Chapter 33: Palace Front Cooking (Part 2)

  Achieved great merit but didn't take credit, several high-ranking officials who were familiar with the emperor's temperament all secretly praised his cleverness. However, this kind of strategy of advancing by retreating appeared on a commoner, it was really unexpected.

  More people are secretly lamenting, such a good opportunity, just so easily given up, really don't know if this country bumpkin is truly foolish or pretending to be foolish. If it were me, I would definitely do this and that, without hesitation.

  The emperor was even more delighted in his heart, Qin Yifan's humility and lack of arrogance truly pleased him. Although he had previously been forced to demote Qin Yifan from the army due to those events, the emperor had always felt guilty and had especially sent the Phoenix Guard and the Nine Dragon Jade Pendant as compensation for his position. This time, Qin Yifan was able to come to the capital, and gave him such a great show of respect, just this intention made him feel like he was drinking sweet wine. Adding to that his current humility, it made him feel even more refreshed and comfortable, like drinking cool water on a hot summer day.

  However, the Emperor is after all the Emperor, with golden words and jade speech, one word is worth nine Tripods, how can he take back what he has said: "In that case, your request will be temporarily noted, when there is a need, come to me at that time!"

  Another burst of admiring applause, but Qin Yifan didn't pay attention to these. After the emperor's permission, he returned to his own remote seat again. The people in the surrounding seats who were originally a little distant from him, not wanting to get involved with him but also afraid of offending Long Tongling, now bowed their hands to him from afar, a world of difference.

  After Qin Yifan's outburst, several barbarian envoys who had been somewhat arrogant and secretly pleased with themselves could only surrender. The things that a common villager from the Central Plains brought out were even better than what their own monarchs had searched for half their lives, so how could they still talk about saving face in front of the imperial court?

  After all, several barbarian envoys had already agreed on a plan, and as soon as one plan failed, they immediately changed the subject. It was still that envoy who had just come forward, as if he had become the representative of several barbarian envoys. He came forward to adjust his clothes and formally kowtowed: "Your Majesty is wise, we are frogs at the bottom of a well and do not recognize your majesty's face. The prosperity of the Heavenly Dynasty is unparalleled, and we are deeply impressed! For our previous offense against Your Majesty, please forgive us." He led the way with a big bow. The other barbarian envoys followed suit, all performing a big bow.

  His Majesty is indeed delighted at the moment, these people sincerely worship and can be said to have won the hearts of the people. However, despite being pleased, he did not forget the style of our great country: "All envoys are equal, ignorance is no crime." Since these people admit that they underestimated our heavenly dynasty, there is no need to impose any punishment on them, and making them thoroughly convinced and obedient is the right way.

  "Thanks to the Emperor for not punishing us!" After shouting "Long live the Emperor", the barbarian envoys finally stood up. The barbarian envoy who had just apologized stepped forward again: "Your Majesty, we are small people from a vassal state and do not know the prosperity of the heavenly court. We have heard that in the Analects it is said 'Food is not tired of being refined, and sauce is not tired of being delicate'. Although the small people outside the pass may not dare to say that their food and sauce are very refined, they also have a unique flavor. Please allow us to cook on the spot for Your Majesty to repay Your Majesty's kindness."

  Everyone was stunned, not getting any advantage from the rare treasures, but instead, they had another idea, focusing on food. Is this what they called the group of skilled and cunning people?

  Everyone is looking at the emperor, waiting for him to nod. If even these barbarians can't be surpassed in eating, it would truly be a great shame and humiliation for the Celestial Empire.

  "Agreed!" The foreign envoy actually wants to stir up trouble in these aspects, how could the Emperor possibly not agree. Must our great Qing dynasty bow down to the foreign envoy on this matter, and their excuse is to cook their hometown's specialty dishes for the Emperor on the spot, there's no reason not to let them do it.

  The face of the messenger has already shown a smile, and the success of the plot is just such a face. To say that they can't be said to have used any conspiracy or trickery, all their actions were carried out after first asking the emperor for instructions, at most it could only be considered an open conspiracy. This clever calculation that makes people fall into the trap, I don't know who the mastermind is that gave them guidance.

  "Also, I beg Your Majesty to grant a piece of land for the ceremony." The barbarian envoy waited respectfully for the imperial decree, without any impropriety.

  "Alright!" Since I've already agreed to the previous request, I might as well go all out. After all, clearing a small area isn't particularly troublesome. Just moving aside a few seats in between will do.

  After the scene was cleaned up, the barbarian envoy still begged the emperor to send some people to surround the empty area in the middle, saying it was for safety reasons. Everyone didn't know what they were going to do and there might even be possible danger. Suddenly someone jumped out to rebuke these barbarian envoys for being too bold and demanded that the barbarian envoy cancel this rude move.

  However, the barbarian envoy had already prepared a set of words, stating that they only wanted to guard against contingencies. But this remark was enough to pique everyone's interest. Although it was clear that they were just trying to put on a show and regain some face, the Emperor was in high spirits today, having obtained the precious object and being extremely pleased. Having already gained great prestige, why not enjoy the performance of these people? It's unlikely that these barbarian envoys would dare to suggest that our Great Qing officials learn from those savage chefs!

  Finally, the emperor's approval was obtained, and several barbarian envoys retreated to the outside of the clearing at the same time. The leading barbarian envoy clapped his hands, and immediately someone spread the news outward.

  It had been quiet for a while, and everyone was wondering what was going on when they suddenly heard a heavy footsteps. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw something that made someone gasp in shock.

  A gigantic yak, at least twice as large as the ordinary oxen commonly seen, can be roughly determined by visual measurement alone, and this yak is at least over a thousand catties.

  What's even more astonishing is that this yak wasn't led out by someone, but was instead carried out by someone. A tall and robust man with a bare upper body, at least two heads taller than ordinary people, had muscles like bulging mountain bags, exceptionally sturdy.

  The heavy footsteps were coming from his feet, a man and an ox, the combined weight was no wonder why the footsteps sounded so heavy. The ox in the big man's hand had been tied up with four hooves, occasionally making lowing sounds.

  So that's how it is, this cow is actually alive, no wonder those barbarian envoys asked for someone to take care of it. Although its four hooves are already tied up, it can still break free and run out. However, these barbarian envoys also underestimated the martial generals present, could a mere water buffalo really harm anyone?

  By now, everyone has come to realize that these barbarian envoys actually intended to slaughter and cook their food on the spot. Barbarians are indeed barbarians; even when it comes to eating and cooking, they are so uncivilized.

  Thank you for your vote, thank you everyone