Mingxia Town is nestled against the mountains and beside the water, with the town facing Tingxue Peak, which is covered in snow all year round.
Fortunately, the east wind could blow in along the valley, which kept the town from getting too cold.
The wind was a bit strong at night.
A faint, delicate fragrance of peach blossoms wafts on the breeze…
Outside Mingyue Residence, the pedestrian street was bustling with activity.
The pedestrian street slopes gently, with water flowing gently down its center...
In the distance, the sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard from the street.
The Ninth Prince wrapped Yuan Yao's small cloak tighter and asked, "How about your father takes you to eat peach blossom fish?"
minnow?
It sounds delicious.
Yuan Yao's eyes sparkled: "Okay!"
She likes anything that tastes good.
Besides, the Ninth Prince lives such a refined and sophisticated life, how could the delicacies he recommends taste bad?
Won't!
The father and daughter walked slowly down the street, one hand in the other.
At a tavern on the street, the Ninth Prince stopped.
Yuan Yao looked up.
This is a small shop.
There are still customers in the store at this time.
The restaurant is located by the water, and next to the entrance is a huge frosted green ceramic vase containing a peach tree in full bloom.
The shopkeeper, with sharp eyes, came out to greet her with delight: "Your Excellency, it really is you! It's been years, but you haven't changed a bit!"
The Ninth Prince's eyes were very pale, and he nodded.
The shopkeeper then turned his gaze to Yuan Yao, who was being led by the Ninth Prince: "This must be the little princess, she's grown so much!"
Yuan Yao gave him a sweet smile.
The shop owner was a middle-aged man in his thirties. He was quite tall and had a dark complexion, but he was relatively kind because of his smiling face.
Moreover, he was very clean and tidy, which made him look very pleasant.
Yuan Yao looked at the Ninth Prince: "Father, shall we eat here?"
"Hmm." The Ninth Prince looked at the shopkeeper: "Bring some of your signature dishes, and also make a peach blossom fish for the princess, and a pot of peach blossom wine."
"Alright!" The shopkeeper beamed and said respectfully, "Your Highness, Princess, please come in."
The father and daughter were seated in a private room on the second floor.
This restaurant looks unremarkable from the outside, but once you step inside, you'll discover a hidden gem.
Although the storefront is small, once you go upstairs, you'll find that the store is actually quite large, and the entire second floor is decorated in a very exquisite and sophisticated way.
Inside the private room, there was a vase filled with fresh peach blossoms.
The shopkeeper personally poured the tea, which had a faint peach blossom scent...
Yuan Yao took a small sip, squinted her eyes, picked up the teacup again, and drank a few more sips.
The shopkeeper smiled and said, "This is peach blossom tea that I made myself. If the princess likes it, please take some back to the capital."
Since I'm going to pay for it anyway, I might as well take it.
Yuan Yao smiled and said, "Thank you, boss!"
The shopkeeper grinned from ear to ear and said to the Ninth Prince, "Little Princess, you are so adorable! Your Highness is truly blessed!"
The Ninth Prince didn't answer, but instead looked at the shopkeeper: "How is your mother?"
The shopkeeper paused for a moment before sighing, "I didn't expect that you would still remember."
My mother, after I came back, delayed for several more years.
Two years ago, her condition worsened, and I sought out many doctors, but to no avail.
She passed away last spring…
The Ninth Prince's eyes were calm as he said in a low voice, "Life is unpredictable. Please accept my condolences."
The shopkeeper nodded: "I'm already content that I've been able to spend a few more years with her."
Back then, thanks to the Emperor, otherwise I would have been a deserter...
If it weren't for the Emperor, I would probably have been executed by military law long ago, and I wouldn't have been able to see my mother one last time..."
The Ninth Prince sipped his tea without saying a word.
The shopkeeper wiped his eyes and laughed, "Look at me, Your Highness and the Little Princess, they must be hungry, right? I'll go check if the food is ready..."
After saying that, he went out.
After the shopkeeper left, Yuan Yao held her teacup and looked curiously at the Ninth Prince: "Father, do you know the shopkeeper?"
"Back then, when I led troops into battle, he served under me." The Ninth Prince held his exquisite teacup and said calmly, "He lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother."
His mother raised him with great difficulty, hoping that he would inherit the restaurant and get married and have children as soon as possible.
He didn't want to live a life that was predetermined for him, so he ran away from home and joined the army.
Later, he received a letter from his mother, and he learned that she had been seriously ill for many years and didn't have many years left to live...
He deeply regretted it; when he tried to escape, he was caught, and before his execution, I spared his life by exchanging him for a prisoner…
Yuan Yao listened in silence.
Who would have thought that a restaurant owner would have so many experiences?
As expected, those who can stay by the side of the Ninth Prince are no ordinary people...
More importantly, the Ninth Prince could even clearly remember the lowly soldiers who had followed him for several years.
What happened to the ruthless and treacherous minister who killed without blinking an eye?
He was so good to the people around him!
Today is another day I'm moved by my beautiful dad...
Before long, the table was filled with dishes.
The shopkeeper said awkwardly, "These were all made by my wife and me. They are all specialties of Mingxia Town. I hope Your Highness and Princess will not find them offensive."
How could I possibly dislike it?
Yuan Yao's laughter was sweet and soft: "These dishes are very well made, they look and smell delicious, they look very appetizing!"
"I'm glad the princess likes it," the shopkeeper said, rubbing his hands together.
Yuan Yao picked up her chopsticks and was about to pick up some food.
"Wait!" the shopkeeper suddenly called out.
Yuan Yao looked at her with a puzzled expression: "What's wrong?"
The shopkeeper glanced at the Ninth Prince before saying to Yuan Yao, "Princess, let me test the poison for you and the Ninth Prince first."
ah?
Yuan Yao asked in surprise, "Didn't you make this dish?"
The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Anything that a thousand years old puts in his mouth must be tested for poison."
As he spoke, he took out a row of silver needles and examined each dish.
Yuan Yao watched this process with utter astonishment.
After examining the needles, the shopkeeper put them away and said, "Your Highness, Princess, if you need anything else, please call me anytime."
After saying that, he quietly withdrew.
Looking at the closed door, Yuan Yao opened her mouth.
The Ninth Prince picked up a piece of tender fish, removed the bones, and placed it in Yuan Yao's bowl: "Try it, this is called Peach Blossom Fish, it's a local specialty."
Yuan Yao grabbed her chopsticks, took a bite, and her eyes lit up: "Daddy, the fish here is so fresh!"
Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince smiled slightly and said, "If you like it, then eat more."
“Yes!” Yuan Yao nodded emphatically.
The fish here are raised on snowmelt from the snow-capped peaks that flows into the lake. They drink the snowmelt water and grow up with tender and fresh meat. Combined with the secret peach blossom sauce, it's simply delicious!
Besides the peach blossom fish, the fish soup is also particularly fresh and sweet.
Even the stir-fried vegetables taste better than those in the palace…
It's so delicious I could cry!
Yuan Yao was enjoying her meal when she heard the shopkeeper from before frantically asking from outside the door, "Who are you?"
The people sitting in this private room are very important!
Today, even if it costs me my life, I will not let you disturb them!
Is anyone there?
Yuan Yao looked at the Ninth Prince: "Father..."
The old man's eyes suddenly turned cold.
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