Lu Mingqian was drowsy.
He was exhausted by the end of the day.
When I was living in seclusion in the mountains, the most tiring thing in a day was probably making love with Deng Qiao. But since I came to the capital, my body and mind have never had a moment's rest.
He wasn't used to all this commotion yet, so no matter what Deng Qiao said, he just nodded and agreed in a daze.
"Okay, sure."
“You said it? Then I’ll go talk to Mother tomorrow. She’s getting old and it must be tiring for her to manage so many things. With my help, the Duke’s Mansion might just get better and better.”
"Um……"
"Oh right, didn't you say that His Majesty was able to forgive you entirely because the Eleventh Prince helped you out? He's been kind to us, shouldn't we invite him to our residence for a meal?"
Upon hearing the words "Eleventh Prince," Lu Mingqian regained some composure.
"A meal? His Highness is too busy to agree."
"They're already willing to help you, what's a meal? It's settled then. We'll hold the banquet at our restaurant. If Your Highness enjoys the meal, you might become a regular customer. That way, our restaurant will become famous."
That seems like a good idea.
Lu Mingqian nodded.
"Okay, I'll ask my friend for me."
"Go ask him tomorrow. Strike while the iron is hot and make sure you get along well with the Eleventh Prince. Maybe he can even give you a position in the court! Didn't he promise you a minor official post?"
"Hmm... okay."
The next morning, Deng Qiao urged Lu Mingqian to go to the palace.
Lu Mingqian values his reputation, so he has to go today even if it means gritting his teeth and doing what he promised last night.
It was already beyond everyone's expectations that the Eleventh Prince would step forward to help back then, and now that he's asking for an official position, it's obvious that he might not even be able to see the Eleventh Prince today.
When the guard went in to report, Lu Mingqian was already prepared to turn back. Just as he was about to leave after the guard returned, he heard the guard suddenly say something.
"His Highness said that the Duke's Mansion is hosting a banquet tonight, and he will be there on time."
His Highness also said that a simple meal at the residence would be fine, and there was no need to go to a restaurant.
His Highness agreed?!
The Eleventh Prince, the most difficult prince to please in the world, actually agreed to have dinner at the Duke's mansion?!
Lu Mingqian was still in a daze when he got home. It was only after Deng Qiao repeatedly urged him that he nodded as if he had just come to his senses.
"His Highness has agreed and said he will come tonight. However, His Highness will not be dining at a restaurant. Please prepare something simple at home tonight."
"Not going to a restaurant... that's normal. After all, he's His Majesty's most beloved prince, so going out to eat would definitely attract attention."
"That's good! This shows that His Highness the Eleventh Prince doesn't treat you like a stranger and is willing to come to your residence for a meal, which is a great honor for you!"
Lu Mingqian was still somewhat taken aback.
When did His Highness become so easy to talk to? Does he think he has that much influence? He can just invite people over whenever he wants?
"There is no cook at home, and I am afraid that if I were to invite someone over, I would not be able to serve them properly."
If you just randomly invite someone from outside and something goes wrong, it's one thing if they don't suit your taste, but if you invite an assassin back, then the Duke's mansion will be completely finished.
Everyone within five clans would lose their heads.
Seeing Lu Mingqian's hesitant and indecisive look, Deng Qiao frowned and spoke directly.
"No need to hire a helper, I'll cook for you tonight."
"You cook? Can you cook?"
"Is cooking something that's difficult? I can learn it after watching it once."
Okay, stop thinking about it. Hurry up and tidy up, so the guests don't laugh at us.
Lu Mingqian looked at her with a stern expression, his face revealing a complex emotion that made Deng Qiao's heart tremble.
"What are you looking at? Don't you recognize me?"
"Yeah, a little."
"Who am I doing all this for? If it weren't for your future, would I bother cooking for you personally to show my sincerity?"
Lu Mingqian looked away and nodded.
"Okay, I understand."
It seems he had never really known Deng Qiao before.
They had clearly agreed to retire into seclusion, yet now they are so actively helping him seek official positions.
She seemed even happier than if the Eleventh Prince had come to visit, and was even willing to cook for him herself.
The thought of how she had argued fiercely with her mother about cooking yesterday, even refusing to go into the kitchen and risking a falling out with him, contrasted sharply with her current positive attitude, left him momentarily confused as to which version of her was the real her.
She was Deng Qiao, who was not afraid of power, despised feudal ethics, and pursued freedom.
Or is it the same Deng Qiao who panders to power, pursues fame and fortune without regard for her reputation?
Lu Mingqian didn't know how to face her. He wasn't interested in being an official; otherwise, he wouldn't have been forced to go to the battlefield and then deserted to live in seclusion in the mountains.
But now that things have come to this point, he doesn't know what to do anymore. Oh well, he'll just have to take it one step at a time.
To welcome the Eleventh Prince, the old lady specially borrowed many servants from the collateral branches of the Lu family, and the kitchen was bustling with activity from morning onwards.
Deng Qiao personally took charge of the cooking and even led a group of people to select dishes on the street.
When Lu Mingqian entered the small kitchen cubicle, he was so shocked by the table full of delicacies that he subconsciously rubbed his eyes.
"So many dishes, are you preparing to entertain the Jade Emperor?!"
It looks like there are nearly a hundred dishes. How much money must that have cost!
"What do you know? You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub. His Highness's visit to our place today is giving you an opportunity. In any case, we must treat him well."
This wine is a royal delicacy weighing one hundred and a half taels. I went to many different shops to buy it. Isn't that amazing?
There's no other way now. Since the money has already been spent, we have to put it all into a good effort.
"I understand. His Highness said he won't arrive until tonight. I'll go pack my things."
As dusk fell, the gates of the Duke's mansion opened for the first time ever.
The entire Lu family stood at the door, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Eleventh Prince's carriage as darkness fell.
Gao Yan got out of the car and glanced around at the group of people at the entrance.
"His Highness the Eleventh Prince's presence truly honors my humble abode!"
Lu Mingqian hurriedly stepped forward to greet her and pay his respects, and the old lady also knelt down.
"Get up, everyone. It's just a simple get-together, no need to be so formal."
After he finished speaking, he suddenly added something else.
"Where is the lady of the house, the only one missing?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Mingqian replied respectfully.
"My wife is busy in the kitchen. She heard you were coming and started preparing early this morning. I don't know what Your Highness likes to eat, so I hope Your Highness won't find it unpalatable."
Gao Yan, however, still laughed heartily.
"How could I possibly complain about such high treatment, with the mistress personally cooking for me!"
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