Chapter 100: The Culinary Tycoon

Display of Power

After Luo Mingda made his statement, the atmosphere at the main table became even quieter than before. There was no sound of eating, and everyone raised their heads to look at Luo Mingda.

This request was… quite unreasonable. They couldn’t believe he actually brought it up in front of Old Master Cai and his wife.

Previously, it was one thing to ask to borrow a cook from the Cai Residence. Borrowing for a couple of days or even a week was manageable, considering it as helping him out and acknowledging a favor.

But now, Old Master Cai had already mentioned that these dishes were prepared by his grandson’s brother. Yet, Luo Mingda still proposed having him work as a cook in his own residence. Wasn’t this indirectly demeaning the Cai Residence, implying that their cook was inferior to his own?

The Cai Residence held significant influence in Tongshan City. Because of Old Master Cai’s decisive actions in protecting the city in the past, the people of Tongshan City were deeply grateful and respectful towards him. Every prominent family in the city owed some respect to the Cai family. Especially now, with the Cai family’s young master achieving the top-ranked scholar position and entering the Hanlin Academy, his future was limitless. All the prominent families would seek to foster good relations with the Cai family, not create conflicts.

Now, Luo Mingda’s attitude made them feel uncomfortable.

If the Cai Residence was regarded as just a cook for Luo Mingda’s household, then what did the other prominent families in Tongshan City amount to? And furthermore, what was the whole city of Tongshan in Luo Mingda’s eyes?

Translated on ho lo lo novels dot com.

Are they all servants of the Luo family?

Madam Zhao glanced at the head of the Zhao family, and the head of the Zhao family shook his head. Madam Zhao lowered his gaze, feeling slightly annoyed.

The origin of this Luo Mingda, many people in this hall may not know, but he knows. He is the third son of the Minister of Rites, with a prominent family background and a powerful father. It’s no wonder he doesn’t take the Cai family seriously.

However, even a powerful dragon does not suppress a local snake. Today is a festive day for the Cai family, so what is the meaning behind Master Luo’s arrival that humiliates the Cai family?

Is it his way of asserting dominance?

Madam Zhao doesn’t believe that Luo Mingda simply took an interest in Yu Qingze’s cooking skills and wanted him to be a chef. After all, Luo Mingda grew up in the center of power in the capital. Although rumors portray him as an extravagant and careless dandy, he has never caused any major trouble throughout these years, indicating that he is not foolish.

Madam Zhao raised his eyes and glanced at Yu Qingze, feeling worried about his answer. If the answer is not satisfactory, the Cai family’s reputation would truly be trampled upon by Luo Mingda.

On the other side, Yu Qingze was speechless after hearing Lord Luo’s words. Seeing his arrogant and self-important appearance, he couldn’t help but roll his eyes inwardly.

But I can’t flip!

These second-generation officials are not to be messed with by common folks, otherwise they could easily say to you at any moment, “My father is a Minister!”

That wouldn’t be fun.

After thinking for a moment, Yu Qingze smiled and said, “Thank you, Lord Luo, for your appreciation. It is truly an honor for me, Yu Qingze, to have caught the attention of Lord Luo with my cooking. However, I must apologize. I have a small restaurant to take care of, and I am extremely busy every day, unable to attend to anything else. I can only express my gratitude for Lord Luo’s kindness.”

Upon hearing this response, everyone let out a collective sigh of relief. Old Master Cai and Old Master Zhao, Old Madam Cai, and Madam Zhao respectively, looked at Yu Qingze with appreciation.

Madam Luo glanced at everyone on the table and lowered his gaze.

“Oh? So, you have your own shop? What kind of shop is it?” Upon hearing Yu Qingze’s refusal, Luo Mingda put down the cloth he was wiping his hands with and his expression softened. He raised an eyebrow and asked.

Yu Qingze replied, “It’s a dim sum shop, located on Beida Street. If Lord Luo or Madam Luo have some free time, you’re welcome to come and visit.”

Luo Mingda glanced at Yu Qingze with a half-smile and said, “Sure, if I have the time, I’ll definitely go.”

At that moment, Madam Luo turned to Lord Luo and said, “Husband, if we don’t eat these dishes soon, they’ll get cold.”

Upon hearing this, Old Master Cai hurriedly added, “These dishes are best enjoyed hot. The flavor is excellent. And the roasted goose with mushroom soup is also delicious. You both should try it.”

Upon hearing these words, Luo Mingda immediately turned around and smiled, saying, “We’ve been talking so much that we forgot about the delicious food. Everyone, let’s eat quickly. The dishes are so tasty, let’s not waste them!”

Old Master Cai gave Yu Qingze a knowing look, and Yu Qingze nodded. He exchanged a few pleasantries and then returned to his own table.

Chang Le had been paying attention to that side, but with two tables between them and their voices not being loud enough, he couldn’t hear clearly. When he saw Yu Qingze returning, he asked with concern if everything was alright.

Yu Qingze held Chang Le’s hand, shook his head, and said, “It’s nothing. I’ll tell you later when we go back.”

Upon hearing that, Chang Le nodded and scooped a bowl of soup, handing it to Yu Qingze.

His instincts told him that something was up. He had been watching that side the whole time and noticed that Lord Luo’s expression had turned sour.

Take it easy. Chang Le gestured.

Yu Qingze couldn’t help but laugh and cry. He patted Chang Le on the waist and picked up the spoon to drink the soup.

For the rest of the banquet, Luo Mingda and Madam Luo continued eating and occasionally chatting with others, without causing any further trouble.

Only a few people at the main table knew about the incident just now. The others didn’t hear what they were talking about. When they saw Luo Mingda approaching Yu Qingze, they simply thought he recognized that Yu Qingze was the one who cooked the dishes and called him over to ask about it. They didn’t think much of it.

