Song Ruhao, Du Zhengfeng, and Zhou Wenhuan simultaneously turned their heads to look at Yan Ge, their eyes filled with disbelief. Why would it be him? It’s actually him!
Yan Ge was also puzzled. He endured the piercing gazes, and bowed, saying, “This servant expresses his gratitude. Long live the Emperor!”
Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi exchanged a glance, seeing excitement and joy in each other’s eyes. They made an effort to restrain their exhilaration and silently followed.
Yan Ge, on the other hand, remained composed, walking at a steady pace.
The eunuch delivering the imperial decree glanced at him, secretly amazed. This eunuch’s name was Deng Mande, and was in fact, the Emperor’s personal eunuch and the head eunuch in the harem. He had been with the Emperor since his early childhood and was now in his thirties. He had a pair of small eyes, even when opened to the fullest, they were only two slits. However, the gleam that shot out from those slits seemed to penetrate everything.
The Emperor had him personally deliver the decree, also intending for him to secretly observe Yan Ge. Now, taking a look at him, he felt that this Yan Daying was quite intriguing. To possess such composure in the face of favor and at such a young age wasn’t something that could be improvised or pretended. It came from accumulated experiences.
When they arrived outside Tenglong Palace, Yan Ge was initially overwhelmed by the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the grand palace. Indeed, it was the Emperor’s sleeping quarters, completely different in style from the palaces where concubines resided, exuding strength and dominance. There were guards stationed every three steps outside the palace, patrolling every moment, and the air around the guards exuded a fierce and vigilant aura.
Deng Mande went inside first to report, while Yan Ge waited outside the hall. It took some time, but Yan Ge remained unruffled, his face showing no signs of impatience.
After about five or six minutes, the sound of the transmission of messages from inside began to reach the outside, indicating the depth and vastness of the grand hall.
“Announcing Yan Daying’s presence for an audience—”
A young eunuch led Yan Ge inside and paused at a curtain. Yan Ge knew that beyond this point was the main hall. He lowered his head to check his attire, ensuring it was neat, then with a lowered gaze, he walked forward.
After seeing a red carpet spread out on the steps. He knelt down and bowed his head, saying, “This servant pays respects to the Emperor. Long live the Emperor!”
After a moment, a magnetic yet indifferent deep voice came from above, “Rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Yan Ge lifted the hem of his robe and stood up.
“Raise your head.”
The corners of Yan Ge’s mouth twitched inwardly, but he followed the command and lifted his head. Having traveled to ancient times, he naturally had some curiosity about the Emperor. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he stole a few glances and silently marveled.
The Emperor was about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, his handsome features were beyond question, emanating an innate aura of dominance and awe-inspiring majesty. His sharp gaze focused straight ahead, sitting firmly on the throne, as if he were sitting atop the entire kingdom with unwavering composure.
Deng Mande, who was standing beside the throne, was startled. This Yan Daying was too audacious, daring to directly gaze at the Emperor. He cautiously stole a glance at the Emperor.
However, Huangfu Yuchen showed no anger as he looked at Yan Ge and asked, “We heard that the recipes for the dishes at Liuxian Residence in the capital were created by you?”
Yan Ge was taken aback for a moment, then secretly delighted. Could it be that Yan Xiaojing and Yan Su had acted so swiftly that Liuxian Residence had already gained momentum?
Due to the inconvenience of contacting the outside palace, he had no idea of the extent of Yan Xiaojing and Yan Su’s excitement upon obtaining those recipes.
He was also eager to taste those delicious dishes, so he had instructed they use additional manpower, allowing the restaurant to open so quickly and gain a certain level of fame. Among those dishes, many were not even available in the palace, so it was only a matter of time before the news reached the palace.
“The servant dares not deceive Your Majesty. Since childhood, this concubine has had a fondness for exquisite cuisine and often indulged in whimsical musings during leisure time. Eventually, these dishes were conceived, and their flavors are indeed exceptional. Originally, I intended to present them to Your Majesty, but I feared it might be misunderstood as having ulterior motives. That is why I allowed the establishment of this restaurant beforehand. It is a great fortune that they can be tasted by Your Majesty”
Ordinary people could not enjoy what the Emperor had not enjoyed, so he had to provide a clear explanation to prevent implicating others.
