What Is the Secret Weapon

12/2/2025

Su Li set aside her already damaged mask and turned to Bella Bell, saying, "Tomorrow is the grand opening of Suxin Pavilion. Have our people secretly stir things up and spread the word throughout the Capital: Princess Mira is going to challenge Princess Lily Hayes, with their restaurants opening right across from each other for a head-to-head showdown. Do whatever it takes to help Suxin Pavilion get publicity—make sure everyone in the city knows about the big battle between Suxin Pavilion and Eight Treasures Bistro. The bigger we make this rivalry, the better."

"Yes, Master. I'll get right on it," Bella Bell replied.

"Oh, by the way, where's Mr. White? Haven't seen him around lately. My mask is broken—I need him to make me a new one," Su Li said.

Bella Bell paused, then said, "Mr. White? He used to come by the restaurant all the time, but lately he really hasn't been around much. Don't worry, Master, I'll send someone to invite Mr. White to the manor tomorrow so he can help with your mask."

"Alright, thank you for your hard work," Su Li nodded.

Bella Bell left Prince of Qin's Manor and did exactly as Su Li instructed, spreading the news.

In just one night, the news swept through the Capital like a spring breeze. Everyone now knew that Princess Mira was set to battle Princess Lily Hayes, with their restaurants facing off in a culinary contest.

Eight Treasures Bistro was already famous throughout the Capital. Everyone knew Princess Lily Hayes’s culinary skills were legendary—so good, in fact, she could outcook the chefs of the imperial kitchen.

But as for Princess Mira—after her last challenge, she failed on opening day. So how did she still have the nerve to challenge again?

Rumor had it that Princess Mira—also known as Princess Mira of Chu—had acquired a secret weapon, one powerful enough to defeat Princess Lily Hayes.

For a moment, everyone was consumed with curiosity about the secret weapon Princess Mira supposedly had in her hands—one that could defeat Princess Lily Hayes.

Early the next morning, the idle folks of the Capital flocked toward Suxin Pavilion, eager to catch a glimpse of the showdown between the two princess consorts. What exactly was Princess Mira’s mysterious trump card that gave her such confidence to challenge Princess Lily Hayes?

Princess Mira placed great importance on the opening of Suxin Pavilion—she was counting on it to finally best Su Li. Naturally, she made sure to attend in person.

When Princess Mira saw the crowd, she was stunned. So many people had come to support her!

Princess Mira had no idea that these people were drawn in by the rumors Su Li had deliberately spread. She thought Suxin Pavilion’s reputation alone had brought them, and her heart bloomed with delight.

Suxin Pavilion was bustling with excitement, while Eight Treasures Bistro across the street seemed deserted in comparison. Normally packed with guests, today many were watching Suxin Pavilion’s grand opening, leaving Eight Treasures Bistro with far fewer patrons.

This only made Princess Mira more certain that she could defeat Su Li.

The opening of Suxin Pavilion was nothing short of magnificent. Having learned from her last failure, Princess Mira brought along her own royal guards.

After the lion dance, firecrackers, ribbon-cutting, and other ceremonies, Princess Mira herself announced the grand opening of Suxin Pavilion.

Guests surged into Suxin Pavilion like a tidal wave. With opening discounts and incredibly cheap dishes, plates were brought out one after another. To everyone’s astonishment, the food tasted just as delicious as the dishes at Eight Treasures Bistro!

Could it be that Princess Mira truly possessed a secret weapon that could rival Princess Lily Hayes?

As the diners ate, a question lingered in their minds: What was this secret weapon that could reproduce the unique flavors of Eight Treasures Bistro?

If only they could get some for their own kitchens—would they be able to cook even more delicious dishes at home?

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