Chapter Thirteen: Sending Meat to the Emperor
Consort Yu was very curious; she had never tried eating like this before.
With Jiang Huan's help, they tried them one by one and were instantly amazed by their beauty.
Different dipping sauces have different flavors, but without exception they are all extremely delicious!
As Consort Yu ate the roasted meat served by Jiang Huan, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
No wonder the Emperor summoned Jiang Huan to his bedchamber just because of a bowl of glutinous rice balls; she certainly has some skill.
If she could learn Jiang Huan's skills, she wouldn't have to worry about winning the Emperor's favor.
Consort Yu swallowed the roasted meat in her mouth, raised her head, and acted imperiously.
"I really like your meat. Teach me how to make it."
Jiang Huan had anticipated that Consort Yu would make this request.
He took two steps back, lowered his head, and replied respectfully.
"If it were something like sweet rice wine and glutinous rice balls, I could teach Your Highness, but this is roasted meat over charcoal..."
Jiang Huan looked troubled. "If Your Majesty wishes to eat this, please give me your permission."
If Consort Yu tries to learn her skills every time she sees her, and ends up mastering all of her techniques, things will become difficult when Consort Yu no longer needs her.
Consort Yu is a ruthless person, and she certainly wouldn't want her to teach her skills to other concubines.
Then she'll probably spend the rest of her life as an old corpse in Jinhua Palace.
That's why she makes this charcoal-grilled meat.
This method must never be taught.
Consort Yu's expression turned displeased, and she slammed the silver chopsticks down in her hand, making a shrill sound.
"You dare disobey me?!"
"I dare not," Jiang Huan said humbly, explaining, "Although roasting meat over charcoal looks simple, there are many intricacies involved, especially the control of the heat. The thickness of the meat slices affects the roasting time, and it would probably take three to five years to master it."
"Besides, the charcoal fire is very hot, and you might hurt your hands if you're not careful. Your Highness is of noble status, how can you do such a servant's job? If you need anything, just give the order."
Jiang Huan praised Consort Yu while simultaneously belittling herself, causing the flame that had just risen in Consort Yu's heart to quietly dissipate.
After hearing Jiang Huan say that roasting meat was a task done by servants, even if Consort Yu really wanted to learn, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
However, this way of eating is really novel, and the roasted meat tastes really delicious.
Consort Yu thought that the Emperor would absolutely love this dish.
Even if you love someone so much that you love everything about them, you should still take care of yourself...
She pondered for a moment and looked at Jiang Huan.
"In that case, I will have barbecue with the Emperor in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. You will change into a palace maid's clothes and come with me. You are only allowed to barbecue and not to speak."
If it weren't for the fact that you have to eat the barbecue while it's grilling, why would she have brought Jiang Huan to the Emperor?
Jiang Huan got a good deal, but as long as she doesn't show her face or steal the spotlight, she'll still be in the limelight!
"Yes," Jiang Huan curtsied in response.
That's good, this is a well-planned strategy.
She was released from confinement and met the Emperor, even though she was a palace maid.
My days of lying down are over.
She had to be on her guard and navigate the treacherous waters of the imperial harem to protect herself.
well......
Consort Yu specially asked Cuiying to find a dress that even palace maids wouldn't wear; the dress was drab and extremely baggy.
Jiang Huan readily agreed and changed her clothes, then styled her hair in the way only palace maids would do.
After dressing up, she reappeared before Consort Yu.
But Jiang Huan's face was so beautiful that even without makeup, she was more beautiful than anyone else in the palace.
The drab, coarse linen dress draped over Jiang Huan did not conceal her complexion; on the contrary, it accentuated her beauty.
Her fair, jade-like skin was faintly visible through the rough linen collar, becoming more eye-catching the more it was concealed.
Consort Yu's hands suddenly clenched tightly, and a flame of jealousy burned in her eyes.
If it weren't for her beautiful face, how could Jiang Huan, with her lowly status, have entered the harem!
Sooner or later, we'll peel that face off too!
This is a golden opportunity, and she can't let Jiang Huan ruin it.
