Chapter 227 - 227 - A Ball of Fire

Translator: 549690339

The scholars and masters of Bailu Academy were present, along with the head chefs and two shopkeepers from Jiwei Residence and Zuixian Building.

After hearing about Qiao Xiaomai’s current situation from Yang Ye, Bai Zhi became even more resentful.

Was it acceptable for a country girl who came up with two recipes to enjoy recognition in front of the Emperor?

Wasn’t this childishly ridiculous?

Many dedicated officials who served Daqi until their death didn’t have such honor!

Why should Qiao Xiaomai, a mere country girl, earn this?!

She was determined to trample Qiao Xiaomai into dust, to prove that Emperor Yongan had made a mistake!

Thus, she announced the competition, intending to make a big deal out of it.

As a princess, she invited everyone from the Academy to watch the competition, and of course, people had to give her face.

Hence, everyone was present.

Normally, the Martial Arts Training Ground was used for students’ martial arts and horse riding training. Occasionally, it was also used for meetings, and therefore, there was a half-meter-high stage on one side.

On the stage, there were two cooking stations, with pots and pans displayed on them.

On both sides of the stage, some vegetables and meats were laid out.

Though Yang Ye had mentioned that they needed to bring their own ingredients, he had still prepared some items.

Bai Zhi had already arrived. She had specially dressed up for the day, intending to overshadow Qiao Xiaomai.

At that moment, she was wearing her signature white dress, sitting on a chair at the edge of the Martial Arts Training Ground, with two maids – her kitchen helpers – standing behind her.

Yang Ye stood by her side, chatting, “Remember, the stakes are three hundred taels of silver and three hundred taels of land. As Bailu Town is densely populated, it’s not easy to get land.”

Bai Zhi’s eyes sparkled with anger, his words clearly implied that he thought she would lose.

“Also, if you lose, you must go back to Capital City. You’re not allowed to come here again.” Yang Ye emphasized.

These words were like pouring oil on the fire for Bai Zhi.

She took a deep breath, striving to keep her face composed. In front of Yang Ye, she endured.

“You should go to the panel of judges now. They are all seated.” She managed to squeeze these words through gritted teeth.

To ensure the competition’s fairness and impartiality, Yang Ye had arranged for ten judges.

Now, they were all seated under the stage.

“Why hasn’t Qiao Xiaomai arrived?” Hearing this, Yang Ye looked towards the pathway next to the Martial Arts Training Ground. Seeing the carriage he had sent, a smile surfaced on his handsome face. “Oh, she’s here.”

Bai Zhi glanced over upon hearing this.

She saw Tong Sanlang jump down from the carriage and snorted, “Her little lover also came with her.”

She emphasized the words ‘little lover’. Yang Ye seemed to not hear it and casually hummed in agreement, his eyes still fixed on the carriage.

The next moment, a fiery light reflected in his dark pupils.

The sudden intense flame made his eyes twitch uncontrollably, and he instinctively widened them.

“Is that…”

He murmured in disbelief. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The transformation was too dramatic, too great.

He had seen Qiao Xiaomai twice before. Back then, she was dressed in ugly coarse clothes, with her eyes cast down and her head low, looking like a timid novice.

But now, she was completely different!

Her facial features were the same, but her entire face seemed to have come alive. It was vibrant and radiant, so enchanting that one couldn’t take their eyes off her.

‘Reborn from the ashes.’ Surprisingly, these words appeared in his mind.

She was stunning!

Bai Zhi also noticed Qiao Xiaomai. Her pupils contracted, and her facial expression became stiff.

How, how is it possible!

How could the gray mouse always hiding in the gutters become a bright, dazzling flame!