Geng Youran was quite bold, actually asking Kangxi in return:
“Your Majesty, of course I have a goal, which is to survive. And the fact that you see me now means that I have achieved my goal, doesn’t it?”
Emperor Kangxi laughed heartily upon hearing this:
"You little rascal, you're quite amusing. Don't think I can't tell you're just making excuses for me."
“Your Majesty, I have served you for so many years, you know me well, I never lie.”
Kangxi believed this. However, it was certainly false that he never said it, but he did say it very rarely, and at most he would only leave his words unfinished.
"I called you here today for two reasons. First, to remind you not to forget your place and not to forget what Master Yuanyi said. Second, to have you come to the palace to cook something for this old man. I haven't had a good appetite lately and can't eat anything. I'm feeling very unwell."
Geng Youran secretly raised her head. Indeed, the Emperor's complexion was not good, and it was obvious that it was due to lack of rest.
As for how Kangxi knew about the affair between Yuan Yi and her, she didn't want to ask anymore.
"This servant will go down and make it for you right away. Please wait a moment, Your Majesty."
Kangxi nodded:
"Go ahead."
Geng Youran arrived at a place she hadn't been to in a long time. The things were still the same, but the people had changed batch after batch.
"Princess, His Majesty instructed this morning that you may use whatever you need here. If anything is missing, just let me know."
“Master Li, aren’t you slapping me in the face? You taught me a lot when I was in the palace.”
Master Li looked at Geng Youran with a big smile.
Years ago, he was just a sous-chef, and because of his talent, he was often suppressed. After Geng Youran arrived, although she was about the same age as his daughter, because she served by the Emperor's side, even the head chef here had to treat her with deference.
The two of them often exchange ideas about cooking.
I never expected that when we met again after so many years, the little girl had become a mother.
"Master Li, today I'm making the Poria cocos cake that the Emperor used to eat often, and I'll also try making honey-glazed red lotus. Could you please lend me a hand?"
"Look at what you're saying, isn't this just what we should do?"
'Poria cocos cake' is a pastry that Geng Youran often makes because she discovered that the people she serves all have a problem with not sleeping well, so she is very skilled at making it.
She had only made 'Honey Red Lotus' in her own small kitchen before, and her skills were not yet proficient.
To make 'Honey-Glazed Red Lotus Seeds', you first need to prepare lotus seeds, dates, cane sugar, and honey.
Lotus seeds need to be washed with warm water first, and dates need to be washed and the pits removed.
Place the prepared lotus seeds and jujubes into a large steaming bowl, and add a little water. Then, place the entire steaming bowl in a steamer and steam over low or medium heat until tender.
Remove the steamed lotus seeds and dates from the steaming bowl and pour the broth into a pot.
Add an appropriate amount of cane sugar to a pot and simmer over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, add honey and continue to simmer until the syrup thickens.
Pour the cooked honey syrup evenly over the lotus seeds and jujubes, ensuring that each lotus seed and each jujube is coated with the sweet honey syrup.
Then, place the honey-glazed lotus seeds on a plate.
"Wow, these pastries look really good!"
"Doesn't it look beautiful? To be honest, this is only the second time I've made this dessert."
"Can I make these pastries in the palace from now on?"
Geng Youran smiled generously:
"Look at you, it's just a dessert, you can just make it. Here's what I'll do, I'll write down my recipe for you, you can adjust it when you make it later."
Alright!
Master Li will reach the age to be sent out of the palace in a few years. Before that, he can learn as much as possible so that he can open a restaurant back in his hometown and live a good life.
Not long after, Geng Youran had someone bring her some snacks and went with her to the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The Southern Study was where the Emperor held meetings, and she was not qualified to enter, so she could only wait at the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
"Gege, the Emperor and the Fourth Prince have come out and invite you in."
"Thank you, Eunuch Wei."
Geng Youran casually handed some silver to Wei Zhu as a thank you for calling Master Li in advance.
Although Chef Li didn't say it, she still remembered it. Chef Li was a genuine Sichuan cuisine chef. There weren't many concubines in the palace who could eat spicy food, and Consort Yi was one of the best.
If it hadn't been pre-arranged, how could Mr. Li have happened to be waiting for her there?
Geng Youran had two desserts brought up, and after Liang Jiugong checked them one by one according to the rules, Kangxi began to eat.
"Geng Youran, your 'Poria Cake' is getting better and better."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. It's been so many years since I've cooked for you. I wonder if you still enjoy my cooking."
Kangxi didn't speak, but took another bite of the 'honey-glazed red lotus'.
Hmm, it's a bit sweet, but it suits his taste just right.
After putting down his chopsticks, Kangxi gave Liang Jiugong a look, and a box was placed in front of Geng Youran.
"Here is a pair of red jade bracelets, a reward for your cooking for me when you enter the palace."
Upon seeing what was inside, Geng Youran immediately knelt down:
"Your Majesty, this is too precious for me to accept. Please take it back."
Yinzhen also chimed in.
"Consider it a gift from me to Hongzhou. You can keep it. When you become a mother-in-law, you'll need a decent gift to greet her."
Geng Youran glanced at Yinzhen, and only after he nodded did she carefully accept the gift.
On the way out of the palace, Geng Youran couldn't resist her curiosity and asked:
"Your Highness, I think the Emperor seems a bit off today."
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