"Keep them locked up for a few days! If they don't mean any harm, let them go," He Dazhi told a military officer.
"Yes!" The soldiers replied, then left together.
Wu Dayi followed He Dazhi over to Luo Yunji's table.
"I saw Zhou Mu today." He Dazhi picked up the teapot, poured himself a cup, and spoke.
"Is he one of the military officers the imperial court sent this time?" Wu Dayi took the teacup He Dazhi handed him, sipped it, and asked.
"This time, the imperial court sent only four military officers to take part in the training. Zhou Mu was one of them. I heard the court even held a military tournament specifically for this," He Dazhi said, taking a sip of tea to moisten his throat.
"Zhou Mu had our guidance, after all. He deserved a place among them." Wu Dayi smiled, recalling those days in the Imperial City.
"How did things go this time?" He Dazhi asked.
"Xiaofan is back there learning from those chefs. Looks like we're in for another feast tonight!" Wu Dayi said. Thinking of the brothers currently staying at Big Bamboo Peak, he couldn't help laughing. "Eldest Senior Brother and the others are in for it! They're used to Seventh Senior Brother's cooking. Having to eat Sixth Senior Brother's food again must be a miserable experience!"
He Dazhi laughed along with him.
The chefs Zhang Xiaofan approved of all wanted one of four things: wealth, power, strength, or skill.
That meant money, status, strength, or culinary skill.
For those who chose culinary skill, Zhang Xiaofan would put them through another test. If they could make a dish that satisfied Luo Yunji, they would be kept on. So far, though, not a single chef had pleased Luo Yunji enough to earn a place