MCUS Chapter 37

In the small hall, Huangfu Yuchen instructed, “Bring some of every dish here.”

Yan Ge noticed he didn’t know how things were done and after personally pouring tea for Huangfu Yuchen, he said to Xiao Chuanzi, “Bring the menu for Brother to see.”

The term “brother” came naturally, and Huangfu Yuchen felt a different sensation compared to when Huangfu Yuhu called him brother. He pondered over it briefly but couldn’t pinpoint the reason, his gaze thoughtful.

Xiao Chuanzi swiftly went to fetch the menu, deeply admiring his master.

After the menu arrived, Yan Ge said to Huangfu Yuchen, “Spicy hot pot involves cooking various ingredients in a pre-prepared soup base, resulting in a delightful aroma. As for barbecue, it involves grilling the food over charcoal and seasoning it, creating a unique flavor. Brother, feel free to try anything you like. Eunuch Deng, you understand Brother’s taste the best, so I’m afraid I have to ask you to keep an eye on things.” While it seemed like he was concerned about Huangfu Yuchen’s preferences, in reality, he was instructing Deng Mande to be vigilant against any poisonings. Among everyone present, Deng Mande was the person Huangfu Yuchen trusted the most. Of course, there wouldn’t be anyone attempting to poison him, but mentioning it was a proactive measure.

Deng Mande replied, “Understood.”

Yan Ge worried that Huangfu Yuchen might misunderstand him for not presenting the secret recipe, so he added, “The vegetarian dishes here cost one coin per skewer, while the non-vegetarian dishes start from two coins per skewer. Even the common people can afford them.”

Huangfu Yuchen understood his concern and felt a sense of helplessness. Did Yan Ge see him as the kind of person who would use any means necessary to satisfy his appetite and demand others to offer their secret recipes? However, an emperor is proud, and even if misunderstood, he didn’t bother explaining. Thus, he simply nodded and said, “Very well. But I can’t understand, how much silver can a small shop like this can earn in a month?”

Yan Ge emphasized, “It’s just for earning some pocket money, a small amount.”

Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him suspiciously, then he lowered his head to look at the menu, and ordered a few items of hot pot and barbecue.

The two dishes appeared unremarkable, but once tasted, they were really delicious. Huangfu Yuchen said to Deng Mande and the few guards, “Try them all, eat to your heart’s content. This meal is on my little brother.”

Huangfu Yuchen had a thick skin, and Yan Ge could match it, or even surpass it. “Brother, I thought today I would be dining with the affluent, so I didn’t bring any money.”

Huangfu Yuchen: “…”

Deng Mande seized the opportunity to align himself with Yan Ge, “This slave brought some. Let this slave have a chance to treat the two masters.”

Yan Ge quickly interjected, “Haha, no need. I was just joking with my brother. I will treat. Today, the guards will work harder than usual, and as a little brother, it’s only right for me to treat everyone to a meal.”

Huangfu Yuchen smiled and said, “For dinner, we’ll go to Liuxian Pavilion.”

Yan Ge nodded helplessly and said, “Yes. But please don’t order too much. I truly only brought a dozen or so taels of silver.”

“How can a person who aims to achieve great things be so stingy?” Huangfu Yuchen looked at him with an unconvincing expression.

Deng Mande regretted speaking up earlier and wished he could slap himself. The Emperor and Yan Ge were obviously teasing each other, so why did he have to interject?

“I haven’t achieved anything significant yet,” Yan Ge confidently replied.

More dishes arrived, and the topic came to a close.

After finishing the meal, Yan Ge took Huangfu Yuchen to the First Company.

Huangfu Yuchen stood in front of the sliding doors with great interest before continuing forward. Yan Ge wasn’t surprised since the door attracted curious onlookers every day, and Huangfu Yuchen was just one among them.

Seeing Yan Ge return, the servants in the courtyard were about to come forward to greet them, but Yan Ge waved them off from a distance, leading Huangfu Yuchen to stroll around the courtyard and take him to the office.

Huangfu Yuchen glanced at the lock on the door. “A single lock isn’t enough for security.” Yan Ge’s peculiar ideas concerned the treasury, so he couldn’t help but express a few words of concern.

Yan Ge responded, “Currently, there aren’t any important documents. Later, we might install a secret compartment or something of the sort in this room. Your Majesty, please.” These were all lies; he stored all important items in the backpack of the system.

Huangfu Yuchen sat behind the desk and said, “I’ve already instructed someone to handle matters of Liuxian Pavilion. Have you been in contact with them?”

Yan Ge said, “Several things have come up recently, and I haven’t had the chance to personally visit Liuxian Pavilion. I just sent someone to take a look. The person recommended by Your Majesty must be very capable, and I believe there won’t be any problems.”

“No worries, we’ll go there this afternoon as well,” Huangfu Yuchen said.

Huangfu Yuchen took a short rest for nearly half an hour, and then Yan Ge led him to stroll around the streets before heading to Liuxian Pavilion.

“Welcome, honored guests,” the attendant at the entrance greeted with sharp eyes as always.

Huangfu Yuchen lightly waved his folding fan and looked up at the façade of Liuxian Pavilion. “It looks even more artistic in reality. Not bad.”

Yan Ge was puzzled. “Brother, have you seen something that isn’t real before?”

Huangfu Yuchen stepped onto the steps, his eyes gentle. “I have a brother who knows it’s inconvenient for me to go out, so he specially had a painting made for me.”