“The servant also possesses another recipe book, containing dozens of additional dishes beyond what is available outside the palace. The servant dares to offer it to Your Majesty.” Yan Ge retrieved neatly stacked papers from his sleeve and presented them with both hands. Fortunately, in anticipation of an abrupt summoning by the Emperor, he had kept the papers on his person in recent days.
A trace of disdain and mockery flashed in Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes. Another fawning consort. From the information he had received, Yan Daying was clearly different from the other three male consorts. He rarely strolled in the Imperial Gardens, and he had never made any attempt to seek favor from the Emperor.
He had thought that Yan Daying was unique, but he felt disappointed today. However, this person’s thoughts were agile and timely, providing a clever explanation for his actions, so he couldn’t look down on him. Furthermore, Huangfu Yuhe mentioned the delicacies of Liuxian Residence every time he entered the palace, piquing his curiosity.
*Huangfu Yuhu is the brother.
Deng Mande descended and received the papers, confirming their safety before passing them to Huangfu Yuchen.
After a quick glance, Huangfu Yuchen’s appetite was aroused, and he couldn’t help but give Yan Ge a scrutinizing look. If these dishes were truly devised by him, it was indeed remarkable.
“Not bad. Deng Mande, reward Yan Ge with ten pieces of brocade and satin and five hundred taels of silver.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Yan Ge bowed in gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Huangfu Yuchen stated, “Very well, there are still state affairs that require my attention. Yan Daying, you may rise and retire.”
Yan Ge was taken aback. Finally seeing the Emperor, and it ended like this? He had no inkling that his “fawning” behavior had already sparked disdain in Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen didn’t miss the disappointment in his eyes. Could it be that he wanted more? It was pure greed. He found Yan Ge increasingly repulsive and frowned in displeasure.
Deng Mande, understanding the Emperor’s intentions, wore a stern expression and was about to speak.
Before Yan Ge could rise from his kneeling position, he lifted his head, smiled slightly at Huangfu Yuchen, and directly asked, “Your Majesty, would you like to enrich the national treasury?”
Huangfu Yuchen’s entire presence suddenly intensified, emanating a cold, solemn aura that engulfed Yan Ge.
Deng Mande’s expression also changed. The harem meddling in politics was a grave offense! Was Yan Daying seeking death? Not only did he dare to speak to the Emperor in such a tone, but his words were also extremely disrespectful and rebellious.
Throughout history, emperors cherished their reputation. Yan Ge wouldn’t court death no matter how audacious he was. He immediately, he prostrated himself to show submission, speaking rapidly to prevent Huangfu Yuchen from cutting him off. Using practical examples to appeal to his emotions, he said, “On the street where the servant’s family resides, there is a noodle shop that earns approximately three taels of silver per month. If there were a method to earn ten taels per month, they would not refuse it. With ten taels of silver, not only could they send all three children to school, but they might even open another noodle shop.”
Deng Mande was taken aback, staring at Huangfu Yuchen in bewilderment. The Emperor’s greatest concern was the well-being of the people, and Yan Ge had found the right approach.
Yan Ge earnestly continued, “Your Majesty, the servant is not engaging in politics, nor does the servant dare to do so. The servant only wishes to dedicate oneself to Your Majesty’s welfare. It is merely an endeavor to contribute to the national treasury. How could it be regarded as meddling in politics?”
Huangfu Yuchen’s dark pupils deepened, locking onto Yan Ge, his silence unbroken. He never expected these words to come from a consort’s lips rather than from any minister. It must be said that Yan Ge’s words stirred his heart. As a ruler of his era, who wouldn’t desire a more abundant national treasury? With silver in hand, not only could the economy flourish, education thrive, and national defense strengthen, but even territorial expansion would no longer require concern over provisions and forces.
If he could truly develop the country into a powerful nation, he would become an emperor revered for all eternity. To be respected by his subjects and leave a lasting legacy is the dream of every emperor. However, although tempted, he could not allow a mere concubine to see through him, nor could he relinquish control of the “negotiations” to him.
This young man dared to speak these words to him, undoubtedly seeking something in return. Even if he might eventually agree to him, he should make this little concubine plead, and plead hard.
