Consort Yu found this entirely novel, having never experienced such a dining method before.
With Jiang Huan's assistance, she sampled each variation and was instantly captivated as if encountering divine cuisine.
Each dipping sauce offered distinct flavors, yet without exception, all were exceptionally delicious!
As Jiang Huan attended to her, Consort Yu savored the roasted meat and couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
No wonder the Emperor had summoned Jiang Huan to serve him after tasting her bowl of tangyuan—she truly possessed remarkable skills.
If she could acquire Jiang Huan's abilities for herself, winning the Emperor's favor would be guaranteed.
Swallowing the morsel of roasted meat, Consort Yu lifted her chin and issued a command with an air of superiority.
"This consort greatly enjoys your meat. You shall teach me."
Jiang Huan had anticipated this request from Consort Yu.
Taking two steps back and bowing her head, she replied respectfully.
"For ordinary dishes like fermented glutinous rice balls, this humble one could instruct Your Ladyship. But regarding this charcoal-grilled meat…"
Jiang Huan's expression turned troubled. "If Your Ladyship wishes to eat it, it would be better to simply summon this humble one to prepare it."
If Consort Yu demanded to learn every skill upon each encounter, eventually mastering all her techniques, she would no longer need Jiang Huan—an unfavorable outcome.
Consort Yu was notoriously ruthless and would never permit her to teach other consorts.
In that case, Jiang Huan's remaining years would likely end with her becoming a long-forgotten corpse in Jin Hua Palace.
This was precisely why she had created this charcoal-grilled meat dish.
The method must never be taught.
Consort Yu's face darkened. She slammed her silver chopsticks down, her voice turning shrill.
"You dare disobey this consort?!"
"This humble one wouldn't dare," Jiang Huan replied steadily without cowering. "Although the charcoal-grilled meat appears simple, it involves numerous intricacies—particularly the control of heat. Different thicknesses of meat slices require varying roasting durations, likely taking three to five years to master."
"Moreover, the charcoal fire burns extremely hot. Carelessness could easily burn one's hands. Your Ladyship's status is far too noble for such menial tasks. Whenever you have need, simply command this humble one."
By both flattering Consort Yu and belittling herself, Jiang Huan quietly extinguished the anger that had begun rising in the consort.
Hearing Jiang Huan describe meat-roasting as servants' work, Consort Yu—no matter how eager to learn—could never personally undertake such labor.
Yet the dining method remained extraordinarily novel, and the roasted meat's flavor was truly exquisite.
Consort Yu felt certain the Emperor would adore this dish.
And by extension, he might show her greater affection…
After brief contemplation, she looked at Jiang Huan.
"In that case, this consort shall enjoy roasted meat with His Majesty in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Change into a maid's attire and accompany me. You may only roast the meat—not speak."
If not for the necessity of roasting while eating, she would never bring Jiang Huan before the Emperor!
Jiang Huan was getting off easy, but as long as she remained unseen and uncontending, the spotlight would stay on Consort Yu!
"As you wish." Jiang Huan curtseyed in acknowledgment.
This was good—her plan was proceeding smoothly.
The confinement had been lifted, and she would see the Emperor, albeit in a maid's disguise.
Her days of lying low had ended.
She must now gather her wits to navigate the harem's challenges, overcoming obstacles while ensuring her own safety.
Ah…
Consort Yu specifically instructed Cui Ying to fetch maid's clothing that even servants wouldn't wear—drab, dusty garments that hung loosely.
Jiang Huan compliantly changed into the outfit and styled her hair in a maid's bun.
Once transformed, she reappeared before Consort Yu.
Yet Jiang Huan’s face was simply too beautiful. Even without a trace of makeup, she outshone all the consorts in the six palaces.
The drab, coarse linen dress draped over Jiang Huan’s frame did nothing to conceal her radiance—instead, it accentuated her features all the more.
Her fair, jade-like skin peeked through the collar of the coarse fabric, the subtle concealment only making it more striking.
Consort Yu’s hand abruptly clenched into a tight fist, her eyes blazing with jealousy.
If not for that face, how could someone of Jiang Huan’s lowly status ever enter the imperial harem!
