After the carriage had traveled for a while, the Empress became tired and fell asleep in the Emperor's arms.
After traveling for about half an hour, the carriage arrived at Jing'an County. The emperor and empress's grand procession attracted a crowd of onlookers upon arriving in Jing'an County.
The carriage moved slowly forward, and more and more spectators lined the streets, marveling at the grandeur of the royal procession and discussing this rare spectacle.
The sounds of wheels rolling and horses' hooves pounding the ground, accompanied by the Queen's soft breathing, created a harmonious symphony.
Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the carriage curtains, illuminating the empress's serene face, making her jade-like skin appear even more delicate.
The Emperor looked down at her, his eyes filled with doting affection and tenderness. At that moment, time seemed to stand still; only the two of them found a moment of peace in this noisy world.
The county magistrate hurried out to greet them, bowing low as he said, "Your subordinate greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress. Long live the Emperor! May Your Majesty be well."
His voice echoed across the wide square, causing the surrounding crowd to kneel down, not daring to raise their heads.
The Emperor looked down at her, his eyes filled with doting affection and tenderness. At that moment, time seemed to stand still; only the two of them found a moment of peace in this noisy world.
He said softly, "You've worked hard."
She smiled slightly, as if the world consisted only of the two of them.
The Emperor glanced at the magistrate of Jing'an County, then said, "What time is it now? I want to go to Daling Village. Don't give any notice. I just want to see what the First Prince is doing."
"Your Majesty, it is now noon at three-quarters past noon," the magistrate of Jing'an County replied in a low voice, beads of sweat already forming on his forehead.
The Emperor did not speak immediately; he lowered his head in thought, seemingly considering something. No one dared to disturb him, and they could only wait silently.
Finally, the Emperor raised his head, looked firmly at the magistrate, and said, "Make preparations. We will proceed to Daling Village in secret. Do not disturb the villagers, and especially do not let the Crown Prince know that I have arrived."
The magistrate nodded repeatedly, feeling somewhat nervous but knowing this was a rare opportunity. He immediately prepared a carriage and arranged for several trusted confidants to accompany and protect him.
Soon after, the group quietly left the county town and headed towards Daling Village.
The magistrate prepared some food and brought it up, including bamboo shoots, lotus root, and all sorts of delicacies. The emperor glanced at it lightly and said, "No need. We'll go to Daling Village later. Lady Cha's food is really delicious. I've come all this way just to find Lady Cha's food."
Upon hearing this, the magistrate immediately ordered his men to prepare some food. Soon, several delicacies were served. The bamboo shoots were emerald green, and the lotus root was tender and delicious, looking incredibly appetizing. The Emperor glanced at them, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"These are all local delicacies of Daling Village. I'm sure Lady Cha has tasted them many times," the magistrate said cautiously.
The Emperor nodded slightly, a smile playing on his lips: "No need. We'll go to Daling Village later. Lady Cha's food is always delicious. I've come all this way just to find Lady Cha's food."
Having said that, the Emperor picked up his chopsticks and began to savor the delicacies. He chewed slowly, as if reminiscing about a beautiful memory. These dishes from Daling Village undoubtedly became a testament to the deep affection between the Emperor and Lady Tea.
The villagers of Daling Village were overjoyed to see the Emperor himself come to taste their food. They gathered around the table...
He stared intently at the emperor, as if he were looking at a rare treasure.
The emperor savored each dish, and every movement revealed his love for food and life. His eyes were filled with warmth and kindness, as if he were in perfect harmony with the villagers.
Liang Shuyan wore a long, crimson dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps, elegant and dignified. A radiant smile graced her face, like a blooming flower, beautiful and captivating. She strode quickly towards them, each step light yet powerful.
"This humble woman greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress!" She bowed respectfully, her voice melodious and pleasant, like the harmonious playing of a zither and lute.
At that moment, her beauty and charm captivated everyone's attention. Even the Emperor and Empress were filled with admiration, feeling her extraordinary allure. In that instant, she was not merely an ordinary woman, but an unforgettable figure.
Everyone present held their breath, eager to better admire her beauty. Her eyes, like the brightest stars in the night sky, were crystal clear, sparkling with wisdom and determination. Her face, like exquisite porcelain, was flawless and fair, with a gentle smile playing on her slightly upturned lips, captivating all who beheld her. Her figure, like a willow swaying in the wind, was graceful and elegant.
She wore a long green dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps, like a blooming lotus flower. A jade hairpin adorned her hair, its surface carved with exquisite patterns, complementing her long, glossy black hair.
At that moment, she seemed to be a unique being, shining like a dazzling pearl in the crowd. The Emperor and Empress were both moved; they had never seen such a beautiful woman before, and her temperament and charm deeply touched their hearts.
"Lady Tea, please rise! There's no need to be so polite. We're old acquaintances. I came here hoping to enjoy your delicious cooking, and that's why I brought the Empress along."
Lady Cha hurriedly stood up, a shy smile on her face: "Your Majesty, you really like to joke. I will go and prepare it right away."
She turned gracefully, her elegant figure appearing especially beautiful in the warm yellow lamplight. The fire crackled in the stove as the tea lady skillfully brewed tea, her movements graceful and fluid. The room was filled with a fragrant aroma—the unique fragrance of tea and the enticing scent of pastries.
The Empress watched all this with a smile, her eyes filled with warmth. She said softly, "Your Majesty, this tranquility is truly wonderful."
The emperor smiled and nodded, enjoying the warmth and harmony of the moment.
The braised rabbit meat was incredibly fragrant, the poached chicken was tender and delicious, and the unnamed pastries were simply unforgettable.
The Emperor gazed at the sumptuous feast laid out on the table, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. He picked up his chopsticks, gently took a piece of braised rabbit, and savored it. The rabbit meat was tender and flavorful, its rich aroma and delicious taste prompting the Emperor to nod in approval.
Then, he picked up a piece of poached chicken; the chicken was tender and smooth, with an excellent taste.
The emperor closed his eyes, enjoying the pleasure brought by the delicious food.
When he tasted the unidentified pastries, he was even more amazed. These pastries were small and exquisite, colorful, melted in his mouth, and sweet but not cloying. The Emperor couldn't help but exclaim, "These things are indeed excellent! I admire your superb culinary skills! Even my personal chefs cannot match your cooking skills!"
At this moment, the emperor seemed to have forgotten that he was in the palace, and was completely immersed in enjoying the delicious food on the table.
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