Phi-Fic Chapter 14 Such an honor should rightfully be bestowed upon me by my father himself.
Chapter 14 Such an honor should rightfully be bestowed upon me by my father himself.
Upon hearing Gao Chen's words, Li Mao couldn't help but let out a cold snort.
"Humph."
“Eunuch Gao, when I was at the racecourse, I ate and lived with the grooms.”
"I even took out my own 10% of the profits to open a restaurant, and devoted all my money to its operation."
"How can there be any talk of seeking personal gain in aspects such as purchasing various ingredients and acquiring various utensils?"
At this point, Li Mao's eyes shone brightly as he fixed his gaze on Gao Chen.
Li Mao's words left Gao Chen speechless once again.
He simply stood there quietly, clenching his teeth. Although his face did not show much emotion, there was a hidden resentment and anger deep in his eyes.
Seeing that Gao Chen remained silent, Li Mao turned to Li Longji and continued, "Secondly, there is another crucial reason why the restaurants I have opened have not been named."
"Your subject believes that such an honor should be bestowed upon you personally by Your Majesty."
"After all, if these restaurants were fortunate enough to receive a name from the Emperor, it would be an unparalleled honor."
"Father, just imagine, when the people hear that the name of the restaurant was bestowed by Your Majesty, they will surely be grateful for Your Majesty's grace, and the people of the world will feel Your Majesty's boundless benevolence even more deeply."
As soon as Li Mao finished speaking, Li Longji frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly, a sense of rejection rising in his heart.
At this moment, Gao Chen seemed to keenly perceive Li Longji's thoughts, and he immediately stepped forward, having been speechless before.
"His Majesty is the supreme ruler, and this matter concerning the restaurant should be carefully considered."
As he spoke, he lowered his head slightly and secretly glanced at Li Longji out of the corner of his eye, only to see Li Longji giving him a satisfied look.
With just that one glance, Gao Chen felt a secret sense of pride. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a smile that was not easily noticed by others, but there was a hint of sinister intent in that smile.
Hmph, Prince Shou actually dares to try to grant those lowly commoners imperial favor?
What a wishful thinking!
The Emperor is not so easily fooled!
Then, Gao Chen looked at Li Mao, his expression full of smugness.
However, under Gao Chen's gaze, Li Mao calmly replied, "Father, Emperor Taizong once said, 'The ruler is the boat; the people are the water; water can carry the boat, but it can also capsize it.'"
"The people should be the foundation of the nation!"
"Your Majesty, I opened these restaurants so that the people could enjoy delicious food. Isn't this in line with Emperor Taizong's teachings?"
After hearing Li Mao's words, Li Longji fell into deep thought.
Emperor Taizong once said these words?
It seems that Emperor Taizong did say something, but I can no longer recall the specifics of his words…
However, what Shibalang said makes a lot of sense!
After a moment's thought, Li Longji looked at Li Mao.
Seeing this, Li Mao continued, "Therefore, Father, I believe that it would be very beneficial for you to personally taste the dishes in these restaurants."
"Firstly, it can test the culinary skills of these chefs. Think about it, if the dishes are not good, those chefs will be executed for their lack of skill after entering the palace. Wouldn't that be a pointless loss of their lives?"
"In this way, the emperor's benevolence will be even more evident."
As Li Mao spoke, he continued to closely observe the subtle changes in Li Longji's expression.
"Secondly, it can demonstrate the emperor's great benevolence. The emperor was willing to lower himself to eat and enjoy the food with the people, personally write the name and spread this delicacy throughout the world."
"At that time, the people of the world will surely remember the Emperor's kindness and virtue, and let it be remembered for all eternity."
Upon hearing this, Li Longji's heart stirred slightly. That slight stirring was like a ripple on a calm lake, not intense, but slowly spreading in his heart.
Li Mao's suggestion undoubtedly planted a seed of longing in his heart.
However, Li Longji's expression remained calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. Only a faint, almost imperceptible light flashed deep in his eyes, a light that carried a hint of contemplation and expectation.
What Shibalang said is indeed a rare opportunity!
Thinking of this, Li Longji unconsciously rubbed his fingers lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne, and then straightened his body slightly.
Throughout history, which emperor didn't want to be remembered in history and pass down through the ages?
Seeing that Li Longji remained silent for a long time, Li Mao couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
The emperor's praise of its deliciousness is undoubtedly the best advertisement of our time!
Once this cheap emperor tastes it and bestows a name upon it, the names of these restaurants will naturally spread throughout the entire Tang Dynasty!
In this way, the restaurant can be developed into a nationwide chain.
You gain that illusory fame, while I gain a nationwide chain of stores—each gets what they need!
Besides, I'll give you 80% on the surface, but don't forget, these restaurants and horse farms are different. Horse farms are almost risk-free businesses. If they falsify their accounts, how can you find out?
With money, I can win over my ministers with lavish gifts!
With money, I can acquire weapons and armor!
With money, we can acquire stronger warhorses and raise the strongest soldiers!
After a short while, Li Longji finally made a decision.
"Eighteenth Prince, I will be here in person tomorrow to taste your dishes."
"If it is indeed exceptionally delicious, I will personally bestow a name upon it."
After saying this, Li Longji waved his hand, signaling Li Mao to step down.
"My son, please retire."
After responding, Li Mao respectfully rose and left the Imperial Study, leaving Gao Chen standing to the side, filled with resentment.
Watching Li Mao leave safely, Gao Chen gripped the whisk in his hand tightly, as if he were about to crush it.
hateful!
Once again, Prince Shou escaped the Emperor's punishment!
With just a few words, he managed to change the emperor's mind.
If things continue like this, it seems our family has no chance of getting revenge...
Thinking of this, Gao Chen took a deep breath and secretly glanced at Li Longji, who had continued to review memorials, a cold glint in his eyes.
Our family won't just sit here and wait to die!
……
After leaving the imperial study, Li Mao was in high spirits and walked briskly out of the palace.
But before he had taken more than a few steps, a beautiful figure quietly emerged from the corner and called out to Li Mao.
"My lord, please wait!"
Upon hearing the voice, Li Mao turned around and saw Xianglan, whom he had sent to the palace.
Upon seeing Xianglan, Li Mao felt a little puzzled, but he still moved closer.
"Xianglan, what's wrong with you...?"
Before Li Mao could finish speaking, Xianglan interrupted him, her eyes filled with urgency and worry.
"Your Highness, this is not the place to talk. Please come this way with me."
As she spoke, Xianglan led Li Mao to a secluded corner where no one was around.
After confirming that no one had followed, Xianglan spoke softly, "Your Highness, since I entered the palace, His Majesty has never touched me. Please, Your Highness, think of a way..."
Xianglan's voice carried a hint of grievance and helplessness. She lowered her head slightly, her hands unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, waiting for Li Mao's response.