When Ye An’an saw that behind Xiao Jingshi were also Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao, she froze for a moment.
What was going on?
She had invited one dining partner, but three people showed up? Buy one, get two free?
She had thought Xiao Jingshi would come alone, at most bringing Changting. She hadn’t expected him to bring both of his trusted aides.
And judging from the files they were holding… were they planning to hold a small political discussion at her place?
Ye An’an complained silently in her heart, but her expression remained perfectly composed.
She quickly adjusted her mood and revealed a warm, graceful smile.
“Lord Lu, Lord Xie, welcome. I didn’t expect you both to come. Please, come in.”
It was just two more pairs of chopsticks. She had prepared plenty of ingredients—no problem at all.
Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao hadn’t expected such a reaction.
They had thought this consort would be unhappy to see two “outsiders” tagging along to freeload a meal with the Crown Prince, or at least feel awkward.
Instead, she was so poised and natural, greeting them like old friends who visited often.
Their impression of Ye An’an improved even more.
“We have disturbed Your Highness,” they said, cupping their hands respectfully.
“No need to be so polite. Come in quickly, it’s cold outside.” Ye An’an led them inside.
The moment they entered the main hall of Tinglan Pavilion, warmth rushed toward them, mixed with an indescribable, rich, savory fragrance.
Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao’s gazes were instantly drawn to the large round table in the center.
At the center of the table, an antique charcoal stove burned brightly, holding a huge copper pot. Inside, the golden broth bubbled vigorously. White jade-like yam pieces and dark chicken chunks floated up and down in the soup, making mouths water just by looking.
Around the table were all kinds of dishes.
Paper-thin slices of beef and lamb, marbled red and white, were arranged in exquisite plates, layered like blooming flowers.
Fresh green vegetables glistened as if covered with morning dew.
There was tofu, golden bean curd skin, and all kinds of mushrooms—some familiar, some not.
Most eye-catching were two white porcelain bowls: one filled with snow-white, springy shrimp paste, and the other piled with round handmade meatballs.
The entire scene was abundant, warm, and full of lively, homely charm.
“My heavens…” Xie Zhao couldn’t help exclaiming.
He was the heir of a noble house and had tasted countless delicacies, yet this scene gave him an unprecedented sense of novelty and amazement.
Lu Chengyuan was also fascinated by this unfamiliar dining style. Looking at the steaming pot, he asked, “Your Highness, this… is ‘dabianlu’?”
“That’s right.” Ye An’an smiled and introduced it. “This broth was simmered all afternoon with an old hen and Chinese yam. Later, everyone just cooks whatever they like in the pot and dips it in the sauces I prepared.”
She pointed to the dipping sauces.
One bowl was bright red and clearly spicy. The other was made with soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil, giving off a rich savory aroma.
“Sit anywhere. Don’t be shy. Treat it like your own home,” she said warmly.
Xiao Jingshi naturally sat in the main seat.
Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao exchanged glances and sat down, still a bit stiff.
Seeing their formal posture, Ye An’an found it amusing.
“Don’t just sit there. Let’s eat.” She picked up a ladle and first served each of them a small bowl of soup.
“Before eating, drink some soup to warm your stomach. This is the essence of the meal.”
The golden chicken soup in white porcelain bowls, dotted with red goji berries, looked pleasing to the eye.
Xie Zhao had long been tempted by the fragrance. He picked up the bowl, blew on it twice, and took a big gulp.
“Mmm—!”
The moment the soup entered his mouth, he froze, eyes wide.
Fresh!
Unbelievably fresh!
The rich chicken broth carried a hint of sweetness from yam and red dates. It was mellow but not greasy. As it flowed down his throat, warmth spread instantly through his entire body, sweeping away all the cold and fatigue.
This wasn’t just chicken soup—it was nectar of the gods.
Lu Chengyuan also took a sip. Though less dramatic, his slightly narrowed eyes and expression of enjoyment said everything.
Even Xiao Jingshi, who had already eaten several meals cooked by Ye An’an and thought he had some resistance, couldn’t help but praise inwardly after the first sip.
This woman always brought him new surprises with her cooking.
“How is it? Not bad, right?” Ye An’an looked at their stunned expressions, secretly delighted.
“Not just ‘not bad’!” Xie Zhao put down the bowl, excited. “Your Highness, your skills are incredible! This soup alone is better than any imperial banquet!”
“I’m glad you like it.” Ye An’an beamed. She picked up serving chopsticks and placed tender beef slices into the pot.
“Let me teach you. Thin slices like this only need a few seconds. Once they change color, take them out. Cook them too long and they’ll get tough.”
She distributed the cooked beef into their bowls.
They followed her lead, dipping the meat in sauce and eating.
The tender beef, wrapped in savory or spicy flavors, exploded with deliciousness.
“So good!”
“Amazing!”
Now, no one was restrained anymore.
The three men eagerly picked up their chopsticks, cooking whatever they wanted. Soon, the hall was filled with the sound of chopsticks and satisfied praise.
Xie Zhao, the most impatient, spotted a floating meatball and immediately put it into his mouth.
“Ah! Hot, hot, hot!”
The meatball was fresh from the pot, filled with hot soup. It burned his tongue.
He puffed and gasped but refused to spit it out. His ridiculous expression made everyone burst into laughter.
Even the usually cold Xiao Jingshi had a clear smile on his lips.
This warm, lively scene full of laughter was something his cold and lonely Jingming Hall had never had before.