Palace Gate

The emperor summoned him suddenly, and it was on New Year's Eve when he was supposed to host a banquet for court officials. So when Xiao Waiting changed into court clothes and arrived at the gate of the palace, he ran into many ministers.

The prime minister came in a hurry and was still adjusting his hair when he got off the carriage.

King Hui, the representative of the royal family, forgot to bring his scarf and was shivering with cold.

After they greeted each other, they bowed and walked quickly towards the inner palace.

When they arrived at the door, they were welcomed in by the eunuchs who had been waiting there for a long time. The old emperor sat in the middle of Yu's study with his increasingly fat body. A strong smell of medicine wafted from the side. A doctor came out from inside, saluted a few people, and left quickly with a solemn expression.

But no one noticed that after seeing Doctor Yu, Xiao Huai Ting's expression relaxed a lot.

"Your Majesty!" Several people saluted.

The old emperor raised his hand and said in a weak voice: "Get up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Everyone stood up.

The old emperor looked at them, sighed in embarrassment, and said, "I asked you to come here temporarily because I have something to discuss with you. I just received news that Alang has been poisoned!"

The last five words made their faces change color, especially King Hui: "How... could he be poisoned?!"

"Yes, how did he get poisoned? How are the Crown Prince and the Second Prince now?"

"Your Majesty, can this discovery be made in time?"

The ministers were very anxious, and each of them had varying degrees of worry on their faces. After all, the Alang the emperor was talking about was no one else but the deposed crown prince!

The former crown prince of a country!

On New Year's Eve, the whole family should have been celebrating, but at this critical moment, the deposed prince was found to have been poisoned. It was truly shocking.

The old emperor looked very unhappy, but he was hiding some unspeakable anger inside. He did not answer how he got poisoned, but said: "Alang was poisoned and desperately tried to break out to ask me for help. However, he was locked back by the guards after he took a few steps. He also took the opportunity to injure his legs. If one of the guards had not been unable to bear it and asked for help from Eunuch Fu's adopted son, this would not have reached my ears..."

He covered his eyes sadly, and said in a hoarse voice: "I didn't know that Alang was living like this. I am no longer angry about what happened back then. I called you here to ask you, what do you think of my plan to make Alang the King of Chang?"

The young man lowered his head and raised a sarcastic smile, then knelt down frankly: "I think it's okay."

The prime minister and others looked at each other, hesitated for a moment, and then knelt down: "Your Majesty, I think it is okay."

The old emperor froze in his action of covering his eyes, slowly lowered them, and looked deeply at Xiao Huaiting: "Why are you so sure, Xiao Aiqing?"

Xiao Huai Ting said seriously: "Because your majesty wants it, then it's fine!"

The coldness in the old emperor's eyes faded a little, and he smiled and said, "I thought Xiao Aiqing was thinking of the friendship between your second brother and A Lang when they were studying together."

"Public is public and private is private." Xiao Huaiting said firmly.

The old emperor smiled and said, "Okay, tonight is the New Year. My son has suffered so much for so many years, which I never expected. I just wanted him to be more sensible, but I didn't expect so many years to pass in the blink of an eye. I also didn't expect that some people would secretly disobey me and bully my son. Even if I have to compensate him, it's what he deserves. Li Fu! Please prepare the writing."

Eunuch Fu smiled and said, "Yes!"

Soon an imperial decree was drafted, deposing the crown prince and turning him into Prince Chang. However, the deposed crown prince's body was severely damaged during his confinement, so he temporarily lived in the prince's house for recuperation.

Instead, the poisoning incident was turned into a small matter.

The imperial edict was written and sent to the Secretariat by Eunuch Fu, who would then announce it to the public. It would probably be announced at the banquet. At this moment, the emperor said, "Thank you for your hard work. Rest here for now and attend the banquet in the evening."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Amid the shouts, the old emperor waved his hand, walked to the side hall, looked at his son lying there, and said with some guilt: "Alang..."

The man lying on the bed opened his eyes weakly, his eyes full of dependence seemed to be a little watery: "Father!"

Mid-afternoon

Yan Qiushu was invited to the main courtyard.

When she arrived, all three children were already there. It snowed again in the afternoon. The children were playing in the snow while the adults were talking in the house.

As soon as Yan Qiushu entered, she heard Xiao Huaiwu's expression unchanged: "She is so amazing. The Shen family knew to send Pingyu over to celebrate the New Year, but she is so arrogant. We sent people to pick her up, but she didn't come back, and she didn't even let the child come back!"

