Chapter 20 The Dog Emperor's Heart is Colder Than Anyone Else
He couldn't tell Song Yunchu that he could read minds, as that would most likely destroy their long-standing, solid and mutually beneficial relationship.
Then let it be. Anyway, Song Yunchu would not help others to deal with him now. There was still a long time to get along with him in the future. Maybe he could really turn this guy into a loyal minister who was loyal to him.
…
After Song Yunchu took his leave, he did not leave the palace directly, but went towards the imperial kitchen.
She was still thinking about the drunken sweet shrimp that she had only eaten once.
Ordinary ministers were not allowed to enter the imperial kitchen, but in order to show his favor to her, the dog emperor once said that she could enjoy the delicious meals prepared by the imperial chefs at will.
When Song Yunchu arrived outside the imperial kitchen, he looked up and saw a pretty figure busy at the stove.
"Empress Li?"
Concubine Li turned around when she heard the voice, a little surprised, "Why is Lord Song here?"
Song Yunchu bowed to her and replied, "I am here to see Chef Zhang. Madam, are you here to cook for His Majesty?"
Concubine Li smiled elegantly, "His Majesty said before that his diet would be prepared by the imperial chefs, and the concubines would not have to worry about it. However, the soups cooked by the chefs were not fresh enough, and the noodles they made were not chewy enough. His Majesty obviously did not like them, so I must give them some advice."
"Empress Li really cares about His Majesty."
Song Yunchu felt in his heart that the Dog Emperor was so blessed.
"As long as your majesty is satisfied with the food, not only will the imperial chefs save trouble, but I can also rest assured."
After Concubine Li finished speaking, she turned around and continued talking to the cook beside her.
Song Yunchu also found Zhang Yuchu, the chef who made the Drunken Sweet Shrimp. Unexpectedly, when Zhang Yuchu heard that he wanted to eat Drunken Sweet Shrimp, a trace of embarrassment appeared on his face, "Sir, this dish is missing some ingredients now, so it can't be made. I will make it for you another day?"
Steward Li specifically ordered two days ago that drunken sweet shrimps should not be prepared for anyone other than His Majesty.
Even if Prime Minister Song wanted to eat, he had to find an excuse to refuse.
Song Yunchu didn't think much about it, but just felt a little regretful. He replied, "Let's do it another day," and turned and left.
After leaving the imperial kitchen for a distance, Song Yunchu looked around, confirmed that there was no one around, and then hid in the rockery beside the carp pond.
About a quarter of an hour later, she heard the laughter of Concubine Li and the palace maids, so she threw the stone she had prepared at Concubine Li's feet.
Concubine Li was nearly hit on the foot by a stone. She subconsciously looked in the direction where the stone came from and saw Song Yunchu at the entrance of the rockery.
"Prime Minister Song seems to have something to say to me. You two should keep watch here. If anyone comes near, cough loudly."
After Concubine Li gave instructions to her personal maid, she walked towards Song Yunchu.
"Is there something wrong, Master Song?"
"Do you remember, Concubine Li, that I once told you that His Majesty has trouble sleeping, and asked you to think of making some medicinal food to help him sleep."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Li sighed, "Of course I remember it. I also looked through many recipes when I went back, but unfortunately I haven't found the method yet..."
"I have found the recipe for you. You just need to follow it."
Song Yunchu raised the corner of his lips, took out a roll of paper from his sleeve pocket and handed it to Concubine Li, "If your majesty is worried, you can ask other people to taste it first, and make sure it is safe before giving it to Your Majesty."
Concubine Li was stunned for a moment, and subconsciously took the prescription, "Where did you find this, Lord Song?"
"You don't need to ask more about this, Madam. You can tell whether this recipe is good or not by having someone try it."
"Of course I don't doubt Mr. Song's intentions, I'm just curious...why are you helping me?"
"Your Majesty is very busy with government affairs and rarely visits the harem, so he has no children to date. This is a matter of great concern to the court officials."
Song Yunchu said seriously, "I think that your majesty lacks a caring woman by his side, and Concubine Li can do the job."
"I don't quite understand what Lord Song said. There are only four concubines in the harem now, and it is well known that Concubine Shu is favored. Since we entered the palace, His Majesty has not summoned anyone else to sleep with him except Concubine Shu. Isn't she a close friend of His Majesty?"
When mentioning Concubine Shu, Concubine Li sighed softly, with helplessness and a hint of unwillingness between her brows.
Song Yunchu naturally understood her feelings and smiled faintly, "Don't worry, Concubine Li. The reason why His Majesty often summons Concubine Shu is not because he likes her."
Concubine Li was puzzled, "Why is that?"
Song Yunchu did not intend to reveal that the emperor and the concubine were in a superior-subordinate relationship, but instead made up another story.
"Your Majesty is diligent in his work and often spends hours reading memorials. He is not made of iron and will inevitably have backaches. Concubine Shu is good at massage and can help Your Majesty relax his muscles and bones. That's why Your Majesty sent her to serve him. I can't say that he likes her. I have to remind you that no woman has ever been favored by Your Majesty, so everyone has a chance. You are good at cooking, so you have more opportunities than others."
After hearing this, Concubine Li's face was moved, "Are you serious, Lord Song?"
"I have been assisting Your Majesty for a long time. How could I not be able to figure out Your Majesty's preferences? Or maybe Your Majesty is doubting what I said and thinks I am fooling you?"
"Don't misunderstand, Lord Song. I don't have such thoughts."
As Concubine Li said this, she stuffed the prescription into her sleeve pocket.
She could guess Song Yunchu's intention.
Song Yunchu's words were all for the emperor's benefit, but she knew that Song Yunchu had selfish motives.
Looking at all the countries, the court and the harem are inextricably linked. Officials will send their sisters or daughters to the palace to accompany the emperor. When family members in the palace are favored, they will also be promoted. Although Prime Minister Song is a favorite of His Majesty, he has no sisters to send to the palace. If he wants to expand his network in the harem, he has to find concubines to form an alliance for mutual benefit.
He chose her among the four concubines to deliver the prescription because he hoped that she would become his ally. If she could gain favor because of this, she would not forget to benefit him in the future.
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Song. I have accepted your medicinal recipe. I will try it when I return to my bedroom."
"Then I will not bother you any more. There are too many people in the palace. You should go back first."
"Okay." Concubine Li nodded with a faint smile, then left with her personal maids.
Song Yunchu also turned and left.
The Dog Emperor had an unfortunate childhood and lacks love in his heart. If he cannot get the love he desires, he will easily turn into a psychopath. Unless he has a healthy relationship, he must find a female supporting role who is excellent in all aspects and has relatively normal behavior.
In fact, Concubine Shu is also excellent. She is very skilled and loyal to the emperor. Unfortunately, the girl is a spy and a assassin. She has received special training and brainwashing, and is like an emotionless robot. Such a setting is too difficult to pair with the dog emperor.
After much thought, Song Yunchu decided that it had to be Concubine Li.
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