The dish of fried tofu and stuffed meat was placed steadily on the table. Although it was not as steaming hot as when it was just out of the pot, the delicious soup completely penetrated the gaps of the fried tofu and the meat filling, making the tofu more crispy and flavorful, and the color became richer and brighter. It looked delicious.

Pei Yan said in a clear voice, "This dish is quite filling. I can't finish a whole plate by myself. Let's try it together."

Song Taifu and the others were waiting for the prince to say this, and they hurriedly said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Of course, they still remembered the distinction between the ruler and his subjects, and tried hard to suppress their eager hands, waiting for Pei Yan to eat first.

Pei Yan understood what they meant, so he didn't keep them waiting and just picked up the chopsticks and picked up a piece.

As soon as the fried tofu was brought to his mouth, the rich meat aroma went straight into his nose. He took a light bite, and the rich soup in the fried tofu burst between his lips and teeth. The tofu skin was elastic and tender, and the meat filling was delicious... When he first saw this dish, he thought it was a bit greasy, but after tasting it, he found that it was not greasy at all, but very fresh and delicious.

He ate very politely, and after taking a bite slowly, he praised, "It tastes very good."

Song Taifu and the others thought, if His Highness is right, then it must be especially good! Now that His Highness has eaten, they can finally pick up their chopsticks.

All of a sudden, six pairs of chopsticks were thrust out from the table at a speed that left an afterimage. You took a chopstick, I took a chopstick, and in the blink of an eye, the plate was more than half empty.

"This is so delicious. Not to mention the tofu and meat, I can even eat a big bowl of rice with the soup alone!"

"Yes, it tastes really good. I didn't expect tofu could be prepared this way. The aroma of the bean and the meat complement each other perfectly!"

"Alas, it's a pity that there is not enough to eat. I thought it would satisfy my hunger, but after tasting it, I became even more hungry..."

"I think this method is not difficult. Make a hole in the fried tofu, stuff it with meat, and then simmer it together? Maybe we can go back and ask the chef in the mansion to try making it."

Listening to the discussions of several colleagues, Master Song stroked his beard and said, "This dish looks simple, but it actually hides a lot of ingenuity. Just for the fillings, I have tasted several ingredients..."

At this point, he smiled and looked at Min Taibao and said, "Wen Zhong, your tongue has always been very sensitive. Can you taste what's in this stuffing?"

Min Taibao shook his head and said, "Well, there are water chestnuts, water chestnuts, lotus seeds, and... Hey, I just ate one, and only tasted these. Wait for me to pick up another piece and taste it carefully." As he said that, he picked up the chopsticks and reached for the few fermented tofu on the plate.

Song Taifu was startled, then turned to the Crown Prince and said with a smile, "Your Highness, look at this old fellow. If he wanted to eat, he should just say so. He has to make such an excuse."

Pei Yan also laughed, "Let's see if Taibao can taste the other ingredients. If he can't, he will be punished and not allowed to eat anymore."

Min Taibao was enjoying the second one. Hearing what the prince said, he was not panicked. His wrinkled orange peel face showed a complacent smile, "There are also lilies, taro and water chestnuts."

Tutor Song immediately responded, "I don't know whether you are right or not. Let me try a piece and taste it carefully." As he spoke, he stretched out his chopsticks.

The other officials were all at a loss whether to laugh or cry when they saw this, and the atmosphere at the table suddenly became cheerful.

Pei Yan rarely saw the two elders behave like this, so he put three pieces into his own bowl and let them share the rest.

Song Taifu and Min Taibao ate the most, while the other important officials all competed in terms of speed. The quickest ones got the food, while the slowest ones got nothing.

Those who managed to grab the food were in a happy and proud mood, while those who failed to grab the food stared at the empty plates with resentment on their faces, thinking that these old bastards looked so polite on weekdays, but they didn't expect that they could snatch the food so quickly!

Compared to their complaints, the petty officials at the tables next to them were more upset.

Those who sit at the main table can at least taste a piece of meat, but they can’t even taste it, they can only smell the fragrance and cry in vain! What a tragedy in the world! !

Among them, several young officials with great ambitions silently picked at the rice in front of them, but secretly vowed in their hearts that they would work hard, get promoted and get a raise, make more contributions to the East Palace, and strive to eat at the main table in their lifetime!

