Adorable Food Goddess

Early in the morning, Zhao Qixuan was woken up by a violent shaking.

“Get up, get up!” Helian Jing knew that Zhao Qixuan has a habit of sleeping naked, so this time, he didn’t make the mistake of lifting his blanket.

Zhao Qixuan grumbled. “Shut up. Stop disturbing my sleep. I want to sleep.”

He turned over and continued to snore.

Helian Jing went up to his ear, and yelled, “Fire!”

Zhao Qixuan sprang up anxiously. “Where is the fire?”

Helian Jing patted his chest. “Here.”

When he saw that Little Jing was teasing him, Zhao Qixuan frowned angrily. “Little Jing, what are you doing here so early in the morning?”

He made a move to lie back down and get back to sleep, but Helian Jing pulled him up. “I didn’t sleep a wink the entire night awaiting daybreak. Qixuan, you have to help me this time.”

Zhao Qixuan paid more attention now upon hearing how serious his friend sounded. “What happened? Did you get in trouble?”

“I want to borrow some money from you.”

Zhao Qixuan clicked his tongue. “That’s all? Little Jing, you are my brother, you don’t have to persuade me. How much do you need?”

“500, 000 taels.”

His words chased away the remnants of sleep clinging to Zhao Qixuan. “What was that? Did you just say you want 500,000?”

Helian Jing nodded solemnly. “500,000 taels. You are the richest man I know.”

Zhao Qixuan stared at Little Jing, stupefied.  Even if I am rich, I still can’t afford 500,000! ” For what?”

“I want to help Li Yao get out of his contract.”

Little Jing wasn’t making any sense to him. “Are you pranking me?”

“I am being serious, Qixuan. Heavenly Residence has changed its owner and Li Yao is very unhappy working there now. I want to help him.”

“Heavenly Residence has changed owners? Why don’t I know about it?”

“How would you know? The only thing in your mind right now is Susu. You don’t even come out to mingle around anymore.’

Zhao Qixuan grabbed a coat and donned it on. “Quick, tell me, what is going on? Who is so generous to be able to buy Heavenly Residence?”

Heavenly Residence was currently a treasure bowl so it must have been expensive.

Remembering his big brother’s warnings, Helian Jing lied, “I am not sure who he is, but in any case, Li Yao feels like quitting.”

“You mean the price for breaking the contract is 500,000 taels?”

“More than that. It is 600,000 taels, but I already have 100,000 taels with me.”

Zhao Qixuan took a deep breath, looking at Little Jing pityingly. “Little Jing… you have fallen in so deep.”

Helian Jing blushed and quickly denied, “You’re ridiculous. Li Yao is my friend and I just want to help him.”

“This is not the way you help a friend! You’re really telling me that you’re agreeing to give 600,000 taels without even blinking an eye just to help a friend?”  Zhao Qixuan sneered.

“Zhao Qixuan, if it weren’t for Li Yao, you and Susu wouldn’t be together now. He has been such a great help to you, but now that he is in trouble, you are not willing to help?”

“I didn’t say that I didn’t want to help him, I just feel that this price is too ridiculous. If it were other head chefs, 18,000 would’ve been more than generous. But 600,000 for contract termination? What kind of joke is that? Who’s the owner? Tell me, and I’ll settle it.”

“His price is set so high because Li Yao is incomparable to other chefs. If not for him, Heavenly Residence’s business would not be so prosperous. He is the one who brought Heavenly Residence back up. I can’t tell you who is the owner. I can’t reveal who he is, and even if did, you would not be able to do anything about it, anyway. This is the price he wants. I will find some way to return the money back to you slowly,” Helian Jing said.

“You actually sounds proud of Li Yao for being quoted this price.”

“Of course! It’s an honor to be worth so much!”

Zhao Qixuan shook his head in disgust. “Forget it. You’ve turned into such a sap that I can’t even get through to you.”

“Just tell me whether you are going to lend me the money or not. If not, I am going to tell Susu that we ganged up on him,” Helian Jing threatened.

Zhao Qixuan spluttered.  This little brat!

“I didn’t say that. When do you need that 500,000 taels?”

This royal chap was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’d never been short of money and has never done any business so he has no idea about the concept of 600,000 taels. He doesn’t know how many people it could feed and how many treasures it could buy. If it wasn’t for Zhao Qixuan’s prospering businesses and robust family asset, he wouldn’t be able to come up with the amount Little Jing’s asking.

Zhao Qixuan’s reluctance wasn’t anything against Li Yao, though. In fact, he’s very grateful to him. If not for his wits, he would’ve spent an eternity dragging things on with Susu. He’d just treat the 500,000 as the payment for his and Susu’s relationship.

“Really? Zhao Qixuan, thank you for being loyal! I will surely remember your favors. As for the money, the sooner the better.” Helian Jing felt like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.

Zhao Qixuan thought about it for a while. “Susu and I just recently invested some money so I don’t have much liquid cash with me at the moment. You’ll have to wait for seven days. Is that alright?”

“Yes, yes, yes! As long as there is money, it is alright,” Helian Jing exclaimed excitedly.

Zhao Qixuan has a fond smile stretching his lips. “Take a look at your foolish self. Hopefully, after you throw that 600, 000 taels in, you’d be able to bring him home.”

