Chapter 69: Monarch and Minister at Odds Over a Roasted Sweet Potato

“This man’s name is Bo Yikao. He is the eldest son of Ji Chang, the Lord of Xiqi. That is all I gleaned from Miss Su’s memories.”

“Bo Yikao? The eldest son of Ji Chang in Xiqi? This…”

King Zhou was startled, and immediately turned to Chu Xiaoyu, asking, “Sir, do I recall you mentioning Xiqi has produced a wise ruler, the second son of Ji Chang, called… called…”

“His name is Ji Fa. But judging by the current situation, events have deviated from their original course.”

His own intervention had thrown the old script into utter disarray, so much so that not even the parents would recognize it now.

“Sir, when I return, should I kill Ji Fa? Otherwise, my kingdom may not survive.”

King Zhou blurted out such a naive question.

“Haha, it’s no wonder history calls you a tyrant. You really do have the temperament of a ruthless despot. But nowadays, we live in a society governed by law—don't go around shouting to kill or fight. If you win, you end up in jail; if you lose, you’ll be sent to the hospital.”

“Sir, your words are quite twisty. I can guarantee they won’t understand you at all.”

Fat Ox sipped his soda contentedly, listening in on their conversation, growing ever more delighted.

King Zhou scratched his head awkwardly. “Ahem… Sir, I was just anxious, so I spoke without thinking.”

“Come, let me treat everyone to roasted sweet potatoes.”

Iron Fan suddenly brought out a large tray of fragrant roasted sweet potatoes, filling the hall with their enticing aroma.

King Zhou and Su Hu’s eyes immediately widened in amazement.

King Zhou couldn’t help but ask, “What is this? Why does it smell so wonderful?”

Chu Xiaoyu took a sweet potato, peeled it, took a bite, and explained, “This is called sweet potato, also known as yam or potato—common stuff, not worth much. We usually feed it to pigs.”

What? Such a delicious and delightful treasure is used to feed pigs?

What a waste!

King Zhou, eager and impatient, imitated them, grabbing a sweet potato and eating it whole, skin and all.

He bit into it hastily, unable to avoid burning himself, and cried out, “Ah, ah… it’s burning me, it’s burning me…”

“My lord, are you alright? Should I blow on it for you?”

Having swallowed piping hot sweet potato straight from the oven, King Zhou now danced about like an ant on a hot pan, his comical antics drawing laughter from all.

“Heh, look at you country bumpkins. This just came out of the oven—it's hot. You have to eat it slowly. Rushing won’t help.”

---

Sun Wukong, Fat Ox, and Iron Fan watched King Zhou’s silly antics, barely able to contain their laughter.

Sitting apart, Su Daji observed the lively scene, her heart sinking with sorrow.

Before she could even begin, her mission had already failed.

The assignment entrusted by Lady Nuwa had not progressed at all; the plan had died before it could be born.

What now? If Lady Nuwa held her responsible, she would not escape death.

“Daji, here, take this sweet potato while it’s hot. It tastes wonderful.”

Seeing Su Daji trapped and unable to move, Iron Fan peeled a sweet potato and brought it over.

“I… thank you, little sister.”

Su Daji meant to refuse, but the enticing aroma of the roasted sweet potato made her swallow involuntarily.

“Come, take it.”

Iron Fan pressed the sweet potato into Su Daji’s hand. “Daji, I’ll tell you, my master is a good person, with a gentle temper. As long as you don’t provoke him, he won’t trouble you.”

“I…” Su Daji lowered her head and said nothing.

“Sigh!” Iron Fan sighed, “We don’t know why you possessed that lady, but I can see you were forced. You didn’t do it willingly, right? Whoever controls you must be powerful. Why not ask the master for help? He’s very capable.”

“I…”

Su Daji shook her head, refusing to speak further.

She was, after all, a fox spirit—a despised creature, scorned by all, never fit for respectable company. Everyone wished to see her destroyed.

Now, bound by Lady Nuwa’s orders, she was but a minor demon. What else could she do?

She had infiltrated the capital but failed to bewitch King Zhou.

All her efforts had been wasted!

If Lady Nuwa learned of this, who knew what punishment she would face?

Now, under Chu Xiaoyu’s strange power, Su Daji felt utterly hopeless.

“Sir, these roasted sweet potatoes taste wonderful, truly delicious.”

For both King Zhou and Su Hu, it was their first time tasting something so exquisite and flavorful.

---

The entire tray of roasted sweet potatoes was devoured almost entirely by King Zhou and Su Hu.

When only one sweet potato remained, Fat Ox found both men eyeing it hungrily.

“Su Hu, there’s just one left. This sweet potato…”

“My lord, I’m still not full…”

“You… I’m not full either!”

The two men, like hungry wolves, competed fiercely for the last morsel.

“This sweet potato is mine!”

“Who says so? There’s no mark on it. Anyone can have it.”

“Su Hu, you’re insolent! This sweet potato must belong to me. Dare you defy me? Aren’t you afraid I might take your head?”

“I’m not afraid. Besides, this isn’t the palace—this is the master’s manor.”

For the sake of a mouthful, Su Hu risked everything.

Chu Xiaoyu, unable to bear the squabble, ordered Iron Fan to roast more sweet potatoes, finally quelling their heated argument.

Still, the last sweet potato went to King Zhou.

King Zhou devoured it happily, immersed in the endless flavor, unable to pull himself away.

Suddenly, King Zhou sighed, “Ah! Such delicious food—while I can feast, my people aren’t so fortunate. Sigh!”

He reflected that he had only been king for two years. Though he’d worked hard to govern, the Shang dynasty was already in its twilight.

Disasters plagued the land—floods, droughts, and the people lacked food and clothing.

As king, he indulged in this feast, feeling deeply guilty.

Sun Wukong, Fat Ox, and Iron Fan had gone to the backyard to frolic, leaving the hall quiet.

Su Daji, meanwhile, was lost in her own failed mission, wallowing in self-pity.