Chunlai and Xiachu were discussing the table full of untouched food.
Although Jiang Ning had told them to eat, they still felt at a loss on how to begin.
It wasnât until Huang Ying came out that they felt relieved and hurriedly asked for her opinion.
âSister Huang Ying, what do you think, should we eat it all or just pick a few dishes and leave the rest?â Chunlai asked.
Huang Ying glanced at the dishes on the table and was about to speak when Eunuch Li Xiu rushed in.
âThe Crown Prince is here!â
âAh.â Huang Ying was startled.
Chunlai and Xiachu were also a little flustered.
Li Xiu looked around the room and asked, âWhere is the Princess Consort? Why hasnât she come out to welcome the Crown Prince?â
Chunlai muttered under her breath, âWeâve waited all night long, and just when she laid down to rest, he arrivesâ¦â
âQuiet.â Xiachu pinched her and whispered.
Li Xiu anxiously said, âHurry and ask the Princess Consort to come out!â
Before Huang Ying could speak, Li Hongyuan had already lifted the curtain and entered the room.
Huang Ying and the other three palace maids hurriedly knelt to greet him, âYour humble servants greet Your Highness.â
âRise.â
Li Hongyuanâs cheeks were slightly flushed, and he smelled faintly of wine. He slightly lifted his chin, signaling them to rise, âWhere is the Princess Consort?â
âYour Highness, the Princess Consort has been feeling unwell recently. She waited for you all day, but couldnât bear the cold. Your humble servant barely persuaded her to rest in the backroom.â Huang Ying replied.
Li Hongyuan nodded slightly, glanced at the dishes on the table, and asked, âDid the Princess Consort make these?â
âYes, Your Highness. The Princess Consort spent an entire afternoon preparing them for you. Since you were busy, weâve reheated the dishes three times and sheâs been waiting.â
Li Hongyuan neither confirmed nor denied, walked to the table, looked at it for a moment, picked up some chopsticks, and took a bite of a meatball.
Delicious and fragrant.
Jiang Ningâs cooking had never disappointed.
Seeing this, Li Xiu wanted to say something but hesitated.
Chunlai pulled his sleeve, âWhat do you mean, Eunuch Li?â
Li Xiu whispered, âWe havenât tested it for poison yet!â
Chunlai was furious but didnât dare to lash out in front of the Crown Prince. She glared fiercely at Li Xiu, her eyes seemingly ready to devour him.
Li Xiu felt very confused.
What did this have to do with him?
Ever since the Empress Dowager was poisoned, the palace had introduced this new rule.
It was just that the Princess Consort had a small kitchen here, not eating from the imperial kitchen, so she didnât know about it.
After slowly finishing the meatball, Li Hongyuan put down his chopsticks and said, âWhen the Princess Consort wakes up, tell her I enjoyed the meal she prepared.â
He began to walk out.
Seeing him leaving, Huang Ying became anxious and quickly said, âYour Highness, allow me to wake the Princess Consort. Perhaps sheâs just changing her clothes and will be here soon.â
âSheâs changing, is she?â Li Hongyuan smiled, turned, and walked towards Jiang Ningâs bedroom, âItâs cold outside. I wonât make her come out; Iâll go in and see her.â
Huang Ying couldnât help but feel a little nervous as she quietly followed, only for her arm to be grabbed.
Turning her head, she saw Li Xiuâs round face.
âSister Huang Ying, what are you doing?â Li Xiu asked curiously, âYouâre an experienced palace servant, donât you understand the rules?â
Huang Ying glared at him, shook off his hand, and whispered, âLi Xiu, you entered the palace later than me. Youâve just been fortunate enough to serve beside His Highness for a few years. You havenât improved in other aspects, but youâve learned how to take advantage of your position like a dog! Ptui!â