NOVEL WEB
Chapter 14 - Conquering the mother-in-law's stomach!
Chapter 14: Conquering the mother-in-law’s stomach!
Soaring prices have made it tougher for more people to get by this chilly winter. Many more individuals will face freezing temperatures as they can’t afford to heat charcoal.
Thinking of this, Li Shimin felt uneasy and even lost his appetite. Eunuch Zhang Anan glanced but didn’t speak, understanding Li Shimin’s lack of appetite.
Li Lizhi returned to the Princess Mansion in good spirits, and Yushu noticed her master’s improved mood. Empress Zhangsun greatly enjoyed the delivered meals. Yushu intended to follow at the bedroom entrance, but Li Lizhi halted, instructing, “I can go in alone. You attend to your tasks!”
“Yes, Your Royal Highness!” Yushu noticed her master acting strangely but hesitated to inquire.
Back in the bedroom, Li Lizhi, without hesitation, went behind the screen directly into Xiao Ran’s bedroom. “Xiao Ran! I’m back!” She called out.
No response. Li Lizhi checked the living room, but still no sign. Realizing Xiao Ran wasn’t home, she felt a slight disappointment.
Unable to stay there, Li Lizhi reluctantly returned to her lonely bedroom. Sitting at the dressing table, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, occasionally glancing towards the bedroom.
After waiting for a while, and with no sign of Xiao Ran, Li Lizhi eventually fell asleep. In the evening, Xiao Ran returned home with bags full of groceries and some items for Princess Changle.
At this moment, he received a call from his boss, urging him to work overtime.
“Not anymore!” Xiao Ran abruptly declared. “I’m done, I quit!” He hung up, fed up with the 996 schedule.
Xiao Ran returned to the bedroom and, not finding Li Lizhi, began preparing a meal. The aroma wafted from the kitchen to the bedroom and reached Li Lizhi’s quarters. Li Lizhi, lying on the dressing table, woke up to the enticing smell. She looked towards Xiao Ran’s bedroom, hearing the activity inside, realizing he was back. “Xiao Ran!” she called from outside.
Xiao Ran, passing by the bedroom door, heard her and entered, inviting her to play. Li Lizhi, a bit timid, nodded and accepted. The fragrance of the food in the room erased any hesitation. “So delicious!” Li Lizhi exclaimed. Though different, it tasted fantastic.
“Just prepared! Give it a try. See if you like it!” Xiao Ran said with a smile. Li Lizhi, not holding back, sat at the table. Hungry, she remarked, “The empress likes it. Xiao Ran, can you send some more tonight?”
“Of course!” Xiao Ran agreed. Conquering the queen mother’s palate could make things easier, he thought. Li Lizhi, looking at the rice Xiao Ran handed over, wondered, “Why such a difference in the same rice?”
“I can’t explain that. It’s not important,” Xiao Ran replied.
Li Lizhi, taking a bite of sweet and sour pork ribs, had her big eyes curved into a crescent shape. Different from before but still delicious, she exclaimed, “What meat is this?”
“This I can’t explain either. It doesn’t matter,” Xiao Ran shrugged.