Chapter 25

Su Wanxing returned to the shop and wrote down the date on a piece of paper, which she then posted in the kitchen.

"Master, where did you go just now?"

"We've received a big order. According to this date, you need to make three bowls of red sesame and assorted dishes that day, and hand them to the person when they come today."

"good"

Ten days later, Nineteen handed the food box to Qiufeng.

Autumn Wind returned to the mansion with the food box.

At night, red lanterns were hung in front of the mansion. Colorful silk flower racks were placed on both sides of the passageway from the gate to the main hall. The kitchen was bustling with activity, preparing the main dishes for the banquet. The steward and servants polished the silverware and arranged the tables and chairs according to the guests' rank. The head seat in the main hall was for the husband and wife of the Ministry of Rites official, and the seats on both sides were for colleagues, subordinates and relatives. Each person had a set of celadon tableware in front of them, with the mansion's mark engraved on the bottom of the cup.

Guests arrived in order of their status, and colleagues presented them with congratulatory gifts in turn.

"Congratulations on Miss Han's coming-of-age ceremony! This is a landscape painting I specially sought out."

"Congratulations on Miss Han's coming-of-age ceremony. This is a gilded incense burner I commissioned to be made."

"Zhiyao, why don't you thank everyone?"

Han Zhiyao stepped forward and bowed.

Thank you for the gifts, everyone.

"Alright, everyone, please don't stand on ceremony, let's eat."

Han Zhiyao sat back down in her original seat.

When the auspicious hour arrived, the steward shouted "The birthday banquet begins!" The musicians played joyful music, and the servants served dishes in turn, carrying trays. Colleagues were the first to stand up and offer a toast. Han, the official, pulled Zhiyao up to return the toast, and everyone drank it all in one gulp. The subordinates raised their glasses in unison, their words even more respectful. The scene was both polite and lively.

"Why doesn't Zhiyao seem happy at all? This is your birthday!"

Han Zhiyao complained listlessly.

"These gifts weren't for me anyway, so I don't like them at all."

Old Han also knew his daughter's temperament.

Autumn Wind

Qiu Feng brought the lunchbox he had received at noon and placed it in front of Han Zhiyao.

"Mother, what is this?"

"Open it and take a look."

Han Zhiyao opened the food box, and a series of exquisite milky aromas appeared before her eyes.

"Mother, is this Hongxiu Milk Fragrance?"

"Mother knew you wanted to eat it, so she specially sent someone to buy it."

"Thank you, Mother!"

Han Zhiyao finished the bowl in one or two bites.

"It's so delicious, Mom! What's that over there?"

"Assorted Milk Flavor, with lots of your favorite fruits inside"

Han Zhiyao quickly finished another bowl.

"How come there are still four bowls? Mom, how did you manage to buy so many?"

Old Han also understood Su Wanxing's thoughts.

Han Zhiyao picked up two bowls and placed them in front of her mother, then placed the remaining two bowls in front of her father.

"Father and Mother, you should try some too."

Old Han put the two bowls back in front of Han Zhiyao.

"Mother has already eaten; give the rest to Zhiyao."

Han Zhiyao thought for a moment, put the two bowls back into the food box, and hugged her mother, starting to act coquettishly.

"Mother, please take these two bowls to Brother Heng when you go to court tomorrow morning."

"Nonsense"

"Please, Mother, Brother Heng will definitely like this."

Seeing that Old Master Han didn't speak, Han Zhiyao pretended to cry.

"If Mother doesn't help me, I'll never celebrate my birthday again. This is my only wish, and Mother won't help me."

Old Han nodded helplessly at Zhiyao's head.

"I'm really scared of you."

"I knew Mom was the best. Remember to tell Heng-gege."

"say what?"

Han Zhiyao lowered her head shyly.

Tell him I miss him.

"You!"

The next day, after attending the morning court session, Elder Han went to the entrance of Heng Huangzi's palace.

"Please inform Elder Han that he has important business to discuss with me."

Led by Yun Song, Old Han arrived at the study.

"Mr. Han, what brings you here?"

Mr. Han bowed.

"My daughter came of age yesterday, and she asked me to bring some local snacks to the Emperor."

Yun Song took the food box and examined it carefully.

"Then please thank Zhiyao for me."

"Very well, then this humble official will take his leave."

"good"

After Elder Han left, Yan Heng immediately went to the table to examine it carefully.

The spoon touched it.

"Yun Song, look what this is! It bounces back and forth!"

"Yun Song also did not know."

"Hehe, then I'll try a bite first."

After taking a bite, Yan Heng praised it highly.

"What is this? It tastes like milk and melts in your mouth."

"As long as the princess is happy."

Yan Heng finished one bowl in two or three bites and then picked up another bowl.

"There's so much fruit in here!"

Yan Heng scooped up a spoonful and held it to Yun Song's lips.

"Here, have a bite."

"Princess, this is against the rules."

"Oh well, there's no one else around anyway, and it'll fall apart if we don't eat it soon."

Yun Song covered his mouth with his sleeve and took a bite.

Yan Heng asked impatiently.

"How about it?"

Yun Song nodded shyly.

"tasty"

Yan Heng happily finished the rest of the food, and even drank the remaining milk.

"So delicious!"

"Your Highness, please be mindful of your words and actions."

"Alright, alright, there's no one else around, why should I pretend in front of you?"

"Yes, Princess Huang."

Yan Heng's eyes darted around, and he immediately came up with a mischievous idea, staring at Yun Song with a malicious smile.

Yun Song knew that Huang Zi was going to make things difficult for him again, so he immediately wanted to escape.

"stop!"

Yan Heng blocked Yun Song's path, approaching step by step.

"Phoenix"

"Hehe, Yun Song, how have I treated you?"

"The Phoenix is ​​naturally extremely kind to her subordinates."

"Now that I, the Phoenix Princess, am in trouble, are you willing to help me, Yun Song?"

Yun Song was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to agree or refuse, and stammered without speaking.

Yan Heng grabbed Yun Song and looked at him pitifully.

"Yun Song, didn't you sneak out of the palace before? Why don't you..."

Upon hearing this, Yun Song immediately knelt down.

"Phoenix, please don't! Last time we were lucky, but this time, this time..."

Yan Heng slumped to the ground, looking dejected.

"Forget it, if even you're not willing to help me in this Phoenix Palace, then what's the point of me being here?"

"Phoenix, you can't say things like that carelessly!"

"I'm tired, Yun Song. I may never be happy again."

Yun Song knew he couldn't go against Huang Zi's wishes, so he had no choice but to agree.

"Alright, Phoenix, I... I'll go give it a try."

Yan Heng knew Yun Song would agree, and happily hugged Yun Song.

"Haha, I knew it! You're the one who's best to me, Yun Song."