A plain porcelain bowl on a wooden tray was quickly brought to Zhu Youxiao.

Chen Hong quickly removed the gold-rimmed lid of the porcelain bowl, and a burst of hot steam immediately hit his nose.

The bowl contained the dish Zhu Youxiao had been looking forward to for a long time: beef stew with potatoes.

Looking at the steaming beef stew with potatoes, Zhu Youxiao sniffed it hard and a happy smile appeared on his face.

Ever since Xu Guangqi took charge of the planting experiment in Huangzhuang, he has missed and thought about this taste for a long time, and now he finally has something to eat.

Moreover, this potato stew had been designated as the main dish for the imperial banquet, prepared to be served to the civil and military officials and nobles. Of course, they were not given beef, but mutton and pork ribs instead.

As for beef, they might try it after returning home, but as the emperor, he would not publicly advocate it. After all, cattle were still very important in the Ming Dynasty, and eating beef was strictly prohibited.

As for when we can eat beef freely in the future, it may have to wait until we conquer Liaodong and Mongolia. We will have complete control over them, not like now, where the border guards in remote towns are constrained by their presence.

For Zhu Youxiao, such a day will not be too late.

Although I have all kinds of thoughts in my mind, the most important thing now is to eat beef with potatoes.

Zhu Youxiao couldn't wait to pick up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of golden potato and put it into his mouth.

The potatoes that have absorbed the beef broth are soft and sticky. When you take a bite, they are warm and delicious, and the juice instantly fills your mouth.

Chew it gently two or three times, and the aroma will fill your mouth.

I picked up the chopsticks again, picked up a piece of tender stewed beef, coated it with some soup, and gently put it in my mouth.

The high-quality beef reveals that unique meaty aroma, and the combination with the soft and glutinous potatoes is just right.

After taking this bite, Zhu Youxiao's face showed joy.

He reached out and picked up the wine jug on the table, poured himself a cup of rice wine, and took a sip. Zhu Youxiao's face became even more satisfied.

Then he reached out and picked up the grilled lamb chops on the other side of the table and took a bite. It was indeed delicious.

The aroma of potatoes and beef drifted far away on the wind. Chen Hong, standing aside, felt his Adam's apple rise and fall, and secretly swallowed his saliva. However, he lowered his head, not daring to be seen.

Although Chen Hong wanted to eat it, he was afraid that it was impossible now. If it were other common delicacies in the palace, it might not be a big deal, but potatoes were the new favorite and extremely precious.

The palace only sent a few potatoes to the Empress and the two noble ladies; no one else had any. The remaining potatoes in the store were to be kept for the grand banquet, and even Chen Hong didn't dare to touch them without permission.

After eating most of the plate of beef stew with potatoes, Zhu Youxiao nodded in satisfaction. It was indeed delicious.

Waving his hands contentedly, Zhu Youxiao signaled the palace servants to remove the things. He casually took the warm tea handed to him by Chen Hong, took a sip, and immediately felt relaxed all over.

Zhu Youxiao leaned back in the rocking chair, rocking it gently, looking at the rippling lake in front of him, letting the breeze blow gently on his body.

At this moment, I feel the sky is so transparent and blue, and my mood is so comfortable.

"It is true that life is beautiful when you have enough food and drink." Zhu Youxiao sighed softly.

Chen Hong, who was standing by, had already had the things removed. However, he approached Zhu Youxiao with some trepidation and said softly, "Your Majesty, Lord Zhao Bingzhong requests an audience."

Hearing Chen Hong's words, Zhu Youxiao was stunned, then nodded and said, "Let him in."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Chen Hong immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and the expression on his face became much more relaxed.

He was really worried about angering the emperor. After all, the emperor was in such a good mood right now, and everyone probably wanted to see that.

Chen Hong secretly complained about Zhao Bingzhong in his heart. He didn't even know when to come in. It was obvious that such a minister would not be a favorite.

Look at Xu Guangqi. He never met the emperor at mealtime. Basically, he would meet him one hour after breakfast. He chose a very good time.

No wonder he can become the second assistant to the cabinet! Chen Hong sighed in his heart.

After giving himself enough drama, Chen Hong walked outside, looked at Zhao Bingzhong who was waiting there, and said with a smile: "Sir Zhao, His Majesty summoned you."

"Thank you, eunuch." Zhao Bingzhong quickly bowed and said with a smile.

Chen Hong nodded and said with a smile, "You're welcome, Lord Zhao. His Majesty just had lunch and is drinking tea by the lake. He's in a good mood. If you have anything to say, Lord Zhao, you should probably speak quickly. His Majesty should be taking a nap."

After hearing Chen Hong's reminder, Zhao Bingzhong nodded and thanked him, "Thank you, Eunuch Chen, for your advice."

"Master Zhao, you're too polite. I'm just working for His Majesty." Chen Hong waved his hand, looking like we were old friends. "If Master Zhao has anything to ask, you can ask me. I'll tell you everything I know."

After taking a deep look at Chen Hong, Zhao Bingzhong nodded and said, "Then I'll have to trouble Eunuch Chen from now on."

In fact, only Zhao Bingzhong himself knew how perfunctory this statement was.

He did not dare to get too close to Chen Hong. Zhao Bingzhong was very clear about his own position.

Who are you?

I am the sword in His Majesty's hand, and the government office I control is the Tongzhengsi. I have no right to befriend outsiders, especially the eunuchs in the palace.

Otherwise, you don't have to do anything and the road will end.

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