Chapter 453: A Bit Like That Little Girl
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“Ah, right, there are a few dishes that I haven’t taught you yet. Come and watch with your eyes. You’re not allowed to eat them, understand?”
Most of the dishes had been prepared, and only the snacks were left untouched.
In other words, even if Xiaoxiao messed up, this banquet could still be considered to be done. However, if they really wanted to pursue the matter, they could also find excuses to accuse Xiaoxiao.
Furong was originally worried that Xiaoxiao would not have enough time to make dishes that could fool people. However, after about an hour, she was completely convinced. However, she looked at Xiaoxiao as if she was looking at a monster.
“Master, if I weren’t too familiar with you, I would really suspect that you’re some incarnation of a spirit or a monster.”
Xiaoxiao flicked her forehead happily. “What spirit or monster? It doesn’t sound good at all. Can’t I be a fairy that has descended to the mortal world?”
That was true. The master and disciple looked at the freshly baked crystal prawn dumplings, and Lion Dance Pastry and smiled in satisfaction.
And when Furong realized that Xiaoxiao had left an extra portion of snacks, she… had a toothache.
She didn’t need to ask to know who she was saving it for.
At this moment, the Empress was saying to Noble Consort Ji, “If she does well, let’s not mention this matter. If she doesn’t do well, hehe.”
Noble Consort Ji nodded. After raising her glass to her from afar, her gaze stopped on the table without saying a word.
The Empress knew that she had always been like this in front of others, so she did not mind and only cared about talking to others.
Not long after, she heard from the kitchen that the snacks were ready and someone was to serve the dishes.
The Empress thought that in such a hurry, Xiaoxiao could only make do with those unpresentable dishes from the farmers perfunctorily. Unexpectedly, the dishes that were presented one after another were delicious, fragrant, and delicious… They were even more exquisite than the previous dishes.
The pastries were even more exquisite.
The transparent and pink crystal prawn dumplings, and the unbelievably exquisite…
Someone pointed at the last snack that had its lid lifted and asked, “This little lion is too vivid. What’s this snack called?”
The palace servant in charge of serving the dishes said respectfully, “Lion Dance Pastry.”
Seeing that everyone was interested, the palace maids sensibly picked up a piece for their mistresses and placed it on their plate. This Lion Dance Pastry happened to retain the remaining heat from the pot to the table without scalding their mouths. After taking a small bite, the crispy skin and the delicate lotus filling wrapped inside immediately conquered the diners’ hearts.
Although the crystal prawn dumplings were also beautiful, they had been popular in the capital for more than half a year after all. Everyone present had more or less eaten them a few times. Delicious as they were, they were not as novel as the Lion Dance Pastry.
It had an exquisite design, bright colors, and was small and exquisite. Every bite had a different taste.
Even outsiders could see how complicated it was. How much time and effort would it take to make such a snack that could even have a lion’s mane?
“Madam Furong really lives up to her reputation. She can actually make such a wonderful thing.”
Those who knew a little about culinary skills exclaimed, “Indeed, this crispy skin clearly melted in the mouth, but it didn’t deform when it was fried. It can be seen that her control of the oil temperature and heat has long reached perfection.”
“As expected of the famous Madam Furong of the Imperial Capital.”
“No wonder she is the elegant abode’s chef. Her snacks are so ingenious.”
Hearing more and more praises for Xiaoxiao, not only was the Empress not angry, but a strange smile gradually appeared on her face.
“Has everything been arranged?”
The palace maid lowered her eyes. “As you command, Your Majesty.”
“Greetings, Your Majesty!” As the continuous kowtowing sounded, the Emperor, who was still wearing his court attire, came down to the hall with Eunuch De. His gaze was immediately attracted by the novel dishes on the table.
“Yo, I didn’t expect that someone else would have such a strange thought after the child of the Xiao Family appeared.”
The Empress went forward with a smile. “It’s really Madam Furong’s blessing to be praised by His Majesty. Someone, call her over to receive the reward.”
From the beginning to the end, she did not mention anything about her injury.
It was common for imperial chefs to be rewarded for making good dishes. The Emperor did not think too much about it and walked to the main seat. During this period, he felt even more hungry when he smelled the fragrance.
“Noble Consort Ji is also here.”
The Empress subconsciously tightened her grip on her sleeve. “Of course. Sister Ji’s future daughter-in-law is also here. I wanted the two of them to nurture their relationship, so I arranged for An’ning to be beside Sister Ji.”
The Emperor glanced at her and did not say anything. He just walked straight to the seat beside the Empress and sat down.
The Empress knew that her thoughts had been seen through, but she did not regret it.
After all… with so many people watching, if His Majesty sat with Noble Consort Ji, how would she, the Empress, face people in the future?
When her gaze swept across Noble Consort Ji again, an imperceptible haze flashed across the Empress’s eyes.
Knowing that the Empress had summoned Furong, Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said to her, “If the Empress’s people make any requests to you, just agree.”
Furong was puzzled and nervous. Beside her, the palace servants said, “Her Majesty instructed us to bring you to wash up and change your clothes. Princess, please follow us.”
As a princess, it was indeed not suitable for Xiaoxiao to return to the banquet covered in oil and smoke. It was reasonable for the palace servants to do this, but Furong felt that something was wrong. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Xiaoxiao shake her head at her and leave with the palace servants.
Furong swallowed her saliva. She felt that this palace was like a dragon’s pool and a tiger’s den. This trip was too soul-stirring.
If she could choose, she definitely did not want to come. However, the Empress’s people entered the elegant abode directly and did not give her the chance and right to reject them.
Just like now, that arrogant-looking palace maid was emphasizing to her.
“When the Empress asks later, just say that the dishes served just now were all created by your elegant abode. Do you understand?”
Furong clenched her fists secretly. However, she had clearly said just now that the dishes were made by Princess An’ning. She was just watching from the side.
The palace maid’s tone did not allow for rejection, and her attitude was extremely unyielding, as if Furong would never leave the palace if she dared to disobey.
Recalling her master’s words just now, Furong bent down obediently. “I understand.”
What kind of monsters did their master usually face? She actually guessed the other party’s intentions before they spoke.
The journey back to the banquet was not long, but Furong felt that if possible, she did not want to come again in her life.
With the Emperor around, the banquet was more serious, but the people at the banquet were also more excited. They had to see the Emperor. As for these dishes… Ah, they had to eat them. They were too fragrant and tempting, really! Didn’t you see that His Majesty himself couldn’t put down his chopsticks?
Ever since he went to the Xiao Family to freeload a few meals, the Emperor’s dissatisfaction with the Imperial Kitchen increased day by day.
Be it the ingredients or the staff, the imperial kitchen was much better than the Xiao Family’s. However, even the plain porridge and side dishes could not compare to the delicacies made by the Xiao Family. It would be fine if they could not compare to Gu Chang’an alone. After all, he was once the commander of the imperial kitchen. However, it was said that the person in charge of the kitchen was that little girl, Xiao Ning, who had just come of age!
Sigh, there was a hint of that little girl in these dishes..
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