Commander Xu was deeply disapproving, but unable to contradict the wishes of the future Princess Consort, he had no choice but to order the group to rest here. He also chose a seat to sit at, keeping a constant watch on the situation at Chu Ying’s table.
Chu Ying’s index finger moved excitedly as she looked at the sweet and sour carp on her plate.
She picked up her chopsticks, plucked a piece, and popped it into her mouth to savor slowly.
The freshly prepared sweet and sour carp was incredibly crispy, and the sweet and tangy flavor bloomed from the tip of her tongue. With one bite, she could hear the crunch, and the tender, smooth fish meat, coated in the unique flavor of the sweet and sour sauce, came as a delightful surprise to Chu Ying, who adored sweet foods.
What shocked her even more was that, usually, she had to be careful of fish bones when eating fish, but the bones of this sweet and sour carp had been deep-fried until they were crisp; she couldn’t even feel them when she chewed.
Delicious!!
Chu Ying was overjoyed, feeling as if she had struck gold.
Unable to wait for Tianli to serve her, she eagerly went to pick up the fish meat herself, which gave Tianli a start.
“Young Mistress, be careful of the fish bones.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Chu Ying waved her hand. “You and Xueli should sit down and eat too. This fish is excellent. Ask the owner for two more, so that you and Commander Xu can all eat.”
Commander Xu: “…This subordinate is fine; as long as Your Highness enjoys the meal, that is enough.”
Chu Ying shook her head. “How could I enjoy such a delicacy all by myself? The joy of sharing is greater than the joy of one, so of course, everyone should eat together.”
After she finished speaking, she felt it wasn’t enough. “The soldiers escorting me have worked hard along the way, too. Let them eat as well; put the bill on the account of the Prince of Qin’s estate.”
Commander Xu: “…”
Just then, Iris brought over some crispy pork, century egg and lean meat porridge, and three candied hawthorn skewers.
Chu Ying fell in love with the candied hawthorn skewers at first sight. The icy, translucent red fruits were delicate and appetizing; they looked like something a young lady would love to eat.
She temporarily set aside the sweet and sour carp and took a bite of a candied hawthorn.
Chu Ying: “!!!”
What kind of divine snack is this! She had never eaten anything like this back in Yunzhou.
If Jiangzhou, being near the capital, already had so many delicious things, then the capital, which was said to be home to all the delicacies under heaven—wouldn’t it have even more?
She took a bite of the crispy pork. Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, this meat is also super delicious!
She took a sip of the century egg porridge. Ah, ah, ah, what to do? I’m falling in love with this owner.
How about… I just kidnap the owner?
On the other side, Han You glanced at her from time to time. Watching her gorge herself, he felt as if he were sitting on a high mountain of lemons, souring to death.
Wuwuwu, why isn’t my sweet and sour carp coming yet?
It just so happened that Jiang Mo walked out with two plates of snow-skin mung bean cakes—one for their table and one for Chu Ying’s.
Before Han You could even be happy, he heard Chu Ying say, “Owner, the food you make is so delicious. Would you be willing to follow me to the capital? I will invite you as a guest of honor, and once you are in the estate, you will only have to cook meals for me.”
Han You was instantly enraged.
This person is really annoying. Not only did she steal the fish, but she’s also poaching the person!!
Proprietor Jiang absolutely cannot leave. If Proprietor Jiang leaves, won’t he be unable to eat anything delicious ever again?
“Proprietor Jiang is from Jiangzhou, and she has opened this restaurant here with lofty ambitions. Why would she stoop to being a cook in an estate?” he said with biting sarcasm.
Chu Ying didn’t even look at him. She smiled and continued to gaze at Jiang Mo.
“That is true. However, I am sincerely fond of you, Proprietor Jiang. If you don’t wish to go, that is fine too. Tianli, take out that gold-spun flower hairpin from my jewelry box and give it to Proprietor Jiang. Wish her a prosperous opening and a thriving business.”
Before Jiang Mo could even speak, she received a hairpin, and her heart felt like it had fallen into a honey pot; she was beaming with joy.
Sure enough, some people have an instant connection upon meeting. This Princess Consort of Qin really understood her.
“Thank you, Your Highness. This commoner is tied down by mundane family affairs and it is difficult to leave Jiangzhou. If Your Highness has something she wishes to eat in the future, you can send someone to inform me, and I will certainly do my best.”
“What if I want to eat something that you don’t know how to make?” Chu Ying felt it was amusing and said it intentionally.
Han You saw her putting Jiang Mo on the spot and was just about to step in to help alleviate the situation.