Lin Mama's suggestion was exactly what the Empress Dowager wanted to hear. Almost as soon as she finished speaking, she turned and walked out, saying, "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and go."
Lin Mama was both amused and exasperated. She quickly stepped forward to help her and headed towards Taichen Palace.
Taichen Palace.
Just as Rong Qingqing and the palace maids finished setting the dishes on the table, Emperor Zhaojing had already taken his seat.
"Xingxiu's wife, did you really make this fish?" Emperor Zhaojing stared intently at the boiled live fish on the table, his gaze never leaving it.
“It really was made by me.” Rong Qingqing smiled and took the bowl and chopsticks, picking up a piece of fish for him. “Father, try it and see if my cooking is better or if the chef from Wangchunlou’s cooking is better.”
Emperor Zhaojing smiled gently, "Alright, I'll try it."
However, just as he picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of fish, and was about to put it in his mouth, Haifu's voice came from outside, "The Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager have arrived."
Emperor Zhaojing paused, wondering why his mother had come, when he saw her walking in, supported by Lin Mama.
Emperor Zhaojing frowned slightly, glancing regretfully at the fish in his bowl. He had no choice but to put down his chopsticks and stand up. "Why didn't you send someone to inform me beforehand that Mother was coming?" If he had known she was coming, he wouldn't have eaten at Taichen Palace.
The Empress Dowager sat down in the chair, her gaze sweeping over the dishes on the table. She suppressed the drool welling in her mouth and said calmly, "Shouning Palace isn't far away, why go to all that trouble?" She paused, then frowned and said, "Why are these dishes so red? They look very spicy. You're not young anymore, why are you still eating such spicy food?"
Emperor Zhaojing forced himself not to look at the boiled live fish on the table and replied, "Don't worry, Mother, I only eat it occasionally."
"Alright, since you're already going to eat, then eat. But next time, please don't eat such strongly flavored food," the Empress Dowager said earnestly.
"Yes." After Emperor Zhaojing finished speaking, he saw that she was still sitting there and showed no intention of leaving, so he immediately frowned.
Rong Qingqing hadn't expected the Empress Dowager to come so suddenly, but she only paused for a moment before asking the palace servants to bring another set of bowls and chopsticks, saying, "It's already noon. Although boiled live fish isn't really suitable for the Empress Dowager, the other dishes are rather light. If the Empress Dowager doesn't mind, you can eat with us."
The Empress Dowager snorted coldly and remained silent.
Rong Qingqing thought she didn't want to stay and breathed a sigh of relief, but then she saw her pick up her chopsticks and boil a live fish before leaving.
She was somewhat stunned, then, regaining her composure, hurriedly tried to stop him, "Your Majesty, this fish is a bit spicy..."
"It's alright, I'll just have a taste," the Empress Dowager said, putting the fish slice into her mouth.
"Watch out for fish bones..." Rong Qingqing quickly reminded her again.
The Empress Dowager ignored her, ate a piece of fish, and then couldn't resist picking up another piece.
Emperor Zhaojing swallowed hard as he looked at the fish. It was his daughter-in-law who had prepared it for him, and he hadn't even tasted it yet.
Thinking about it, he quickly sat down, afraid that the Empress Dowager would eat all the fish slices, and picked up his chopsticks to eat as well.
Rong Qingqing: "..."
However, Emperor Zhaojing had only taken a few bites when Haifu's surprised voice came from outside again, "Your Majesty?"
Immediately afterwards, Xie Jingrun walked in.
Emperor Zhaojing's lips twitched slightly.
So he can't even have a peaceful lunch, right?
It's one thing for the Empress Dowager to snatch the food, but how come her son also happened to be there at such a convenient time?
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