Chapter 48 This is roughly the essence of everyday life...

As the family left the palace gates, the evening breeze instantly banished any lingering unease and fright they had felt at the banquet.

"Finally out!" Lin Mo cheered softly, lifting the hem of her new dress and twirling slightly. The pearl hairpin her brother had given her shimmered in the glow of the street lanterns. "The palace was nice, but it was too restrictive. I didn't even dare to breathe."

Wen Yun smiled and smoothed her daughter's sideburns: "There are quite a few rules, but today has been quite an eye-opener. It's just that Miss Zhao from earlier..."

She shook her head, her tone tinged with lingering fear: "It was truly a close call. Fortunately, Yan'er was quick-witted, and His Majesty did not investigate further."

Wen Yun was an adult and naturally understood what the so-called display of talent was for. Zhao Wanru's parents also understood, but Zhao Wanru did not, and no one had ever reminded her.

Lin Chengji nodded, looking at his son with approval: "Yan'er, your quick thinking is indeed commendable. However, you must not be so impulsive in the future."

As an official, Lin Chengji knew that no matter was too small when it came to matters concerning the emperor.

As a father, Lin Chengji knew his son's personality even better.

Lin Yan nodded obediently. He didn't want to either, but he felt sorry for Zhao Wanru. Zhao Wanru didn't see the deeper meaning of Consort Ning's words, probably because she was too young to understand these things, while those who understood didn't tell Zhao Wanru.

Perhaps it was because Zhao Wanru intentionally or unintentionally revealed her "talent" after time travel that her parents wanted her to take a chance.

It's just a gamble; you might not be able to turn a bicycle into a motorcycle.

Hopefully, Zhao Wanru's parents will learn their lesson, otherwise he won't always be able to rescue this unlucky fellow villager.

Lin Yan shook off those thoughts and cheered, "Alright, alright, today is His Majesty's birthday, a day of celebration for all. Let's not think about those things anymore. Father, Mother, Mo'er, let's go home and pick up our cousin so we can go out and have some fun. We can eat or buy whatever we want. It's on me today!"

Lin Mo cheered and happily boarded her carriage, lifting her skirt.

They were dressed very formally for the banquet at the palace, but the family went back and changed into more casual everyday clothes, and then dragged Wen Ke out of the study.

The carriage drove away from the Lin family's gate, and the family, like everyone else, went to join in the fun.

Lin Mo was the most excited. She spent most of her time studying at her uncle's girls' school. Her uncle was an official in a distant place where the curfew was stricter, and there were few opportunities for entertainment that lasted all night.

This time, the curfew in the capital was lifted, and Lin Mo couldn't take it all in with just his eyes.

Lin Mo clung to Lin Yan's arm and said coquettishly, "Brother, I want to eat candied fruit with carved decorations."

"Buy it!" Lin Yan waved his hand generously.

Wen Ke, somewhat embarrassed, said, "Cousin, the roasted mutton seemed quite popular earlier. Why don't we buy some and eat it together?"

He had studied hard for many years and ate a light diet. It was rare for him to come out, but he was tempted by the sizzling, fragrant grilled meat. However, he was alone and couldn't let go of his inhibitions. In the end, he walked around eating the oily skewers, which was not very elegant.

"Let's get started! We'll go right now!" Lin Yan patted Wen Ke on the shoulder with a smile. "Studying takes a lot of brainpower, you should definitely take a break."

Lin Chengji and Wen Yun looked at the children with great interest, smiled at each other, and let them be.

So the family immersed themselves in the bustling night market, a rare sight in Beijing.

Lin Yan first bought lifelike carved candied fruit for her mother and sister from an exquisite stall. The petals were layered and small and cute. Lin Mo held them in her hands but was reluctant to eat them. Wen Yun preferred the candied plums and hawthorn cakes sold at the stall next to her, which were sweet and sour.

