Chapter 94

Li Qi originally intended to wait for the hotpot craze to pass before introducing his signature dishes. However, recently, Feicui轩 (Emerald Pavilion) and Fanlou (Fan Tower) also launched their own versions, the Jade Pot and the Golden Jade Pot. Moreover, after the commotion caused by Huang Wenyeh, Li Qi's reputation had significantly improved. So, he seized the opportunity and introduced his signature dishes, including Sweet and Sour Pork, Mapo Tofu, Sour Cabbage Fish, Kung Pao Chicken, and Braised Pig Liver, among ten other delicacies. All of these were dishes that did not exist in the Northern Song Dynasty.

We play with novelty, always imitated but never surpassed.

However, since Wu Xiao Liu and the others' culinary skills were not yet up to par, only gold members could enjoy these dishes. The prices were naturally not low, with the cheapest dish costing 500 coins.

In Bianjing, there were no shortage of wealthy people, and 500 coins for a dish was nothing to them.

These dishes were highly praised upon their release, and the guests all wished to try them all at once. The number of gold members increased daily, and Li Qi, who had just caught his breath, was once again very busy. His name spread throughout Bianjing like that of Lady Qin.

Whenever Li Qi cooked, he let Wu Xiao Liu and the others learn alongside him. These dishes were relatively easy to make, and if Wu Xiao Liu and the others learned, he could introduce even more complex delicacies, such as Tai Chi Shrimp and Dragon and Phoenix Presenting Auspiciousness.

Li Qi's superb culinary skills also piqued everyone's curiosity about the three unknown world-class delicacies. Unfortunately, no one had yet solved any of the three couplets.

Business was booming, and Li Qi was naturally very happy. However, Ji Hongnu had not shown up for several days, which made him quite disappointed. But this was something that couldn't be forced. He didn't immediately look for another courtesan because this would be his best excuse to visit Fengxi Tower again.

While waiting for Ji Hongnu, two big shots arrived: Bai Shizhong and Lady Qin's father, Wang Zhongling.

They seemed to have come to Zui Xian Ju not for a meal but for Li Qi.

Although Li Qi had never met these two old men, he was very familiar with them. They often booked tables at Zui Xian Ju, and the most critical point was that they never paid, not even for a membership card.

What a scam! Such a scam!

There was nothing he could do, given their close relationship with Lady Qin. Li Qi could only shed silent tears.

In the Heavenly Realm private room, the elder sitting at the head of the table wore a square hat, had a gaunt face with prominent cheekbones, and a mixed black and white goatee. His eyes were sharp, and he still exuded the charm of his younger days. This was the Right Chancellor, Bai Shizhong.

Beside Bai Shizhong sat a plump old man with a ruddy complexion, his smile squeezing his eyes into slits, resembling a long-haired Maitreya Buddha. This was Lady Qin's father, Wang Zhongling.

However, Li Qi was skeptical. How could such a man father a beauty like Lady Qin? Was he in a beauty salon?

Lady Qin was also seated nearby.

"I am Li Qi, and I greet the two gentlemen," Li Qi bowed to Bai Shizhong and Wang Zhongling, but in his heart, he wondered why these two old men had suddenly come to see him.

Bai Shizhong sized up Li Qi, stroked his beard, and nodded with a smile, "Indeed, he is a talented man."

Using "a talented man" to describe a chef was a first for Bai Shizhong.

However, Li Qi was not flattered. He merely smiled, acknowledging Bai Shizhong's words without much emotional fluctuation.

Wang Zhongling smiled bitterly, "I wonder what luck my son-in-law had. This Zui Xian Ju was almost out of business, and then this young man appeared, saving the place. But it has been hard on my daughter."

"Father, why do you say such things?" Lady Qin said, displeased.

Wang Zhongling laughed awkwardly and said no more, as Li Qi was still present.

Li Qi was confused. He had saved Zui Xian Ju, but the tone of your words seems to blame me.

Little did he know that since Lady Qin's husband died, Wang Zhongling had always wanted her to sell the place and return home. Lady Qin had already agreed, but Li Qi's sudden appearance changed everything. Human plans are nothing compared to the will of heaven.

Bai Shizhong, hearing his friend's complaint, knew the reason and laughed, changing the subject, "I heard that the stinky tofu, the yin-yang pot, and the unparalleled dish were all made by you."

Li Qi nodded, "That's correct."

"Are these all your own creations, or did someone teach you?"

"They were passed down by my father," Li Qi said humbly. His culinary skills were indeed taught by his father, so this was a reasonable explanation.

"Is your father still alive?"

This was a difficult question for Li Qi. He shook his head with a somber expression, not giving a clear answer.

Bai Shizhong nodded slightly, assuming Li Qi's father was dead, and did not press further. He pointed to the couplets on the beam, "Those three upper couplets are also your work, right?"

Li Qi was taken aback and secretly glanced at Lady Qin, who was also looking at him. After a brief exchange of glances, Li Qi understood and said, "They are not my work; I heard them from others."

Lady Qin had already told him to be honest with her eyes.

"Nonsense, these three couplets are absolute masterpieces. How could you have heard them from others?" Wang Zhongling said sternly. He knew about Li Qi's pressure on Lady Qin to take over Zui Xian Ju and was very opposed to it, but he couldn't argue with Lady Qin, so he vented his anger on Li Qi.

