Chapter 110: Chapter 109: Making Lunch for the Empress Chapter 110: Chapter 109: Making Lunch for the Empress Indeed, it was only she who had a mind full of lewd junk.

In contrast, Xiao Jinyan always acted like a true gentleman without ever crossing the line by half a step.

She had nibbled on Xiao Jinyan twice already~

Xiao Jinyan knocked on her ample forehead, “What are you thinking about?”

How could Shen Chuwei have the nerve to say that her thoughts had strayed off course?

She lifted her delicate little face, her eyes and brows curved, “Your Highness is so tall, your concubine has to tilt her head back just to see Your Highness’s handsome face.” With that, she threw in a compliment–flattery gets you everywhere!

Xiao Jinyan chuckled softly, “As a man, I naturally have to be a bit taller.

It’s not good for a woman to be too tall; it makes it harder for her to marry.”

If Xiao Jinyu heard this, he would definitely say, “Brother, there really are women as tall as you.

If she has trouble marrying, I’ll support her.”

Chun Xi had prepared breakfast early in the morning since the Crown Prince stayed overnight, specially making steamed pork dumplings.

Although Shen Chuwei didn’t know why Xiao Jinyan wanted her to have the meal with him, making her get up early, the moment she saw the steamed dumplings, all her little grievances disappeared.

The rule during meals was that she could only start eating after the Crown Prince had begun, but it didn’t affect her speed of eating.

Of the six steamed dumplings, Xiao Jinyan ate two, and the remaining four all went into her stomach.

While she was eating the fourth one, Xiao Jinyan spoke up, “Eat less, you might overburden your digestive system.”

“Your Highness needn’t worry, your concubine has super good digestion.” Shen Chuwei said, while taking another bite, eating joyfully since she had the lion’s share.

During the meal, Xiao Jinyan also mentioned that Shen Chuwei should move closer because it took a long time to travel back and forth from her place to his sleeping chamber for meals.

Why would Shen Chuwei bear to leave the small vegetable garden, chicken coop, and fishpond of Xiyun Pavilion?

She definitely refused, and she did so very tactfully.

“Your Highness, moving places would be good, of course.

Hehuan Hall is spacious; I can grow vegetables, raise chickens and ducks, and maybe even keep some other things.”

Hearing this, Xiao Jinyan didn’t press the issue of moving places anymore; he really couldn’t stand the smell of the chicken coop.

After finishing the breakfast, Xiao Jinyan left Xiyun Pavilion.

Before leaving, he said, “For lunch, I will come to Xiyun Pavilion.”

Shen Chuwei bowed gracefully, “Then your concubine will wait for Your Highness.”

Once Xiao Jinyan had left, Shen Chuwei immediately lay down on the bed to continue her nap.

*

The Empress’s palate had become ever more discerning, and she found herself unable to stomach any of the dishes in front of her.

Seeing the untouched food, Mammy Qingying urged, “Your Majesty, please eat at least a little.”

The Empress shook her head, “No more, set forth to the East Palace.”

Qing Ying understood; the Empress couldn’t hold back any longer and wanted the Crown Prince to prepare some snacks.

The Empress’s entourage proceeded grandly on its way toward the East Palace.

Xiao Jinyan was having breakfast when he heard that the Empress had arrived, and he hurriedly got up to greet her.

Over the years, the Empress rarely took the initiative to visit Xiao Jinyan; this was her second visit in a month.

“Your son pays his respects to Mother Empress.

May the Empress live in everlasting peace and happiness,” he greeted her.

“Rise,” said the Empress, glancing at the dining table, “Is the Crown Prince having his meal?”

Xiao Jinyan nodded, “Yes, would Mother Empress care to join me?”

Initially a bit awkward, the Empress found the Crown Prince’s suggestion helped ease her embarrassment.

“It has been a long time since the palace dined with the Crown Prince.

Today’s visit is timely, let us dine together,” she said and sat down at the table.

Liu Xi instructed the maids to prepare another set of tableware.

Xiao Jinyan sat back down as well, waiting for the Empress to pick up her chopsticks first.

The Empress picked up her chopsticks and looked at the food in front of her.

There were several dishes she hadn’t seen before.

