Chapter 217: Cooperation
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Loya looked up, her eyes filled with doubt and distrust.
Ke Lang shrugged indifferently. “You should know that my family now controls the transportation routes around the empire. It’s true that Liao Ning’s ingredients are cheaper, and the people are willing to accept her cooking, but how much money can we really earn from that?”
Loya frowned. Her original intention was indeed to help the people of the Empire, but since the royal gourmet manor began operating, it had become a playground for the nobles. Every time she live-streamed ancient gourmet materials, the nobles monopolized them.
“My goal in live-streaming is to benefit the people of the empire. As the princess, I have a responsibility towards my own people.” Loya’s tone was firm.
Upon hearing her words, Ke Lang suddenly laughed. “Are you sure?”
He casually lifted a strand of Loya’s long hair and took a whiff. “A bottle of shampoo made from interstellar space jasmine and blue roses could probably feed an ordinary empire’s family for a year, don’t you think?”
He playfully tugged at the lace on Loya’s skirt. “This lace took two years to make. It’s worth more than enough to feed a family for ten years, isn’t it?”
He listed the prices of the inconspicuous small items on Loya one by one. “Your
Highness, if you only eat meals worth 5 star coins in the name of the people,
I’m afraid you won’t even be able to afford a decent gown. If the imperial family doesn’t earn money, how can it survive?”
Loya looked down at her opulent attire and shivered at the thought of her days in the interstellar space prison.
Observing her reaction, Ke Lang smiled and said, “You’ve suffered before, so you know that life isn’t easy. The king is blaming you now only because Liao Ning is very popular. But what’s the use of popularity without the means to protect or support those people? It would be better for them to cooperate with us.”
“You?” Loya was somewhat puzzled.
“Our Sam family controls the empire’s transportation routes. If you inform me in advance about the ingredients I need, I can manipulate the market sales and prices. In return, 30% of the profits will be donated to the royal family for free, and the remaining 10% will be given to you as your daily pocket money, Your Highness.”
Loya’s eyes lit up, but she immediately averted her gaze, though Ke Lang still caught it.
He continued to entice her. “The rebel army can’t keep providing ingredients to the people unconditionally. Sooner or later, they will start charging us or demanding more. At that point, the people will realize that our prices are lower. It’s only a matter of time before they return to the Empire’s fold.”
Loya carefully pondered Ke Lang’s words and found them convincing. The rebel army was nothing more than a mere illusion. How much money could they have to sustain such a large population?
Especially when she considered the 10% interest that Ke Lang had promised her, Loya swallowed hard. Even though she was a princess now and didn’t have much wealth, she knew that one day the king might abandon her, and she could end up in exile. It made more sense for her to earn more money.
Loya didn’t say much. She merely exchanged a glance with Ke Lang, indicating her agreement. Ke Lang immediately added her as a friend, and Loya sent him the list of ingredients needed for the upcoming live-stream.
Upon returning to her room to prepare, Loya diligently reviewed Liao Ning’s previous live-streams. Only then did she begin crafting the content for tonight’s broadcast.
Ke Lang was right. If she could control the empire’s ingredients supply, the rebel army would eventually fail to sustain the people’s demands. Naturally, the people would return. And on top of that, she would have an additional source of income.
Ke Lang had already prepared the fish for Loya today and sent it to the live-stream room.
After applying her makeup and donning a dress made of ice silk, Loya appeared in front of the camera.
“Hello, everyone. It’s been a while.” Loya greeted the audience with a sweet smile. “I’ve heard that this year has seen a bountiful fish harvest. Today, I’ll be teaching you all how to make ice blue fish!”
As she spoke, she unveiled a large, blue fish that had been expertly sliced and marinated according to Liao Ning’s method.
“You need to make a few cuts on the fish and add ginger slices and green onions. This will help eliminate any fishy odor. If you have the means, you can also include some wine. Let it marinate for 20 minutes!”
During the marinating process, Loya sensed that something was amiss.
Liao Ning had originally used ordinary sea fish. In her attempt to elevate the dish, Loya had opted for ice blue fish. However, the moment the ice blue fish made contact with the onions, the fishy smell intensified. Thankfully, she had added some wine to mask the scent.
Just as she placed the ice blue fish into the heated oil, a blue flame suddenly erupted from the pot, causing the fish to rapidly shrink into a small ball..
Updat𝓮d from freew𝒆bnovel(.)com