NOVEL WEB
Chapter 12 - Empress Zhangsun Shocked! so delicious!
Chapter 12: Empress Zhangsun Shocked! so delicious!
“The empress just had a meal. Now she’s not hungry,” Queen Zhangsun thought, finding the palace cuisine quite similar.
“These dishes are unappealing,” she remarked.
Li Lizhi picked up a hot water bottle and handed it to a maid, instructing, “Fill it with boiling water and tighten it!”
“Yes, Your Royal Highness!” The maid responded, leaving with the hot water bottle.
“Li Lizhi, what is that?” Empress Zhangsun asked curiously, noting that the Tang Dynasty didn’t have such soft plastic.
Li Lizhi smiled, “Mother, you’ll know in a moment. It’s a gift from a skilled person.”
Seeing Lizhi’s reluctance, Empress Zhangsun didn’t press further, saying, “No need to open the food box. Just take it back later.”
“Mother, you should taste it. You’ll regret it,” Li Lizhi urged.
“The empress really can’t eat right now,” Zhangsun replied, lacking any appetite.
“Have some soup. You’ll surely like it,” Li Lizhi suggested.
“Alright,” Empress Zhangsun agreed, not wanting to disappoint Li Lizhi.
Not wanting to let Li Lizhi down, Empress Zhangsun knew her health had been a concern for Li Chengqian and Li Lizhi lately.
Li Chengqian, Li Lizhi, and Li Zhi were all filial, especially towards Empress Zhangsun. As Li Lizhi opened the food box, the aroma of fish soup filled the hall. Empress Zhangsun was surprised, looking at the food box instinctively. Other court members couldn’t help but drool as they glanced at the box; the fragrance was irresistible.
Empress Zhangsun exclaimed, “What is this, Lizhi?”
Even with no appetite, Empress Zhangsun suddenly wanted to taste it.
Li Lizhi wasn’t surprised by the empress’s reaction, smiling, “Mother, it’s fish soup.”
Li Lizhi sat on the bed with the fish soup. Empress Zhangsun looked inside the small bowl, finding white fish soup, tofu, and shallots.
With all the senses engaged, Empress Zhangsun suddenly felt hungry.
She nodded, “Looks quite good!”
Li Lizhi lifted the spoon and gently blew on it, smiling as she said, “Mother, it tastes even better. Try it quickly! It’s delicious!”
Empress Zhangsun nodded, and Li Lizhi fed her with care. After the first taste, Empress Zhangsun’s eyes lit up, and she nodded approvingly. “This soup is truly rare. I’ve never had such delicious fish soup!”
Li Lizhi was delighted to hear her words. “Mother, enjoy more. The tofu is also excellent, tender, and flavorful, not inferior to the fish soup!”
“Okay, Empress Mother, try it!” Empress Zhangsun suddenly felt a surge of increased appetite.
Empress Zhangsun nodded in satisfaction. “I never expected to taste such delicacies!”
She affectionately rubbed Princess Changle’s face, and Li Lizhi put down the small bowl, saying, “There’s one more!”
Tomato and scrambled eggs were served, prepared by Xiao Ran, suitable for someone who was unwell.
“It looks appetizing, too. What is this red color?” Empress Zhangsun inquired. Li Lizhi picked up a piece and explained, “This is a tomato, not from the Tang Dynasty, but brought from elsewhere.”
“It’s a perfect match with eggs!” Empress Zhangsun remarked, finding it comparable to the fish soup stewed with tofu.
In the Tang Dynasty, stir-frying was not a common practice, and Empress Zhangsun suddenly felt hungry stimulated by these two dishes.
“Mother, enjoy more!” Li Lizhi encouraged.
Empress Zhangsun nodded in satisfaction.