Chef God of the Wuxia and Fantasy World

Two months ago, Crown Prince Li Jiancheng was placed under house arrest by Li Yuan, who also dismantled the power behind him, preventing him from making a comeback. Li Yuanji, because he was dissatisfied, also had his military power taken away by Li Yuan and was placed under house arrest, forbidding him from leaving his residence.

Everyone knew that Crown Prince Li Jiancheng's power was waning and that Prince Qin's ascension to the throne was an unchangeable trend. As a result, during this period, countless opportunists flocked to Prince Qin's residence to curry favor, and numerous noble ladies and wives frequently came to chat with Empress Zhangsun and flatter her, hoping that their husbands would have a bright future.

On the surface, Empress Zhangsun greeted everyone with a smile, but in her heart, she saw through the realities of human nature more and more. She was getting tired of dealing with these fickle people every day.

That day, before dawn, Empress Zhangsun took a carriage to the manor outside the city to visit her sworn brother and relax.

Upon arriving at the manor, Changsun Wugou discovered that Ling Chi was leading a group of young apprentices in teaching them about the precautions for a bountiful harvest in the mud. This usually very clean person was now covered in mud, which was heartbreaking to see.

"Brother Ling!" Empress Changsun lifted the carriage curtain and waved to him from afar.

"Wu Gou is here!" Ling Chi smiled slightly, waved his hand, and then said to his little apprentices, "You all go and get busy! Remember to let the chickens and ducks out so they can catch some insects to eat."

"Disciples obey." The hundred or so people bowed to him as if they were students, and then dispersed to busy themselves with the areas they were responsible for.

Ling Chi walked to the carriage and asked, "Wu Gou, what brings you here?"

"There are too many troubles at home, so I came to the manor to relax." Changsun Wugou jumped down from the carriage, looked at Ling Chi covered in mud, and said, "Brother Ling, you've worked hard."

"It's no trouble at all," Ling Chi said with a smile. "Actually, even if you hadn't come, I would have gone into the city to find you anyway."

"Oh?"

"These people have learned enough, and I have nothing more to teach them. I'll just wait for Shimin to return and be named Crown Prince, then I should go back to Peach Blossom Island," Ling Chi said.

"Is Brother Ling leaving?" Empress Changsun asked with reluctance. "Why don't you have your sister-in-law and the others move to Chang'an? That way, if I miss you in the future, I can visit you nearby."

"Haha, little sister, you can fly, so if you miss me, just fly to Peach Blossom Island. It won't take more than two hours." Ling Chi laughed. "Besides, I also have a lot of things to take care of, so it's not very convenient for me to stay in Chang'an."

A year ago, Ling Chi fed Changsun Wugou a floating toad. With her current Grandmaster-level cultivation, she could fly to Peach Blossom Island in about an hour and a half. It was said to be far, but it wasn't actually that far.

"When will Brother Ling return?" Seeing that Ling Chi was determined to leave, Changsun Wugou could only hope for the next time they would meet.

“Let’s wait until Shimin ascends the throne!” Ling Chi said. “Then these auspicious omens will come in handy.”

Empress Changsun gave a soft "hmm" and said, "Brother Ling, thank you for everything you've done for Erlang."

“I’m not doing this for him, I’m doing this for the people of the world.” Ling Chi smiled slightly and said, “Of course, it’s also for you. If you had married someone else instead of Li Shimin back then, I don’t think I would have helped him at all.”

"Mmm." Changsun Wugou felt a warmth in her heart and said, "I will never forget Brother Ling's kindness to me."

"Let's not talk about these sentimental things." Ling Chi turned and walked towards the manor, asking, "When will Shimin return?"

“Three more days.” Changsun Wugou followed beside him with a smile on her lips: “Erlang has already pacified Youzhou. He only needs to pacify those forces in the south, and then the world will be at peace.”

“It’ll be soon.” Ling Chi nodded and said, “When he comes back, have him come to the manor. I have something to give him.”

Chapter Fifty-Three: Giving It All

After Li Shimin returned victorious, he received the title of Crown Prince in the main hall of the palace and then moved from the Prince of Qin's residence to the Eastern Palace.

Before moving into the Eastern Palace, he visited a manor outside the city, accompanied by Empress Zhangsun.

Upon seeing the grains, fruits, and vegetables growing inside and outside the manor, as well as a large shed that looked like it was made of paper, Li Shimin was filled with curiosity: "Madam, what is that paper-made thing?"