Next, they found a very popular barbecue stall. The stall owner skillfully flipped the lamb skewers and pork belly on the iron rack, and the grease dripped onto the charcoal fire, making a sizzling sound and emitting a mouthwatering aroma.

Lin Yan ordered a huge handful of skewers, grilled to a crispy exterior and tender interior, and distributed them to everyone. They were sprinkled with cumin and chili, and each bite was bursting with juicy, spicy flavor. Even Wen Yun, who always paid attention to her manners, couldn't resist eating a couple more skewers.

In ancient times, there were no foreign sheep and pig breeds introduced for breeding improvement, and even the taste of roasted meat was different from that of modern society. Lin Yan ate with great relish.

Lin Mo hissed and gasped for breath from the spiciness, but couldn't help taking another bite, her face turning bright red.

Wen Ke also abandoned his scholarly reserve and ate with great enthusiasm.

Lin Chengji stroked his beard, smiling as he looked at his wife and children, while he himself slowly savored the food, clearly quite satisfied.

Not far ahead, we came across another vendor selling roasted chestnuts.

In the large iron pot, black roasted chestnuts tumble and collide with sugar, releasing a warm, sweet, and sticky aroma.

Lin Yan immediately bought a large paper bag. The hot chestnuts were scalding hot, and everyone blew on them while peeling them. The sweet and soft texture instantly won over everyone's taste buds.

"Brother, this is delicious too!" Lin Mo's eyes narrowed as he ate.

"Eat more if you like it." Lin Yan smiled, then noticed a tavern sign not far away that read "Lamb Wine".

He remembered that his father loved wine, so he went over to him.

The tavern waiter explained that this wine was brewed with mutton broth, glutinous rice, and yeast. It had a low alcohol content, a sweet and mellow taste, and was extremely effective in keeping warm and providing nourishment.

Lin Chengji became interested immediately upon hearing this, and Lin Yan promptly bought a small jar.

Upon opening the mud seal, a unique aroma wafted out, a blend of milky, meaty, and wine scents. Taking a sip, the wine was light, sweet, and mellow, with a hint of peculiar umami; it was surprisingly delicious.

Even Wen Yun and Lin Mo curiously tasted a small cup and marveled at it.

Lin Yan used to eat and drink quite freely in the palace, but after taking advantage of Zhao Wanru, he lost his appetite. Now, in the bustling city, he relaxed and his appetite returned. He ate as he walked, finding the lively atmosphere of the city more comforting and satisfying than the delicacies in the palace.

It would be great if Xiao Che could come and take a look too.

Unfortunately, Xiao Che was the emperor, so he certainly couldn't leave the palace at will.

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, Lin Yan began to think about buying things for her family.

He took his sister and mother to a shop selling rouge and face powder. He picked out a box of fine stone ink and lip rouge for Wen Yun, and several brightly colored rouge and eyebrow ink for Lin Mo. The mother and daughter were overjoyed.

Then Lin Yan bought thick cotton earmuffs, sturdy wool socks, and warm shoes lined with soft cotton for her father and cousin Wen Ke. She also bought each of them a lightweight and warm fur vest.

“Father sits in the government office, his feet and hands get very cold, this is perfect. My cousin studies at night, so he needs to dress warmly too, or he'll get sick.” Lin Yan thought very carefully.

Lin Chengji stroked the soft leather, feeling comforted, but said aloud, "You're wasting money again."

Wen Ke thanked him repeatedly, feeling warm inside. He felt that although his cousin held a high position, he was not arrogant at all and treated people with sincerity and consideration.

The family chatted and laughed, their hands full of bags and packages, and before they knew it, they had been shopping for quite some time.

Lin Mo was young and a woman, so her physical strength was slightly inferior, and she gradually became unable to walk anymore. Wen Yun also felt her legs were a little sore.

Seeing this, Lin Yan looked around and saw a hot water stall with a canopy not far ahead, with a few clean tables and chairs, just the right place to rest.

"Father, Mother, shall we go sit over there and have a bowl of boiled water?" Lin Yan suggested.