She picked one that looked appetizing, took a piece, and began to chew, finding the taste even better than she had imagined.

Curious, she asked, “What dish is this?”

Xiao Jinyan replied, “To answer Mother Empress, this is stir-fried green peppers with dried tofu.”

“The taste is good,” the Empress couldn’t help but pick up a few more chopsticks worth, eating half a bowl of porridge.

Xiao Jinyan watched the Empress eat breakfast.

Since his return, this was the first time he had breakfast with the Empress at the same table, as it had never happened before.

Eating in silence and sleeping without conversation, it wasn’t until after the meal that the Empress spoke, “The cooks in the Crown Prince’s palace have improved their skills.”

Xiao Jinyan modestly replied, “Mother overpraises.”

The Empress took a sip of tea and asked, “Do you still have any of those small side dishes you sent over a while ago?”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan guessed that the Empress had come for this reason because it was quite rare for her to visit the East Palace.

Xiao Jinyan said, “Replying to mother, there aren’t any left.

If there are, I’ll have Liu Xi send some to you.”

The Empress seemed a bit disappointed upon hearing this, “That’s fine.

You go on with your affairs; I will return to my palace now.”

After seeing off the Empress, Xiao Jinyan busied himself with his own matters.

As the Empress strolled around the East Palace, she passed by Xinlan Hall and decided to visit her niece because the issue with the establishment of a Concubine had probably left Lanlan somewhat heartbroken.

When the Empress arrived, Shen Mingzhu was also there, bowing with Lady Chang to greet the Empress.

“May the Empress be blessed with peace and good health.”

Glancing at Shen Mingzhu, the Empress sat down on the couch.

The maid brought forward tea, served by Lady Chang, “Aunt, please have some tea.”

The Empress nodded and took the tea.

Lady Chang, holding her skirt, sat down and asked with concern, “Aunt, has your appetite improved recently?”

The Empress heaved a sigh, “It’s the same as always, nothing tastes good.

The food from the Imperial Kitchen doesn’t have any novelty.”

Upon this topic, Shen Mingzhu could still remember being demoted because of the food she prepared for the Empress.

Suddenly thinking of Shen Chuwei, an idea crossed her mind, and she stepped forward to propose, “Empress, I’ve heard that Lady Shen has good culinary skills.

With your lack of appetite, perhaps she could prepare some delicious food for you.”

The Empress looked up at Shen Mingzhu, recalling her foolish act, “If you are not skilled in cooking, how good can Lady Shen’s cooking be?”

Shen Mingzhu lowered her head even more, “Replying to the Empress, Lady Shen was frail since childhood and was fostered in the countryside.

She once told this concubine that she has some culinary skills.”

Shen Mingzhu’s words were clear, it was Shen Chuwei herself who said she could cook.

If it turns out she cannot, it would be Shen Chuwei’s own lie, unrelated to her.

Convinced by the words, the Empress then ordered, “Qing Ying, summon Lady Shen.”

“Yes,” Qing Ying respectfully acknowledged and went to Xiyun Pavilion.

This was Qing Ying’s first visit to Xiyun Pavilion, and the journey was a lot further compared to Xinlan Hall; she was greeted by Chun Xi.

“Mammy Qingying, do you have any matters to attend to?”

As a maid who had come with the Empress, Qing Ying’s status was clear, and her demeanor exuded calmness and composure.

“Is Lady Shen here?”

“She is.” Chun Xi led Qing Ying to the inner chamber, pushing aside the gauze curtains as she entered.

“Young Mistress, Mammy Qingying has arrived,” Chun Xi announced.

As soon as her words fell, Qing Ying entered.

Upon hearing this, Shen Chuwei immediately got up from her couch.

“Mammy Qingying,” she greeted.

Qing Ying bowed slightly, “Lady Shen, the Empress has heard of your exceptional culinary skills and wishes to taste your cooking.”

Shen Chuwei was momentarily stunned.

She knew how to cook, but only Chun Xi and Xiao Jinyan were aware, and they wouldn’t have informed the Empress.

How did the Empress come to know of her culinary skills?

“Mammy Qingying, how did the Empress learn that I can cook?” Shen Chuwei asked.