Saving the foolish general, she accidentally becomes his favorite.

"Reporting to the General, we already know your draw order!" the maid outside the door announced respectfully.

Ye Li, inside the tea room, glanced nervously towards the door before quickly separating from Mo Chen.

The moment she left, a flicker of disappointment crossed Mo Chen's eyes, but he quickly concealed it. Having spent days memorizing the "General's Code of Conduct," he was now perfectly capable of handling the situation.

"I understand. It doesn't matter which order they go on stage. You may leave now."

The maid, who had expected preferential treatment, hesitated for a moment, then quickly replied as if afraid of missing out: "My lady requests a chat with the general and will tell him the exact order of his duels. If the general agrees to my lady's request, she will spare you the trouble of participating in the duels! Please consider it, General!"

"No need for further words, you may leave."

The maid heard a cold reply from inside the closed door, and a chill ran down her spine. She knew that if she failed to complete the task, her mistress would not let her off the hook.

But even a great general like her had no choice but to slink away in disgrace.

Mo Chen begged Ye Li for praise and comfort. Seeing his resolute treatment of Lu Wanning, Ye Li's mood improved considerably. Putting everything else aside, he was, after all, her nominal husband. Even if he were foolish, he wouldn't take advantage of his young age to look at other young ladies.

If he's constantly flirting with other men, that's what Ye Li can't stand the most!

Besides, Lu Wanning was his childhood betrothal bride, so it was absolutely unacceptable!

Ye Li was very busy today, but at this moment she was spurred on with fighting spirit. Today she will definitely make Lu Wanning understand that she is not someone to be trifled with!

She looked up at Mo Chen, signaling to begin the second step of the plan.

Mo Chen received the signal and cheerfully replied, "Don't worry, my wife, I've memorized it all, I definitely won't make a mistake!"

After the drumming, Ye Li was worried about his health, but Mo Chen's acting had fooled even her, so she figured the second test shouldn't be a problem. Suppressing her unease, she took his hand for the first time and slowly mouthed:

"I will do my best to protect you."

Mo Chen "heard" it, and his heart warmed. He nodded and gently replied, "I will also try my best not to disappoint my wife."

After confirming the details again, the two set off.

The main hall was now piled high with gifts, a dazzling array of rare and precious items. Even the Emperor Emeritus, with his vast knowledge and experience, was astonished by the sheer number and extraordinary nature of today's gifts, and let out a hearty laugh: "Very good, very good! You have all come from afar, thank you for your thoughtfulness. Let me toast you all!"

All the officials, women, and envoys raised their glasses in celebration, and the atmosphere became lively as the toasts were exchanged.

Seeing that the time was almost up, the retired emperor ordered the meal to be served and formally entertained the guests.

Mo Chen slowly rose from his seat, returned to the hall, and respectfully bowed.

"May Your Majesty live a long and healthy life. I know that Your Majesty lacks nothing, so I thought I would like to prepare some food to express my gratitude. I wish Your Majesty a long and healthy life, and that you may enjoy all the delicacies of the world."

"Haha, good, good, you even prepared dishes?"

"It was made by my wife; I was just assisting her."

This piqued the Emperor Emeritus's curiosity: "This child not only plays the pipa, but can also cook?"

"Within the Nine Provinces, there is no one who can rival him." Mo Chen declared confidently.

As soon as these words were spoken, a low murmur filled the hall. After all, the drum music and pipa music had already given everyone a great surprise, and now even the dishes were unique in the entire Kyushu.

Some were curious, some were skeptical, some felt that Mo Chen was trying to steal the spotlight and making wild remarks, while others were secretly looking forward to seeing what he had to offer. In an instant, the atmosphere in the entire hall became lively again.

Emperor Xuanyuan Ming looked displeased. He had originally planned to hold a grand birthday banquet for the retired emperor, intending to show the retired emperor his unparalleled talent in governing the country. However, today, Mo Chen had repeatedly stolen the limelight from him. He frowned, his fists clenched tightly together under his long sleeves.

Although the Emperor Emeritus had already received many gifts, he was still delighted: "If that's really the case, then please present them quickly."

Mo Chen clapped his hands and then announced loudly: The first dish: Supreme Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.

Immediately, a palace servant brought forward with the dish, followed by two palace maids, who slowly unfurled the scroll. On the scroll, a delicate and delicious dish was clearly depicted, its colors vibrant, and even the sheen of oil on the food was vividly portrayed, truly a masterpiece of painting!

Mo Chen, a veteran of the battlefield, transmitted his voice to every corner of the hall: "Supreme Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, this dish is made with the finest ingredients, simmered to the perfect temperature, resulting in a fresh, sweet, and delicious flavor. May it serve as the opening act for today. I wish the Emperor Emeritus boundless blessings and the enjoyment of heaven and earth!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the maid who was serving the dishes opened the lid of the food box, and white smoke floated out, like a fairy mist.

The palace maids placed the ingredients on the table one by one to display them, and tested them with silver needles on the spot. As the aroma wafted, everyone smelled an unusual freshness!

In an instant, the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone unconsciously stopped talking, focusing only on the extraordinary deliciousness—the aroma that seemed to come from the entire ocean!

The retired emperor asked anxiously, "What is this? It smells so good! Bring it here quickly!"

The maidservant quickly presented the first bowl of food to the Emperor Emeritus, and then distributed some small bowls to the various distinguished guests in the hall for them to taste.

The Emperor Emeritus took a bite and found it extremely sweet and delicious. He immediately praised it highly: "Truly extraordinary!"

The other guests were already impatient, and once they actually tasted it, they all praised it and finished it in no time, wishing they had more.

The retired emperor received the largest portion, but due to his advanced age, he ate slowly, thus having ample time to savor its flavor. He asked:

“How is this done?”

"Put chicken, duck, shark fin, sea cucumber, fish maw, tendon, pigeon eggs, skirt, abalone, scallops and other ingredients into a pot, add more than ten kinds of seasonings and simmer over low heat. This dish symbolizes good fortune and longevity."

Why is it called Buddha Jumps Over the Wall?

"The aroma of meat wafts from the pot when it's opened, so enticing that even the Buddha would abandon his meditation and leap over the wall to come."

Mo Chen answered respectfully that these were lines he had prepared in advance during special training. He glanced at Ye Li, who secretly gave him a thumbs up.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor Emeritus laughed heartily and expressed his great admiration!

Those members of the royal family who got to eat in the main hall expressed their approval, while those who didn't were extremely envious, secretly scrutinizing the maids who served the dishes as if they could see something extraordinary in them.

It seems she succeeded in the second challenge as well. Ye Li put a lot of effort into making this dish. For the visual effect, she even imitated the dry ice atmosphere of many restaurants in her previous life, making it look ethereal.

It's all in order to create the right atmosphere at the birthday banquet and win everyone's applause!

The real masterpiece is yet to come!