within a month?"

"Hiss! I've heard quite a bit about this kid. I never expected... that he would be the one to be given the meat this time!"

"If you ask me, although Li Xian has potential, he is far too inexperienced compared to Master Ying. Logically speaking, it shouldn't be his turn."

"I suspect that Li Xian and Commander Pang have some hidden connection. Last time he was promoted, Commander Pang gave him a Tiger Strength Pill!"

"In that case, perhaps this bestowal of meat was also strongly recommended by the powerful Lord Pang."

"Alas, with this connection, we naturally cannot compare."

...

His words carried a hint of bitterness and resentment.

That's enough.

Hua Hanying said coldly, "Madam and Commander Pang's decisions are not open to your wild guesses. All of you, shut up."

This time, however, his tone was laced with anger and resentment.

No one dared to speak immediately.

Hua Hanying clenched his fists, coldly staring at the backs of Li Xian and Pang Long, his jealousy and anger barely contained.

He suddenly thought to himself, "Who is this Li Xian? The lady gave meat to him but not to me. Commander Pang... I have always treated you with such respect, yet you treat me like this."

Jiang Yun, a second-class nurse, also gazed intently at Li Xian's retreating figure.

"This kid really does have some connections. I'll find some time to ask Sister Qiuyue and find out more about him."

...

Three other people were deeply moved. These were Zhao Han and two others who had once shared a room with Li Xian and had a fairly harmonious relationship with her.

It hadn't been long, but in a daze, I realized that Li Xian seemed to have climbed higher and higher.

...

Near the bronze cauldron, Luo Fang knelt and prostrated himself on the ground.

The fine food is ready, awaiting only the lady's distribution. As is customary, Luo Fang's servants will receive 30%.

"Li Xian? What's he doing here?"

Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared and walked towards them.

Luo Fang was in turmoil, but he could only force himself to remain calm and observe the situation secretly.

What is your name?

Beside the large cauldron for cooking fine food.

Li Xian was brought before the lady, his head bowed, looking at his toes, and he could smell a faint fragrance.

"Reporting to Madam, my name is Li Xian," Li Xian answered truthfully.

Madam Wen nodded. "Tell me how you braved the wind and snow to reach Qingning County."

Li Xian's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately thought, "Sure enough, after I left home that day, Madam had been secretly following me. Luckily, I didn't choose to run away. Being chased by that snow demon monkey might still give me a chance of survival. But if Madam has her eye on me, then my chances are slim."

He truthfully stated, "I have had a keen ear since I was a child, and I am quite sensitive to the wind. By listening to the sound of the wind, I can roughly determine my location."

"The fact that we were able to reach Qingning County that day was partly accidental. Perhaps it was some kind of destiny at play."

"You're not bad."

Madam Wen's voice rang out again.

With a hint of approval.

She had witnessed Li Xian's actions that day. The fact that Li Xian returned immediately after purchasing the rouge at least proved his loyalty.

Hearing Li Xian's steady voice but noting his young age, Madam Wen became curious about his appearance and commanded, "Raise your head now."

(End of this chapter)