The sudden silence immediately made the atmosphere tense. The other three imperial chefs were also extremely nervous. They didn't know that Li Qi's dish was just like the Yanyun Sixteen Provinces just now. It was so delicious that it was indescribable.
It was still unbelievably unpalatable, and several people kept looking at the faces of the ministers and Song Huizong, hoping to see some clues.
The most nervous one among them was Wu Xiaoliu, whose legs were shaking, fearing that the emperor would be furious and throw him out of the palace.
Li Qi seemed very calm. In fact, he had already anticipated the result when he heard Long Jiang introduce the fish soup dish.
After a while, Duan Zhengwen suddenly said: "This - this dish is not bad in terms of taste, but it just - it seems like there is something missing."
This simple sentence made Long Jiang and others finally feel relieved. If Li Qi wins this dish again, it will be over.
Wu Xiaoliu almost fell to the ground and said weakly: "I---."
As soon as he said a word, he suddenly felt his sleeve being pulled. He looked up and saw that it was Li Qi. Li Qi glared at him slightly and signaled him not to talk nonsense. He knew very well that Wu Xiaoliu was
He was afraid of damaging his reputation, but even if Wu Xiaoliu didn't say anything about it, these gourmets would still be able to taste it. It would sound a bit like a sore loser if he said it, and I'm afraid it would make people laugh.
Wu Xiaoliu immediately shut his mouth tightly.
Cai Jing shook his head and said: "Your Majesty is right, it is not easy to make this supreme boiled water song leaf dish perfect. This dish still lacks a little heat."
Song Huizong was the first guest to taste this dish, and he knew it very well. His eyes were fixed on Li Qi, but unfortunately he didn't see anything. He coughed lightly and said: "Li Qi, you are so stupid
The food is really substandard."
Li Qi nodded and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your advice. I will make corrections in the future."
As soon as these words came out, a person in the building let out a sigh of relief. This person was Wang Fu. Apart from the three masters and apprentices of Li Qi, he was probably the only one who knew best why Li Qi fell so short of his standard.
What kind of trick is this kid playing? Song Huizong frowned and said nothing more, but he still couldn't hide the disappointment in his eyes. The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. He said loudly: "Okay, everyone has the four dishes.
I’ve tried it, but I don’t know which dish is the best?”
Everyone discussed among themselves for a while. Cai Jing spoke first: "In my humble opinion, in terms of creativity, Master Gao's orange crab soup is the best. In terms of meaning, Master Guo's Tai Chi vegetable soup is the winner, but among the four dishes
Among the dishes, the most delicious fish soup is Master Long's. As he said, he cooked this dish with the original flavor of mandarin fish. So I thought Master Long was more skilled."
Duan Zhengwen nodded and said, "What the Grand Master said is true. Master Long's fish soup is indeed very delicious. The most commendable thing is that he only used a few ingredients to fully bring out the freshness of the fish."
It also covers up the fishy smell very well, so it deserves its reputation.”
Heshi Liebohe didn't understand any big principles. He only knew how to judge winning or losing based on deliciousness. He nodded and said, "I also think Master Long's fish soup is the most delicious."
The rest of the people also began to express their opinions. Some people mentioned all four dishes, but the fish soup from Longjiang was the most popular one.
Song Huizong nodded and said loudly: "In that case, the second dish is Master Long's fish soup."
Except for Li Qi, the other three imperial chefs all showed a smile, because if Li Qi wins this dish, then no one has hope, but if Long Jiang wins, it means that there is still hope for the four of them.
Whoever can win the last round will win.
Song Huizong then said: "The masters must be tired too, so go down and have a rest."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Several people bowed and then retreated.
As soon as he came out of the attic, Sifang remained silent again, turned around and walked towards his lounge.
Wu Xiaoliu said with a guilty look on his face: "Brother Li, I'm sorry."
Li Qi smiled and said: "It's okay, even if I do it myself, I may not win. You have done very well. Didn't you just hear that many ministers praised you for doing well? Besides, we didn't lose.
If I lose the suspense too early, then my last dish will lose a lot of its quality."
Chen Dazhu said worriedly: "But Brother Li, your hand---?"
Li Qi shook his head and said: "Don't worry, there are still two hours left in between. I'll take a hot bath and rest for a while and I should be fine, but I'm afraid I have to leave the task of washing the puffer fish to you.
"
Wu Xiaoliu quickly patted his chest and promised, "Brother Li, don't worry, Brother Dazhu and I will definitely complete the mission."
.......
After several people returned to the room, the table was already filled with all kinds of food. They sat down and ate without saying a word. Cooking is also a physical job.
"belch---."
Li Qi burped and said: "It's really comfortable." After a pause, he turned to the maid waiting next to him and said: "This little beauty, do you provide bathing, massage and other services here?
"
"Ah?" The palace maid looked red with shame and looked at Li Qi blankly.
"You boy really know how to enjoy it."
There was a sudden sneer outside the door.
Damn it! He came to investigate so quickly. Li Qi rolled his eyes helplessly.
With a creak, the door opened, and Song Huizong walked in from the outside, followed by Zhao Kai, Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, Bai Shizhong, Li Bangyan and Wang Fu.
"The humble minister (little man) comes to see the emperor."
