Chapter 140: Going with the Flow

“I was too shallow in my understanding,” the Lord Gao admitted belatedly.

“Then what is the purpose of running a noodle shop? Is it merely to engage in commerce and earn more silver? I fear that is not the case!” Han Qing nodded in agreement.

As expected, during these past few days when Lord Gao attended court, he had already heard that the borderlands were harsh and unforgiving. The local populace was unable to supply provisions to the soldiers. The troops had been exhausted from their long, relentless marches and were likely to face the enemy forces of the State of Chu directly. In such a grueling environment, even the bravest hearts would gradually be worn down.

“Do any of you ministers have suggestions?” the Sovereign asked instinctively.

Each man offered his own reasoning, though it was uncertain whether any advice would prove truly effective.

“Your Majesty, I have heard that there is a noodle shop in Luoyang that produces something called instant noodles, which can be carried and consumed easily on the road. My unworthy son once purchased some,” one trembling minister confessed honestly.

The Sovereign nodded thoughtfully. “Is this true?”

“Your Majesty, if I had a hundred lives, I would not dare to deceive you!” the minister responded earnestly.

Given this, they resolved to visit the noodle shop to investigate. Should the product prove exceptional, they would procure large quantities of instant noodles to supply the border troops.

After several officials examined the product, they found the instant noodles remarkably reliable and delicious—surpassing the dry biscuits previously sent to the front lines.

Cao, the appointed official, received the order. Armed with the government-issued silver coins, he prepared to purchase a batch of instant noodles.

Upon learning this, Han Qing immediately advised him, “If the court wishes to requisition this, I am willing to present the recipe to Your Majesty.”

“What?” Zhu, the young master, was stunned. If the recipe were gifted to the Sovereign, what would become of their noodle shop? It would no longer generate a steady income. This was simply outrageous.

“No, your decision is too rash,” Han Qing said, shaking his head. “You have not considered the immense human and material resources invested in establishing this shop. It cannot be handed over freely without compensation.”

He understood the concern perfectly.

“Lord Cao, we are willing to offer the instant noodle recipe directly to His Majesty, but in return, we hope His Majesty will bestow a written endorsement upon our shop.”

This…

“Han, this puts me in a difficult position,” Lord Cao replied. “I must report the matter to His Majesty as is; I have no authority to decide.”

Han Qing nodded. Meanwhile, Zhu, who had been anxious moments before, came to full realization. Fortunately, no outsiders had overheard these words; otherwise, malicious parties might accuse him of speaking recklessly before the Sovereign.

“If the Emperor himself inscribes a calligraphic endorsement, our noodle shop will surely become renowned, attracting many more customers,” Han Qing mused. How could that be a losing proposition?

Upon hearing this, the Sovereign was surprised—never before had anyone dared to make such a request. Yet, impressed by the youth’s boldness, he consented and personally penned several inscriptions. Even the shop’s signboard was subtly altered.

Now that the Sovereign himself favored the establishment, no troublemakers would dare disturb it—unless they wished to challenge imperial authority.

Meanwhile, the instant noodles underwent extensive preparation in the imperial kitchen before being dispatched to the border to provision the soldiers.

Seeing the resolute spirit of their adversaries, the Chu forces hesitated to make a rash move. The two armies remained locked in stalemate for months.

Within Luoyang, the two princes were subjected to strict constraints. The Sovereign reprimanded them for past misdeeds and revoked their powers.

For a time, court officials were thrown into chaos, uncertain whether to continue supporting their respective patrons. If their faction fell, survival would be impossible.

Only Han Qing moved freely, and thanks to the instant noodles solving the supply crisis, the Sovereign waived his palace examination and even intended to grant him a high office.

Han Qing declined resolutely, instead accepting the position of Deputy Minister of Rites—a relatively idle post, mainly overseeing the organization of scholarly texts.

The ongoing intrigues kept everyone vigilant; no one dared act rashly, lest chaos break out.

“Lord Han, the latest records compiled by the historians have been placed in the attic. Shall I fetch them for your review?” his subordinates asked, quick-witted as always.

Upon seeing other historians bring books, they hurried out in a crowd.

Han Qing nodded, cautioning, “Be careful.”

These men only sought to earn their keep, yet three hours passed without the attendant returning from the attic. Han Qing found this suspicious and instructed his retinue to accompany him to investigate.

“Sir, that lad has likely run off. I suspect he damaged some books and fled to avoid blame,” one attendant muttered en route.

Having served under several Deputy Ministers of Rites, he was familiar with dishonest servants. The region had limited resources, and some newcomers left disappointed after a month or two.

“Enough of your gossip,” Han Qing said coldly. They could not judge others based on speculation; the facts must guide their conclusions.

Upon reaching the attic, they called out for the servant but received no reply.

“Could he have really fled?” the attendant muttered.

Rounding a corner, they found a man lying on the ground.

“Ah!” he screamed in shock.

Han Qing rushed over to see the servant sprawled, sweating profusely and barely conscious—likely struck by illness.

“What happened? Send for the physician immediately,” Han Qing commanded calmly.

There was no need to panic over this incident.