Qi Guze gently held Xu Yuehuai's hand. "Ayue, we're both trying to make amends. But there are some things we really can't go back to. I know you've always felt sorry for Zixin, but that was all you could do back then. Now, as long as our family is together, that's the greatest happiness."

"Hmm." The knot in Xu Yuehuai's heart slowly untied.

The night was as still as water, and moonlight spilled into every corner of the room. Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze lay on either side of the bed, quietly watching over the sleeping Qi Zixin.

After a short rest, Xu Yuehuai stepped into Tianxiang Tower one morning.

The restaurant seemed to have undergone a magnificent transformation, becoming even larger and more bustling than ever before. Xu Yuehuai's arrival was like a gentle spring breeze, adding a unique charm to this prosperous place.

Upon seeing Xu Yuehuai, the shopkeeper immediately stepped forward with a beaming smile: "Your Highness, what brings you here today?" His voice was filled with respect and joy.

The waiters followed closely behind, bowing respectfully and saying, "Greetings, Your Highness!"

The surrounding customers were also attracted by the spectacle, and they all stood up and shouted in unison, "Greetings, Your Highness!"

Xu Yuehuai smiled and waved for everyone to sit down, her voice gentle yet firm: "Please, everyone, don't stand on ceremony. I hope you all enjoy the delicious food at Tianxiang Restaurant and have a pleasant time."

Her words were like a gentle spring breeze, making everyone present feel her kindness and approachability.

However, at that moment, Xu Yuehuai's gaze was drawn to an unusual man.

He was tall and imposing, with a resolute face and eyes that revealed a sense of unruliness and defiance. His attire was completely different from that of the people of the Great Zhou Kingdom; he seemed more like someone from the distant Kingdom of Mingyue.

Suddenly, he walked straight toward Xu Yuehuai, his eyes full of provocation and disdain.

"So you are the Regent's Consort, Princess Heyue," the man's voice was deep and powerful, as if every word carried immense weight. "I've heard you're particularly skilled at cooking. I'm in the same line of work, and I'd like to have a competition with you."

Everyone present was stunned by these words.

They started whispering among themselves, "Who is this guy? He's got quite the nerve!"

"How dare you compare yourself to our Princess!"

"Your Highness, you must agree to his request and let him know the power of our Great Zhou Kingdom!"

"It would be best if they left crying!"

...

Xu Yuehuai smiled as she quietly observed the challenger from the Dark Moon Kingdom. She wasn't angry at his provocation; instead, she felt a surge of excitement.

She knew that this would be an unprecedented culinary competition and a great opportunity to showcase the culinary skills of the Great Zhou Kingdom.

“Sure,” Xu Yuehuai replied casually, her eyes as deep as autumn water. “So, what should we start with?”

Upon hearing this, a sly glint flashed in the man's eyes: "Three dishes, how about it? You and I will each present one, and then everyone here will choose one. The dishes presented must correspond to the theme for the winner to be determined."

Xu Yuehuai nodded slightly, a faint smile appearing on her face: "Very well. Then we will trouble the three teachers present to be our witnesses."

Before the words were finished, three elderly men slowly rose from the crowd. They were renowned masters in the capital of the Great Zhou Kingdom, as well as regular customers of Tianxiang Restaurant. They were highly respected, fair and impartial, and the best witnesses to this culinary competition.

“Alright!” the man responded loudly, a hint of smugness on his face. “Then I’ll start with the questions. The first one will be ‘Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Auspiciousness’.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than a waiter brought over an exquisite wooden platter. On the platter, a phoenix and a dragon were depicted, lifelike and nestled together, like a loving couple.

These are all carved from vegetables, making them look especially beautiful, not to mention the faint aroma wafting in the air.

The three scholars each tasted some and nodded, expressing their enjoyment of the dish.

"Very good, the knife work and the materials used are both exceptionally exquisite."

"I never expected you to be so skilled."

"He certainly has the qualifications to challenge our Princess."

Seeing this, Xu Yuehuai's lips curled slightly, but she didn't rush to start. She knew that although this question seemed simple, it contained hidden tricks. She needed to ponder it carefully in order to cook a dish that was both appropriate for the question and delicious.

"Why has the princess suddenly become so quiet?"

"We probably won't tell, will we?"

"I don't think this big man is someone who can cook. He's probably been hired to cause trouble at Tianxiang Restaurant."

"Who on earth is so heartless as to go against Tianxiang Tower and the Princess?"

At this moment, the atmosphere inside Tianxiang Tower became increasingly tense.

Everyone held their breath, their eyes focused on Xu Yuehuai.

The challenger from the Dark Moon Kingdom, on the other hand, looked smug, as if he had already foreseen his victory.

However, Xu Yuehuai did not grant his wish. She took a deep breath and had a space in the hall cleared out to serve as a temporary kitchen.

She walked toward the makeshift kitchen, her steps steady and powerful, each step revealing composure and confidence.

On the table in this makeshift kitchen were many different kinds of ingredients and tools. She was completely focused on selecting ingredients and preparing seasonings, and every movement she made seemed effortless.

Soon, a dish with excellent color, aroma, and taste was presented to everyone.

It was a phoenix spreading its wings as if about to take flight, and a divine dragon circling between them. They complemented each other, like a beautiful painting.

The three scholars, after taking a bite, were full of praise and found the taste unforgettable.

"This tastes amazing, like eating a piping hot snowflake in the middle of nowhere. It makes you feel lightheaded, as if your whole soul is floating freely in the air."

"Yes, that's how I feel too."

"I never expected the princess to have such superb skills. It's truly astonishing."

The remaining dishes were also given to the others around to taste. After eating them, they were all amazed by the dishes and stood up to cheer in unison: "Your Highness has excellent cooking skills!"

"The princess has won!"

The challenger from the Dark Moon Kingdom also took a small bite and immediately felt a magical power within his body, his soul was shaken, and he was shocked and speechless.

"Xu Yuehuai, you truly live up to your reputation." The man conceded defeat but still refused to admit defeat. "Now it's your turn to pose the question."

Xu Yuehuai smiled slightly: "Then let's use 'The Cycle of the Four Seasons' as the theme."

She explained, "This dish needs to showcase the beauty of the changing seasons while also being delicious."

The man frowned upon hearing this. He knew that this question was far more difficult than his previous one, "Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Auspiciousness." However, he was still unwilling to give up and decided to give it his all.

After much effort, the man finally managed to cook a dish that looked exquisite.

However, after tasting it, everyone shook their heads and sighed, "Although this dish is delicious, it fails to capture the essence of the cycle of the four seasons."

"It's still a bit superficial and didn't move me."

"I wonder how the princess will handle it?"

"Let's all look forward to the Princess's dishes!"