…

After Pei Yan had a simple lunch, he went ahead to the side hall.

Fu Xirui presented a cup of fragrant snow-green tea. Linglong stood below with a respectful attitude and reported the situation in Yaoguang Palace truthfully.

When talking about the pleasant conversation between the Crown Princess and Xu Wenchan and the harmonious atmosphere, Pei Yan's lips curled up slightly.

Speaking of the Crown Princess personally cooking a bunch of delicious food for Xu Wenchan, Pei Yan didn't... care much about it.

Speaking of Xu Wenchan inviting the Crown Princess to Zuixianju, Pei Yan's lips slowly dropped, his eyes suddenly became sharp, and his voice became cold, "Zuixianju?"

Linglong said, "Yes, she also said that Nongyu was good at playing the flute and the zither, and that she was extremely beautiful and elegant..."

Halfway through the conversation, Linglong, who had been keeping her head down, vaguely felt that the atmosphere was wrong. She raised her eyes quietly and saw Pei Yan staring at her with a pair of deep eyes. Although there was still a smile on the corners of his mouth, the aura around him was cold and sinister, which made people feel scared.

Linglong's throat tightened, and she said dryly, "Your Highness, what did I say wrong?"

Pei Yan slowly lowered his head and casually played with the exquisite white porcelain teacup. After a moment's silence, he said calmly, "What is the Crown Princess's reaction?"

Linglong's eyebrows jumped, and she said cautiously, "Crown Princess...I'm quite interested."

Seeing the smile on Pei Yan's lips becoming more and more sinister, sweat broke out on her delicate palms, and she wondered in her heart: Could it be that the Crown Prince doesn't want the Crown Princess to go to the market to play, so she is unprepared?

After a moment of silence, she tried to explain for the Crown Princess, "I think the Crown Princess grew up in a secluded place, so she is a little curious about the entertainers in the wine houses outside."

"Tavern? Musicians?"

Pei Yan's delicate fingers with distinct joints stroked the wall of the cup. His beautiful peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, and the bottom of his eyes was as thick as ink. His voice was deep, "The Marquis of Zhenbei really raised a good daughter."

He had heard before that the Marquis of Zhenbei had raised his daughter to be stupid, vulgar, and willful, and that the noble ladies in the capital were unwilling to associate with her. Now it seemed that the rumors were not groundless... Which polite and obedient girl would ask a married woman to go to a place like Zuixianju?

His Crown Princess has just become a little more obedient. If she is led astray by Xu Wenchan again... No way!

Pei Yan frowned and called out "Linglong" in a low voice.

Linglong responded immediately, ready to receive orders.

But she waited for a while, but she didn't hear any more words from above. Just when she was hesitating whether to ask a question, the voice as cold as gold and jade suddenly rang out, "That's it."

exquisite,"……?"

"You go back first, and tell the Crown Princess that I will have dinner with her tonight."

"I obey your command." Linglong bent down and retreated.

After leaving the hall, Linglong couldn't help but frown. The Crown Princess was just going to a wine shop, why was His Highness so unhappy? Didn't he say before that he would take the Crown Princess to a wine shop? It was really strange.

She walked out in confusion, but before she had taken two steps, she saw Zhan Ping coming over with a sword. Linglong bowed quickly and said, "Hello, Master Zhan."

Zhan Ping saw her gloomy face, rolled his eyes and asked softly, "Miss Linglong, are you going back to Yaoguang Palace?"

Linglong nodded, "Yes, I am here to bring a dish to Your Highness on the orders of the Crown Princess."

Zhan Ping said, "Sending food, this is a good thing. Why does Miss Linglong look a little worried? Could it be that there is something wrong with the food sent by the Crown Princess, and it has caused trouble for His Highness again?"

"......?" Linglong's brows furrowed even deeper. What a mess.

Seeing that Linglong didn't say anything, Zhan Ping thought that he had guessed correctly, and immediately said indignantly, "I told you, her previous virtuous behavior was all fake. She has only been quiet for a few days, and now her true colors are exposed. It's really..."

"Master Zhan!" Linglong interrupted him directly, staring at him with a pair of dark eyes, "Please be careful with your words. Not to mention that the Crown Princess did not cause trouble for His Highness, even if she did, she is still the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace, it is not your turn to criticize her."

