Chapter 632.2: Reverse Scale - Part 2
The path was quiet, with few eunuchs in sight. Thus, no one discovered this chief eunuch. Before long, Li Heng arrived in front of the Imperial Kitchen.
According to the rules, the Imperial Kitchen required someone on duty at all hours, lest His Majesty should suddenly crave a late-night meal. However, since the Emperor had no consorts and previously only had the Empress alone, the Imperial Kitchen typically kept just one person on duty after dinner.
When Li Heng stepped into the kitchen, the eunuch on duty that night was currently dozing by the stove.
Hearing the sound of footsteps, the plump eunuch, who had been serving as the chef for the Great Liang Emperor for several years, rubbed his eyes and asked casually, “What does His Majesty feel like eating tonight?”
When no response came, the plump eunuch opened his eyes to look. Immediately, he stood up and said respectfully, “Eunuch Li, how is it that you're personally here to deliver the request tonight?!”
Li Heng set the lantern aside and smiled. “It's not to deliver an order. His Majesty went to bed early. You won't be needed tonight. But I, on the other hand, am feeling a bit hungry. Could you make me a bowl of dumpling soup?”
The plump eunuch hesitated, glancing at Li Heng with some difficulty. “Eunuch Li, the palace rules... This servant is only allowed to prepare food for His Majesty...”
Even as he spoke, he felt somewhat perplexed. Li Heng had been in the palace for years and was certainly not one to misunderstand the rules. So why would he make such a request?
Li Heng smiled and asked, “Is it that difficult?”