Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"What's wrong? You don't know about chili peppers?" I widened my eyes at her, trying to outdo her in surprise. "There’s nothing spicy here?"
"Alcohol..." the woman replied weakly.
It suddenly dawned on me that since I arrived, I really hadn't eaten anything spicy. I used to love strong flavors and couldn't live without spice, but ever since I got here, my nerves had been so tense, all I could think about was my crush. I hadn’t even noticed this issue.
I immediately switched into study mode and began digging deep into the history of "chili peppers."
Finally, it hit me—this was something we had learned in history class and even had a test on!
Chili peppers originated in Mexico and were introduced to China during the late Ming Dynasty...
The Ming Dynasty! So, in this era, "Seven Spice Chili Pepper" was nothing more than a mythical concept that didn’t exist!
I felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment wash over me; it seemed like the bag of spices in my hand was a wasted purchase.
Where could I find free dumplings? I had underestimated this competition. It was ridiculous that not only had I bought spices, but I had also purchased tools for making noodles and flour. Sigh, I guess I'll just have to make eggplant with sauce to make up for it.
During the evening celebration street event, Han Meilan harvested a few rolls of silk thread, headpieces, and fragrant ointments while I gloomily carried a bag of flour and spices back to the inn.
"Night Phantom, I feel like I've let you down!" I said dejectedly to the empty air when no one was around.
"What happened?" Just as I finally managed to close my eyes after wrestling with my thoughts in the middle of the night, I was jolted awake again.
Night Phantom sat excitedly at my bedside, his tone laced with a hint of schadenfreude. "What happened? Did something go wrong? Did you mess up?!"
"Ah, I wasn't planning to get the gems for you. I was originally going to participate in the Arena Competition and aim for the top prize. But who would have thought that the important item is actually missing!" I honestly shared my plans and the situation with him.
In the end, I reluctantly announced, "You might as well go steal it; I'll just pretend I don't know anything!"
"You really don't want me to steal something, huh? But I'm a thief! How am I supposed to survive after this?"
"Well, you don't have to listen to me. Just don't let me know when you're stealing," I said, burying my head in the sand like an ostrich. It's in my blood to catch thieves.
"Chili... Hmm, I've definitely never heard of it," Night Phantom pondered. "Is it a spicy plant? Such things do exist; I think I saw some years ago while on a mission. By the way, I have an idea."
I looked at him in surprise. Had he forgotten about stealing and was now solely focused on helping me create a seasoning?
"What idea do you have?"
Night Phantom smiled and said, "I heard there's a chef in the Imperial Kitchen with unparalleled skills. Once you've tasted his dishes, you'll never forget them. This chef's greatest passion is collecting rare ingredients and seasonings from all over. The item you want might just be found with him."
"Are you suggesting we go ask this chef for some?" I asked excitedly, though I had no confidence that a culinary god would possess any Ming Dynasty seasoning.
"It’s too late to ask; the emperor isn't around, and by the time you figure things out, the competition will be over," Night Laugh mused.
"So what do you mean?"
"We should go right now and borrow some," Night Phantom winked at me.
Suddenly, it clicked—I was being asked to sneak into the palace at night! We were going to steal!
I originally joined the Cooking Competition to prevent him from stealing, but now it seems he not only wants to steal but also wants to take me along. I felt utterly speechless.
"Zhenzhen, this isn't stealing. We're just borrowing a little from your Brother. He's not the type to get upset; if you take a bit from his royal kitchen, he won't mind."
"Whose Brother are you talking about?" I shot him a glare. "He's not the one who swore brotherhood with me."
"It's all the same. Come on!" Night Phantom said, and to my surprise, he grabbed Bedside's plush cloak, reached into the bedding, and pulled me out. Then he wrapped me in the cloak and carried me away.
"What are you doing?! You rogue!" I couldn't help but shout. "What if I'm not dressed?!"
"Nonsense, you're always bundled up," Night Laugh replied slyly. "Hurry up; if we don't leave now, it will be too late. It's not every day we get to do something so interesting. Just tell me what you want, and I'll help you."
"If you don't put me down, how can we go?" I huffed.
"Oh? You mean you want me to walk with you? How long would that take? So..."
Night Phantom tightened the cloak around me, held me close, and jumped straight out of the window.
His figure floated through the night like a ghost, swift as a swallow. With me in his arms, he nimbly leaped across the rooftops of Chang'an City without making a sound. I clutched his clothing and curiously looked down; despite it being late at night, there were still twinkling lights below, and in some places, faint sounds of laughter and music drifted up.
This was my first experience like this—it felt like riding on a very special kind of airplane. I couldn't help but laugh joyfully, and Night glanced down at me, surprisingly showing a smile as well.
In no time at all, we darted past the walls of the imperial city. Under Night Phantom's mysterious lightness skill, the powerful palace guards seemed blind as we boldly made our way inside. The palace was truly magnificent; I had never seen an ancient royal city in modern times. Now, before my eyes stood a genuine palace that appeared majestic and solemn even in the night, stirring my emotions.
The palace was indeed vast. I thought it would take a long time to find the Imperial Kitchen, but Night Phantom led me directly to the designated place.
"You've been here before?" I asked, feeling quite surprised.
Night smiled lightly and said, "Think about it. The Imperial Kitchen can't be in the center of the palace, nor can it be too close to the sleeping quarters. Given that it's bustling with activity at this hour, the Imperial Kitchen is probably our best bet."
I pondered for a moment, realizing I lacked knowledge in this area. Even if I tried to think it through, I might not come up with anything. However, he had a point; the Imperial Kitchen needed to ensure that everyone in the palace received their meals on time, and the food had to be of high quality. It seemed the poor chefs must work in shifts, day and night without rest.
But wait!
Does this mean we're here to steal something? It's brightly lit inside, and people are coming and going; we are clearly here to commit robbery!
Moreover, I was wearing an extremely odd modern-style loungewear! You could have at least given me a heads-up to prepare!
Before I could voice my concerns, Night had already landed softly on the ground and swaggered through the front door of the Imperial Kitchen.
Inside, there was a cacophony of sounds—thuds and clattering—as dozens of people lay sprawled on the floor.
Night set me down and adjusted my cloak with a playful smile.
"You have one hour to look around," he said, crossing his arms over his chest and watching me intently.
Comment 0 Comment Count