Chapter 523: Chapter 522: 522: Cannot Eat Sweets

Jiang Ning returned to the kitchen, took a mooncake, and carefully tasted it.

Before he had even finished one mooncake, a eunuch from the Heavenly Mandate Hall came rushing over.

As expected, he was stopped by Mu Jian at the entrance.

The eunuch stomped his feet anxiously, “His Majesty has ordered the Princess Consort to come for an audience! General Mu, do you dare to resist the decree?”

Mu Jian paused for a moment before stepping aside.

As Jiang Ning passed by him, he handed him a mooncake and said with a smile, “General Mu, thank you for your hard work. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a day for family reunion. Have a taste of this mooncake, it may provide some comfort for the longing of your loved ones.”

With his back straight, Mu Jian stood still and said coldly, “I have no living parents or family members. The Crown Prince is the closest person to me. It’s my duty to serve here.”

Jiang Ning stopped and asked, “In that case, General Mu, are you not married?”

“No.”

“That’s where the Crown Prince went wrong. How could he neglect the lifelong affairs of even his close associates?”

“…I currently have no intention of starting a family.”

“That’s true, men should establish a career before starting a family.” Jiang Ning stuffed the mooncake into his hand, smiling, “Having no family doesn’t prevent you from enjoying mooncakes, just as a way to express your grief.”

Ignoring Mu Jian’s expression, Jiang Ning walked lightly outside, saying as he went, “Huang Ying, watch the gate. Gucheng, let’s go.”

A shadow flew in and landed precisely beside her, “Wheelchair?”

“No need. Today, there’s no need for the leg pain trick. Let’s just walk.” Jiang Ning flipped his palm, offering a mooncake to Gucheng, and said cheerfully, “If even Mu Jian gets one, you must have one too.”

Gucheng took it, looked it over for a moment, and suddenly asked, “Is it sweet?”

“Of course, it’s sweet.” Jiang Ning lowered his voice, “The ingredients in this mooncake are much better than the one I gave to Mu Jian. It’s sweet and fragrant. Try it.”

“Okay.”

Gucheng put it in his mouth, taking small bites.

Jiang Ning laughed, “You eat so delicately, like a young lady.”

Gucheng didn’t speak, but he continued to nibble on the mooncake, treating it as the most precious food in the world.

Once he finished, Jiang Ning asked, “Was it good?”

“Yes.”

“Want more? Although I don’t have any with me now, when we get back later, I’ll make sure you have enough.”

“No.”

“Don’t you like it?” Jiang Ning glanced at him, “Or were you just complimenting me, too?”

After a long silence, Gucheng spoke again, “Can’t have sweets.”

“What?”

“Toothache,” Gucheng added.

“Oh, you have a toothache?” Jiang Ning looked at him amusingly, “Just how much sugar have you eaten, child?”

Gucheng thought for a moment, then said, “I ate a lot in the past when I was with the General. My teeth hurt, so I can’t eat too many sweets now.”

Jiang Ning burst out laughing, “So that’s how Uncle trained you? By tempting you kids with candy?”

Gucheng pursed his lips and said nothing.

Jiang Ning didn’t know much about Gucheng’s past, but those who were selected by Jiang Mubai for training were either poor orphans or children from impoverished families.

It’s understandable that such children, who have endured so much hardship, would like to enjoy some sweet treats.

The master and servant chatted as they walked.

Mainly, it was Jiang Ning talking, while Gucheng listened quietly.

On this Mid-Autumn night, both the front and rear harems were filled with banquets. Besides those who had to serve and wait on people, the eunuchs and maids were trying to slack off whenever they could.

Thus, they hardly encountered anyone on the way.

When Jiang Ning arrived at the entrance of the Heavenly Mandate Hall, he didn’t stop but continued walking straight ahead.