Chapter Seventy-Six: Night Banquet (V)

“Your sons respectfully welcome Father and Mother!”
As soon as the gilded carriage approached, Li Xian and his brother hurried forward with the attendants, bowing deeply to greet their parents.

“Oh? Xian, Xian’er, why have you stopped here?”
At the sound of their greetings, two young eunuchs deftly rolled up the carriage curtains. Emperor Gaozong poked his head out, seeing his sons had come to receive him long before reaching the garden. Perplexed, he asked his question.

“Replying to Father, since Your Majesties are going out, it is only right that your sons lead the way. This is our filial duty. We humbly request to escort you, for complete security.”
Unsure how to answer at first, Li Xian glanced at Li Xian, who stepped forward with a composed bow and explained with a cheerful smile.

“Oh, you child! Very well, then, escort us.”
Gaozong, unaware of Li Xian’s hidden motives, was not displeased by the explanation. Laughing, he waved his hand in consent, agreeing without noticing the sharp glint that briefly flashed in Empress Wu’s eyes.

So, the plan is truly to unfold tonight. What luck, I nearly fell into their trap!
Gaozong missed the fleeting look in Empress Wu’s eyes, but Li Xian did not. That flash of cunning, though brief, did not escape his watchful gaze. Heart pounding, he realized her intent and rejoiced at his narrow escape. Still, with a deep reservoir of composure, he kept a broad, pleased smile on his face and stood by the carriage, playing the role of attendant as if delighted.

Receiving the imperial guests was a grave affair, entailing endless ceremony. Even though Gaozong was merely attending a “family banquet,” not a detail could be neglected. From the moment the Emperor and Empress disembarked, the Wu family members—old and young—fell to their knees in elaborate obeisance, bowing and kowtowing until night enveloped the sky. Only then were the royal guests ushered into the grand hall, seated in their places as the feast officially began. As custom dictated, the Wu brothers offered toasts, followed by imperial instructions from Gaozong and a reply from the Empress—an exhausting round of ritual. Only after the first round of music and dance did everyone enjoy a brief respite.

The Wu family had been wealthy for generations, and both brothers held high position. Though their banquet could not rival the dazzling variety of palace feasts, the spread was still lavish. Dishes arrived in a steady stream, filling every table to overflowing. Yet these guests were the most distinguished in the realm, well accustomed to the finest delicacies. Their interest in the food was minimal; they picked at their plates out of politeness, sampling only a little, their attention more on the entertainment and idle conversation. The atmosphere remained subdued, even dull, despite the Wu brothers’ best efforts at flattery and humor. Two rounds of song and dance passed, and the banquet neared its end.

Li Xian abstained from the food and, wherever possible, from wine as well. If the Wu brothers insisted on toasting him, he responded only with a perfunctory sip. Though he sat upright, seeming to watch the entertainment with full attention, his gaze would often flicker toward the Helan mother and daughter sitting diagonally across, silently on guard and ready for anything. Yet, to his surprise, after two rounds of performances, nothing had happened to the Helans. This inexplicable calm left Li Xian anxious, but he dared not act rashly—he could only suppress his agitation and wait, uncertain whether he hoped for an incident or for its absence.

“Your Majesties, for several years I have served as an official in Shizhou. Though I have little accomplishment in governance, I have learned something of cuisine. I recently discovered a unique dish, and dare not keep it to myself. I present it now for Your Majesties’ enjoyment.”
As the second round of music ended, Wu Weiliang rose with a smile, walking to the center of the hall. Bowing deeply to Gaozong and Empress Wu, he made his announcement.

“Oh? Is that so? I’m quite curious—bring out this dish at once,” replied Gaozong. He had not wanted to attend this so-called family banquet, but since Empress Wu had insisted, he could not refuse. His interest had been minimal all evening, but Wu Weiliang’s words finally piqued his curiosity. He straightened slightly, gesturing for Wu Weiliang to proceed.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Delighted to have captured the Emperor’s attention, Wu Weiliang responded eagerly. He remained in the hall, clapped his hands, and two graceful maids entered carrying a tray. On it sat a large steaming bowl, covered so its contents could not be seen. Yet a rich aroma soon filled the hall, whetting everyone’s appetite.

“Please, Your Majesty, take a look.”
As the maids approached, Wu Weiliang stepped forward, lifted the lid with a flourish, and gestured invitingly.

“This… is tofu?”
Gaozong, though more interested in beauty than in food, was not without basic knowledge of the latter. After staring at the bowl for some time, he concluded it contained nothing more than ordinary tofu. Still unsure, he voiced his doubt.

“Your Majesty is perceptive. It is indeed tofu.”
Wu Weiliang replied with a smile and a bow.

“What? Is this tofu made of gold, then?”
Hearing this, Gaozong’s expression darkened. He felt somewhat slighted but, unwilling to scold a Wu in Empress Wu’s presence, simply sneered coldly.

“Your Majesty, though it is tofu, it is by no means ordinary. There is more to this dish than meets the eye.”
The mood in the hall turned tense, but Wu Weiliang remained unperturbed, smiling as he kept the secret to himself.

“Oh? What exactly is this hidden marvel? Explain.”
Gaozong looked from the bowl to Wu Weiliang, skeptical.

“Your Majesty, it is truly tofu, but not made from soy milk. The ingredients are egg white, duck brain, and beef fat, prepared by a secret method for incomparable tenderness. Yet that is not all: within this silken tofu lies something else—loach.”
Wu Weiliang announced with pride.

“Loach?”

Loach was a lowly creature, never found in the imperial kitchens. Though Gaozong had heard of it, he had never seen it. He was baffled as to what made it so valuable.

“Your Majesty, though loach comes from the pond, these are not ordinary ditches’ fare. Only the plumpest are selected, fed daily on beef fat and kept in clean water. For three days before cooking, their insides are cleansed with aged vinegar, then nourished with ginseng broth for flavor. When ready for the pot, there are further intricacies: the live loaches are placed in the pot with the tofu, ginseng broth as the base, and simmered gently. Fearing heat, the loaches burrow into the tofu as the broth warms; once cooked, the tofu closes around them, and the loaches meld within. The result is a dish of exquisite flavor, with remarkable beautifying effects—a food that brings radiance to the complexion.”
Wu Weiliang explained in detail, emphasizing its beautifying properties, leaving all present astonished.

“Oh, Uncle, you make it sound magical! I’ve never heard of such a thing. Could it really have such effects?”
Women always love beauty. At the mention of improved complexion, Helan Minyue’s interest was immediately piqued. Without waiting for the Emperor, she exclaimed coquettishly.

“Madam, rest assured, this dish truly has remarkable effects. I acquired the recipe from a Daoist master, and would not dare deceive Your Majesties.”
Wu Weiliang, well aware of his niece’s status as the Emperor’s new favorite, responded promptly and respectfully.

“Really? I’ve certainly learned something new today.”
Helan Minyue’s lips parted slightly, her large eyes fixed on the dish, clearly tempted.

“Well, you have been thoughtful. Since Yue’er is pleased, let her have it first.”
Food was of little concern to Gaozong; no matter how enticing Wu Weiliang’s description, he paid it little mind. But seeing Helan Minyue interested, he smiled and bestowed the dish upon her.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Helan Minyue, delighted, smiled sweetly and bowed to Gaozong, her gaze lingering on the marvelous tofu.

No one present, all of them of the highest rank, would think to compete with Helan Minyue, especially since the Emperor himself had spoken. All they could do was smile politely as the dish was carried to the table of the Helan mother and daughter…