Delicious

Closing the memorial, the Tian Kun Emperor rubbed his temples and turned to Chief Eunuch Ji Wu, who had been awaiting orders beside him, with a smile.

“Today, let’s set aside these troublesome matters. The martial arts marriage contest is nearing its conclusion, and our distinguished guests are arriving one after another. The weight in my heart is finally about to be lifted.”

Ji Wu fawned and flattered, “This servant congratulates Your Majesty on the impending success of your grand plan, which will awe the entire realm.”

The Emperor seemed pleased, laughing heartily.

“By the way, where are the Xu brothers now? In just a few hours, they will stand before me to determine the true winner and decide who will wed the Sword-Wielding Princess.”

“Your Majesty, the Xu brothers were lodged in the palace last night. They should currently be dining in their respective quarters, awaiting the noon duel before you and the assembled court officials,” Ji Wu reported truthfully.

The Emperor nodded and mused for a moment before saying, “Come. Accompany me to see Xu Wenrui. To ensure everything goes smoothly, I wish to speak with him before the battle.”

“As you command.” Ji Wu bowed deeply.

—

Xu Wenrui sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes closed in meditation, ignoring the lavish spread of delicacies laid out before him.

“Where is Our beloved Commander Xu?”

A voice Xu Wenrui would never dare forget rang out. He sprang to his feet and knelt immediately in greeting.

“Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”

“Rise, Commander.” The Emperor smiled warmly, his narrow eyes carrying a subtle meaning.

Xu Wenrui stood slowly.

The Emperor waved a hand casually.

“No need for nervousness. We simply grew curious and wished to see if you were prepared for the duel before Our court. Hmm, it seems even now, you have not forgotten to cultivate diligently. Truly, you are the finest among the younger generation of our Tian Kun Dynasty.”

“Your Majesty flatters this unworthy servant,” Xu Wenrui responded humbly, his manners impeccable.

The Emperor’s gaze flicked to the untouched dishes on the table.

“Oh? Have you not eaten yet? Does the palace cuisine not suit your palate? This won’t do. At noon, you will be fighting with all your might—how can you do so on an empty stomach?”

“N-no, it is not as Your Majesty thinks,” Xu Wenrui hurriedly explained. “This servant was just about to dine.”

“Is that so?” The Emperor’s lips curled with amusement.

“Then, might you permit Us to join you for this meal?”

Xu Wenrui’s eyes widened in disbelief before he bowed deeply.

“Such an honor is beyond this servant’s wildest dreams! A thousand thanks for Your Majesty’s grace!”

“Hahaha! You certainly know how to speak.” The Emperor laughed heartily, clasping his hands behind his back.

Cough! Cough!

Suddenly, Chief Eunuch Ji Wu erupted into violent coughs, his face deathly pale, as if desperately holding something back.

The Emperor shot him an irked glance.

“What is it, Ji Wu?”

“This servant…” Ji Wu’s lips twitched as he forced a smile.

“This servant suddenly feels unwell. To disrupt Your Majesty’s mood is a crime deserving ten thousand deaths!”

“Enough.” The Emperor waved dismissively and took a seat at the table.

“Commander Xu, join Us.”

“Many thanks, Your Majesty!” Xu Wenrui was flushed with excitement, his usual arrogance nowhere to be seen.

Ji Wu’s eyes flickered with urgency as he suddenly shrieked,

“Attendants! Why have you not prepared a fresh meal for His Majesty at once? Worthless fools!”

“Unnecessary, Ji Wu. You are dismissed. There is already a full table here—no need for waste. We shall share this meal with Commander Xu.”

The Emperor’s displeasure was palpable, his patience nearly exhausted.

What is wrong with this old eunuch today?

He had clearly intended to soften Xu Wenrui with kindness before revealing his true intentions, yet Ji Wu kept disrupting the moment.

“As you command…” Ji Wu’s face was ashen, his smile uglier than a mourner’s as he staggered out of the chamber.

Outside, the eunuch from the Imperial Kitchen approached nervously.

“Old Master, what troubles you?”

Ji Wu seized him by the collar, panic in his voice.

“Did you add that ingredient to the meal?!”

The eunuch grinned smugly and thumped his chest.

“Rest assured, Old Master! Not a single drop was spared—every last bit went in! Perfect execution!”

SLAP!

Ji Wu’s palm sent the eunuch spinning like a top.

“You imbecile! You’ve doomed me! His Majesty is now eating that food—what do we do?!”

The eunuch clutched his swollen cheek, horrified.

“W-what?! Then it’s over! Did you not warn His Majesty?!”

“Dealing with the Emperor is like taming a tiger—how could I speak of such things openly?! I tried hinting, but His Majesty insisted…”

Ji Wu let out a hollow laugh.

“Of course, given His Majesty’s cultivation, a small portion would do no harm. But what if his appetite is particularly hearty today? The consequences would be unthinkable!”

The eunuch’s legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor in despair.

“If this comes to light, Old Master, your seniority might spare you a mere reprimand—but I’ll be executed!”

Ji Wu froze briefly before suddenly pointing an accusing finger, his voice righteous.

“Audacious cur! How dare you poison His Majesty?!”

“W-what?!” The eunuch gaped in shock.

“Old Master, didn’t you just say yesterday that it ‘accelerates detoxification, cleanses impurities, and is a treasure medicine’?! I remember every word!”

Ji Wu kicked him to the ground in outrage.

“Silence, wretch! If I say it’s poison, it’s poison! Guards! Drag this traitorous dog to the dungeons to await judgment!”

—

Back in the chamber, the rule of ‘no speaking during meals’ was observed strictly. As a subject, Xu Wenrui dared not act too casually before the Emperor and ate far less than usual.

The Emperor, however, savoring the novelty of dining with another, indulged heartily—until most of the dishes had vanished into his stomach.

“This servant had the kitchen prepare dishes to his personal taste. I pray they suit Your Majesty’s palate?”

“Delicious.”