Chapter 30 Eating Hot Pot
The Emperor and Consort's heartfelt confession, transcending this life and promising a future together, was like a final, devastating blow, shattering the last vestiges of unrealistic fantasies and doubts in everyone's hearts. At that moment, everyone finally understood one fact—Consort Chen, Su Luoxue, was indeed His Majesty Yuwen Che's destined one.
If it weren't fate, how could it explain that after His Majesty's reign for many years, the harem was practically non-existent, and even Empress Shen, who was of noble birth and had the Empress Dowager's support, spent several years without ever getting close to His Majesty's heart, let alone getting close to his body? Yet this Su Luoxue, who came from a merchant family, had only been in the palace for half a year, but she could make the cold-hearted and indifferent His Majesty break all the rules for her, give her everything, and even have the thought that "I will not be an emperor in my next life"?
There is no other explanation besides the four words "destined by fate." Some older noblewomen couldn't help but sigh inwardly, lamenting both Empress Shen's bad luck and the fact that fate truly cannot be forced.
At this moment, the song and dance performance in the palace was nearing its end, and the music was gradually fading. The sky was also gradually darkening; winter days are short, and night was about to fall. Yuwen Che instructed the palace servants to light all the palace lanterns and candles one by one. In an instant, the warm pavilion was brightly lit, and the warm glow dispelled the chill outside, creating a striking contrast with the swirling snowflakes, adding to the splendor and warmth.
Yuwen Che had been carefully observing Su Luoxue. Seeing that although she was in high spirits, she would occasionally rub her hands unconsciously, he kept her tightly in his arms, warming her with his body heat. He had a special surprise for her, but it wasn't dark enough yet, so he needed to wait a little longer. To avoid her noticing, he needed to distract her first.
"Let's begin the feast," Yuwen Che instructed Li Dehai.
The palace servants, who were already prepared, immediately filed in and began serving the dishes. However, unlike ordinary palace banquets, in addition to the various exquisite imperial dishes being served on each person's table, each seat was also accompanied by a uniquely shaped small copper stove with a blazing charcoal fire inside. On the stove was a small copper pot filled with boiling broth, and next to it were several plates of thinly sliced meat, tender vegetables, and various seasonings.
This novel thing immediately attracted everyone's attention, and even Su Luoxue opened her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Ah Che, what is this?"
Yuwen Che smiled and explained to her, his tone carrying a hint of boasting: "This is a recipe I ordered people to improve based on ancient records, imitating a way of eating from the previous dynasty called 'Antique Soup,' which is somewhat like a hot pot eaten around a stove in folk customs. It's warm when it's cold. You see, just put the sliced meat and vegetables in and cook them for a bit, then dip them in the sauce and you can eat it. It's convenient and warm."
He personally demonstrated, picking up a thin slice of mutton, swishing it a few times in the boiling broth, and once the slice changed color and curled up, he dipped it in some sauce and naturally fed it to Su Luoxue's lips: "Try it, do you like it?"
Su Luoxue opened her mouth and took the meat. The meat was tender, and the broth was rich and flavorful; it was indeed especially warm and comforting to eat on this cold winter day. Her eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly, "Delicious! Very warming!"
Seeing that she liked it, Yuwen Che's smile deepened, and he began to serve her meat and vegetables with great enthusiasm, taking meticulous care of her.
Following the example of the Emperor and Empress, the princes and other guests began to try this novel way of eating. The rising steam from the hot pot dispelled the chill and made the atmosphere of the banquet more relaxed and lively. Laughter and the aroma of food filled the entire hall.
Su Luoxue was completely captivated by the interesting hot pot. While enjoying being fed by Yuwen Che, she also curiously tried to make it herself, having a great time and temporarily forgetting to find out what other arrangements His Majesty had made.
Yuwen Che looked at her happy profile, secretly pleased. This was exactly the effect he wanted. He wanted her to eat her fill, warm and happy, before bringing her the biggest surprise of the night. He glanced at the deepening night outside the palace, a look of anticipation playing on his lips. The time was almost here.
The atmosphere of the hot pot banquet was relaxed and lively. The broth in the copper pot made an enticing "bubbling" sound, and the aroma of the food mixed with the warmth of the charcoal fire filled the entire warm pavilion.
However, the most eye-catching figures were still the Emperor and Empress on their thrones. Su Luoxue was filled with curiosity and interest in this unfamiliar hot pot. Just as she was about to pick up her chopsticks and try cooking the meat herself, Yuwen Che gently pressed her hand down.
"Don't move, I'll do it." His tone was gentle, but it carried an undeniable insistence. "The edge of this copper pot is scalding hot, and the soup is splashing everywhere. Be careful not to burn yourself."
As he spoke, he took over all the "work" with remarkable ease. He carefully placed thin slices of meat and tender vegetables into the pot one by one, according to the heat, and patiently waited for them to cook through. Then, he picked them up with special long chopsticks, dipped them lightly in the carefully prepared sauce, and carefully blew on them to cool them down before offering them to Su Luoxue's lips.
"Try this venison, it's very tender."
"These winter bamboo shoots were just dug this morning; they're fresh and sweet."
"Have a sip of soup to warm yourself up, but be careful not to burn yourself."
He fed her while quietly introducing the food, his eyes focused, as if serving her a meal was the most important thing in the world at that moment. Su Luoxue was initially a little embarrassed, especially in front of her parents and all the guests in the hall, but seeing that he was enjoying himself and his attitude was firm, she let him be and enjoyed his service with peace of mind, feeling that her heart was even hotter than the hot pot.
During this time, Li Dehai quietly stepped forward and whispered a question about the preparations for the fireworks, meaning whether they could start setting them off now to enhance the atmosphere.
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Che immediately shook his head and gestured to Li Dehai to remain calm. He turned his head and glanced at Su Luoxue, who was sipping her soup with her cheeks flushed from the steam. He then lowered his voice and instructed Li Dehai, "No rush. Let's talk about it after the banquet is almost over and everyone has finished eating."
Although Yuwen Che was decisive in his actions, he wasn't a tyrant. He was simply fair in his rewards and punishments, intolerant of injustice, but more lenient with loyal ministers, women, and young children. He explained thoughtfully, "Everyone is eating now. If there were sudden loud noises and fireworks outside, what if it startled her and she choked on her food? Or it wouldn't be good to frighten the other women and children. It would be better to wait until we've finished eating and are mentally prepared."
Li Dehai inwardly admired His Majesty's meticulousness and quickly bowed, replying, "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough; this servant understands." He then withdrew to make arrangements, ensuring that the timing of the fireworks display was just right.
Yuwen Che was finally relieved and continued to focus on feeding his lover. His thoughtfulness was evident not only in his concern that she might get burned or choke, but also in his prioritization of her feelings and experience, even choosing the safest and most comfortable time to present the surprise.
Although Su Luoxue didn't hear his whispers with Li Dehai, she could feel the deep love in his meticulous care. She looked up at him, giving him a sweet, dependent smile. "Ache, these are all so delicious! I want more..."
This scene was nothing new to the people in the hall, but their envy only grew stronger. To receive such meticulous, respectful, and devoted love from an emperor who placed her safety and feelings first—Consort Chen was truly blessed beyond measure. Every detail of this birthday banquet spoke of His Majesty's extreme favor towards her.
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