Chapter 240 - 240: No Medicine
While Liao Ning explained the process, she swiftly executed each step with practiced ease. She had performed this maneuver countless times and was exceptionally familiar with it.
Once the soup was ready, Loya arranged for the activation of the five senses sharing system. The viewers in the live-stream were able to experience the delectable clam fish soup once again.
“Indeed, ancient delicacies still rely on Liao Ning. Only she can create such a delicious soup!”
“I have attempted this recipe before, but it has never turned out this mouthwatering! Liao Ning truly deserves her reputation as the top ancient delicacy expert.”
“This ancient dish is both affordable and easy to make, with readily available ingredients. It surpasses the expensive ancient recipes recommended by this princess.”
“Look at how she’s dressed. Does she even look like someone who can cook such incredible food?”
“If it weren’t for the empire saving Liao Ning, we would never have known the antidote formula.”
Loya interjected sarcastically, “The royal family incurred significant losses by making the antidote formula public. However, in order to ensure the genuine loyalty of every mermaid, the royal family decided to disclose the formula. This is also Miss Liao’s way of expressing gratitude to the royal family.”
“Alright, today’s ancient food live-stream comes to an end. Stay tuned for the next episode featuring a new ancient recipe. I’ll be waiting for you in the live-stream!”
With a final smile directed at the camera, Loya concluded the live-stream and brought it to an end, denying Liao Ning any opportunity to address the audience.
Liao Ning chose not to stoop to Loya’s level. She had achieved her objective, firmly believing that the mermaids would soon comprehend her true intentions.
Initially, the king intended to utilize the live-stream to win the people’s hearts. At the very least, he expected the mermaids within the empire to cease their rebellion. However, he hadn’t anticipated Loya’s act of revealing the raw materials for the formula to Ke Lang in advance.
Upon witnessing Liao Ning’s live-stream, the merfolk eagerly set out to purchase the required ingredients, unaware that prices had already skyrocketed.
“What? The Golden Toad is priced at 10,000 star coins?” an enraged mermaid grabbed the collar of the shop owner.
“What do you think you’re doing? Are you rebelling?” The shop owner showed no fear. “Take a good look. Only the Sam family’s shop possesses Golden Toads in the entire empire. Buy it or leave if you don’t want to!”
Several mermaids, who had consumed the antidote, attempted to argue with the shop owner, but the guards swiftly arrived, forcing the mermaids to disperse.
Numerous mermaids who had yet to consume the antidote remained on Planet Empire, completely defenseless against the guards.
In that moment, Loya answered Ke Lang’s call with a smile on her face.
“Your Highness, you truly have a knack for business. With the Sam family buying out the entire Golden Toad market, the merfolk will have to spend a fortune to obtain the antidote,” Sam’s voice rang out, exuding an air of self-satisfaction.
At that very moment, he held a young mermaid in his arms. Many mermaids were willing to exchange their bodies for star coins in order to secure enough golden clams.
Loya’s voice dripped with disdain. “That’s nothing. Are you truly going to let the mermen slip out of your control?”
Sam tightly pinched the mermaid beside him, eliciting a groan. Only then did he respond with satisfaction, “Of course not. Mermaids are such obedient creatures. We can’t allow them to escape our control. Following your instructions, I have infused a significant amount of Golden Shells into the golden clams. The antidote is rendered ineffective.”
Loya’s smile widened upon hearing the response she desired. “Excellent.”
The Golden Shell closely resembled the golden clams, differing only in minor patterns. However, the Golden Shell itself possessed a certain level of toxicity. When combined with the Golden Toad, it nullified the effects of the antidote.
Regardless of how many Golden Toads the merfolk purchased, they would be unable to produce an effective antidote. Not only would the merfolk be incapable of rebellion, but they would also direct their anger towards Liao Ning.
As anticipated, just two days later, a group of mermaids gathered in front of the royal castle once again. However, this time, they sought confrontation with Liao Ning.
“What is happening?” The king’s anxiety grew palpable.
Loya swiftly offered an explanation, “Father, I have made inquiries, and the mermaids are claiming that consuming the antidote has been futile. Many of them have fallen ill.”
“How is that possible? Wasn’t the rebel army using the same antidote formula?
How could there be such a mistake?”
The king had great faith in Liao Ning’s expertise in ancient delicacies. Furthermore, the antidote research institute of the rebel army had already conducted studies on it, confirming the effectiveness of the ingredients. Thus, there shouldn’t have been any issues.
Loya countered, “Father, appearances can be deceiving.. How can we be certain that the formula provided by Liao Ning is genuine? She might have been sent by the rebel army to undermine the royal family’s standing with the people!”