"Okay!" Xie Qingyun interrupted her anger in a deep voice, "It's a good day, so let's not say these things."

Xiao Huaiwu then pouted in dissatisfaction. Since her eldest sister-in-law had spoken, she was unhappy but couldn't refute her.

Mrs. Xiao's face didn't look too good either. It had been a long time since I saw her pursing her lips so tightly. She was holding a piece of paper in her hand. When she glanced at it, she could only see the back, but she could vaguely see at most one line of words on it.

She was in a bad mood and used force with her hands, crumpling the paper.

After her daughter-in-law interrupted her daughter's complaints, she lowered her eyes and said, "Let her go. This one in our family..."

Halfway through her words, she was startled by Yan Qiushu's movements.

Madam Xiao raised her eyes and saw that her expression softened subconsciously. There seemed to be some sadness in her eyes. She folded the papers in her hand generously and cheered up: "Ah Shu is here, come and sit down."

Yan Qiushu stepped forward obediently: "Aunt."

"Well, there's news just now that something happened to the Second Prince, and His Majesty has summoned important ministers to discuss the matter. Don't worry about the Sixth Prince, he's very smart." Madam Xiao took her hand and patted it, fearing that she would worry.

Yan Qiushu pursed her lips and smiled, not saying anything.

My heart sank at the news.

The Second Prince is the deposed Crown Prince. The First Prince died young, so the Second Prince was made the Crown Prince directly because he was born to the late Empress. He was deposed five years ago, so he should have died next year.

How come it’s one year early?

Xie Qingyun noticed her mood, came over, and put his hand on her shoulder: "Ah Shu is finally here, the four of us can play cards together!"

Xiao Huaiwu, who was eating spicy noodles, became interested: "Huh? Ye Zi brand? Come on! I haven't played it for a long time!"

Mrs. Xiao nodded.

The only non-native Yan Qiushu shook her head blankly: "I don't know how to do it..."

"It's okay, it's okay. I'll teach you. If you win, it's your turn. If you lose, Lao Liu will pay!" Xiao Huaiwu excitedly pulled him over and said, "Let's practice first and then officially start after dinner."

Yan Qiushu was pulled over.

This was the first time I sat at the poker table in my previous life, and the situation was like this.

She was embarrassed, but luckily Xiao Huaiwu's teaching was very detailed and Yan Qiushu had a good memory, so she memorized the rules quickly, and the four of them started playing.

This gameplay is not difficult, it’s even a little too simple.

Yan Qiushu lost the first three games, but she also found a pattern in these three games, and when the fourth game started, the situation changed.

“I win!”

"Hey, I think I won again..."

Her opponent Xiao Huaiwu: "..."

So Xiao Huaiwu, who had agreed to play after eating, couldn't wait to say goodbye after the first stage was over: "Let's eat first, I'm hungry."

Xie Qingyun covered her lips and smiled: "Dongdong, your mother lost the wife you married!"

Dong Dong said calmly: "It doesn't matter, I won't get married, I want to marry Sister Shu, so I can eat delicious food every day!"

Xiao Huaiwu covered her face in shame, thinking that she felt really sorry for her husband for raising her son to be such a foodie.

Mrs. Xiao also smiled, rubbed her grandson's little head, and told people to serve the meal.

New Year’s Eve dinner has fixed specifications, especially for a family like the Xiao family.

Although people usually don't pay much attention to it, this important festival is still very strict.

Yan Qiushu didn't interfere and just joined in the eating.

Mr. Xiao’s cooking skills are also very good. After watching him cook for a few months, she has learned more about his cooking methods, and has adopted more modern techniques. Many dishes are added with more seasonings, but the taste is still excellent.

Everybody was very satisfied with the meal. After the meal, they cleared the table and went out to set off fireworks. In the city, fireworks can be set off at will only during the New Year holidays. The dim sky was illuminated by the fireworks again and again, which was quite beautiful.

I just watched it too much and it doesn't have much meaning.

When they were tired of playing, they returned to the house and sat around the charcoal fire, eating melon seeds and chatting.

Yan Qiushu ate melon seeds one at a time, and soon she had finished half of the plate. She looked at the others, and then they fell silent while talking. Did they seem a little bored?

There are no Spring Festival Galas or other programs at this time.

Moreover, there are plenty of charcoal stoves in the house, and the temperature is warm. Just cover yourself with a blanket and you can fall asleep at any time.