It was only the second day since the arrival of the new county magistrate, and they were lucky to have encountered him at the banquet. It was a good opportunity, and they had to make the most of it to strengthen their relationship. So, when more than half of the banquet had passed, the heads of the other tables, one after another, stood up and went to the main table to offer their toasts.

Luo Mingda truly lived up to his reputation as a connoisseur of food and drink. He accepted all the toasts from the men without hesitation and drank them all without batting an eye. It was evident that he had a high alcohol tolerance.

When it came to the dessert course, the caramelized banana dish, he ate half of it by himself.

He had a good alcohol tolerance, and it was clear that he loved bananas.

The banquet lasted for about half the evening, and after it concluded, everyone sat for a while longer before bidding their farewells and leaving.

After seeing off the guests, Old Master Cai turned to Yu Qingze and Chang Le and said, “You’ve worked hard.”

Yu Qingze shook his head and jokingly replied, “It wasn’t hard. I could see that everyone enjoyed their meal. When I open my restaurant, I should be able to attract some customers.”

Old Master Cai laughed and said, “With your culinary skills, you won’t need to attract customers. They will come just for your reputation.”

Yu Qingze smiled and said, “I hope so.”

Old Master Cai laughed for a moment and then stopped, sighed, and said to Yu Qingze and Chang Le, “If you ever encounter Master Luo and Madam Luo in the future, be cautious. Today’s incident was intentional, as you probably noticed. Their family background and influence are substantial, and we can’t afford to provoke them. Be careful, and in two or three years, it will pass quickly. I believe they won’t stay here for long either.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Qingze nodded solemnly and said, “We will keep that in mind. Thank you for the reminder, Old Master Cai.”

On the other side, Luo Mingda and Madam Luo returned to the county office.

After Madam Luo dismissed the servants and prepared tea for them, he personally poured a cup of sobering tea for Luo Mingda and said seriously, “Husband, you went too far today.”

Luo Mingda rubbed his forehead and paused when he heard Madam Luo’s words. He asked, “Why do you say that, wife?”

Madam Luo replied, “As the saying goes, a strong dragon doesn’t crush a snake in its own territory. The Cai family has a high reputation in Tongshan County and even in the entire Yunzhou. You know this well. We are newcomers, and by embarrassing them today, how will we live our days ahead?”

Luo Mingda sneered and said, “Who made them mock me? It’s only my second day here, and they organized a banquet to show off their status. Isn’t that a clear demonstration of their defiance? I, Luo Mingda, have never endured such humiliation in my life! They’re just a small governor, what is there to fear?”

Madam Luo furrowed his brows and said, “Have you forgotten what father instructed us before? Cai Chenxi is currently in high favor with the Emperor, and Governor Cai is connected to the Prime Minister’s faction. Do you still want to stay here?”

Luo Mingda responded indifferently, “I never wanted to come here in the first place. It’s all because of the old man. There are still many vacant positions in the capital, yet he forced me to this insignificant place. It’s so boring. It would be better to return to the capital. Don’t you want to go back?”

Madam Luo was exasperated and said, “If we’re going back, we should at least achieve something and return with glory. Otherwise, how will the people in the capital see us? Do you still want to live an idle life like before?”

Hearing this, Luo Mingda rubbed his temples irritably and frowned. He said, “Enough! Father scolds me at home, and now you’re scolding me here. Isn’t it annoying? I never wanted to be an official in the first place!”

Madam Luo looked at him, infuriated. He wondered if he had offended the heavens to be married to such a slacker.

Luo Mingda saw Madam Luo’s stern face and immediately softened, coaxing, “Okay, okay. I’ll restrain myself in the future, alright? Why get so angry over this…”

After mumbling for a while, Luo Mingda suddenly let go of his hand, his eyes shining as he looked at his wife and said, “Oh, wife, that chef’s skills are truly exceptional. The dishes he makes are even more delicious than the palace banquets!”

Madam Luo glanced at him with annoyance and said, “Can you think of something other than eating?”

Luo Mingda pouted and replied, “Aren’t you also happy with the food? Don’t think I don’t know, you ate half a bowl more than usual!”

Madam Luo:…

Luo Mingda finished his sobering tea in one gulp and continued, “Didn’t he say he opened a dim sum shop? Let’s have Yuan Bao buy some tomorrow to taste. Oh, wife, what was the name of the shop? I can’t remember. Did you remember? And what was his name? Yu something?”

Madam Luo helplessly said, “His name is Yu Qingze, but he didn’t mention the name of the shop, only that it’s located on Beida Street.”

“Ah, then let Yuan Bao go and find it tomorrow.” Luo Mingda rubbed his temples, frowned, and said, “I’ve had a bit too much to drink, and I have a headache. Wife, I’ll lie down for a while.”

Madam Luo held him back and said, “Hey, you can’t sleep. You’re going to the yamen. You haven’t formally met the officials there yet. The deputy county magistrate came this morning to consult with you and left some official matters for the county town.”

Luo Mingda waved his hand and said, “I have a headache. Let the deputy county magistrate handle the affairs himself. Didn’t he handle them before I arrived? Or, Wife, you take a look for me, and we’ll discuss it when I wake up. I’ll go to the county yamen tomorrow morning.” With that, he walked towards the bedroom.

Madam Luo watched his back in resignation, sighed helplessly, and had to summon the steward, instructing him to arrange for people to investigate the various prominent families in Tongshan City, as well as gather information about Yu Qingze and his relationship with the Cai family.

The steward acknowledged the order and left.

Madam Luo then went to his study, sat at the desk, and began reading the official documents about the affairs of Tongshan City that were presented by the deputy county magistrate.

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Thandar: What a good for nothing guy.