Having said that, she snorted in annoyance, ignored Zhan Ping, and walked away.

Zhan Ping scratched the back of his head, muttered "incomprehensible", and continued walking forward.

Just then, the officials of the East Palace finished their lunch and walked out of the palace in groups of three, still chatting idly.

"The fried tofu and pork dish made by the Crown Princess looks so delicious. Just the smell is so fragrant that I can't stand it. I don't know how much saliva I swallowed, and I don't know what it tastes like in my mouth..."

"It smells so good, it must taste even better! Didn't you see that Master Song and the others couldn't stop eating?"

"That's true. If it weren't for Your Highness, they would have fought over the last piece of tofu and meat. Hahaha. By the way, I didn't expect the Crown Princess to have such cooking skills. Your Highness will have a treat in the future!"

Listening to their conversation, Zhan Ping couldn't help but step forward and ask, "Hello, gentlemen, what are you talking about? Why are you so noisy?"

"We are talking about the Crown Princess's cooking skills." An official said, "Just now the Crown Princess sent His Highness a very delicious dish. Oh, it's a pity that you came at an untimely time, otherwise you could have tasted it too."

Zhan Ping's face froze. He wanted to say "Who cares?", but seeing that the officials in front of him were full of praise, he could only force out a sentence from his throat, "That... is indeed a pity."

The official next to him comforted him, "It's okay. His Highness has always valued you. There will be a chance next time."

Zhan Ping pulled the corner of his mouth awkwardly, and after walking a few steps, he saw a group of high-ranking officials dressed in purple and red, including Song Taifu and Min Taibao, walking out with smiles, talking about something like fried tofu and stuffed pork.

It’s just one dish, why is it so serious?

Zhan Ping's little head was filled with doubts. Could it be that the Crown Princess knew some kind of magic? Otherwise, how come everyone in the Eastern Palace was praising her so much in less than a month?

………

Pei Yan was initially prepared to issue an order not to allow Wen Chan to come to the East Palace again. But then he thought, if Tao Ti knew about it and had a grudge against him, it would be very worthless.

Well, if she really leaves the palace, he will just send someone to keep a close eye on her.

Or, if she took a fancy to a young prostitute, he would break all three of his legs to see if there was anyone fearless enough to receive her.

With a plan in mind, Pei Yan's expression eased slightly. He stood up leisurely and walked out with big strides, "Let's go to Chongwenguan."

Fu Xirui hurriedly followed, and inadvertently glanced at the table from the corner of his eye, and his pupils trembled suddenly——

The porcelain cup that the prince had just been playing with broke into four petals like a blooming flower, silently announcing how much unhappiness it had just endured.

………

"Ati, have you ever thought about what you will do after the prince leaves? Can you still marry again?"

In the Yaoguang Palace, after the two little sisters had eaten and drunk their fill, they lay on the couch like two salted fishes to digest their food.

There was no incense in the hall, but Tao Ti made a pot of rose honey water, so the air was filled with a faint rose scent. This dense and moist fragrance invisibly made the leisure time in the afternoon long and gentle.

"He said that before he left, he would give me a divorce letter and set me free."

"Wow, is this true?!" Xu Wenchan stood up straight, staring at Tao Ti with his almond-shaped eyes wide open, "His Highness has told you about this..."

"Yes, I told you on our wedding night."

"He really doesn't have any reservations." Xu Wenchan clicked his tongue and said, "My mother can't stand us talking about death. If we mention the word death, she will definitely slap us in the face."

Tao Ti took a sip of the tea and said softly, "It is human nature to yearn for survival. To look at death calmly and accept death calmly, the bitterness and pain involved are incomprehensible to ordinary people. His Highness is a very kind and gentle person. Perhaps during these years of illness, he had already guessed that this would be the outcome, so he could accept it so calmly."

Xu Wenchan never thought about those profound truths. She seemed to understand what Tao Ti said, but she tried to understand it but failed. So she simply stopped thinking about it and stared at her friend's face, sighing -

Ati is really pretty. This makeup and hairstyle suit her. Although she is dressed so simply, she is so bright that people can't take their eyes off her.