Suddenly, Yan Qiushu's eyes turned and her gaze fell on the charcoal stove that was working hard to release heat.

It seems... I have an idea?

She stood up.

Dongdong, Wan'er and Shen Pingyu, who were cuddling up to their mother sleepily, were all perked up. Dongdong jumped off the couch first and asked sleepily, "Sister Shu, where are you going?!"

Yan Qiushu smiled and said, "Let's go find something delicious!"

"Dong Dong is following too!"

Yan Qiushu nodded and looked at Wan'er and Shen Pingyu who were eager but hesitant: "Why don't you come along? I need help!"

Wan'er got out of bed immediately.

Shen Pingyu's movements were neither fast nor slow, but he also came down: "Aunt Yan, please tell me what you want to say."

Yan Qiushu waved her hand and took the three children out. When they came back, everyone was holding something. The Xiao family, who had been sleepy all day, finally perked up a little because of this action.

Xie Qingyun asked: "Ah Shu, what are you going to do?"

"Make something delicious!" Dongdong affirmed.

Everyone laughed, and Yan Qiushu also laughed and said, "Yes, make something delicious, Wan'er, give me the pot."

"Here!" Wan'er handed over a small iron milk pot in both hands. Yan Qiushu put it on the charcoal stove and asked Shen Pingyu to pour oil into it. She then grabbed a handful of corn kernels that Dongdong was holding and put them in, stirring them with chopsticks.

At this time, the lid of the small milk pot had not been covered yet. The three children were standing around it, craning their heads to look, and they were all leaning forward, surrounding Shen Pingyu, who was always careful about his manners.

After a while, there was a sudden "bang" sound in the pot, and a grain of corn expanded several times and became a round popcorn!

"Ah!" Wan'er was frightened, screamed and quickly stepped back.

Dong Dong and Shen Pingyu also shuddered, but moved closer, amazed: "Wow, why did it suddenly explode!"

However, Yan Qiushu put the lid on.

The two men straightened up in disappointment. The lid at this time was made of wood and was opaque, so they could not see anything.

Fortunately, as Yan Qiushu shook the handle, the sounds of the pot exploding became louder and louder, from "bang-bang" at the beginning to "bang-bang-bang..."

The sounds became denser and duller, until they were almost inaudible.

Yan Qiushu took the pot away and put it on the ground aside. When she opened it, the pot was full of popped corns, almost overflowing.

Dongdong and Wan'er exclaimed: "Wow——"

Then Yan Qiushu heard a bunch of exclamations: "Wow——"

When she raised her eyes, she suddenly found many figures around her. Those who were lying lazily and almost falling asleep now all gathered around her. Mrs. Xiao was supported by Xiao Huaiyu and was watching beside Yan Qiushu.

Seeing that there was only a handful of corn in the pot at first, but now it has become a whole pot, Mrs. Xiao couldn't help but be curious: "What happened?"

Yan Qiushu explained, "This is popcorn. It will pop when overheated. You can eat it as a snack. I felt it was too boring, so I made some. But it has no taste now. I will stir it with sugar later, and it will taste better."

She picked up one with chopsticks and handed it to Mrs. Xiao.

Mrs. Xiao took it and tasted it. There was indeed nothing special about it. It was a round piece that looked big, but tasted like bubbles and there was not much in it.

She nodded in satisfaction.

Xiao Huaiqi also tasted it and praised: "Ah Shu is really smart, she can do this."

"I didn't invent this." Yan Qiushu said with a smile, "Many people should know how to do it, but it doesn't taste good when eaten this way, so it's not known to the public."

Although not all corns can be cooked this way, as long as they are fuller and have thinner skins, they can be cooked this way.

In many rural areas, dried corn would be placed on a dying fire and it would burst on its own. However, farmers at that time would not be willing to use sugar to make these things. The rich and powerful rarely had the leisure to do so, so naturally they would not be discovered.

After Mrs. Xiao tasted it, Dongdong and others couldn't wait to stretch out their hands to greet her.

Yan Qiushu gave one to each of them, and also gave some to Xie Qingyun and others.

They were quite surprised. It was the first time they were treated like children. Xiao Huaiwu couldn't wait to put it in her mouth, chewed it a few times, and said, "It really doesn't taste like anything."

Xiao Huaiyu took a small bite like Wan'er did, her eyes crooked: "But it's quite interesting."