The redness that just subsided on Helian Jing’s face rushed back up to his cheeks. “Nonsense. Go back to sleep, I am going to the army.”

The Old Jing An Marquis, Xia Zhuofeng, brought his second son, Xia Chunyu, into the palace to see His Majesty after breakfast.

His Majesty received him amiably.

“My beloved subject, I am very grateful to you for protecting the borders for many years and ensuring the peace of the area. You’ve done a great service to the nation with your hard work.”

Xia Zhuofeng quickly rose, saying modestly, “Protecting the nation is your humble subject’s duty. I would never dare to let down Your Majesty’s benevolence!”

After they exchanged a few polite greetings, the conversation shifted to Xia Chunyu’s marriage. The Emperor has purposely waited for the Old Marquis’ return to broach the subject.

“The child that the seventh prince had left behind is already 16. The Empress Dowager has been asking me to choose a good husband for Princess Liu Li and after looking around, amongst all the royal princes and noblemen in the land, I found Chunyu to be the most suitable groom. My beloved subject, what do you think?”

Xia Zhuofeng has been away from the capital for several years and was not very familiar with Liu Li. He only knew that the Empress Dowager pampers the princess a lot. However, he had a deep friendship with the Seventh Prince so he was pleased with this marriage.

He was just about to agree to it when Chunyu, who was behind him, took a step forward and kneeled on the ground to kowtow.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your royal benevolence. However, your humble subject is unable to agree to this marriage,” Xia Chunyu said firmly.

His Majesty’s expression changed slightly. He never expected for Chunyu to reject such a huge favor without a second thought.

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Xia Zhuofeng hissed, embarrassed and infuriated. “His Majesty is only willing to let Princess Liu Li marry you because he appreciates you. This is a heaven-bestowed marriage that others could only hope for! You should be grateful.”

Xia Chunyu raised his head and straightened his back defiantly. “Pardon your humble subject for being unable to obey your order.”

If not for court etiquettes, Xia Zhuofeng would have already kicked the crap out of his son. What the f*ck is this git doing?

“Your Majesty, your humble subject has failed in teaching my son, please pardon me,” Xia Zhuofeng apologized, fear coloring his words.  You f*cking bastard! I will beat you black and blue when we get home, Chunyu.

His Majesty laughed out loud. “My beloved subject, quick, rise. This straightforwardness is precisely what I like about Chunyu.”

“Chunyu, get up and talk, too,” His Majesty said amiably. “I know that Liu Li is a little too spoiled and is still a little childish, but when she becomes a wife and a mother, she’d naturally be more sensible.”

“My son is not any better. He is stubborn and extremely inflexible. Due to my long period of absence, I failed to discipline him properly,” Xia Zhuofeng placated as he wiped his sweat.

The Emperor smiled reassuringly. “Youngsters will be youngsters. It is normal that they are a little temperamental and brash. It is fine as long as he thinks it through.”

Xia Chunyu said resolutely, “Your Majesty, your humble subject really cannot agree to this arrangement. If I do, I would be guilty of deceiving the ruler.”

This time, His Majesty got frustrated. Why would Chunyu deny him? Why would he deny an imperial decree knowing that it is a mortal crime?

“Bastard, I dare you to say one more word!” Xia Zhuofeng exploded angrily. What was happening to his son?

His Majesty suppressed his anger and asked Chunyu, “Why do you say that?”

Xia Chunyu said, “Your Majesty, your humble subject has already gotten married in Black Wind Ridge. That woman is also a lady from a good family and was kidnapped up the mountains by the Second-In-Charge. Due to the circumstances, I had no other choice but to marry her. Even though it was rashly executed, we still have sworn to the heaven and earth.”

The Emperor was stunned. “Why have I never heard you mention this before?”

Xia Chunyu said dimly, “She was the one who discovered the secret passage in the stockade. When she informed me of it to prevent Bai Chongye from escaping, she got held hostage by the Second-In-Charge. In order to not be a burden to your humble subject, she jumped off the cliff and fell into the Haze Lake. I searched for her but I wasn’t able to find her. After much inquiry, I heard that a villager saved a girl from the lake and so I thought it was her and began my search. The villager said that the girl seemed to have lost her memory and could not remember who she was and left a few days before…”

Speaking of all the tragedy that has happened hurt Xia Chunyu and he could not help but choke on his words.

His Majesty and Xia Zhuofeng sighed, lamenting what happened. This woman was willing to sacrifice herself for her country. She’s righteous and benevolent, and it was as inspiring as it was tragic.

“Did you continue inquiring?” Xia Zhuofeng asked.

“I have, all with the hopes of continuing our predestined affinity. She has fallen into dire straits because of me and if I abandon her to marry another, I would be an unloyal and unrighteous person. Therefore, I cannot accept Your Majesty’s grace and could only request for Your Majesty to reconsider,” Xia Chunyu said sincerely.

The Emperor muttered, “What is this lady’s name?”

With his hands cupped together, Xia Chunyu said, “She is the eldest daughter of the first wife of Ye Binghuai from the Yang Zhou’s government prefecture. Her name is Ye Jinxuan.”