After a moment, she came to her senses and turned back to the original question, "It would be even better if there is a divorce letter. Then it won't matter if you remarry."

Tao Ti's long eyelashes trembled slightly. Her white and tender fingers held a thin silver spoon, gently stirring the petals in the rose tea, and whispered, "I probably won't get married again."

Xu Wenchan was surprised, "Do you want to remain faithful to the prince?"

"Of course not." Tao Ti raised her eyebrows, thinking, is there a man in this world who can make me, Tao Ti, remain faithful to him? No!

She is the most favored youngster of the Taotie tribe. She has a long and boundless life to enjoy, many delicious foods to eat, and countless wonderful things to experience...

No matter whether she is the Crown Princess of the Dayuan Dynasty in this life, or the modern mythical beast Little Taotie, she doesn't want to be tied down by a man!

Tao Ti said, "Instead of wasting time on men, you might as well think about what to eat next."

Xu Wenchan blinked his eyes, and suddenly, he looked enlightened. "You're right! Being a mistress is so tiring. You have to serve your parents-in-law and give birth to children. If there are sisters-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, concubines, and other people who are difficult to get along with, it will be a lot of trouble... That's not all. In addition to these, you have to manage the household affairs. Oh, it's annoying just thinking about it."

Tao Ti: "..." Is this the ancient version of the girl who is afraid of marriage?

The two chatted about this and that, and time passed quickly. When the sun set and the light faded, it was time for Xu Wenchan to leave.

Before leaving, Xu Wenchan held Tao Ti's hand with tears in his eyes, looking so affectionate and reluctant that Tao Ti felt like she was in a Qiong Yao drama.

"Ati, I'll come and play with you next time."

"Okay. I packed some candied fruits for you, including candied kumquats, snowflake hawthorn balls, and dried rouge apricots. I also packed some pork jerky and egg yolk crisps for you, and some fried tofu. You can take it home to make stewed meat or stew meat directly."

Looking at the large and small bags, Xu Wenchan was so moved that she was speechless. She came to the East Palace to eat and drink her fill, and yet she still took so many things back. Ati was really thoughtful.

The book says that it is impolite not to reciprocate.

A Ti is so good to me, I have to give her a gift in return!

On the return journey in the carriage, Xu Wenchan used her little brain for a rare time. She thought and thought, and suddenly an idea came to her mind.

When she returned to the Zhenbei Marquis Mansion, she ran to her own room with her chubby legs, holding her small treasury and calculating how much it would cost to buy two adjacent houses in Chongrenfang.

But the money I have doesn’t seem to be enough?

She held her chubby cheeks and thought, since she couldn't afford the house, she might as well find out how much the top waiter at Zuixianju charges for a monthly subscription!

——

Because Pei Yan would come for dinner that night, Tao Ti asked for three large pieces of tofu from the kitchen.

The palace servants thought she was going to make fried tofu and pork again, but unexpectedly she used three pieces of tofu to make three dishes: the fresh and crispy crispy fried tofu, the spicy and bright red mapo tofu, and the light and tender Wensi tofu soup.

When Pei Yan came and saw these dishes, he raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled, "Is it a tofu feast tonight?"

Tao Ti smiled and said, "I was a little lazy today, so I just made something simple. Your Highness, please don't dislike it."

Pei Yan's eyes seemed to be filled with moonlight, and his voice was clear, "You specially cooked this for me, and I am so happy about it, how could I dislike it?"

His voice was very pleasant, gentle and soft, with a hint of casualness, like a feather brushing against your ear, making it itchy.

This is probably the kind of voice that can make your ears pregnant, Tao Ti thought, and sat down by herself, "Let's eat. You can drink more of this tofu soup, it's light and smooth, and it has the effect of nourishing the body."

To replenish deficiency… ?

Pei Yan's long eyelashes cast a shadow. He didn't say anything, nor did he taste the soup immediately. Instead, he picked up a piece of crispy fried tofu.

The fried tofu is golden and crispy, dipped in the carefully prepared sauce, and when you take a bite, it makes a crispy sound. The surface of the tofu dipped in the sauce is spicy and fragrant, while the inside is tender and tender. There is no bean smell at all, but the salty and fresh taste makes you want to eat a second piece after eating one.

