Turning the Tables

To avoid prying eyes, Bella Bell entered the academy through the side gate and found Su Li in the dean's private courtyard.

Bella Bell reported last night's findings to Su Li in detail.

Su Li laughed after hearing the report: "Oh, I wondered who was plotting against me. Turns out it's Princess Mira. Well, if it's Princess Mira, I'm not worried."

Bella Bell stuck out her tongue and giggled, "Yeah, that silly princess is much easier to deal with than Gregory Gu or anyone else. Master, what do you plan to do this time?"

Su Li lowered her head, thought for a moment, then looked up at Bella Bell with a sly smile: "Isn't Princess Mira trying to bribe our head chefs? Go pick the two best chefs and secretly tell them to pretend they've been bribed, break ties with Eight Treasures Bistro, and go work as head chefs at Princess Mira's Suxin Pavilion."

And if that spy wants to steal spices, just prepare a small bag of one type and leave it out for them to take as they please.

Seeing Su Li's sly smile, Bella Bell was confused: "Master, why do we have to do this?"

Su Li smiled mysteriously and winked, "Bella Bell, Edward's overseas fleet is about to return fully loaded with spices. I've been worrying about how to drive the price of these spices up to match gold. Now Princess Mira is handing us the opportunity. This time, I'll turn the tables and make full use of that foolish Princess Mira!"

Su Li whispered her plan in Bella Bell's ear. Bella Bell's eyes lit up, nearly unable to contain her admiration: "Master, your idea is amazing!"

Su Li clapped her hands and chuckled, "Bella Bell, keep this secret—only you and I know. Even the two chefs acting as spies shouldn't know the whole plan, or the whole scheme could fail."

Bella Bell nodded briskly, "Yes, yes, I understand. I'll get right on it!"

Bella Bell hurried out to carry out Su Li's instructions, but as soon as she stepped outside, she saw a group of people making a commotion at the entrance of Mr. Jade Evans's courtyard.

Bella Bell glanced over and saw several richly dressed people apparently negotiating with academy staff, with some disagreement.

She tugged at a passing staff member and asked, "What's going on over there?"

The staff member replied, "Those are nouveau riche from the south. They heard about the academy's reputation and want to enroll their sons, but they refuse to follow the rules and insist on seeing Mr. Jade Evans in person."

Bella Bell's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let me handle this!" she said, rolling up her sleeves and striding toward the crowd.

Su Li, watching from afar, couldn't help but laugh. "With Bella Bell around, even a mountain of gold won't stand a chance against her tongue!"