Yan Ge understood immediately. Huangfu Yuchen must be referring to Huangfu Yuhu. Their relationship was excellent, and as soon as Huangfu Yuchen ascended the throne, he bestowed the title of prince upon Huangfu Yuhu.

Manager Yuan kept his head down as usual, tallying accounts behind the counter. The person Huangfu Yuchen sent to take over didn’t dismiss him.

“Master, shall we go to a private room?” Deng Mande saw that the main hall was crowded and was afraid that someone might accidentally offend Huangfu Yuchen if they were drunk.

Huangfu Yuchen said, “Let’s sit in the main hall. It’s lively.”

Yan Ge smiled and said to Deng Mande, “You don’t need to worry too much. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare to cause trouble here.”

But after a glance, the main hall was almost full, with only two or three tables having three or four vacant seats. They couldn’t separate their group and it wasn’t convenient to share a table with others, so Huangfu Yuchen had to let someone take him to a private room.

Only now did Manager Yuan see Yan Ge and his face immediately lit up with a smile. “Young Master Qin.”

Yan Ge said, “We want a private room. Go and invite the new owner.”

“Yes,” Manager Yuan took a curious glance at Huangfu Yuchen but didn’t dare to look for long.

The group entered the private room, and just as the tea was being poured, there was a knock on the door, and a handsome young man in a grey robe strode in. With each step, his robes billowed in the wind, exuding a particularly sharp and refreshing aura. When he saw Huangfu Yuchen, he walked over and greeted with a hint of surprise on his face, “This subordinate pays his respects—”

Huangfu Yuchen sat upright in his seat and casually waved his folding fan. “No need for excessive formalities when we’re away from home.”

The young man In the grey robe stood up. “Understood. Why did Master personally come out today?”

Yan Ge could tell that the young man in the grey robe had a good personal relationship with Huangfu Yuchen.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been out, just taking a casual stroll,” Huangfu Yuchen said to Yan Ge. “This is the current owner of Liuxian Pavilion, Xiao Jinran.”

Xiao Jinran glanced in Yan Ge’s direction, and seeing his smiling countenance, he had a favorable impression. However, he suddenly realized that someone who could sit so close to the Emperor and even have the Emperor personally introduce him must not be an ordinary person. He quickly shifted his gaze to avoid any offense.

“In the future, if there are any business matters, you can contact him,” Huangfu Yuchen said.

“Understood,” Yan Ge stood up and bowed to Xiao Jinran. “My surname is Qin. I hope we can have a good relationship in the future, Manager Xiao.”

“Definitely,” Xiao Jinran became even more certain that this young nobleman’s identity was extraordinary, and he readily agreed.

“Go about your business,” Huangfu Yuchen said.

“Yes, this subordinate will take his leave.”

After Xiao Jinran left, the dishes they ordered quickly arrived. Just as they began eating, Deng Mande suddenly walked out and returned a while later, excitement evident on his face as he said to Huangfu Yuchen, “Master, good news! The deal is sealed!”

Huangfu Yuchen flicked his sleeve and stood up. “Let’s go back.”

Yan Ge’s lips curved up as he looked at Huangfu Yuchen. “I’ll go back with you.”

The group rushed back to the palace. As soon as they arrived at Tenglong Palace, Huangfu Yuchen summoned his attendants into the hall. Yan Ge stood by his side.

Yan Jin excitedly said, “Master, this is wonderful! You can finally rank up!”

“Yes,” Yan Ge had a smile on his face, “I am also looking forward to the rewards from the system.”

Huangfu Yuchen noticed it too, and there was a hint of laughter in his eyes, confirming that Yan Ge was thinking about the promotion.

After a while, a disheveled man dressed in black walked briskly into the grand hall and knelt before the steps.

“The subordinates refer to the emperor, long live the emperor!” the man in black knelt and greeted.

“Rise,” Huangfu Yuchen urged, “Report the situation.”

“Yes,” the man in black concisely reported, “This subordinate and a few others learned that in a small county in the south, a certain type of stone can prevent rusting for at least two years when smelted with iron. Unfortunately, this stone is located in a mountain valley, making it difficult to collect. I brought back a piece of the stone and had Master Li use it to make a few pens. The rest of the stones will arrive in the capital in a few days.” After speaking, he presented the pens with both hands.

Huangfu Yuchen motioned for Yan Ge to come forward, and upon inspecting the pens, Yan Ge noticed that the tips were gleaming like silver and had a faint resemblance to stainless steel.

“What do you think?” Huangfu Yuchen asked him.

Yan Ge nodded, “There should be no problem. Saltwater accelerates the rusting of iron, so we can test it by immersing the pen in water for two to three days.”

The man in black glanced at Yan Ge in surprise and said, “That’s right. The locals are also aware of this method. I have already tested the newly smelted iron using this stone in the local area, and it does not rust. From this, we can conclude that this iron is no ordinary iron.”

“Excellent! Rewards shall be bestowed upon those who have contributed!” Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes brightened and sharpened. He looked at Yan Ge and said, “Deng Mande, draft the decree.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Deng Mande took out a blank decree and dipped the brush in ink, preparing to write.

Huangfu Yuchen dictated, “In recognition of the exceptional talent and quick-wittedness of Yan Daying, we are pleased to elevate his status to ‘Changzai,’ and bestow upon them a golden fan and several rolls of brocade as rewards. Approved!”

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