Chapter 1330: Barely an Idea

Editor: Henyee Translations

“Isn’t it just a live braised carp? Instruct the imperial kitchen to prepare a braised carp and two to three live loaches. Before presenting the dish, carefully place the live loaches inside the stomach of the braised carp.”

As Princess Consort and Auntie Fu stared in bewilderment, Qiao Xuan felt a tinge of embarrassment and cleared her throat before continuing. “The loaches are sensitive to heat, causing them to wriggle and struggle. Their movements will also trigger the carp to react. Voila… we have a ‘living’ braised carp!”

Auntie Fu couldn’t help but chuckle.

Princess Consort, attempting to stifle her laughter, raised her handkerchief to her face and coughed discreetly. “Is this feasible?”

Qiao Xuan replied, “It’s just an idea based on my knowledge. I couldn’t think of any other solution…”

The concept had actually been inspired by a dish she’d encountered in the past—a specialty known as “loach drilling tofu.” Back in her hometown of Shaoding Village, whenever she expressed an interest in cooking, a group of eager assistants would lend their support.

She’d attempted the loach drilling tofu dish once before using plump, lively loaches, but the endeavor had failed. The loaches hadn’t managed to burrow into the tofu as expected.

Although the resulting pot of loach tofu soup had been delicious and deeply flavored, it had not fulfilled the desired criteria for a successful loach tofu dish.

Contemplating the braised carp challenge had unexpectedly brought this memory to mind.

Auntie Fu chimed in with a reassuring smile, “Princess Consort, fret not. I share Madame Shao’s sentiment. Those individuals from Qingdi are behaving completely unreasonably. Why should we not turn the tables and make things right?”

Princess Consort found herself without a rebuttal.

Her dilemma lay in her lack of alternative ideas.

Moreover, this matter could not afford any further delay. The banquet was scheduled for the following night. If the dishes weren’t presented, how could Great Qin avoid becoming a laughingstock in the eyes of Qingdi? How would the Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the Second Prince—those responsible for receiving Prince of Qingdi and his delegation—respond to the situation?

As these concerns swirled in Princess Consort’s mind, she grew increasingly anxious and irritated.

She eventually conceded, “Well, I’m not certain if this method will work. I’ll have someone report it to the Crown Prince later, and he can make the final decision.”

She turned her gaze towards Qiao Xuan, offering a gracious smile. “In any case, Madame Shao, you’ve put forth a great effort, and I’m truly grateful. Xiao Zhen, fetch the red box from my dressing table.”

Promptly, Xiao Zhen retrieved a small, finely crafted vermilion wooden box resembling a conch shell. It was a delicate piece.

Handing the box to Qiao Xuan, Princess Consort beamed and said, “These golden hairpins are a personal favorite of mine, and I believe they will complement you beautifully. Consider them a gift.”

Qiao Xuan accepted the box with gratitude. Whether or not the hairpins were the Princess Consort’s cherished possession, she accepted them with grace upon the Princess Consort’s generous offer.

The golden hairpins featured a thumbnail-sized gem in vivid red, adorned with pearls the size of green beans. Their design depicted butterflies and peony flowers, exhibiting exquisite craftsmanship. They could be considered a rare treasure.

With her mind preoccupied, Princess Consort didn’t engage in further conversation with Qiao Xuan, instead instructing someone to escort her home.

Back at home, Lixia and Liqiu were fraught with worry over Qiao Xuan’s absence, relieved to see her return.

“Madam, are you all right?”

“We were so worried!”

Qiao Xuan reassured them with a smile, “Don’t fret, I’m perfectly fine.”

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