The table split in half, each side falling away.

Zhang Biao and Chilie stood stiffly in place.

Chilie stared coldly at Zhang Biao, as if pondering something.

Zhang Biao’s expression remained impassive, though his left arm was twisted at an extremely unnatural angle.

The joint had been broken by tremendous force!

Paba’s heart immediately settled, his eyes showing delight!

As expected… Chilie was invincible, no one in Great Jing could be stronger than him!

Li Yuanzhao stared dumbfounded at Zhang Biao’s left arm.

Who knew arm wrestling could break an arm, who knew Zhang Biao would lose, who knew…

Fang Zheng felt his heart bleeding.

Damn it! How dare you bully my Brother Biao!

Just wait until I find a chance to kill you, you dog!

Zhang Biao had followed him for so long and had never been so badly injured by an outsider.

Given his personality, even after losing he would definitely seek out Chilie for another match.

No good… he’d have to keep an eye on Zhang Biao from now on!

Fang Zheng walked forward and looked concernedly at Zhang Biao’s broken arm: “Are you alright?”

Zhang Biao shook his head.

His right hand gripped his left arm and twisted slightly. With a crack, the joint reset.

After moving it around briefly, it was good as new.

Chilie watched Zhang Biao’s arm with an expression that said “just as I thought.”

Then he said coldly: “Not bad. Though you’re no match for me, we can have a proper fight sometime.”

Zhang Biao continued exercising his arm as he replied: “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. Your left arm is stronger than mine, but you’re still not my match.”

Hearing this, Chilie was stunned for a moment before breaking into loud laughter while pointing at Zhang Biao.

Li Yuanzhao looked at him indignantly.

If Brother Biao says you’re no match, then you’re definitely no match!

What does arm wrestling prove? Could you handle all his hidden weapons and equipment if he used them?

What use is raw strength in a fight? We rely on skill!

Seeing signs they might fight again, Fang Zheng hurriedly urged: “Alright! The match is done! Let’s eat! Let’s eat!”

Paba also stepped forward to dissuade Chilie.

Today’s events should end here. If they got carried away fighting, no one could handle the consequences.

Everyone sat around the table in awkward silence.

Fortunately, Zhang Laoliu arrived with perfect timing carrying dishes.

He thought he should personally serve to make a good impression.

But reaching the second floor and seeing the mess, his face lit up with wild joy before quickly composing itself to appear nonchalant.

He hurried to the table, gave greetings, set down the dishes as if nothing was wrong, then quickly went back downstairs.

After several trips, a table full of fragrant dishes was ready.

Seeing the food and wine prepared, Fang Zheng called out: “Come, come! Master, try our Great Jing cuisine. Warrior, please eat too, don’t be shy.”

Paba nodded with a smile, looking toward Li Yuanzhao.

Li Yuanzhao smiled back and picked up his chopsticks.

Once he started, Zhang Biao didn’t hold back.

Losing at arm wrestling hadn’t affected his appetite as he began eating furiously.

Seeing this, Chilie also stopped being polite and started devouring the food.

Once again, the table became their battlefield!

Paba didn’t rush to eat, first bowing to Li Yuanzhao.

The earlier emergency hadn’t allowed for proper greetings, only now was there time.

“I’ve heard Your Highness is a young talent. Meeting you today proves it true!”

Li Yuanzhao’s face lit with surprise: “Really! Has my reputation reached the Northern Rong? Who said so?”

What?

Paba’s mind struggled to keep up. Wasn’t this how people in Great Jing made small talk?

Why was there a follow-up question? Had he not learned the customs properly?

After pondering without finding an answer, he stammered: “Ah… who said it? I heard it!”

“Heard from whom?” Li Yuanzhao pressed.

There are people in the capital who recognize my talent? I must know who!

Paba didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but had to press on: “Heard from Lord Fang, heard from the district citizens!”

“Oh, I see…” Li Yuanzhao was disappointed. He’d thought someone at the Court of Diplomatic Receptions recognized his talent.

What’s the point of praise from those close to him?

Paba gathered his thoughts: “I heard from Lord Fang that Banshan District is under Your Highness’s direct management.”

“Today has truly opened my eyes. Could Your Highness share some wisdom about administration?”

After this brief exchange, doubt crept into Paba’s mind.

Though Banshan District was prosperous, Li Yuanzhao seemed like an ordinary impetuous youth.

He was completely different from the calm, composed, and naturally graceful image Paba had imagined.

Such a person… could really transform a backward district without imperial funding?

It seemed highly unlikely!

Hearing someone ask for his guidance, Li Yuanzhao grew excited.

The desire to teach others is everyone’s instinct, especially men.

Seeing Paba’s apparently humble and eager-to-learn attitude made Li Yuanzhao even more pleased.

“Very well! Since you ask so sincerely, this prince will teach you!”

Fang Zheng shook his head sighing, unable to keep from covering his eyes.

How embarrassing! Young people are still naive, some bad habits haven’t been fixed!

Though Paba maintained his smile, inwardly he thought less of Li Yuanzhao.

The Crown Prince wasn’t at all like Fang Zheng had described. He had almost been fooled!

Li Yuanzhao pointed at a dish with his chopsticks.

Swaying his head, he said: “Let’s use this dish as an example!”

“You know the saying ‘illness enters through the mouth.’ Do you know why?”

Paba asked puzzled: “Why?”

Li Yuanzhao smiled slightly: “Because there are invisible microbes on everything in the world.”

“Like other animals, microbes are divided into different types.”

“Many are harmful, and eating harmful microbes naturally makes people sick!”

Really? I don’t believe it!

Paba stared at the dishes on the table, his eyes full of confusion.

Microbes? How did you see something that can’t be seen?

Seeing his confusion, Li Yuanzhao explained: “Though microbes can’t be seen with the naked eye, we can prove they exist.”

“Think about it. In hot weather, mutton spoils in just days, but in deep winter it can be preserved for months. Why do you think that is?”

“!”

Lightning suddenly flashed through Paba’s mind, and he blurted out: “Because the bugs are frozen stiff?”

“Good! Very insightful!”

“This proves invisible microbes exist.”

“Though microbes are harmful and countless, they’re like humans. They need water, air, and fear cold and heat.”

“By developing methods to target them, we can extend food preservation time and reduce harm from microbes. When managing the district’s restaurants, I started with isolation…”

Li Yuanzhao spoke eloquently, detailing his measures to reform the district’s restaurants, unable to hide his smugness when reaching satisfying points.

Across from him, Paba’s mouth slowly fell open as he stared in amazement.

Though he didn’t fully understand everything said, it seemed logical and well-reasoned!

Though unwilling to admit it, he had actually been convinced?!

This youth… his thinking was unconventional. No ordinary person indeed!