After getting up, Li Xin also saw the Empress's somewhat stiff expression.

He didn't pay much attention to it, since that was always how he remembered it.

"Father,"

After sitting down, Li Xin said with a smile, "Your subject did not bring anything good back from Dongning City this time."

Your Majesty knows you enjoy drinking, so I brought some Dongning liquor, a specialty of Dongning. Please have a taste.

As he spoke, Li Xin beckoned, and a eunuch brought over several jars of Dongning liquor.

Once the lid was opened, a rich aroma of wine filled the palace.

Emperor Tongxu paused for a moment, sniffed a few times, and exclaimed, "Fine wine! Such fragrant wine!"

"Father, this Dongning liquor has two main characteristics,"

Li Xin explained, "Firstly, it's fragrant! The aroma of the wine is captivating!"

Secondly, it's strong; the liquor burns like fire when it enters the stomach, hence the name "shaojiu" (literally "burnt liquor").

"Yeah?"

Emperor Tongxu was eager to try it and ordered, "Tell the imperial kitchen to prepare some snacks to go with the wine. Today, I want to try this Dongning liquor with Xin'er!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

After the eunuch left, footsteps could be heard outside.

Before long, Crown Prince Li Ming, dressed in casual clothes, walked in.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty!"

Li Ming entered the Ganlu Hall and knelt down.

"Ming'er, you've come at the perfect time! Your third brother brought some fine wine from Dongning City, let's have a taste!"

Emperor Tongxu looked at Li Ming and said with a smile, "Look at our whole family, only Zhi'er is still in Shu."

Otherwise, our whole family would have come.

The Empress rose and took Li Ming's arm. "Ming'er, come and sit down."