Consort Yu was determined to win the Emperor's favor this time.
Seeing Huo Lin examining what she had brought, she curved her lips into a smile.
"Your Majesty, I know you are busy with state affairs and often miss meals, so I specially prepared this charcoal-grilled meat for you."
"You can wait for the meat to roast while handling official documents—neither task will be delayed, and you'll get to enjoy a delicious meal."
Consort Yu slightly lifted her chin, facing Huo Lin at what she had practiced countless times before the mirror as the perfect angle.
Thinking that the combination of delicious food and a beautiful woman would surely capture the imperial heart this time.
But Jiang Huan could directly hear Huo Lin's inner thoughts.
[Eating is eating—why emphasize eating while handling official business?]
[Does she think I'm too idle? Send them all to the Laundering Bureau to wash their eyes!]
[Why is she looking at me with her nostrils—is Consort Yu planning a rebellion?]
[Forget it, forget it—let's eat the meat first.]
What a straightforward man.
Jiang Huan mentally curled her lips, silently complaining.
Consort Yu noticed nothing amiss. Having personally tasted Jiang Huan's roasted meat, she was confident that even if the Emperor didn't like it, he wouldn't be able to find fault.
As long as the Emperor agreed to eat the roasted meat, her staying in the Hall of Mental Cultivation would disprove all those rumors!
Huo Lin had long been itching with anticipation, his stomach churning with gastric acid, clamoring for a meal.
He nodded slightly, his expression unchanged as he indifferently agreed.
"Mmm."
Jiang Huan kept her eyes lowered, her long eyelashes concealing her expression.
She only felt constant noise in her ears, lively and restless.
This Emperor appeared cold and aloof, yet he was actually this animated.
But having to restrain himself in everything—this was probably the sorrow of being the supreme ruler.
[Yay! I not only get to eat meat, but freshly made warm meat too!]
[I just don't know how this charcoal-grilled meat can be prepared while eating. If Consort Yu disappoints me again, I'll let her see how sharp the Execution Platform's blade is.]
[Hurry up and start! I'm already prepared!]
Hearing Huo Lin's agreement, Consort Yu's smile brightened even more.
She shot a meaningful glance at Jiang Huan, who immediately understood, placing the charcoal basin on the table and setting up the grill.
Pre-prepared ingredients were taken out from the food box and neatly arranged on the table, along with various dipping sauces.
After Huo Lin and Consort Yu took their seats, Jiang Huan divided the dipping sauces into two portions, placing them before each.
With preparations complete, Jiang Huan picked up several slices of pork belly and evenly laid them on the grill.
The pork belly's fat began sizzling, the slices gradually turning golden brown on the grill, releasing an enticing aroma.
[This meat smells so good! When will it be ready?]
[I'm really hungry! Can't it be faster?]
[Wuwuwu, how can time pass so slowly!]
The meat slices were thin—what felt like three autumns to Huo Lin was merely a few breaths in reality.
Jiang Huan couldn't help but sigh inwardly—this Emperor was quite good at tormenting people.
Even debt collectors weren't this nagging!
But on second thought, he was quite good at holding back.
If she couldn't hear his inner thoughts, she'd never believe the person eagerly waiting for roasted meat was this aloof, unapproachable Emperor before her.
Yet no matter how impatient the Emperor was, it was useless—if she served him undercooked meat,
She'd reach the execution platform before Consort Yu.
Jiang Huan skillfully flipped the meat slices, ensuring each side was evenly heated.
Seeing that the meat was almost done roasting, Jiang Huan picked up a slice and, amid Huo Lin's impatient inner thoughts, placed it into his bowl.
"Your Majesty, this slice of meat is ready. Be careful, it's hot."
Huo Lin glanced down at the meat in his bowl, picked up his silver chopsticks, and elegantly ate it.
[Ah! It's so hot!]
Jiang Huan watched the person screaming about the heat in his heart, the corner of her lips twitching slightly beneath her veil.
I told you it was hot.
In the blink of an eye, Huo Lin had already swallowed the roasted meat.
He ate with perfect decorum, his demeanor still elegant, making one overlook his speed.
Jiang Huan was somewhat astonished because it was practically lightning fast.
The meat was fresh and tender, with a rich aroma that spread in the mouth, leaving an endless aftertaste.
A glimmer flashed in Huo Lin's eyes.
[Mmm, I've never tasted such delicious meat before. It's truly amazing!]
[The roasted meat is still hot. I love it! I want more!]
Consort Yu, lacking Jiang Huan's ability, could only rely on her eyes to gauge Huo Lin's mood.
Seeing that Huo Lin's expression remained unchanged, she couldn't quite determine his attitude.
So she tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, how do you find the taste of this charcoal-grilled meat?"
"Not bad," Huo Lin commented reservedly.
Although Consort Yu didn't hear Huo Lin express liking, she still breathed a sigh of relief.
Such a novel way of dining was rare throughout the entire rear palace. The Emperor would surely remember this meal deeply and, by extension, remember her.
Even if the Emperor didn't keep her for the night this time, she had cleared the previous impression left in his mind and could approach him more easily in the future.
Filled with joy, Consort Yu became even more eager to showcase herself.
"Your Majesty, there's more than one way to eat this roasted meat."
"Oh?" Huo Lin cast her a cold glance, his eyes deep as still water.
Unable to conceal her pride, Consort Yu gestured for Huo Lin to look at the various dipping sauces placed before his bowl, her voice growing even more charming.
Imitating what Jiang Huan had told her earlier, she explained to Huo Lin.
"This is chili powder. If Your Majesty finds the roasted meat too bland, you can dip it in this."
"And this mushroom sauce is rich and savory. It's delicious when spread on the roasted meat…"
Huo Lin listened attentively, trying each dipping sauce one by one.
[Heavens! So there are so many ways to eat roasted meat. Whoever invented this method must be a genius!]
[Chew chew chew, I'm going to wear out the word 'delicious'!]
As Huo Lin ate the meat, his usual icy demeanor inadvertently softened a little.
Growing bolder, Consort Yu proactively picked up a slice of meat, wrapped it in lettuce, and handed it to Huo Lin.
"Your Majesty, this lettuce-wrapped meat is also quite good."
Huo Lin disliked the sight of green vegetables but, for the sake of the roasted meat, took a bite.
The vegetable nicely balanced the flavor of the roasted meat, making it fragrant and not greasy.
[Not bad, but the meat is still the best. I want meat! More meat!]
Jiang Huan resignedly continued roasting the meat. As soon as one slice was done, Huo Lin would eat it.
Eat, eat, eat! All he knows is eating!
If it weren't for the fact that moving out of Jin Hua Palace required Huo Lin's approval, she wouldn't bother serving anyone here.
Heaven knows she wanted to eat the roasted meat too!
But alas, she was currently just a lowly "palace maid," the kind who couldn't even show her face.
Huo Lin remained completely unaware of this. Huo Lin only knew how to eat meat.
Chew chew chew.
Whenever his bowl was empty, a freshly roasted slice of meat would be placed into it.
From Huo Lin's inner thoughts, Jiang Huan could tell that he still preferred eating the meat directly, so the prepared vegetables were all given to Consort Yu.
After the meal, Huo Lin was thoroughly satisfied.
"This little palace maid roasts the meat quite well, very much to my liking."
"She knows I dislike vegetables and didn't let me see a single green leaf. Mhm, quite perceptive."
"If I could keep this little palace maid by my side, wouldn't I be able to enjoy roasted meat anytime I want from now on?"