For a moment, Xiao Jingshi’s usually composed expression blanked.
The cold, deep-pool-like eyes that always seemed unreadable now filled with disbelief.
He chewed slowly, savoring the unprecedented explosion of flavor. The soft, gelatinous pig skin melted in his mouth, sticking slightly to his lips, bringing an extraordinary sense of satisfaction. The lean meat was thoroughly infused with the marinade, savory and rich, with a lingering aftertaste.
“How is it, Your Highness?” Ye An’an leaned closer, her voice quiet and expectant, like a schoolgirl waiting for the teacher’s praise.
Xiao Jingshi said nothing. He simply finished the piece in his mouth, then—much to the astonishment of everyone present—picked up a second one with his chopsticks.
Actions spoke louder than words.
“Hahaha!” Xie Zhao was the first to burst out laughing. “I knew it! I knew Your Highness couldn’t resist such deliciousness! Come on, everyone, don’t be shy—dig in!”
With the prince leading the way, all inhibitions vanished.
Chopsticks flew across the table as the silent “food battle” officially began.
“Hey, Xie Zhao, don’t just eat the pig trotters. Try this fatty intestine—this is the real masterpiece!” Ye An’an placed a portion of braised intestine in his bowl.
Xie Zhao looked at the dark piece with dread. “Consort… I really don’t think I can…”
“Trust me. Just one bite! If it’s bad, spit it out!” Ye An’an coaxed.
Half believing, half daring, Xie Zhao picked up the piece and put it in his mouth.
The next second, he froze.
The intestine was braised to utter tenderness, melting effortlessly in his mouth. The rich aroma of the marinade, mingled with the fragrant fat, instantly filled his palate. There was no trace of off-flavor—instead, an addictive, unique taste.
“Ugh…” Xie Zhao’s eyes welled up, either from emotion or the shock of flavor. “Consort, I was wrong… I judged the ‘intestine’ by its looks… it’s unbelievably delicious!”
With that, he reached for another piece.
Lu Chengyuan watched the two, shaking his head in helpless amusement. He picked up a piece for himself, tasted it, and his eyes too sparkled with delight.
By the time the moon hung high, three large platters of braised delights had been devoured completely, even the leftover sauce used by Xie Zhao to dress his rice.
The three men slumped in their chairs, hands on rounded bellies, fully satisfied and utterly sated.
“Consort,” Lu Chengyuan said, putting down his teacup, genuinely impressed, “today’s meal has opened my eyes. Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary… you truly are remarkable.”
“Yes, yes!” Xie Zhao nodded vigorously. “I’ve decided—henceforth, I’ll be your most devoted ‘food guest’! Whatever you make, I will eat!”
Xiao Jingshi remained silent, but his relaxed posture and eased brows indicated he was thoroughly pleased.
Ye An’an smiled to herself, satisfied at their reactions.
Looking at the remaining braised delicacies, an idea sparked.
“Fuyun, Chen Zhu.”
“At your service.”
“Pack the rest of these braised dishes. One box for Mother to taste, another for Father.”
If she was going to conduct “culinary diplomacy,” she naturally wouldn’t forget the palace’s top two bosses.
“Yes, Consort!” Fuyun and Chen Zhu moved quickly to obey.
Xiao Jingshi glanced at her, a flicker of approval in his eyes. Despite her free-spirited ways, she understood timing and propriety, always grasping the key points.
…
At Fengyi Palace, Empress Wei had just prepared to rest.
Since tasting Ye An’an’s teppanyaki, she found herself increasingly uninterested in the imperial kitchen’s offerings.
At that moment, a palace maid announced that a midnight snack had been delivered from Tinglan Water Pavilion.
The empress’s spirits lifted immediately.
Upon opening the box, the rich aroma of braised delicacies filled the entire chamber.
Seeing the glossy, reddish-brown pig trotters and chicken feet, her eyes lit up.
“What new marvel is this?”
She picked up a chicken foot and, mimicking her previous approach, bit into it.
“Mmm!” The melt-in-your-mouth texture, the savory richness—it made her eyes squint in pleasure. “Delicious! Even better than the teppanyaki last time!”
She picked up a pig trotter, enjoying the rich gelatin.
“Gui Ma, look at this. Eating this must be good for the complexion,” she said between bites.
…
Meanwhile, in the Yangxin Hall, Emperor Xiao Yuanzheng was still reviewing memorials.
Gao Jin carefully carried a bowl of ginseng soup and entered.
“Your Majesty, it’s late. Please have some ginseng soup.”
“Take it away,” Xiao Yuanzheng said without looking up. The bland broth annoyed him.
Just then, a young eunuch reported that the Prince’s Consort had sent a midnight snack.
“The Prince’s Consort?” The emperor raised an eyebrow, recalling the last spicy chicken wings that had impressed him.
The box was opened, releasing the same commanding aroma of braised delicacies.
Xiao Yuanzheng frowned at the plain-looking pieces inside.
“What is this?”
“Your Majesty, the palace maid says it’s… braised pig trotters and fatty intestines,” Gao Jin whispered.
Pig trotters? Fatty intestines?
Xiao Yuanzheng’s frown deepened. Could these even be eaten?
He picked up a trotter, hesitated briefly at its glossy surface, and then placed it in his mouth.
The next second, his expression mirrored Xiao Jingshi’s first taste: shock, followed by delight.
“Mm… not bad,” he chewed, giving a fair evaluation.
Then his chopsticks moved toward the fatty intestines.
Gao Jin watched, heart in throat. The emperor… was about to eat intestines!
Xiao Yuanzheng picked up a piece and ate it. Soft, rich, melting in his mouth.
“Ugh!” His eyes lit up.
In no time, he polished off the entire platter of braised dishes, still wanting more.
“Gao Jin.”
“At your service.”
“Send my decree: tomorrow, have the Prince and the Prince’s Consort come to the palace to dine with me at lunch.”