Chapter 244 Barbecue
Princess Mingzhu soon covered herself in mud, and her skirt was also covered in mud spots, but she didn't care at all and just kept laughing.
"Haha, this is so much fun! Sister Ling, look how deep the hole I dug is!"
"This soil is so soft, it feels so nice to step on!"
Three noble masters then began to work in a corner of the palace garden, looking quite respectable.
Jiang Huan would occasionally give He Ling some pointers, while He Ling would try her best to pass on her knowledge to Mingzhu, who would then be responsible for creating all sorts of unexpected events and fun.
The palace maids and eunuchs standing nearby watched their three masters working in the mud, their expressions complex and their backs drenched in sweat.
They wanted to help, but dared not disturb their master's enjoyment, so they could only stand by anxiously, constantly handing her water and handkerchiefs, trying to pull Princess Mingzhu out of the mud pit.
On the other side, in the Imperial Study.
Huo Lin sat upright behind his large desk, holding a memorial in his hand, his brows slightly furrowed, as if troubled by some difficult problem.
The hall was filled with the gentle fragrance of incense, creating a serene atmosphere.
Wang Degui tiptoed in and bowed to report: "Your Majesty, the head chef of the Imperial Kitchen just reported that two excellent deer were delivered today. The meat is tender and succulent, a rare delicacy. The head chef asks Your Majesty, what should be done with this meat?"
Upon hearing this, Huo Lin put down the memorial in his hand, his eyes brightening slightly.
This is a rare find.
The meat is tender, making it perfect for... grilling!
The image of Jiang Huan flipping meat slices over the charcoal fire, the meat sizzling, flashed into his mind instantly.
The crispy exterior and tender interior, combined with the unique flavor of spices, make your mouth water just thinking about it.
Huo Lin began planning the barbecue feast for the evening, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.
"Okay, I understand. Pick the best parts and send them to Weiyang Palace first."
Wang Degui quickly replied, "Yes, this servant will go and deliver the message right away."
Huo Lin picked up the memorial again, but his mind was wandering.
The venison she roasts will definitely be delicious, especially with the special spices sprinkled on top...
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became, and he almost ate the memorial in his hand to satisfy his hunger.
Just then, Shen Yi strolled in leisurely.
"What are you thinking about so intently? You're even holding the memorial upside down."
Huo Lin snapped back to his senses, looked down, and a barely perceptible hint of embarrassment flashed across his face.
Sigh, it's all because that venison was too tempting.
He quickly straightened the memorial, put on a stern face, and pretended to be serious.
"I was simply contemplating state affairs."
Shen Yi raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing it.
When he came in, he happened to hear Wang Degui instructing a young eunuch to deliver venison to Weiyang Palace. Seeing Huo Lin's absent-minded look, he immediately understood what was going on.
He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and gave a mischievous smile.
“Your Majesty, that’s not fair. I clearly heard Eunuch Wang talking about venison. Tsk tsk, that stuff is a delicacy when roasted. Sprinkle it with spices and it’ll sizzle and ooze oil.”
As he spoke, he smacked his lips with an air of importance, as if he could already smell the aroma.
Huo Lin's eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained unchanged.
"Hmm, I was just thinking that I'll go to Weiyang Palace later and have Consort Zhuang roast some for me to try."
Shen Yi's eyes lit up instantly, and he immediately seized the opportunity: "Consort Zhuang's cooking skills are unparalleled in the palace. The aroma of her roasted meat can be smelled for miles. I dare to ask if I can go with Your Majesty for a meal and serve Your Majesty a meal."
He spoke with an air of seriousness, but Huo Lin knew perfectly well what he was thinking.
Huo Lin snorted. That sounds nice, but he's just greedy.
Oh well, one more won't make a difference.
This will be a good opportunity for him to see her skills.
Huo Lin nodded and said, "Granted."
Shen Yi was overjoyed. Hehe, Consort Zhuang's roasted meat.
I'm in for a treat today!
He happily stepped aside, already imagining the delicious roast meat.
Huo Lin shook his head as he looked at Shen Yi's delighted expression, picked up the memorial again, but his mind was already on Weiyang Palace.
Hurry up and finish approving it, hurry up and finish approving it...
He muttered to himself as he sped up the pace of reviewing the papers.
Finally, after finishing the last urgent memorial, he immediately put down his pen and stood up.
"Let's go." He said succinctly.
Shen Yi, who had been eagerly waiting, immediately perked up upon hearing this: "Yes, Your Majesty!"
The two walked out of the imperial study one after the other, heading towards Weiyang Palace.
On the way, Huo Lin was in a good mood, and when he thought of Jiang Huan, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
"Consort Zhuang is the most dignified and proper, and quite intelligent. She always manages to relieve my worries," Huo Lin said to Shen Yi seemingly casually, with a hint of boasting in his tone.
Shen Yi followed behind and almost choked on his own saliva when he heard this.
Dignified and proper? Your Majesty, perhaps you have some misunderstanding about your wife?
But I can't say that out loud, because I haven't gotten my hands on that jar of pear blossom wine yet.
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty is gentle and virtuous, with an elegant demeanor; you are truly a model for the harem."
Huo Lin's smile deepened as he listened to Shen Yi's words.
Hmm, this kid has good taste.
The two quickly arrived at the gate of Weiyang Palace. Just as the palace maids guarding the gate were about to announce their arrival, Huo Lin waved his hand, signaling them to be quiet.
He led Shen Yi toward the main hall.
However, as soon as he rounded the corridor, the scene before him made Huo Lin stop abruptly, and the smile on his face instantly froze.
The once overgrown open space on the west side was now a mess, with dirt flying everywhere.
In the center of the open space, three familiar figures were squatting in the mud, working hard.
Jiang Huan rolled up her sleeves, revealing two fair arms, and held a small hoe in her hand, digging the ground in a very professional manner.
Her skirt was covered in mud, and there was a gray mark on her cheek, but she was completely unaware of it, her expression focused.
He Ling squatted down next to her, holding a few unidentified objects in her hand and putting them into the pit, her movements clumsy yet earnest.
The most eye-catching one was Princess Mingzhu, who was almost lying on the ground, her little face covered in mud, holding a wriggling earthworm in her hand, and shouting excitedly.
"Sister Ling, Your Majesty, look!"
Huo Lin: ...
Shen Yi: ...
Huo Lin felt a rush of blood to the top of his head, and his temples throbbed.
The boasts he had just made in front of Shen Yi now felt like resounding slaps across his face.
Where is my dignified and proper Consort Zhuang?!
Who is that...rolling in the mud right in front of me?!
However, judging from her appearance, with her rosy cheeks, she looks quite lively.
Although she was dirty, her radiance was something that even the dirt couldn't hide!
Shen Yi stood behind him, watching the extremely shocking scene before him, his lips twitching wildly, and he struggled to keep from bursting out laughing on the spot.
The Emperor's face was slapped so hard, tsk tsk tsk, it really slapped him hard
Luckily, he didn't join in the praise, or he would have embarrassed himself too.
This scene is so full of life! Consort Zhuang is truly a talented woman.
Jiang Huan, who was focused on digging a pit, heard Huo Lin's thoughts, looked up, and was stunned to see the two of them.
Huh? What are they doing here?
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