Huo Lin's decision to visit Jin Hua Palace was too sudden for the eunuch to announce in advance.
By the time Huo Lin arrived, Jiang Huan had just entered the room carrying the final prepared dish.
Seeing Huo Lin, Jiang Huan froze momentarily and began to bow in salute, but he had already reached out to support her arm.
"No need."
His cold gaze shifted imperceptibly to the dish she was holding.
[Wow, it smells amazing!]
[We haven't even started eating, and I'm already drooling!]
[Changzai Zhuang! You must invite me to stay for a meal! I want to eat your cooking!]
The corner of Jiang Huan's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. The Emperor's demeanor was as consistent as ever.
However, Huo Lin's visit indicated that Chen Jinxi's message had been effectively delivered.
Her days of hardship were finally coming to an end.
She placed the tray on the table, quickly masking her emotions.
Jiang Huan smiled warmly at Huo Lin, her voice gentle.
"Has Your Majesty eaten yet? If not, perhaps you would care to have a simple meal with me?"
"Mm." Huo Lin nodded.
[Woo-hoo, great! Time to eat!]
Attended by Wang Degui, Huo Lin washed his hands and sat at the table. Jiang Huan naturally took a seat beside him.
Though her leg was injured, she had prepared several simple home-style dishes. Even with these modest offerings, Jiang Huan could hear Huo Lin's satisfied exclamations.
[Ah! I've had this dish prepared by the Imperial Kitchen before, but it's incomparable to Changzai Zhuang's version!]
[What have those Imperial Kitchen chefs been doing all this time!]
[Mmm, this Bamboo Shoots with Pork is delicious! The bamboo shoots are crisp and juicy, the pork tender and smooth. Excellent, excellent.]
…
Jiang Huan chuckled inwardly. With his detailed critiques, this Emperor certainly knew his food.
Just look how deprived the poor man had been.
Simple home-cooked dishes had him acting like he'd discovered treasure.
Thus, amid Huo Lin's continuous praise, the two finished their midday meal.
After the meal, Huo Lin didn't leave immediately.
He calmly sipped tea from his cup.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the side window, casting a soft glow upon him.
The dark imperial robes accentuated his handsome features and peerless elegance.
Though he remained the same refined and noble emperor, Jiang Huan almost imagined she saw a contented cat.
Her lips curved unconsciously as random thoughts crossed her mind.
What would people think if they knew this seemingly aloof and imposing emperor was actually a food enthusiast constantly thinking about his next meal?
Huo Lin remained completely unaware that his true nature had been thoroughly exposed before Jiang Huan.
His gaze swept around Jiang Huan's room, examining where his consort resided.
He noted that while the place appeared modest with no rare decorations, it was clean and tidy.
Initially, Huo Lin observed calmly until his eyes fell upon the writing desk nearby.
[Hmm??? Look what I've discovered!]
[It looks like pastries, but they're unlike any I've seen before!]
The sudden mental exclamation quickly drew Jiang Huan from her thoughts.
Following Huo Lin's gaze, she saw the glutinous rice dumplings she had placed on her writing desk.
They were the small desserts she had prepared for herself – only a few portions!
Life was bitter enough – of course she needed something sweet!
And Huo Lin's inner voice continued to clamor insistently.
【Ah! Is Changzai Zhuang looking at me? Has she noticed what I've been staring at?】
【Then why hasn't she brought it to me yet?】
【I want to eat it! Every single dish Changzai Zhuang makes, I want to eat it all!】
Outwardly, Huo Lin said nothing, merely withdrawing his gaze from the pastries and turning to look at Jiang Huan.
Meeting those deep, dark eyes, Jiang Huan's heart skipped a beat.
Oh no, that plate of glutinous rice dumplings was something she had painstakingly made despite her sore legs.
Hadn't the Emperor already eaten the lunch she prepared? Why did he want more!
It had been so long since she last properly enjoyed her own cooking—couldn't he leave some for her this time?
Jiang Huan remained silent as Huo Lin watched her.
【Changzai Zhuang, Changzai Zhuang! What is that!】
【It's your time to shine! Changzai Zhuang! Quickly bring that plate of snow-white dumplings to me!】
Though only a few breaths had passed, Jiang Huan's heart was in turmoil.
If she gave those few dumplings to Huo Lin, what would she eat?
But if she didn't give them to him, this food-obsessed emperor would surely throw a tantrum.
She'd heard Consort Yu had already been demoted—if she hogged the food today, she might face demotion tomorrow.
If she could make Huo Lin happy, it would benefit her too.
But her glutinous rice dumplings!
Ah! Why was this happening to her!
After an internal struggle, Jiang Huan finally decided: no pain, no gain.
As long as the Emperor enjoyed her cooking, she wouldn't lack ingredients!
With ingredients, she could always make more for herself.
Jiang Huan turned around and resignedly brought over the plate of glutinous rice dumplings.
"Your Majesty, this is a dessert I made called glutinous rice dumplings. Would you like to try some?"
Jiang Huan's voice sounded dejected, her initial smile gone, her whole demeanor wilted.
Huo Lin's attention was completely captured by the glutinous rice dumplings now within reach, and he didn't notice Jiang Huan's unusual state.
He picked up his chopsticks, lifted a dumpling, and took a bite.
The black sesame filling paired perfectly with the soft, chewy outer layer—the skin was smooth, the inside tender, and the filling melted in his mouth with the distinct fragrance of black sesame.
【Ah! Divine! Is Changzai Zhuang a culinary goddess descended to earth?】
Watching Huo Lin devour half a dumpling in one bite, Jiang Huan felt her heart bleeding.
She wanted to eat it too, Your Majesty! Couldn't you leave one for her!!!
Perhaps Jiang Huan's gaze was too full of resentment, because Huo Lin paused after eating one dumpling.
Noticing Jiang Huan's stare, Huo Lin actually felt a rare moment of self-reflection.
【Ahem, why is Changzai Zhuang looking at me like that? Does she want to eat some too?】
【Hmm… Did I, did I take Changzai Zhuang's food…】
【Alright, alright, stop looking at me like that. I'll save one for you! One!】
Jiang Huan didn't feel particularly happy about this—she could have had them all!
Next time, she would make a whole plate for herself!
She would eat them all secretly, away from Huo Lin!
The glutinous rice dumplings were quite small, and Jiang Huan hadn't made many to begin with. In just a short while, the plate was nearly empty, with only one dumpling remaining.
Huo Lin hadn't had enough. Huo Lin wanted more.
But seeing Jiang Huan's pitiful expression, Huo Lin expressionlessly set down his silver chopsticks.
Jiang Huan clenched her fists behind her back, then remembered Huo Lin was the Emperor and slowly relaxed them.
Don't get angry, don't get angry! If you fall ill from anger, no one will take care of you!
Endure!