Chapter 35: Sanlang Aspires to Enter Business (End of Today)

In the rear garden, Lady Scarlet Whisk was resting her chin in her hand, lost in thought, when suddenly she heard Yue’er’s cheerful voice, “Madam, Young Master has prepared fried chicken and chicken soup for you. Please try them while they’re still hot— they’re really delicious!”

Yue’er approached with a radiant smile.

“Uh… Sanlang prepared these?” Lady Scarlet Whisk returned to her senses, eyeing the chicken Yue’er carried, and couldn’t help but frown slightly.

She found it hard to believe, as if she were dreaming.

That careless rascal— since when had he become so considerate?

Could there be some ulterior motive…?

She remembered clearly that for as long as she could recall, Li Yi had never shown such attention to her; it was always she, as his mother, who cared for him.

Could it be that today the sun has risen in the west?

Yet, gazing at the fried chicken and chicken soup— both golden and exuding a tantalizing aroma— Lady Scarlet Whisk asked in surprise, “Yue’er, are you certain this chicken soup was really prepared by Sanlang?”

“Yes, Madam!” Yue’er replied with a bright, sincere smile. “And Young Master cooked it himself, just for you!”

“He cooked it himself?” Lady Scarlet Whisk was momentarily taken aback, then shook her head with a wry smile, unable to believe it.

But after scrutinizing Yue’er carefully, she could detect no change in the girl’s expression; she looked nothing like someone telling a lie.

Lady Scarlet Whisk grew even more puzzled.

“Let me have a taste then?” Half-believing, half-doubting, she took a small sip of the chicken soup.

Immediately, it was as though her taste buds had been awakened, blossoming open like flowers after the rain.

She squinted her eyes in delight and took another small sip. The flavor was exceptionally fresh and invigorating— she couldn’t stop herself, nor did she want to.

“This…” Lady Scarlet Whisk was dumbfounded, her hand frozen mid-air, unable to utter a word for some time.

Such exquisite flavor was simply not something the kitchen cooks could produce.

In fact, she had never tasted anything so delicious in her entire life!

“Was this truly made by Sanlang?” Her face was filled with astonishment.

After all, in her impression, Li Yi was so pampered that he even needed help dressing— how could he possibly make something so delectable?

It was simply unbelievable.

Lady Scarlet Whisk was utterly captivated by the chicken soup.

She swallowed another mouthful, and though her mind remained skeptical, her eyes were fixed intently on the golden fried chicken.

“Yue’er, this dish… is it called fried chicken? Did Sanlang name it himself?” she asked curiously.

“Um… Madam, actually, I don’t know either,” Yue’er replied honestly, blinking her bright eyes. “That’s what Young Master called it, so that’s what I call it too.”

Lady Scarlet Whisk was speechless for a moment.

This innocent little maid— why did she have to be so adorably naive?

No wonder Sanlang liked to tease her.

Clearing her throat, Lady Scarlet Whisk set down her spoon gracefully and picked up her chopsticks, sampling a piece of fried chicken.

It was crisp and tender, neither greasy nor cloying.

On the contrary, it only increased one’s appetite.

“Hm? The taste of this fried chicken…” Once again, she was astonished, staring at Yue’er in disbelief. “Yue’er, you must tell me honestly— did Sanlang truly make these two dishes?”

“Yes, Madam!” Yue’er nodded solemnly, entirely serious. “I watched Young Master make them with my own eyes!”

For a moment, Lady Scarlet Whisk was at a loss for words.

Could it be that Sanlang learned how to make fried chicken and chicken soup from an immortal in his dreams?

Otherwise, how could anyone create such extraordinary flavors?

She pondered in silence.

At that moment, Li Yi strolled over. Seeing her astonished expression, he grinned, “Mother, how does the fried chicken I made taste?”

Lady Scarlet Whisk did not reply immediately. She slowly looked up, frowning slightly at Li Yi.

Even after hearing his words, she still found it difficult to believe.

After a long pause, she finally asked, “Sanlang, where did you learn to make this fried chicken and chicken soup?”

Li Yi simply grinned.

He had anticipated this question from her.

Fortunately, he had Zhang Sanfeng as his scapegoat.

“Mother.” Li Yi walked over and sat down before Lady Scarlet Whisk, then began to speak unhurriedly, “These delicacies were taught to me by my master in a dream.”

Fearing she might not believe him, he added, “Master is fond of all the world’s fine cuisines, so by chance, I learned from him in my dreams. That’s how I can make something so delicious.”

His expression was so sincere that no one could see through his fabrication.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Lady Scarlet Whisk accepted his explanation.

After all, try as she might, she could think of no other reason.

She felt a surge of relief.

“I never expected my son to have such a fortuitous encounter!” she rejoiced inwardly.

Yet, seeing the mischievous glint in Li Yi’s eyes, she knew he was already plotting something.

So she went straight to the point, “Go on, Sanlang, what is it that you want?”

Li Yi chuckled, showing a winning smile as he looked at her earnestly. “Actually, Mother, I wish to go into business!”

“Go into business?” she was taken aback, frowning at him.

“Yes, I want to be a merchant,” Li Yi confirmed.

Lady Scarlet Whisk fell silent.

Though she was once a heroine of the mortal world and knew that nothing could be accomplished without money, she was now married to Li Jing, a favored minister of the Tang King, a man who valued his reputation. She feared Li Yi’s plan was destined for failure…

Of the four occupations—scholar, farmer, artisan, merchant—merchants were forever at the bottom. Since ancient times, commerce was the most despised and forbidden pursuit for officials.

If Li Jing were to learn of this, Li Yi would surely be in for a severe beating.

Yet, seeing the seriousness in Li Yi’s face, she knew he was not joking. Not wishing to quash his enthusiasm, she hesitated, uncertain what to say.

Just then, Li Yi took her hand and smiled, “Mother, don’t worry— I won’t run things myself. I intend to entrust everything to the manager of Drunken Immortal Pavilion. As long as you agree, that’s all I ask!”