"Those are greenhouses, used for growing vegetables in the cold winter." Empress Zhangsun smiled as she told him about how many fresh vegetables had been grown here that past winter, leaving Li Shimin in awe.

"What a wonderful greenhouse! With such an environment, we can eat plenty of fresh vegetables even in winter. Brother Ling is truly a god among men."

"Hmm." Empress Zhangsun nodded and said, "Does Erlang know why Father Emperor faced immense pressure to change the heir apparent?"

Li Shimin glanced at her and smiled slightly: "Besides Brother Ling, I can't think of any other reason."

“Exactly.” Empress Changsun nodded and said, “That day, Brother Ling…”

After listening, Li Shimin took a deep breath and said, "Fortunately, Brother Ling is not interested in power, otherwise, there would be no place for my Li Tang dynasty in this world."

“Brother Ling is a celestial being, so naturally he would not covet power in the mortal world.” After a pause, Changsun Wugou’s eyes dimmed slightly: “Brother Ling said that in another ten years or so, he will probably have to leave this world.”

"Brother Ling is leaving!?" Li Shimin was shocked. "Why!?"

"Brother Ling said that this realm no longer holds any appeal for him," said Changsun Wugou. "Perhaps he's going back to the Immortal Realm!"

"Is there really a celestial realm in this world?!" Li Shimin gasped.

“Although it wasn’t said, where could Brother Ling go if he leaves this realm?” Changsun Wugou said. “Moreover, there are legends of people breaking through the void. Where did those who broke through go?”

"..." Li Shimin became more and more shocked as he thought about it: "So, all those people went to the Immortal Realm?"

“Since Brother Ling hasn’t said anything, I shouldn’t make any assumptions,” said Empress Changsun. “But Brother Ling hasn’t denied it.”

Did they not deny it?

"I see." Li Shimin nodded, finally understanding why Ling Chi was so generous to him, even bringing out technologies that could change the world, such as techniques for increasing grain production and salt production. It turned out that he didn't care about worldly riches and honors at all.

Why would gods care about the mortal world?

"Brother Ling, you are truly our benefactor."

"Ah."

As they spoke, the two entered the manor and smelled a long-lost fragrance.

Li Shimin sniffed and said, "What a wonderful smell! It must be Brother Ling cooking."

Empress Changsun chuckled lightly: "Second Brother hasn't had Brother Ling's cooking for a long time. Today he can enjoy a feast."

"Haha, that's for sure." Li Shimin laughed, and the two followed the aroma into the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Ling Chi had just finished cooking a large pot of braised dishes. Seeing the couple walk in, he smiled and said, "You're back?"

"You're back." Li Shimin nodded with a smile and asked, "What did Brother Ling make? It smells delicious!"

"The braised dishes are all made with pork, and they all taste different. Eat more later," Ling Chi said.

"Alright." Li Shimin nodded and said, "Brother Ling, Wu Gou said you have something to give me?"

"We'll talk about it when we eat." Ling Chi picked up a cleaver, chopped and plated all the braised food in the pot, and then asked a servant to call the hundred underlings over to eat. He then went to the pavilion alone with Li Shimin and Changsun Wugou to have a meal.

This table was laden with braised pig ears, braised pig tongue, braised liver, braised lungs, braised large intestines, braised pig trotters, and more—everything imaginable. The meat was a beautiful reddish-brown, tender, fragrant, and delicious. Li Shimin ate with great relish, thoroughly enjoying the meal.

"As expected, Brother Ling's cooking is still the best, unparalleled in the world." Li Shimin raised his wine cup: "Brother Ling, I'd like to toast you."

Ling Chi smiled slightly, clinked glasses with him, and asked, "How long will Shimin stay in Chang'an?"

"Hmm? It's the Grain in Ear season now, so I'll probably wait until after the autumn harvest before leading my troops into battle," Li Shimin said.

"So, you'll be staying for four months?"

"More or less," Li Shimin nodded.

"Hmm." Ling Chi took a sip of wine and said, "After dinner, I'll give you something, then I'll head back to Peach Blossom Island."

Li Shimin paused, then said, "I've just returned, and Brother Ling is already leaving? That's quite disrespectful to me!"

Ling Chi chuckled: "Eating and drinking can be done anytime, but what I'm giving you are matters of great importance to the world. If you don't want them, I can give them to someone else."

"No, no, no!" Li Shimin cried out anxiously, "I want it! Of course I want it!"

"Haha, then let's eat quickly, and I'll take you there after we finish eating," Ling Chi said.

