Liu Shan Men and the Three Departments - Not Quite Normal

　　"Pr-Prime Minister Li?" I stammered, after seeing the frigid gaze of a young individual next to the Prime Minister.

　　Prime Minister's first reaction upon seeing me was surprise, and then he smiled. I teamed up with him to set up Jin Dagang at Heavenly Fragrance Garden, so we were allies in a sense. That was why he didn't appear to think too poorly of me despite the big gap in our status.

　　The Prime Minister only had one servant with him. Judging from his appearance, he was roughly twenty-six years old. Although he was dressed as a family servant, he looked tough. It was very noticeable when he shot me a glare very similarly to a martial artist. He was actually decent with martial arts. It was understandable and expected for the prime minister to have a few competent fighters with him.

　　The prime minister wore a smile: "Young Ming, I see. What a coincidence. How about sitting with this old one?"

　　I blinked and laughed before pulled a stool out to sit, acting as though I didn't just harshly call him an oldie…

　　"It truly is a coincidence. This one views you as the pillar of the nation. It would cost three lifetimes of luck to meet you just once. This one did not expect to see you here."

　　The prime minister's servant seemed frustrated with my disrespect back there. That'd explain his livid glare on me.

　　"Yanbei, you don't need to be so hostile. Young Ming here is this old one's friend," said Prime Minister Li Si, waving a hand and stroking his bead with the other. "Heh, this old one needs a breather from his busy life. How much can one possibly do in a lifetime? One needs to rest to have the energy to work."

　　"You are absolutely correct."

　　I waved at Second Brother behind me to signal for him to return to Liu Shan Men. He had no clue what I was trying to say. The fact that he met the prime minister already further fuelled his confusion. Thus, he resorted to Voice Transmission: "Big Bro, you want to solo the old man? Mount Daluo doesn't need to revolt yet, does it? If you want to pummel him, give me the signal. I need to pack our luggage first. I bought lots of native foods in the capital, so I need to pack!"

　　I shot Second Brother a glare: "Put a sock in it! This involves all of the orthodox sects. What do you know?!"

　　Prime Minister Li Si didn't notice our eye exchange. Smiling, he said, "Since you have joined me at the table, you are a guest. This old one shall treat you. Do not stand on ceremony. Order whatever you like."

　　"This humble one shall oblige, then." I immediately shouted, "Give us a plate of braised pork shoulders in soy sauce! Make it quick!"

　　I ordered sixteen entrees at my table before, so I didn't get around to my braised pork shoulders in soy sauce when the prime minister interrupted. Man, I barely made it in time for the day's main event.

　　The waiter frantically nodded and shouted, "One pot of braised pork shoulders in soy sauce for our esteemed guest over here."

　　"Wait!" interjected the prime minister, voice energetic. I expected him to interject, but the waiter almost pulled a neck muscle mid shout.

　　The prime minister griped, "Young Ming, this old one doesn't want to say this, but why would you choose shoulders, spareribs and whatnot of all things? Those things are for peasants. They are not worthy of being served on a table. Waiter, give the young man a bowl of pearls, emerald and nephrite s-"

　　"Wait!" I interjected, nearly leading to the waiter choking on his saliva. Sternly, I said, "Prime Minister, I must correct you on that. There is no such thing as n.o.bility or lowly when it comes to cuisine. Your pearls and nephrite soup is a commoner's soup, is it not? If you wish to compare their origins, pork shoulders would be considered more exalted."

　　Yanbei exclaimed, "Insolence! Know your place."

　　The prime minister also coldly stated, "Should you insist, this old one shall not treat you."

　　"You need not treat this one!" I flicked my sleeve and placed eight coins on the table: "I shall pay for myself! Waiter, give me a serve of braised pork shoulders in soy sauce!"

　　The other customers glanced over to our table when they saw us quarrelling. Their eyes were rewarded with my suave flick. Of course they praised it. Second Brother looked at me as if he was looking at a r.e.t.a.r.d…