Seeing him eating fried tofu, Tao Ti didn't think much about it. She scooped him a bowl of Wensi tofu soup and put it beside him to cool. She also scooped several spoonfuls of Mapo tofu and mixed it with rice to eat.

She once lived in Chengdu for half a year. Whenever she had free time, she would go to the hidden restaurants in various places to check in. Mapo tofu is one of her favorite Sichuan dishes. As long as she has a bowl of mapo tofu, she can finish three bowls of rice!

Looking at the bright red and spicy tofu in front of her, Tao Ti's appetite was aroused. After mixing the tofu with the fragrant sauce and the crystal clear and full white rice, she took a spoon and ate one bite after another, feeling happy and satisfied.

Pei Yan raised his eyes and looked at her enjoying expression, with a slight smile on his lips.

After a moment, he turned his head slightly, and his eyes finally fell on the bowl of soup, which she had served him personally.

The slender white hand took the bowl of soup and took a sip.

The soup base is very clear, and you can clearly see the ingredients inside. The tofu, ham, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and chicken are cut into shreds as thick as hair. Each strand is distinct and no extra seasoning is needed. The authentic delicious taste of the food is enough to amaze you.

"Very good, the knife skills are good, the heat is good, and the taste is even better." Pei Yan said.

"Then drink more. You can't eat spicy food, so this soup is made especially for you." Tao Ti had already finished half a bowl of rice. Her lips were numb, spicy, and slightly swollen.

"You should drink something too, otherwise it will be too spicy." Pei Yan said.

Linglong, who was serving at the side, heard this and was about to step forward to help the Crown Princess scoop some soup, but she saw the Crown Prince stretched out his hand and scooped a bowl for the Crown Princess himself, "Here."

Tao Ti didn't think there was anything wrong with it, so she took it, thanked him, and took a big sip to suppress the spiciness.

The two of them ate and chatted, talking about the fried tofu and pork at noon, and how she got along with Xu Wenchan.

When Pei Yan saw her mention Xu Wenchan, his eyes were filled with leisure and happiness, and his fingers holding the soup spoon tightened silently.

After pondering for a while, he suddenly asked, "Have you ever thought about your life after leaving the palace?"

Tao Ti was startled, "..."

What happened today? Everyone asked this question.

She raised her head slowly, her dark brows slightly furrowed, and her watery eyes seemed to be moistened by the spiciness, and misty, like the landscape of Jiangnan under the misty rain.

Seeing that Pei Yan seemed to be asking casually, she also answered easily, "I have a lot of dowry, enough for me to lie down and do nothing, eat, drink and have fun for the rest of my life."

After saying this, Tao Ti vaguely realized something. Could it be that he was worried that she would have nowhere to go after his death, so he asked this question?

Alas, little angel Pei Yan is too considerate of others. It is not good to think about such pessimistic things all day long.

Tao Ti stared at him with a pair of sparkling black eyes, and said seriously, "Your Highness, I can live well on my own, don't worry, be optimistic!"

Pei Yan, "..."

After a moment, his gentle and delicate eyebrows showed a hint of smile, "Yeah."

He wasn't worried at all. He wouldn't leave her alone.

………

Before going to bed, Pei Yan said that he would be free tomorrow and could take her out of the palace for a walk.

Tao Ti was extremely happy and agreed without hesitation.

Perhaps because she was in a good mood, she had a good dream all night.

In the dream, there was a huge Christmas tree. Hanging on the tree were not gifts, but all kinds of food, such as chicken legs, grilled sausages, hamburgers, braised pork elbows, spicy salad, pancakes, beef hot pot... There was a wide variety of food.

The higher she climbed, the more food she had. She kept climbing along the tree trunk, feeling for food and putting it in her arms and mouth...

Pei Yan's sleep was always very light, and he would wake up at the slightest movement, let alone such a soft and flirty little girl clinging to him, her two little hands randomly touching his chest, her rosy little mouth still touching him, as if she wanted to eat him up.

Her body was pressed tightly against him, with only a thin layer of fabric between their skin. He could clearly feel her graceful curves and her warm body temperature...

Seeing that her little hands were still touching him restlessly, Pei Yan's throat moved slightly, and his dark eyes became even deeper.

Suddenly, he reached out and grabbed her slender wrist.