Everyone agreed, so the family went to the hot water stall and found a relatively quiet corner to sit down.

Lin Yan asked for several bowls of warm boiled water, which was actually a light beverage made from various flowers, fruits and medicinal herbs. It was slightly sweet and helped to relieve the greasiness of the roasted meat and chestnuts she had just eaten.

The family sat together, drinking warm boiled water, watching the still bustling street scene, enjoying this rare moment of leisure, and felt extremely comfortable and satisfied.

Lin Yan was especially relaxed, leaning lazily back in his chair. Looking at the smiling faces of his family under the lamplight, he felt that the fatigue from work and the thrill of the palace banquet had been soothed away.

This is probably the essence of everyday life, the most comforting thing for ordinary people.

Lin Yan squinted his eyes contentedly, pondering whether to go straight home or wander around to see if there were any stalls selling interesting trinkets; they had only explored a small part of the area.

Just as Lin Yan was most relaxed and unguarded, a figure walked naturally to their table, pulled out the empty chair opposite him, and sat down.

The man wore a silver mask that covered the upper half of his face, revealing only his well-defined jawline and a pair of eyes that appeared exceptionally deep and unfathomable under the light.

Half a step behind him was a middle-aged man with fair skin, who was trying to shrink his neck and minimize his presence. Lin Yan was utterly familiar with that posture and demeanor—it was as if he had inhaled the smoke of a cigarette.

Who else could it be but Li Defu, the Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Household?!

"Clang!"

Lin Yan lost her grip on the rough porcelain bowl and slammed it onto the table with a jarring sound, spilling the warm, boiled water inside.

But he couldn't care less.

He sprang up as if his backside was on fire: "Your Majesty..."

A word nearly tore through his throat and escaped his lips, but was held back by the last shred of reason, choking him until his eyes went blank, his cheeks flushed instantly, and he froze on the spot, his hands and feet turned icy cold, his mind blank as if a thunderbolt had struck him.

The biggest, biggest, biggest boss?!

Why are you outside instead of in the palace?

Why are you only serving Li Defu? Where are your protectors?

Lin Yan's sudden and violent reaction startled the rest of the Lin family.

Lin Chengji and Wen Yun had just picked up their bowls to take a sip of water when they saw this and their hands froze in mid-air.

Lin Mo was blowing on the hot air when her brother suddenly stood up, causing the chair to tip over, and almost choked.

Wen Ke subconsciously moved closer to Lin Yan, looking warily at the uninvited guest who had suddenly sat down and was wearing a mask, as well as the middle-aged attendant behind him who looked quite unusual.

"Yan'er, what's wrong?" Lin Chengji put down his bowl, frowned and asked, looking at the "uninvited guest" with a puzzled expression.

This man possessed an extraordinary bearing. Although his face was concealed, his overall demeanor was undeniable, clearly indicating that he was no ordinary person.

My son's reaction... could it be that they know each other?

Wen Yun looked at her son with concern, then at the masked man, and a ridiculous and terrifying guess rose in her mind, making her heart beat faster.

Lin Mo and Wen Ke dared not even breathe, feeling the atmosphere instantly become strange.

Just as Lin Chengji was about to ask again, and even cautiously tried to get up to protect his family behind him, Lin Yan finally managed to pull a sliver of reason out of the earth-shattering shock.

Lin Yan took a deep breath, as if he had just choked on water, and forced a distorted but natural smile. His voice was shaky from extreme tension, but the volume involuntarily rose, almost shouting, "Young Master Xiao? What are you doing here? What a coincidence!"

The name "Young Master Xiao" struck the Lin family like a thunderbolt.

Lin Chengji froze instantly as he was about to stand up, his pupils contracting sharply.

Wen Yun gasped, her hand trembled, and some of the cooked water in the bowl spilled out.