Li Qi, Wu Xiaoliu and others quickly stood up and saluted.
Song Huizong snorted and said reluctantly: "No courtesy." Then he sat on a chair and looked like he was going to ask questions.
This is nothing, the look in Bai Shizhong's eyes is simply murderous.
What? You want to scare me to death with your gaze? You can’t even look at me, Li Qi. If you don’t ask, I’m too lazy to say anything. Li Qi lowered his head and said nothing.
This kid is so irritating. Song Huizong persisted for a moment and then gave up. He asked in a deep voice: "Don't you have anything to say to me?"
Li Qi nodded and said: "Long live the emperor, long live. Long live the emperor."
Stupid. Totally dumbfounded.
Bai Shi was so angry that he almost jumped up. This was his future son-in-law. He said anxiously: "The emperor is asking you why you lost just now?"
Song Huizong was almost amused by the words "Long live the meal". He suppressed his laughter and nodded: "Yes, that dish was obviously not made by you."
Wu Xiaoliu whispered: "To tell you the truth, that dish was actually made by a villain."
"What?"
Everyone was shocked and looked at Li Qi one after another.
Zuo Boqing paused and said, "Brother Li, you are too much to blame. Alas, this is all my fault. I really shouldn't have told you that we will definitely win the second dish, which has caused the consequences today."
Li Qi knew that Zuo Boqing was excusing himself, and he was very grateful in his heart. He smiled and said: "Brother Zuo, I can't blame you. In fact, the thing is like this---." At this point, he paused and took some time.
He glanced at Wang Fu.
Wang Fu was slightly startled, and a flash of panic flashed in his eyes.
Hehe. I scare you to death.
When Song Huizong saw that Li Qi still had a smile on his lips, his face sank and he said, "You should speak quickly."
Li Qi was startled for a moment, and then said: "Your Majesty, Wei Chen did not intend to lose the game, but a few days ago, I accidentally fell while walking and injured my right hand."
When Wang Fu heard this, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Song Huizong exclaimed: "What? Are you injured? Then why didn't you explain it to me earlier?"
Li Qi said sarcastically: "Weichen thought it was just a minor injury and it would be fine in a few days. That's why I didn't report it to you. But just now, after Weichen finished cooking the first dish, he suddenly felt very weak in his right hand and couldn't even use his chopsticks.
I couldn't even lift it and couldn't cook at all, so I asked him to take my place."
Song Huizong said angrily: "How dare you hide such a big thing from me? You--you--you are so brave."
Bai Shizhong pleaded: "Your Majesty, please calm down. I think the imperial doctor should be sent as soon as possible to diagnose Li Qi's injury."
"Quickly tell the imperial doctor." After Song Huizong finished speaking, he snorted angrily.
Soon, an old man hurriedly ran in and saluted Song Huizong. Song Huizong turned his head towards Li Qi and didn't even open his mouth. It seemed that he was very angry.
Bai Shizhong hurriedly told the imperial doctor about Li Qi's situation.
Seeing that Song Huizong was full of anger and dared not say anything more, the imperial doctor immediately diagnosed Li Qi.
After a while, the imperial doctor wiped his sweat and said to Song Huizong: "Let me tell you, Your Majesty, the official Yanshi only suffered from fatigue in his arms, and it is not a serious problem."
In fact, Li Qi's injury has healed, but after all, the injury has not healed for a long time, and there will always be some impact to some extent. The most important thing is that carving on the ice is a very physically demanding job, especially on the hands.
If he had chosen to carve on tofu, this would not have happened.
Song Huizong said in a deep voice: "I just want to know if he can cook later."
The imperial doctor said: "When the minister gives a few injections to the official Yanshi, there shouldn't be much of a problem."
"Should?" Song Huizong threatened.
The imperial doctor hurriedly said: "I promise that I will cure the official Yanshi."
"Well, then do it quickly."
Taking action? Li Qi was shocked and said: "Wow! Still need an injection? It's not that serious. Uncle doctor, can you try another method?"
Song Huizong slapped the table and said angrily: "How dare you be so nagging?"
When Cai Jing and others saw Li Qi's nervousness in challenging Song Huizong again and again, they couldn't help but sweat for Li Qi. This man was really courageous.
If you don't want to say it, don't say it. Really. Li Qi secretly pouted, hoping in his heart that this imperial doctor didn't come in through connections.
The imperial doctor's words were true. He said it was a few injections, but it was really just a few injections. The most important thing was that there was no pain at all. Li Qi was lying on the bed and just closed his eyes. He hadn't figured out the situation yet.
The imperial doctor said so.
Damn it! You're not just showing off, this is great. Li Qi immediately checked his right arm.
After Song Huizong knew that Li Qi's condition was fine, he was relieved. He glared at Li Qi, ordered the imperial doctor to take care of him, and then left.
But Zuo Boqing did not leave, and said to Li Qi, who was lying on the bed enjoying the massage from the little palace maid: "Brother Li, there is something I have to tell you. When I tasted Longjiang's second dish just now, I found that it was the same as him before.
His skills are very different, I'm sure there must be experts behind him to help him."
I had expected it. Li Qi smiled disdainfully and said: "A master? No matter how high you are, how high can you get? Brother Zuo, don't worry, I will make sure that they know what it means to have someone outside of you for the third course later."