Consort Yu snorted coldly and threw a light gray veil at Jiang Huan.
"Take this with you."
"yes."
Jiang Huan caught the veil and tied it behind her head.
Unable to see Jiang Huan's face, Consort Yu was barely satisfied.
That way, the emperor will only look at her.
As it was nearing mealtime, Jiang Huan, carrying the prepared ingredients and utensils, went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation with Consort Yu.
However, as soon as she arrived at the door, Consort Yu was stopped by the eunuch guarding the entrance.
"Your Highness, Consort Yu, you cannot go in."
Consort Yu's face darkened abruptly. How dare a mere eunuch block her way!
Cuiying shouted sternly, "How dare you! How dare you stop Consort Yu?"
The young eunuch looked embarrassed and quickly apologized, "Please forgive me, Consort Yu, but His Majesty has ordered that no one is allowed to enter."
Seeing that she was about to see the Emperor, how could Consort Yu be willing to give up?
She has prepared so much today; if she is stopped now, the people in the harem will start making up all sorts of stories when she gets back!
Consort Yu was confident that as long as she could see the Emperor, the charcoal-roasted meat she brought would definitely not disappoint him.
"You didn't go in to announce my arrival, so how do you know the Emperor doesn't want to see me?"
Consort Yu was aggressive and refused to back down.
"Your Majesty, please don't make things difficult for me. I dare not disobey His Majesty's orders."
Inside the room, Huo Lin was starving and felt a pang of anxiety, but on the surface, he calmly and indifferently reviewed the memorials.
He couldn't concentrate on reading a single word!
What's going on with the Imperial Kitchen? If they don't send over the food soon, I'll become the first emperor of the Great Liang to starve to death!
How could Wang Degui be so clueless? He didn't even think to send someone to urge them!
Do you expect me, the ruler of this country, to personally urge them to eat?
Huo Lin's face was cold and sullen; he could only drink some tea to calm his stomach.
It was at this moment that the eunuch outside, having been worn down by Consort Yu, had no choice but to sneak into the room and inform Wang Degui.
Wang Degui was utterly exasperated; it was Consort Yu again.
What kind of stuff have they brought this time? Are they trying to suffocate His Majesty?
Despite his complaints, he still went over to report to Huo Lin after he saw that Huo Lin had already put down the memorial.
"Your Majesty, Consort Yu is outside. She said she brought some food and wishes to see Your Majesty."
The combination of Consort Yu and food is Huo Lin's nightmare.
Just thinking about the sweet and sour pork ribs from that day made Huo Lin's stomach ache.
He had never eaten anything so awful in his life!
Is this woman bored out of her mind?! Why does she have to come and cause me trouble?!
This time, I will absolutely not fall for it again!
"I……"
Huo Lingang was about to say he wouldn't see her when a gust of wind blew by.
The smell of barbecue that clung to Jiang Huan, mixed with the prepared dipping sauce, was carried by the wind to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Huo Lin's eyes suddenly lit up. What was this?! He had never smelled such a fragrance before!
Is this food brought by Consort Yu?
Perhaps, maybe, possibly, he can trust Consort Yu one more time!
For delicious food!
Huo Lin's words trailed off awkwardly, "I understand. Let her in."
Wang Degui waved to the little eunuch, who breathed a sigh of relief and hurried out.
"Consort Yu, His Majesty requests to see you."
Upon hearing this, Consort Yu immediately beamed with joy.
She straightened her clothes and led Jiang Huan into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
"This concubine greets Your Majesty."
Consort Yu was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing the Emperor again.
In stark contrast, Jiang Huan's lowered face was filled with unspeakable emotions.
Huo Lin's inner voice rang out once again.
[Wait, I'm not seeing things, am I? It's meat! I can finally eat meat!]
[But this looks undercooked to me. Where did that aroma I smelled earlier come from?]
[And what are these dipping sauces for? What is Consort Yu up to?]
[Enough! If she tries to poison me again like last time, I'll throw her in jail and chop her head off!]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com