Chapter 46: Make Two Portions

Although Li Yi had no idea which signature dish Princess Li Lizhi wanted to order, he felt no anxiety at all in his heart.

Aside from his own “Orleans Set Menu,” all other delicacies at Drunken Immortal Pavilion were not subject to any restrictions on quantity or clientele. Even if Li Lizhi wished to sample all the signature offerings of the establishment, the servers would simply arrange for them to be prepared. Such a modest sum of money was easily within Li Yi’s means.

As for his own “Orleans Set Menu,” to speak plainly, if Li Lizhi truly wished to taste it, for the sake of Du Xiaomei, Li Yi would agree without hesitation, ordering not just one but two servings. After all, as Du Xiaomei’s fiancé, he could not allow her to lose face before her closest friend. Moreover, Du Xiaomei’s dear companion was none other than the Fifth Princess, currently the Emperor’s favorite.

So, Li Yi arched his brow and smiled, gazing warmly at Li Lizhi. His tone was measured and calm, “A chance encounter is better than a formal invitation. Why not let Bo’an play host today? Whatever signature dish the Fifth Princess wishes to try, please order freely—there is no need for restraint.”

In that instant, Li Yi exuded the magnanimity of a gracious host.

“Uh… well…?” Du Xiaomei and Li Lizhi both frowned slightly, almost in tandem.

“Xiaomei, are you certain your husband is so confident?” Li Lizhi asked, her gaze oddly questioning as she looked toward Du Xiaomei. “Could I actually order an Orleans Set Menu?”

If Li Yi was merely putting on airs for the sake of face—making empty boasts—she would be deeply repulsed. She might even caution Du Xiaomei privately: “Never marry this man!” Yet, knowing how fond Du Xiaomei was of Li Yi, she decided to ask her first, so that the scene would not become awkward and leave everyone embarrassed.

Du Xiaomei felt Li Lizhi’s gaze, saw Li Yi’s calm and assured demeanor, and immediately thought of the Orleans Set Menu. A bad feeling arose within her.

She leaned close to Li Yi’s ear and whispered, “Husband, I brought the Princess to Drunken Immortal Pavilion today mainly to try the legendary ‘Orleans Set Menu’ and see what it tastes like. But when we arrived, the server said today’s quota had already sold out. If we want to taste it, we must return tomorrow. Please, do not make rash promises in front of the Princess…”

Du Xiaomei’s worries were written all over her face.

Even though Li Lizhi and she regarded each other as sisters and were on very good terms, if Li Lizhi truly ordered the “Orleans Set Menu” and Li Yi could not deliver, wouldn’t he have broken his promise? Du Xiaomei did not wish for her own actions to make Li Yi a person who lacked a gentleman’s integrity. It would leave Li Lizhi with a poor impression and weigh on Du Xiaomei’s conscience.

She had also overheard nearby patrons mention that the owner of Drunken Immortal Pavilion was a figure of considerable influence. Someone had offered fifty taels of gold for an Orleans Set Menu, but the owner flatly refused, and the would-be buyer left in defeat.

If Li Yi failed, what then? How would he resolve the situation?

Lost in thought, Du Xiaomei puffed her cheeks and stared intently at Li Yi.

Seeing Du Xiaomei’s concern and careful reminder, Li Yi felt a surge of warmth. He reached out, gently ruffling her hair with affection.

He smiled, “Don’t worry, Xiaomei. Today, I’ll make sure you both taste it. Do you really lack faith in your husband’s abilities?”

“Uh…” Du Xiaomei blinked and nodded foolishly, “I trust you, Husband, but…” The rest of her words were swallowed, left unspoken.

Li Yi finally understood their motive for coming. The thought that both women were here for the “Orleans Set Menu” amused him. The world was indeed small and full of wonders.

“Rest assured, Xiaomei. Your husband knows what he’s doing.” He ruffled her hair again, giving her a reassuring look.

Then Li Yi turned to Li Lizhi, smiling, “Princess, why not let Bo’an take the liberty of ordering an ‘Orleans Set Menu’ each for you and Xiaomei? What do you think?”

“This…” Li Lizhi hesitated. She had overheard that the menu’s quota was already sold out.

“Why, then, does Li Yi appear so confident?” she wondered. Unless Li Yi was dead set on putting up a front today for the sake of pride, she could not fathom any other reason.

As for the possibility that Li Yi was the owner of Drunken Immortal Pavilion, it never even crossed her mind. Even if he told her outright, she would not believe it. As the third son of the Minister of War’s household, a nobleman of the Great Tang, no one would dare sully their hands with such a menial and disreputable undertaking.

To do so would be to invite ridicule from all under heaven.

Seeing Li Yi ignore Xiaomei’s advice, Li Lizhi’s opinion of him plummeted. She sighed inwardly, frowned, and glanced at Du Xiaomei.

When she saw Du Xiaomei’s uncertain nod, she could only acquiesce.

“In that case, I’ll leave it to you, Li Gongzi,” Li Lizhi replied without expression.

In that moment, Li Lizhi was determined to see for herself what kind of man Xiaomei’s fiancé—Li Yi—truly was.

Li Yi could hardly miss the shift in Li Lizhi’s tone, though he was at a loss for its cause and did not care to ponder further.

Turning, he called softly, “Yue’er.”

“Understood, Young Master,” Yue’er replied, bowing gently. She beckoned to a nearby server, calling out, “Server, come here a moment.”

The server responded as if seeing his own father, hurrying over.

“What instructions do you have, Miss Yue’er?” he asked, bowing obsequiously.

“Go to the kitchen and have two Orleans Set Menus prepared,” Yue’er said crisply.

“Very well, Miss Yue’er. Please wait a moment—I’ll see to it myself,” the server replied without hesitation, smiling and quickly departing, afraid that any delay might ruin everything.

How could he fail to grasp the situation? The future wife of the owner wished to have the Orleans Set Menu—this was no trivial matter!

In the blink of an eye, the server vanished.

Du Xiaomei was stunned on the spot. Princess Li Lizhi stared, her delicate face filled with disbelief. Even the two maidservants dressed as men were struck dumb, rooted in place.

(End of chapter)