Lin Mo and Wen Ke were completely dumbfounded, their eyes wide open. They looked at the masked man, then at the abnormally reacting Lin Yan, the title "Young Master Xiao" echoing repeatedly in their minds—who else in the world could be called "Young Master Xiao" by Lin Yan and frighten him like this?!

In an instant, Lin Chengji and Wen Yun almost reflexively stood up and performed a deep bow, their legs trembling slightly. Wen Ke also subconsciously tried to stand up as well.

However, Xiao Che seemed to have anticipated their reaction.

He remained seated calmly on the stool, which was far too simple for his status, and casually raised his hand, a gesture that carried an innate air of authority, even though he was dressed in ordinary clothes and wearing a mask.

"No need for formalities outside." His voice came through the mask, more casual than usual in the main hall. "Today is noisy, I just took a rare break to come out for a walk and see the everyday life of ordinary people."

Xiao Che's gaze swept over the food on the table and the large and small bags piled up beside it: "It seems that the Lin... young master's family has had quite a haul?"

Lin Chengji and Wen Yun's hearts were still pounding, and a thin layer of sweat instantly seeped out on their backs.

His Majesty actually went out of the palace incognito! And he was sitting right across from them!

The two men stood stiffly, uneasy, and could only manage to force a smile, replying in dry voices, "Yes...yes, just browsing around. Please forgive us, Young Master Xiao."

Lin Mo was so nervous that she gripped her mother's sleeve tightly with her little hands, her face turned pale, and she secretly glanced at the legendary "Young Master Xiao," even her breathing became soft.

Wen Ke also held his breath and dared not utter a sound, finally truly experiencing what it felt like to have "the majesty of the emperor within reach".

The calmest person in the room was Lin Yan.

Lin Yan felt a chill run down his spine, but forced himself to reply, "Yes, it's rare... uh, the night market is lively, so I came out for a walk with my family. Young Master Xiao... are you alone?"

He wanted to slap himself as soon as he asked the question; this is no way to make conversation.

Li Defu was standing there, such a big man.

“Of course not.” Xiao Che glanced meaningfully at Li Defu behind him. “However, they are probably not as familiar with these common things as I am.”

His tone carried a hint of disdain, which made Li Defu lower his head even further.

Xiao Che paused, his fingers tapping lightly on the rough wooden table unconsciously, as if he were really thinking about something. Then he suddenly looked at Lin Yan and said in a natural tone, as if he were saying that the weather was nice today: "Since we've run into each other, it must be fate. I see that Young Master Lin is quite familiar with this place. Why don't you accompany me for a walk? It will save me from wandering around like a headless fly."

Li Defu: "..." Your Majesty, did you meet by chance? Or did you come here specifically to see Lord Lin?

Lin Yan: "???"

Lin Chengji and Wen Yun were startled. Was His Majesty going to call Yan'er away alone?

The two were worried, but dared not voice their objections, and could only watch their son nervously.

Lin Yan was heartbroken, but dared not show it on his face. He could only reply dryly, "It is my honor to be able to guide Young Master Xiao."

[His Majesty must have brought secret guards to protect him, right?]

[Eunuch Li wouldn't allow His Majesty to leave the palace without protection, would he?]

Lin Yan wasn't afraid of anything else, but he was afraid of things like in novels, where the emperor would always encounter assassins when he left the palace.

Xiao Che nodded in satisfaction and said to Lin Chengji and Wen Yun, "Master Lin, Madam Lin, don't worry. We're just borrowing Young Master Lin for a moment. We'll send him back shortly."

"No, no, please go ahead, Young Master Xiao." Lin Chengji and Wen Yun quickly replied, not daring to say no in their hearts.

Thus, under the tense, worried, and bewildered gazes of the Lin family, Lin Yan felt as if he were on a grill, stiffly following the masked "Young Master Xiao" and his barely noticeable attendant as they left the boiled water stall and merged into the bustling crowd.

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Author's Note: Bonus chapter for reaching 3000 nutrient solutions tomorrow! A long chapter of 7000 words! [heart emoji]