From the moment the carriage appeared, the emperor's gaze was fixed on it.
He could already smell the sweet fragrance emanating from it, which seemed to seep straight into his heart.
The eunuchs went to move the durians, and when they saw that each one weighed about twenty pounds, a hint of satisfaction appeared on the emperor's face.
Qiao Lian'er then brought out another baby weighing about seven or eight pounds: "This is the size sold to the great families. My warehouse is full of babies of this weight. Your Majesty can send someone to check."
"This smaller one is yours," the emperor said to Eunuch Qi.
Grandpa Qi quickly took the durian and hugged it. The thorns on the durian made him wince, but he could only hold it tightly and kneel down to express his gratitude.
"Your Majesty, I originally planned to present them to Your Majesty when I had collected thirty-six, but I only have ten right now. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Thirty-six is an auspicious number in ancient times, signifying "everything goes smoothly" and also representing the emperor's ceremonial procession of six horses, showcasing imperial majesty.
The emperor now completely believed Qiao Lian'er's words.
He launched a surprise attack; it would have been impossible for him to produce it without preparation.
Even if there are great fruits, without the right mindset, they might sell them to those high-class families at a higher price.
"Can you fill the remaining twenty-six within three days?"
Qiao Lian'er looked troubled.
“Large fruits are rare, one in a thousand. I will do my best to try.”
"Go and prepare," the emperor said authoritatively.
After Qiao Lian'er left, the emperor immediately ordered that all of these be carried to his study.
The reason he wasn't carried to the bedchamber was because he was going to recruit concubines to serve him in bed, and they would compete with him for food.
It's not that he's stingy; it's that he wants to eat his fill first.
Once all the fruit was piled up in the imperial study, the emperor had a eunuch open a durian and fill three large platters. Then, the emperor said coldly, "Get out."
Even Eunuch Qi withdrew.
Then the emperor sat down at the table, his whole body relaxed, he stretched his legs out, grabbed a piece of durian and put it in his mouth.
His imperial aura has vanished.
While eating, he tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and exclaimed in amazement.
Having tasted such delicious food, it seems that whether or not one is the emperor no longer matters.
After he had eaten his fill, the door to the imperial study was opened. The emperor stood upright, his face serious and stern, exuding imperial majesty.
However, the durians in the three plates were gone, and a custard apple and two pounds of nuts were missing.
The emperor exuded an indescribable sense of satisfaction.
Of course, even though she was trying her best to tuck in her belly, you could still tell that it was round.
"Tonight, I will host a banquet. Invitations will be sent to all officials of the third rank and above."
Eunuch Qi found it strange: "Why does His Majesty suddenly want to host a banquet?"
The emperor waved his hand: "Just take it as me being in a good mood. When the time comes, pick out six durians and place them in front of my desk."
Eunuch Qi immediately understood. The Emperor wanted to show off. The greatest reward was in his hands. He had a reward that the high-ranking families could not obtain. He was the ruler of the world.
——————
Yesterday, the Pei Prince's Mansion specially sent two chefs, but the orders were too many and they were a bit overwhelmed. So Qiao Lian'er said she would treat the two Pei brothers to dinner today.
Around noon, they arrived, carrying a jar of fine wine.
Qiao Dacheng glanced behind the two brothers; it was empty, and no one else was there. A sense of disappointment crept onto his face.
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