Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

The young eunuch stared at Li Mao warily.

He had heard of the Prince of Shou's formidable reputation; even Eunuch Gao had repeatedly run into trouble with him.

I'm just a nobody; if I get killed, so be it.

Inside and outside the palace, everyone knows the hatred between Eunuch Gao and Prince Shou. If someone is caught in the crossfire, they can only say that they deserve it.

Li Mao and his servant exchanged a glance. They would have to wait until he returned from the palace to make any further plans.

The servant immediately understood and stood aside, staring silently at the eunuch who was delivering the imperial decree.

The young eunuch felt a little flustered under their gaze.

"Let's go."

Li Mao didn't say much. He straightened his robes and then followed the little eunuch toward the palace.

On the way, Li Mao gently lifted the curtain of the carriage.

It was just the right moment to see how popular the Shouwang Banquet branch was on the street.

At the same time, I also saw several suspicious people peeking at me.

Perhaps it was the influence of the court, or perhaps it was the subordinate of a certain minister.

In Chang'an, many ministers own their own businesses, and this has now affected their interests.

Otherwise, those restaurant owners wouldn't have dared to leave so recklessly when they were in the secret room.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the palace.

Li Mao followed the eunuch to the imperial study and met Li Longji, who was reviewing memorials.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty,"

Li Longji glanced indifferently at Li Mao.

"Well, no courtesy."

As he spoke, Li Longji put down the memorial in his hand.

He then looked at Li Mao with a gloomy gaze.

"Why is there a semicolon when I asked you to teach me the recipe?"

Upon hearing this, Li Mao sneered inwardly, but outwardly he still said with trepidation, "Your subject will naturally follow the Emperor's decree and give benefits to the people."

"Benefiting the people?"

Li Longji looked at Li Mao with great suspicion.

They clearly didn't quite believe his explanation.

There are even suspicions that Li Mao has made a deal with these people.

It will definitely not be as simple as just giving back to the people.

Li Mao quickly stepped forward, looking helpless, and said, "Even Father Emperor praised the Prince's banquet, so naturally some people will be envious."

"Faced with the entire court of civil and military officials, I can only bow my head."

"Therefore, since I have already agreed to Father Emperor's decree, I will naturally carry it out strictly."

"Therefore, along with the recipe, the name was also shared."

"In this way, not only were the recipes taught, but also, fearing that the chefs in these restaurants would not be able to learn them, the chefs from their own restaurants were sent over to teach them."

"At the same time, if only the recipes are taught, the people of Chang'an will not know about them."

At this point, Li Mao knelt directly in front of Li Longji and respectfully kowtowed, saying, "Your subject dares to bestow the name bestowed upon you by Your Majesty upon the merchants."

"Your subject's original intention was to help the restaurant owner attract business and revive his restaurant. At the same time, it was also to let the people of the world know that Father Emperor cares about the world and is willing to bestow the title of Emperor upon the world."

"At that time, both restaurant owners and all the people of the world will surely be grateful for the Emperor's benevolence."

These heartfelt words touched Li Longji slightly.

But I was still conflicted. Although I gained fame, I lost a lot of money.

“Eighteenth Prince, I do not object to your actions.”

"But I hope you will act with discretion."

With a casual remark, Li Mao naturally understood what Li Longji meant.

All they want is money.

Then, Li Mao slightly raised his head and looked at Li Longji, saying, "Father, rest assured, I know what I'm doing. The money I will pay each month will not be less than last time."

Li Longji nodded slightly and said, "Eighteenth Prince, you should know what I am thinking."

When Li Mao heard this, he secretly gritted his teeth.

You bastard, you stole my wife and now you want me to make money for you?

What, you want me to make money for you two to spend in the future, so you can live happily ever after with my money?

Although he thought this to himself, Li Mao still respectfully said, "Your subject understands."

"As a descendant of the royal family, I naturally have to consider the dignity of the royal family."

When I heard the words "royal dignity,"

Li Longji's expression instantly turned cold.

At the same time, he couldn't help but think to himself, "What does the Eighteenth Prince mean by this? Could it be that he harbors dissatisfaction with me?"

"Or perhaps he still harbors lingering desires for Yang Guifei?"

Li Mao looked at Li Longji calmly, while Li Longji looked at Li Mao with an icy expression.

Behind those indifferent, frosty eyes, a faint killing intent seemed to emerge.

Li Mao was looking at Li Longji's face, which clearly showed a body that was gradually declining and being constantly drained.

Inside, she was seduced by Xianglan, and outside, the imperial chef secretly poisoned her.

Meanwhile, there were also memorials from various regions waiting for this old man to review.

According to the message relayed back by the eunuchs sent to the palace, this old man often reviewed memorials until late at night, or even until dawn, and still went to court on time the next day.

Thinking of this, Li Mao smiled disdainfully to himself.

Before he got Yang Yuhuan, this old man really aspired to be a wise ruler.

The father and son stared at each other for a few breaths before Li Mao quickly lowered his head, feigning fear.

That made it seem as if he had said or done something wrong.

Li Longji snorted and said, "Hmph, the canal needs silt removal and the palace needs repair. I'm entrusting them all to you. Don't disappoint me."

Li Mao quickly kowtowed and said, "Father, rest assured, your son will do everything in his power to relieve your worries."

"Well, back off."

"My son, please retire."

After saying this, Li Mao bowed and withdrew.

After Li Mao left, Gao Chen immediately came out from behind the screen in the imperial study.

Li Longji asked in a deep voice, "Has everything been investigated?"

"Your Majesty, everything has been investigated and confirmed. Prince Shou did not lie."

Li Longji chuckled and said, "I think the Eighteenth Prince is definitely not that simple."

Gao Chen immediately bowed obsequiously and said, "This humble subject also thinks so. After all, this is a business that makes a fortune every day. Is Your Highness really willing to give it up?"

"If it were me, even if I could only keep 10%, I would never give up even a single bit."

Upon hearing this, Li Longji, who was about to pick up the memorial, suddenly paused.

"Go, keep an eye on Shibalang."

"The minister obeys the order."

Gao Chen left the Imperial Study with satisfaction.

This time, with the Emperor's permission, they can not only monitor secretly, but also openly send people to keep an eye on things.

They could even send people directly to examine all the account books in Prince Shou's possession.

"Sooner or later, the eccentric will find something to use against you."

Thinking this to himself, Gao Chen found Xiao Xizi with a satisfied expression.

Xiao Xizi, her cheeks flushed, approached Gao Chen.

It's obvious that he secretly went out drinking after he got some money.

Gao Chen immediately raised his hand and slapped Xiao Xizi across the face.