Chapter 60 - Ugly People Cause Troubles
Accompanied by the maid, Tang Yue entered the kitchen. The sight of a finely dressed young master stepping into the culinary domain left the cook utterly astounded. The cook's mouth hung agape when he learned that Tang Yue was about to prepare lunch for the Noble Heir.
Tang Yue listed off a series of ingredients, delegating tasks to individuals as per his specifications. After washing his hands, he set the plan in motion.
The benefit of working in a prestigious household's kitchen was that he didn't need to execute every task himself. He could simply request the desired ingredients and assign chores to others. There were helpers to aid with chopping as well.
Cooking was even more convenient. These seasoned chefs had a far superior grasp of the stove's flames. They could simultaneously manage multiple pots, achieving twice the results with half the effort.
Nonetheless, this approach meant that more than half of the kitchen was dedicated solely to his needs. Today, the entire household's esteemed guests awaited their meals.
Madam Qing, who was receiving guests at the front, was taken aback upon hearing this news. Why would the young master from Yueyang Marquis's Mansion venture into the kitchen for such a reason?
She learned he was cooking for Noble Heir, and this notion seemed absurd. Every single meal for Noble Heir was meticulously crafted by the chef. How could he possibly get accustomed to the young master's cooking?
However, there was no stopping him. In this mansion, the one truly in control was State Duke. And the one who held the most freedom was Noble Heir.
The mama at her side offered a gentle reminder in a hushed voice, which made Madam Qing realize.
With a sway of her hips, she approached the young masters. Offering a slight bow, she remarked, “I've heard that Tang Young Master is quite skilled in the culinary arts. Today, the young masters are in for a treat. Tang Young Master is showcasing his talents in the kitchen.”
In the end, whether it was one table or ten, the cooking wouldn't differ. It wouldn't hurt if the chef followed Tang Young Master's menu.
Zhao Sanlang was fiddling with his hand when he received the news. His anger was almost uncontrollable. Someone easily pressed down his arm to quell his agitation.
He brushed it off, rising to his feet with a laugh. “I'm done playing for now. Time to wait for dinner. Tang Xiaolang's cooking is on a whole other level. I guarantee you'll be blown away!”
“Zhao Sanlang, the State Protector Prefecture didn't skimp on your meals, right? Why so ravenous?” Xu Ziheng seized every chance to jest at Zhao Sanlang.
Their mutual antipathy wasn't a recent development. Everyone had grown accustomed to it. However, the revelation of Tang Yue's culinary prowess was a bit surprising.
The tidbit about Tang Yue's cooking had initially come from Zhao Sanlang, but no one had taken it seriously. Could this young master truly orchestrate a feast?
Expectations mingled with skepticism. Opinions on this matter were quite varied.
Amidst the crowd, some derisively murmured. A white-clad young master even exclaimed, “A dignified gentleman stooping to become a cook. Not only has he forsaken his stature in the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion, but he's also blemished the reputation of our young master in Ye City!”
With a derisive smile, Zhao Sanlang chuckled, “Your son, Pei, actually has a reputation worth mentioning? Where did he even come from?”
“Haha…” Laughter erupted from the group. Young master Pei's face turned green, but he didn't dare challenge the son of the State Protector.
Ye City wasn't vast, but it wasn't exactly small either, making it not easy to conceal matters from the nobility.
This Young Master Pei was no saint. He had a track record of mistreating both men and women, having garnered a poor reputation.
Observing his silence, Zhao Sanlang's lip curled into a smirk. “It's really nothing much. Tang Xiaolang is knowledgeable in various aspects. He can concoct numerous recipes just from tasting. It doesn't mean he's personally the cook. If you're doubtful, why not visit the kitchen and see if Tang Xiaolang is the one preparing the dishes himself.”
Even though Xu Ziheng and Zhao Sanlang weren't exactly on good terms and held unfavorable opinions about Tang Yue, they wouldn't attack him over this. In fact, they extended assistance. “Madam Qing, why don't you take Gongzi Pei and the rest to the kitchen for a firsthand look?”
Madam Qing's smile remained. No need for that. When the steward reported earlier, it was clear that young Master Tang had barely taken a sip. Right now, he's in the kitchen enjoying wine. He even found the wine at the State Duke's Mansion lacking in taste.”
After her words, Madam Qing discreetly covered her mouth with her sleeve, a smile gracing her lips. Never had she imagined that the young master of the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion could be this amusing. It seemed that the power of Madam Noble Heir's steward would face a challenge when crossing the threshold.
Despite everyone being privy to this, some lingering thoughts lingered in her heart.