"Alright!" Since it concerned matters of great importance to the world, Li Shimin had no time to ponder them. He wolfed down his food until he was stuffed, and then went with Ling Chi to a side room in the manor.

Although this villa belonged to Li Shimin, he had only been here once and was not familiar with its layout. He also did not expect that there would be a secret passage in this side room.

"How could there be a secret passage here?" Li Shimin asked in surprise and doubt.

"Don't worry, I did this," Ling Chi said. "What I'm about to give you is too precious to leave out in the open."

"I see." Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief. If this secret passage had been designed by someone with ulterior motives, this place would not be safe.

Deep within the secret passage lies a stone chamber containing four rows of bookshelves, each filled with books and exuding the scent of ink.

"Brother Ling, what's this?" Upon seeing these books, Li Shimin's heart stirred.

“This is my gift to you.” Ling Chi smiled slightly: “All my knowledge of governing the country, enriching the people, strengthening the military, and even the development plan for the next thousand years is contained here.”

Li Shimin took a deep breath, clasped his hands and bowed: "I thank Brother Ling for his kindness."

Empress Zhangsun also bowed to Ling Chi beside him.

“We’re family, so there’s no need to be so polite.” Ling Chi smiled slightly and said, “I’ve already organized these books and labeled them with different categories. But it’s best to wait until you ascend the throne before taking them out. Otherwise, it would be a bit troublesome if your father took advantage of them.”

Li Shimin nodded: "Brother Ling is right, I will keep it in mind."

"Alright," Ling Chi said, "This is the last time I'll help you in this world. If you encounter any trouble in the future, you'll have to rely on yourself and your men."

"Brother Ling, are you about to return to the Immortal Realm now?" Li Shimin asked anxiously.

"Oh?" Ling Chi glanced at Changsun Wugou, who lowered her head slightly: "I was just making some guesses."

"Never mind." Ling Chi shook his head and said, "I won't leave for now. I'll leave after you've pacified the world and ensured that the people live a life free from want."

"That's good." Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief. To be honest, if Ling Chi left now, he really wouldn't be sure about the future. Even if Ling Chi could no longer help him, as long as he was still in this world, he would feel at ease knowing he had someone behind him.

"Don't rush to agree," Ling Chi said. "Remember what you promised me back then: to help me collect all sorts of rare ingredients. If there were any rare metallic minerals, that would be even better."

"Brother Ling, rest assured, I've already sent people to search for those rare ingredients over the past two years." He paused, then added, "But what does Brother Ling need those precious metal minerals for?"

Ling Chi glanced at him: "Where do you think you got your armor and weapons from?"

"Isn't it made from the hide and bones of a demon dragon?" Li Shimin asked.

“That’s right, but if dragon hide and dragon bones can be used to forge divine artifacts, then those metal ores can certainly be used as well,” Ling Chi said. “Aren’t you supposed to be pretty smart? How come you can’t even understand such a simple principle?”

"Uh..." Li Shimin chuckled dryly, "Maybe it's because I'm used to not thinking about anything when I'm with Brother Ling!"

Empress Changsun smiled and said, "This also shows Erlang's trust in Brother Ling."

“You two don’t need to follow each other’s lead anymore.” Ling Chi sighed. “I’ve never had to worry about this much in other worlds.”

Another world?

Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun were both inwardly moved, but dared not ask, for even if they did, Ling Chi would not answer.

……

The three left the secret chamber, and Ling Chi took Li Shimin to see the agricultural development there, and had his hundred underlings personally explain the intricacies of it to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin nodded repeatedly, delighted. Especially after eating a roasted sweet potato, he praised its sweet and soft taste, saying, "I never imagined that sweet potatoes could be so delicious, and they can be eaten simply by roasting them over a fire. They are truly an essential item for military campaigns."

"Fresh sweet potatoes don't have a long shelf life. To store them for a long time, it's best to steam them, slice them, and sun-dry them until they're dry. Then, store them in a dark, well-ventilated, and dry place. This way, they can be stored for up to half a year. But never put them in a damp place, or they'll spoil easily. When you want to eat them, soak them in water. Although they don't taste as good as roasted ones, they're still pretty good."

"I see, I've learned something." Li Shimin clasped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"After drying and shelling these corn kernels, you can grind them into powder and use it to make porridge. Of course, there are many other ways to eat it, and I've taught them all of those. Just ask them if you don't understand anything," Ling Chi said, pointing to his underlings.