Meanwhile, Su Li was busy as a bee in the kitchen, but luckily she had four apprentices helping out.
"Master, is this the right way to pluck the duck feathers? Do you think I cleaned the insides well enough?"
"Master, I brought the pine wood you wanted from the woodshed in the backyard. Do you think it's enough, or should I bring more?"
"Master, I’ve lit the fire in the stove. Do you want it hotter or lower?"
"..."
Those four apprentices were incredibly diligent, not even letting Su Li handle the duck herself.
Su Li sat nearby with a cheerful smile, directing the apprentices to do the menial tasks.
Yuanbao even brought over a small stove, warmed a pot of plum wine, set out a plate of peanuts, and sliced some braised meat to accompany Su Li as they sat together, drinking and snacking.
Su Li kept her eyes fixed on the apprentices, afraid they might mess things up.
"Wife, open your mouth." Yuanbao picked up a piece of braised meat and brought it to Su Li's lips.
Su Li was busy directing the apprentices to turn the duck so it wouldn’t burn, and hurriedly swallowed the meat in one bite.
Yuanbao quickly poured a cup of wine and brought it to Su Li’s lips, and she drank it right from his hand.
Nearby, Lingdang was staring in utter disbelief, her eyes almost popping out.
Is this really their master, General Xiao? Feeding someone by hand and offering wine like this—is this the same fearsome war god general?
Lingdang exchanged glances with the other three, and their reactions were just as stunned—completely shocked.
From memory, the war god Xiao Zetian was a cold, iron-blooded man who never smiled. Ordinary women could never get close to him. Once, a noble lady tried to win his favor by staging a romantic 'accidental' meeting by a banquet pond, pretending to fall into his arms. But General Xiao had no interest in any hero-saving-the-beauty act. He swept his palm through the air, slapping the noble lady into the pond, then walked away, only ordering his servants to fish the unlucky girl out.
Since then, no woman dared to try any tricks to get close to Xiao Zetian.
But now, looking at their very own General Xiao, who acted like a fool all day and even acted cute—just to please Su Li...
The four Xiao family secret guards suddenly understood why Xiao Yun insisted on choosing the four strongest guards to be Su Li’s apprentices. Turns out their master was a true female lead, one who had Xiao General completely wrapped around her finger.
Lingdang and the other three exchanged glances, their hearts suddenly clear: following the female lead, pleasing her, was the most promising path.
So everyone suddenly worked even harder... Being the female lead’s apprentice meant a bright future!
Watching the duck roast to a golden brown, glistening with fragrant oil, Su Li stepped forward to check it. Seeing it was evenly cooked and perfectly done, she happily praised her apprentices, then took the roast duck off the fire. She instructed Lingdang to slice the duck, arrange it on a plate, and set out the prepared sweet bean sauce, thin pancakes, shredded scallions, and cucumber strips on separate plates.
"Give everyone a portion according to the headcount," Su Li smiled and instructed, "You four worked hard, so save one portion for yourselves too."
"Thank you, Master!" The four apprentices smiled like blooming flowers. Such a kind female lead was simply easy to serve!
"Wife, I want some too!" Yuanbao came over, blinking adorably, shamelessly playing the cute card.
Lingdang and the others immediately caught on and quickly found an excuse to slip away like greased lightning.
Disturbing General Xiao and the lady during their lovey-dovey moment would end very badly for them.