Inside the Jingming Hall study, the atmosphere was somewhat tense.
Xiao Jingshi sat at the head of the table, his fingers lightly tapping the surface, listening to the reports from Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao.
“…That old fox, Minister of Revenue Wang De’an, insists the treasury is empty, and he even hinted to us that the Southern Weaving Bureau and Salt Transport Office run annual deficits. If we could squeeze some profit from them, then the funds for the irrigation project would be easier to handle,” Xie Zhao said, his face full of frustration. “Isn’t this clearly trying to make Your Highness offend people? The Weaving Bureau answers to the Noble Consort’s family, and the Salt Transport Office is tied to several imperial relatives—none of them are easy to provoke.”
Lu Chengyuan added, “Wang De’an is loyal to Prince Jing. By doing this, one, he wants to make things difficult for Your Highness and stab you in the back; two, he hopes to use Your Highness’s hand to weaken the Noble Consort’s faction, so he can reap the benefits. Your Highness, we must plan carefully for this matter.”
Xiao Jingshi listened calmly, his expression unchanged.
The study fell silent for a moment, only the occasional whisper of wind from outside the window breaking the quiet.
Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao exchanged a glance, both feeling anxious. This matter could not be delayed—the southern rainy season would arrive suddenly, and if the riverbanks weren’t repaired in time, countless commoners would suffer.
At that moment, Xie Zhao’s stomach audibly “gurgled.”
In the quiet study, the sound seemed unbearably loud.
Xie Zhao’s face instantly turned red, wishing he could vanish into the floor.
Lu Chengyuan tried to suppress a laugh but couldn’t hold it in, struggling to keep composure.
Xiao Jingshi raised his eyelids, glanced at Xie Zhao, and asked in a flat tone, “Hungry?”
“N-no!” Xie Zhao straightened his back immediately, stubbornly denying it.
But no sooner had he spoken than his stomach “gurgled” again, as if mocking him.
Even Lu Chengyuan couldn’t help but chuckle softly this time.
Xiao Jingshi looked at Xie Zhao’s embarrassed expression, and for some reason, he recalled the woman who had handed them the meat buns that afternoon.
She had smiled the same way—eyes curved in a mischievous, irresistible smile, radiating warmth and friendliness.
And the taste of the food…
Just then, a voice came from outside the hall.
“Your Highness, Miss Fuyun of Tinglan Waterside Pavilion requests an audience.”
Xiao Jingshi’s heart skipped a beat.
She had sent someone?
“Let her in.”
Soon, Fuyun entered with light, quick steps. She first performed the proper courtesy to the three men, then smiled and spoke:
“Your Highness, our lady has prepared a novel dish called ‘Dabianluo.’ The weather is getting cool, and it is especially warming. She has specially sent me to invite Your Highness to dine.”
‘Dabianluo’?
What was that?
Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao were both puzzled. They prided themselves on being knowledgeable in the capital, yet they had never heard of this dish.
The name sounded pleasing, and knowing the consort’s culinary reputation, both felt a strong sense of anticipation.
Xiao Jingshi listened to Fuyun’s words, and in his mind, he could almost see the small courtyard of Tinglan Waterside Pavilion, filled with rising steam and the aroma of delicious food.
He almost didn’t hesitate and wanted to nod in agreement.
But then he glanced at Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao beside him, as well as the unfinished official documents on the table, and hesitated.
If he left, what would happen to them?
In that instant of hesitation, a thought suddenly popped into his mind.
Why couldn’t… he bring them along?
Once the thought appeared, it could not be suppressed.
He looked at Fuyun, expectant and lively, then at his two friends, eyes eagerly watching him, and impulsively said:
“Understood. You may go back and tell the consort, I shall join shortly.”
After Fuyun left, he stood and said to the still-dazed Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao: “Let’s go.”
“Ah? Go? Where, Your Highness?” Xie Zhao hadn’t registered yet.
“To dine,” Xiao Jingshi said succinctly.
“But… but we haven’t finished discussing this matter…” Lu Chengyuan hesitated.
“Discuss while eating,” Xiao Jingshi replied, leaving the words hanging as he strode out.
Even he couldn’t explain why he made this decision.
Perhaps it was because Tinglan Waterside Pavilion had a kind of warmth and lively atmosphere his Jingming Hall lacked. He wanted his friends to experience that sense of comfort and vibrancy.
Or perhaps, he simply wanted to subtly show off his… extraordinary consort.
Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao were completely stunned.
In all the years they had known Xiao Jingshi, this was the first time they had seen him so “willful.”
To discuss state affairs while dining in the consort’s residence?
If word got out, it would drop everyone’s jaws!
“What are you standing there for?” Xiao Jingshi’s voice came from the doorway, tinged with impatience.
“O-oh! Coming, coming!”
The two snapped out of their daze, grabbed the documents on the table, and hurried after him.
As they walked, Xie Zhao felt as if he were dreaming. He leaned close to Lu Chengyuan and whispered:
“Chengyuan, pinch me. I’m not dreaming, right? His Highness… has he… had a change of heart?”
Lu Chengyuan’s expression was equally strange. He lowered his voice and replied:
“From the looks of it… I’d say very likely. This crown prince’s consort is truly remarkable. Not only has she made His Highness see her in a new light, but she’s also made him do something… extraordinary.”
As they spoke, they quickened their pace, their minds filled with unprecedented curiosity and anticipation for the dish called ‘Dabianluo,’ known only by name and reputation.
They sensed that tonight might very well be a night they would never forget.