Bai Shizhong gestured for his friend to calm down and then smiled, "If that's the case, why did you tell my daughter that these three couplets were copied from the back of a toilet door?"

This Bai lady really is something, even telling her father such trivial matters. I'm really impressed.

"About that—"

Li Qi looked embarrassed. His knowledge was limited, and if he claimed these couplets were his, he would easily be exposed.

"Stop stammering, just tell the truth," Wang Zhongling urged.

Bai Shizhong smiled, "Why? Do you have something to hide?"

Strange, why are these two old men so interested in those three couplets?

Li Qi frowned, hesitated for a moment, and then smiled, "I dare not deceive the gentlemen. These three couplets are indeed something I heard. If they were my work, I would have admitted it. It's not something that would tarnish my reputation."

Bai Shizhong was slightly taken aback, seeing that Li Qi's explanation was reasonable, but he still didn't fully believe him. He probed, "Do you have the lower couplets in mind?"

Sweat! You're asking a chef to come up with couplets? I wonder how you became a chancellor.

Li Qi smiled bitterly, "Gentlemen, you flatter me. I am just a chef. If it's about cooking, I have some confidence, but couplets are not my strong suit."

Bai Shizhong realized his question was a bit silly, blushed, and then said, "Alright, since you mentioned cooking, what about the three dishes behind those three couplets?"

Li Qi knew Lady Qin had already revealed the truth, so he smiled awkwardly, "Those three dishes are actually passed down from my family."

Wang Zhongling glared at Li Qi, "If my daughter hadn't told me, I would have thought those three dishes were passed down from the Qin family."

Li Qi smiled awkwardly, not daring to respond.

"So, those three boards really have the names of three dishes written on them?" Bai Shizhong asked.

"Of course, I would never deceive the gentlemen."

"Can you tell me what those three dishes are?"

"No," Li Qi shook his head.

Bai Shizhong was taken aback. He never expected Li Qi to refuse so straightforwardly, giving no face at all. He was both angry and amused, "Why not?"

Li Qi smiled, "These are just three dish names. Telling you wouldn't matter much. However, our business at Zui Xian Ju is based on honesty. We told our guests that they can only see the dish names if they solve the lower couplets. If I tell you beforehand, it would be unfair to those who solve the couplets."

"What if I insist on seeing them?" Wang Zhongling narrowed his eyes, smiling slyly.

Li Qi smiled, "If the gentlemen insist, I will have no choice but to show them."

Wang Zhongling nodded, seemingly approving of Li Qi's response.

But then Li Qi added, "However, I ask that you do not tell anyone else."

"Why is that?"

Li Qi explained, "This way, I can write three new dish names, and it will be a fair deal for our guests."

Wang Zhongling's face froze.

Bai Shizhong was also taken aback, then laughed, "It seems my daughter was right. Trying to get any advantage from you is harder than climbing to heaven."

"Your daughter is joking. I am known for being honest and straightforward, never deceiving anyone," Li Qi said, blushing. He thought, it seems Lady Bai has a significant misunderstanding of me.

Lady Qin almost burst out laughing, thinking, when have you ever told the truth?

Bai Shizhong, however, found Li Qi's words very reasonable. Li Qi was willing to risk offending two high-ranking officials rather than break his promise to his guests, indicating he was a trustworthy person. He nodded, "Alright, we won't make things difficult for you."

As soon as he said this, Li Qi quickly shouted, "Thank you, gentlemen, I am deeply grateful," as if afraid they might change their minds.

A typical small man's triumph.

Wang Zhongling huffed, "Don't thank us too soon. I have a question: if someone really solves the lower couplets, can you make those three dishes?"

"As long as the guest can afford it, I can certainly make them," Li Qi said confidently.

Bai Shizhong smiled, "Being able to make them is one thing, but making them well is another. The most important thing is whether the guests are satisfied."

Do I need to be taught this?

Li Qi smiled, "Thank you for the reminder, but I am confident I will not disappoint the guests."

"Alright. I will believe you for now, but remember what you said today," Bai Shizhong nodded.

Li Qi was taken aback, sensing there was more to Bai Shizhong's words, so he bowed, "Gentlemen, please rest assured. I will not secretly tell anyone the names of those three dishes."

This kid is really a headache.

Bai Shizhong sighed inwardly. He had asked so many questions, and it seemed Li Qi had answered them all, but upon reflection, it seemed Li Qi had said nothing. "Alright, I understand your intentions. You may go back to your work."

"Thank you, gentlemen. If you want to eat anything else, just let me know. I will treat you today."

Wang Zhongling was almost at his wits' end, angry, "Bai Shizhong, a high-ranking official, would never let you treat him." He knew Li Qi was also a shareholder in Zui Xian Ju, but saying it made him uncomfortable.

Li Qi was flustered, "Of course, of course. I was just being foolish. Please don't be angry, gentlemen."

Bai Shizhong, knowing Li Qi's thoughts, smiled, "Since you are so sincere, I will accept your offer."

Damn! A fox is a fox. He would rather lose face than pay. You are ruthless, but I will get my money back with interest one day.

Li Qi's face stiffened, and he smiled awkwardly, "Thank you for your trust, gentlemen. I am truly honored."

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Please recommend, please collect, please—.

{Piaotian Literature}