Plot Recap: Previously, Li Rufeng successfully convinced the Empress and civil and military officials in the imperial court with his meticulously prepared Spirit Rice promotion plan. He completed the System-issued task "Spirit Rice Approved by the Empress," earning points, a lucky draw chance, the qualification to purchase a mysterious item, the special title "Spirit Rice Ambassador," and a 30% favorability bonus from members of the royal family. The lucky draw yielded a "Spirit Rice Quality Improvement Pill," the mysterious item was a "Spirit Rice Space Expansion Talisman," and his points balance also increased significantly. Li Rufeng thus became even more determined to stride forward on his path as an "unorthodox cultivator" dedicated to the promotion of Spirit Rice.
Time moved forward to the seventh day of mid-summer (May 29th). That day, Li Rufeng, at the invitation of the Empress, went to the back garden of the Imperial Palace to dine with her. The back garden of the Imperial Palace was magnificent indeed, with exotic flowers and rare plants competing in beauty, and pavilions and terraces arranged in an orderly fashion.
Dining with the Empress involved numerous rules. Every dish brought to the table was first tested for poison with a silver needle by a dedicated food-tasting eunuch; only after it was confirmed to be non-toxic would the Empress use her chopsticks. Moreover, while the Empress was dining, all surrounding attendants had to hold their breath and remain sil…
Chapter 474