Yan Qiushu changed to a small milk pot and said confidently: "The taste will come out soon, Dongdong, bring the sugar over."

"Here it comes!" Dongdong was already used to being ordered around, so he went to get it with his short legs. Yan Qiushu took it and poured it into the pot, then put it on the charcoal stove to heat it up again.

Soon the sugar dissolved, and she continued stirring with chopsticks until the color began to darken. When it got darker and darker, she said, "Ping Yu, help me pour the popcorn in."

Shen Pingyu acted quickly and carefully poured in all the popcorn.

Yan Qiushu put the lid on and shook it quickly, making sure that every grain of popcorn was stained with a little caramel color.

A "bang bang..." sound rang out in the pot. Wan'er sniffed and whispered, "It tastes sweet!"

"Yes! Sweet!" Yan Qiushu said, and opened the lid. A sweet hot steam blew towards her face. The people standing nearby could smell it. This sweetness was different from ordinary sugar and seemed a little sweeter.

"Can we eat it now?" Xie Qingyun asked curiously.

"Well, that's enough." Yan Qiushu handed them over one by one: "Try them first and see if you like them?"

Everyone took a piece to taste, and after just one bite, the eyes of women like Xie Qingyun lit up. Sweet food makes people happy, and something like popcorn doesn't have much sugar. Only a little bit of the alternative sweetness of caramel is enough to make people like it. Add to that the puffy texture of the popcorn, and it tastes great.

Mrs. Xiao nodded: "It tastes good. The sweetness is just right."

"Give me some more, some more." Xiao Huaiwu stretched out her hand and grabbed a handful without fear of the heat.

Seeing that they were eating happily, Yan Qiushu was very satisfied. She asked the children to bring their plates over, put part of the food on each plate, and sent it to their seats.

So everyone who was surrounding the charcoal stove moved aside and returned to their couches.

Then the sound of "crunch, crunch..." popcorn being eaten was heard. Dongdong grabbed a handful in one hand and stuffed it into his mouth at a very fast speed. Wan'er ate it one by one gracefully, while Shen Pingyu ate slowly and elegantly.

Mrs. Xiao and others were surprised and happy with the meal.

Even Xiao Huaiqi, who shouldn't eat such sweets, took the plate and ate with gusto. The big round popcorns showed their original shape as soon as the teeth bit them, and they didn't make him feel full at all. He exclaimed, "Not bad, sweet, and really delicious!"

Yan Qiushu also held a plate of popcorns and put them into her mouth one by one, looking at the man who had become much more energetic, and squinted her eyes happily.

I just don’t know…

What's going on in the palace?

Just as she was thinking about it, she heard the sound of hurried footsteps coming over, and Yan Qiushu was startled.

Not only her, Xiao Huaiqi and Xiao Huaiwu had already looked towards the door. They had better hearing and noticed it earlier. When Yan Qiushu heard it, Madam Xiao and others also looked over.

The door of the living room was ajar.

The hurried footsteps were extremely fast, but as they got closer, their movements slowed down, as if they were afraid of disturbing them.

"Creaky——" After the slight sound of the door opening, the young man came in cautiously.

However, he stopped after taking half a step inside, sniffed the sweet smell in the air, felt strange, and then looked up and forward.

A group of people were sitting on the couch, holding food in their hands. Some people even hadn't finished their food yet, but they were just staring at him.

Xiao Huaiting: "..."

He walked so fast that he didn't notice that no one in the room was actually asleep!

After a brief moment of confusion, the young man stood up, coughed lightly, and strode over with a bit of joy in his eyes: "The Second Prince is seriously ill, and His Majesty has softened his heart. He summoned us to discuss how to treat the Second Prince. Now the Second Prince has been named Prince Chang, and the Second Prince's wife has also moved out, but there is no fiefdom yet."

"However, the situation in the palace is a bit chaotic now, and the Second Prince still needs to recuperate, so he asked me to bring the eldest grandson back to take care of him for two days."

Xiao Waiting finished speaking all the things in one breath, and then waved behind him: "Ah Heng, come here!"

A familiar thin little boy walked in.

Yan Qiushu, who was digesting the sudden change of the deposed prince, looked up and saw the familiar little boy. She was stunned for a moment, then recalled the last words Xiao Huaiting said.

The Great Grandson...

So this child, Ah Heng, is the son of the deposed crown prince???

Yan Qiushu felt a tingling sensation on her back, and she always felt that what happened tonight had something to do with her!