Sooner or later, she would tear that face right off!
This was a perfect opportunity—she couldn’t let Jiang Huan ruin it.
Consort Yu snorted coldly, pulling out a bluish-gray veil and tossing it to Jiang Huan.
“Put this on.”
“Yes.”
Jiang Huan caught the veil and tied it behind her head.
With Jiang Huan’s face hidden, Consort Yu was somewhat satisfied.
Now the Emperor would only have eyes for her.
As mealtime approached, Jiang Huan carried the prepared ingredients and utensils, following Consort Yu to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
But just as they reached the entrance, Consort Yu was stopped by a young eunuch guarding the door.
“Consort Yu, you may not enter.”
Consort Yu’s expression darkened instantly. How dare a mere eunuch block her way!
Cui Ying sharply rebuked him, “How dare you! How could you stop Consort Yu?”
The young eunuch looked troubled and hurriedly apologized, “Please forgive me, Consort Yu. The Emperor has given orders—no one is allowed inside.”
Consort Yu was so close to seeing the Emperor—how could she give up now?
She had prepared so much today. If she were turned away now, the other consorts in the harem would weave endless rumors behind her back!
Consort Yu was confident that if she could just see the Emperor, the charcoal-grilled meat she brought would not disappoint him.
“You haven’t even gone in to announce me. How do you know the Emperor doesn’t wish to see me?”
Consort Yu stood her ground, radiating authority.
“Your Highness, please don’t make things difficult for this humble servant. I dare not disobey the Emperor’s orders.”
Inside the hall, Huo Lin was so hungry he felt faint, yet he maintained a calm and detached demeanor as he reviewed memorials.
He couldn’t focus on a single word!
What was the Imperial Kitchen doing? If they didn’t send the meal soon, he would become the first Emperor of Da Liang to starve to death!
Why was Wang Degui so oblivious? Didn’t he know to send someone to hurry them along?
Did they expect the ruler of the entire nation to personally go and urge them to serve the meal?!
Huo Lin’s expression was cold and stern as he sipped some tea to soothe his empty stomach.
Just then, the young eunuch outside, worn down by Consort Yu’s persistence, quietly slipped inside to inform Wang Degui.
Wang Degui nearly broke out in a cold sweat. Consort Yu again.
What had she brought this time? Was she trying to suffocate His Majesty?
But grumbling aside, noticing that Huo Lin had set down his memorials, he approached to report.
“Your Majesty, Consort Yu is outside. She says she has brought food and wishes to see you.”
The combination of Consort Yu and food was nothing short of a nightmare for Huo Lin.
The mere thought of that day’s sweet and sour ribs made his stomach churn.
He had never tasted anything so awful in his life!
Was this woman so idle that she had to come and torment him?!
This time, he would not be fooled again!
“I—” Huo Lin was about to refuse when a gust of wind swept through.
The scent of roasted meat clinging to Jiang Huan, mingled with the prepared dipping sauce, wafted into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Huo Lin’s eyes suddenly brightened. What was this? He had never smelled such an aroma before!
Was this the food Consort Yu had brought?
Perhaps, maybe, possibly, he could trust Consort Yu one more time!
For the sake of delicious food!
Huo Lin’s words took an abrupt turn at the edge of his lips, "Your Majesty knows. Let her in."
Wang Degui waved at the young eunuch, who breathed a sigh of relief and hurried out.
"Consort Yu, His Majesty says he will see you."
Upon hearing this, Consort Yu immediately beamed with joy.
She straightened her clothes and entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation with Jiang Huan.
"Your humble consort pays respects to the Emperor."
Seeing the Emperor again, Consort Yu was overwhelmed with excitement.
Jiang Huan, in stark contrast, kept her head lowered, her face filled with indescribable emotions.
Huo Lin’s inner voice echoed once more.
[Wait, am I seeing this right? It’s meat! I can finally eat meat!]
[But why does this look undercooked? Where did the aroma I smelled earlier come from?]
[And these plates of dipping sauces—what are they for? What trick is Consort Yu playing this time!]
[Forget it, forget it. If she tries to poison me like last time, I’ll throw her in prison and chop off her head!]