Chapter 64: Li Yuan’s Anorexia

After Li Xiaogong finished speaking, he opened another layer of the food box and presented a plate of cumin lamb. “This is also a new dish, called cumin lamb. It’s a bit spicy, but it has a unique flavor,” he said.

“It looks wonderful—thank you, Elder Brother,” Li Shimin replied, picking up the chopsticks from the food box and placing a large piece of lotus-leaf chicken into his mouth to savor it carefully.

“Mmm... it melts in the mouth, fragrant and enticing, the meat tender and fresh—I’ve never tasted such delicious chicken before. Elder Brother, you are most considerate,” Li Shimin praised generously after sampling the dish. After his first bite, he could not stop himself.

He abandoned all concern for his imperial dignity, using his chopsticks to pick up large pieces of chicken and devour them enthusiastically.

Empress Zhangsun watched Li Shimin eat with such gusto and found it hard to believe—was this man, eating with such disregard for his image, truly the wise and mighty emperor she knew?

After finishing more than half the lotus-leaf chicken, Li Shimin picked up several pieces of cumin lamb and began to eat. Noticing the Empress still dazed, cheeks puffed out with surprise, he said, “Guanyin, you must try it—it’s truly delicious.”

Only then did Empress Zhangsun pick up her chopsticks and begin to eat in small, delicate bites. As expected, before long, both the lotus-leaf chicken and cumin lamb were completely gone.

Li Shimin still wanted more, but was tugged gently by the Empress.

In a soft voice, Empress Zhangsun reminded him, “Your Majesty, hasn’t the Emperor Father lost his appetite these last few days? These two dishes are far tastier than anything prepared by the palace chefs. Why not offer them to him?”

Li Shimin instantly realized the merit in her suggestion. “Guanyin speaks wisely. I will go at once,” he said, promptly packing the remaining portions of lotus-leaf chicken and cumin lamb into the food box.

He glanced at Li Xiaogong and said, “Elder Brother, Father has had little appetite lately and eats very little. His health is failing. Your dishes have come at the perfect time. Why not accompany the Empress and me to present them to Father?”

“I obey, Your Majesty,” Li Xiaogong replied with delight—this was exactly what he had hoped.

The Supreme Emperor had always favored him, and he had hoped to use this opportunity to express a token of his filial piety.

Soon, the three of them arrived at the Hall of Supreme Peace, where Li Yuan was resting on a couch. Due to his lack of appetite, his eyes were dull, his spirit wan, and he looked noticeably thinner.

When he saw the three arrive, he only squinted and said weakly, “Shimin, Xiaogong, you’re here.”

Hearing the frail tone in Li Yuan’s voice, Li Shimin felt as if something were pricking his heart—sharp pangs of pain.

After all, this was the father who had once doted on him. Though his seizure of the throne had estranged them, seeing his father grow thinner and weaker each day was still a source of anguish.

In the Tang dynasty, filial piety was paramount. Though Li Shimin had been ruthless toward his brothers, it had been out of necessity.

Setting aside his thoughts, Li Shimin quietly approached his father’s couch, bent low, and said softly, “Father, I know you’ve lost your appetite lately, so I’ve brought you some delicacies I believe you’ll enjoy.”

Without waiting for a reply, Li Shimin personally presented a plate of lotus-leaf chicken, carefully unwrapping the lotus leaf and placing it before Li Yuan.

At first, Li Yuan had no intention of paying heed—what delicacy had he not tasted in the Hall of Supreme Peace? Even if Li Shimin brought it himself, how much better could it be? It was simply an act of filial piety.

But as soon as the lotus-leaf chicken was unwrapped, the unique aroma immediately awakened his appetite.

“Shimin, help me up quickly,” Li Yuan said, instantly invigorated by the tempting fragrance.

Li Shimin rejoiced inwardly—clearly, these dishes his elder brother had brought were just what his father needed.

He hurried to the couch, carefully helped Li Yuan to sit up, and handed him chopsticks. “Father, please try it.”

Excited, Li Yuan tasted a bite, and upon finding it delicious, began to eat heartily.

In no time at all, both the lotus-leaf chicken and cumin lamb were gone.

Looking at the empty plates, Li Yuan still seemed unsatisfied. He patted his full belly, laughed heartily, and said with satisfaction, “It’s been ages since I’ve eaten so well—truly the finest flavors in the world. Shimin, you have been most thoughtful this time.”

Since the food had been brought by Li Xiaogong, even Li Shimin dared not take credit. He quickly gestured toward Li Xiaogong and explained, “Father, these delicacies were especially prepared and sent by Elder Brother to honor you. I dare not claim the credit.”

“Oh!” Li Yuan could not help letting out a satisfied belch. “So it was Xiaogong. You are both most considerate. Stay and walk with me a while to help digest this meal.”

Li Xiaogong was overjoyed but replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, I dare not deceive you. These two dishes were invented and prepared by a young man I met not long ago.”

“He has compiled a cookbook filled with dozens of dishes never before seen in our Tang Empire, each one beautiful, fragrant, and delicious. If Your Majesty wishes, you may command the palace chefs to train at Wangjiang Pavilion.”

“Oh? What is this young man’s name, and where is he from? Why not appoint him as a palace chef?” After tasting the lotus-leaf chicken and cumin lamb, Li Yuan was immensely curious about the cook who had created them.

No longer concerned with matters of state, he wished only to enjoy life—and could not let such delicacies pass him by.

Invite Du Chengfeng to be a palace chef? Li Xiaogong did not even dare consider it.

Du Chengfeng was a rare, prodigious talent in the Tang Empire—how could he be confined to the palace kitchen? That would be a waste of his gifts.

With this in mind, he leaned toward Li Shimin and explained quietly, “Your Majesty, the young man who created this cookbook is the same genius, Du Chengfeng, who recently presented the high-yield rice. Your Majesty, you see…”

He did not finish his sentence, trusting that the emperor understood Du Chengfeng’s importance to the Tang Empire better than anyone.

Such a talent could never be allowed to waste his abilities as a palace chef.

Li Shimin was shocked once again. He thought to himself, “So these unique and exquisite dishes were also invented by Du Chengfeng—what on earth is there that this young man cannot do?”

Seeing Li Xiaogong and Li Shimin exchanging glances and whispers, Li Yuan frowned and feigned anger. “Shimin, Xiaogong, what are you two up to? What secrets are you keeping from me? Is it not possible for me to have someone as my own palace chef?”

Li Shimin quickly replied, “Father, this young man Du Chengfeng truly cannot be made a palace chef.”

“Why not?” Li Yuan asked, now genuinely curious.