So, she thought carefully for a while and then voiced her idea.
"Actually, I'm holding this so - called exchange at this crucial moment to improve the skills of the imperial chefs. In a couple of days, I plan to go to the south of the Yangtze River myself, taking those imperial chefs with me to improve the diet of the common people."
The young emperor was a bit puzzled. He had no idea what strange thought had popped into his mother's head this time.
"I've already allocated funds for those people in the south of the Yangtze River. Mother doesn't need to worry so much."
"Those people are displaced. It would be really hard for them if even the most basic meals are unpalatable. I want them to experience a different life."
Rarely was she so enthusiastic, and Ji Heng didn't want to dampen her spirits.
"Then I'll immediately order someone to allocate funds from the state treasury..."
Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted.
"No need, Heng'er. I can cover the expenses this time. The money in the state treasury should be used to relieve those people."
Since she had said so, Ji Heng didn't decline further, and the matter was thus settled.
Soon, the waiter brought the food to the private room. "Two guests, enjoy your meal. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, just tell me."
Shi Muyuan followed up on the waiter's words. "I'd like to borrow your chef and the shopkeeper. I have something to discuss with them."
Hearing this, the waiter looked confused. "I'll go and get them right away."
After the waiter left, the young emperor couldn't resist picking up a chopstick - full of food. The aroma immediately filled his mouth. The juice - filled meatball burst, which surprised him.
It turned out that his mother wasn't lying to him.
If the imperial chefs could really come and learn from the chef in this restaurant, perhaps he wouldn't have to keep losing weight.
With this thought in mind, he was even more supportive of his mother's decision.
When the chef appeared, he really surprised everyone.
They had originally thought it would be a greasy old man with a big belly. After all, it takes a long time to acquire such excellent cooking skills.
The reality slapped them hard. A refined young gentleman showed up, and his voice was as gentle as a spring breeze. "I heard you were looking for me. Did I not cook the food well? Is it not to your taste?"
Shi Muyuan quickly reacted and replied, "Sir, you've misunderstood. It's actually because your cooking skills are so excellent that we want to discuss an important matter with you. We're sorry to have bothered you. Please forgive us."
Fortunately, Yun Heng didn't take it to heart. "Anyway, I have enough staff below. I can take a break by leaving for a while. Go ahead. What's the matter that you've specifically asked me to come here for?"
Ji Heng, who was listening on the side, thought of his gaffe just now and coughed twice. He motioned for the guard to close the door.
"Please sit down. Today we want you to pass on your cooking skills. Do you know about the disaster in the south of the Yangtze River?"
Yun Heng raised his eyebrows. This kid didn't look very old, but he could make these people obey him. He must have a great background. Yun Heng didn't want to fight a battle without preparation.
"I'm Yun Heng. Please state your identities directly. Otherwise, I'll feel unsure. Moreover, no matter who you are, I have to agree today, don't I?"
Shi Muyuan had never thought of forcing him. She quickly explained.
"Even if our identities are noble, we're still under the nose of the Son of Heaven. We'll never force anyone. If you still don't want to agree after hearing our proposal, then it's just that we're not fated."
Hearing this, Yun Heng obviously relaxed.
"Then you two should tell me first."
"It's very simple. The cooking skills of the imperial chefs in the palace are not very good. We want to take them to the south of the Yangtze River to improve the diet of the common people. I wonder if you would agree to let the imperial chefs come out and communicate with you?"
Hearing such a good opportunity, Yun Heng immediately made a decision.
"Since you two said so, you must be from the palace. Since you can find me, you must also have a way to take me back. Instead of letting those imperial chefs come out, how about I go into the palace to give them guidance in person?"
Although this method was good, Shi Muyuan thought she still needed to consult the young emperor.
"What do you think, Heng'er?"
"Mother can decide."
When Yun Heng heard those two words, his mind almost exploded.
It wasn't until he reached the palace that he came to his senses.
The two people in front of him had changed their outfits. He quickly knelt down and bowed.
"I didn't know it was the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. I was rude just now. Please forgive me."
Shi Muyuan had achieved her goal and didn't intend to be too fussy.
"Alright. I'll send someone to arrange a place for you to stay. Don't forget to communicate well with the imperial chefs. I'll lead the people to the south of the Yangtze River in three days. I hope you can show me some improvements by then."
Yun Heng agreed and left with the maid.
When he arrived at Zhaohua Palace, Shi Muyuan had already arranged for the imperial chefs to wait.
After meeting the gazes of those imperial chefs, he knew this matter was definitely not simple.
The first one to step forward was the supervisor of the Food Service Bureau. "I heard that the Empress Dowager sent you here to teach us cooking skills. I wonder what skills you have that are worth our learning. We old fellows have been in the palace for decades, and even the late emperor praised our cooking highly."
Right from the start, they were showing off their abilities. Yun Heng remained calm. He knew that if he didn't show them his strength today, he might be oppressed in the future.
He waved the folding fan in his hand. "Is this how the Empress Dowager sent you gentlemen to receive me? I've come here in a hurry and haven't even had a hot meal yet, and you gentlemen are already making things difficult for me?"
His intention was exposed, and Supervisor Liang looked a bit embarrassed. The maid who had come with them said, "Please prepare a meal for the gentleman first. This is the order of the Empress Dowager."
Supervisor Liang wanted to say something, but when he met the maid's gaze, he held back. After all, it was the order of the Empress Dowager, and they, the subordinates, naturally couldn't object.
"We'll prepare it right away. Please wait, miss."
They couldn't afford to offend the people sent by the Empress Dowager. Supervisor Liang would be able to retire and enjoy his later years in a few years. He wanted to gain more benefits for his wife and daughter in the palace.
Soon, under Supervisor Liang's arrangement, the food was served on the table.
At this moment, Supervisor Liang thought carefully about his actions just now and felt a bit nervous.
Since the Empress Dowager dared to bring this person back, it proved that this person might really have some abilities. He had been so impolite and tried to show off his power. If the Empress Dowager found out about this, his official position would be in jeopardy.
Some of the other imperial chefs beside him noticed his worry and comforted him. "It's been so long since the late emperor passed away. The Empress Dowager might have some other thoughts. She just found an excuse to bring an outsider into the palace so that no one else would notice. Do you understand what I mean?"
Supervisor Liang rolled his eyes. These people must have been in the kitchen for too long and become stupid. Didn't they see that it was the Empress Dowager and the Emperor who brought this person back together?