Young Master Pei's face flushed. He seized the moment to let out a disdainful snort. “We all know that State Duke Heng possesses excellent wine. The wine served to guests in the manor is of the highest quality. His young master's drinking prowess is truly impressive!”
“Even if he's good at drinking, the king himself gifted him a carriage of wine. Can the wine used for guests in the residence even compare?” Zhao Sanlang murmured, “Ugly incidents are caused by unsightly folks.”
“Zhao Sanlang, you…” Young Master Pei was on the verge of losing his temper, but his close friend intervened before things escalated.
A brief pause subdued everyone's playful mood. They were all eager to discover the kind of dishes that the young master from the Tang Family could prepare. Frankly, unless they tasted it themselves, none would trust Zhao Sanlang's claims.
Plus, he merely spoke and didn't make a move. Even if it turned out delectable, wouldn't it be thanks to the chef at State Duke's Mansion?
“I heard that Wang Zizhao assigned three chefs to the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion. These chefs were actually gifts from the former king to Wang Zizhao, so he merely gave them away. It's evident that Tang Xiaolang holds a high position in Wang Zizhao's regard.”
“After all, he healed Wang Zizhao's legs. It's not just a matter of limbs.” Wang Zizhao's legs were exceedingly precious; they couldn't function properly. What he lost was essentially the entire Southern Jin!
Thus, everyone recognized Tang Yue's substantial contribution. Even if they weren't actively seeking camaraderie today, none were bent on animosity. After all, few were as unwise as Young Master Pei.
After waiting for nearly two hours, news finally arrived that the food was ready. Zhao Sanlang was the first to dash over. Young Master Pei muttered to himself, “Reincarnation of a famished ghost!”
It was only once everyone gathered around the table that Qing Fu dispatched someone to summon State Duke. This evening's feast was arranged especially for Noble Heir and Tang Yue to acquaint themselves. Word had it that the two spent a full two hours in the temple hall. When they emerged, Tang Xiaolang wished to cook for Noble Heir, while Noble Heir considered sending someone to shoo Tang Xiaolang away.
By all appearances, it seemed like Tang Xiaolang had upset Noble Heir. However, Madam Qing found herself unable to contest Noble Heir's verdict. Consequently, she seized this opportunity to escort State Duke out of the situation.
Tang Yue's eyes landed on the final dish that emerged from the pot, and he sampled it first. Expressing his satisfaction, he nodded. “Impressive. Your culinary skills are truly remarkable. I shall ensure rewards are granted to each of you.”
“Young Master's praise is truly gracious. We executed everything just as you instructed.” To be candid, their lives had been dedicated to cooking, yet they had never witnessed cooking of this caliber. It was bound to astonish the world.
“Pingshun, come here!” Zhao Sanlang occupied the second seat below the main one. The County Prince sat in the first seat, and Noble Heir of State Duke Heng occupied the seat opposite him. He gestured for Tang Yue, underscoring the significance State Duke Heng's Mansion attached to these two individuals.
Though Zhao Sanlang hadn't been formally designated as Noble Heir, he was the sole heir of the State Protector. Unless a catastrophe struck, he would ultimately become the heir apparent. Hence, his status held equivalence with that of State Duke Heng's Noble Heir.
Noble Heir of State Duke Heng evidently held some apprehension about him. Despite his reluctance, Noble Heir escorted Zhao Sanlang up personally.
“Tell me, where exactly did you and Tang Xiaolang venture? What transpired between the two of you?” Zhao Sanlang queried in hushed tones.
He watched as the two of them departed together. He refrained from intervening, considering the familial connection between them. He firmly believed that Tang Xiaolang wouldn't allow himself to be mistreated by this plump individual.
The Noble Heir of State Duke Heng had already changed his attire. The maid who had been assisting him in changing was still unconscious. He had effectively concealed her injuries, ensuring they remained unseen.
Exiting the temple hall, he found himself making three consecutive trips to the restroom. His legs were still unsteady, and his hunger had left him feeling physically weak. Engaging in conversation with Zhao Sanlang was the last thing he wished for.
“Cat got your tongue? Or are you just hoping for a good thrashing?” Zhao Sanlang clandestinely clenched his fist, the threat in his gesture palpable.
As Tang Yue entered the room, he immediately witnessed this scene. He knew that his soon-to-be brother-in-law had faced many instances of bullying from Zhao Sanlang in the past.
Yet, it was understandable. Both families held similar statuses, and their offspring grew up together. The Noble Heir of State Duke Heng often felt like an odd one out amidst a group of privileged individuals. It would have been odd if he hadn't faced some teasing.
Additionally, Zhao Sanlang seemed to exclusively display a submissive attitude in front of County Princess Huizhu and her son, while he projected an entirely different persona in the presence of others.
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