Today, Changning instructed Eunuch Ma to prepare a new dish: a braised pot. It was packed with ingredients: pork ribs, chicken wings, tendons, fish balls, abalone, fresh shrimp, mushrooms, greens, and other vegetables, all mixed with a uniquely prepared sauce. After braising for a while, it became incredibly fragrant.
The fatigue from Yinzhen's journey gradually dissipated amidst the fragrance.
He picked up a piece of pork rib first. It was indeed stewed until tender and flavorful. He had never seen this kind of braising method before. He also admired Changning. This little head of hers was full of such strange and wonderful things.
"Come on, try these shrimp. They're big and fresh. Last night I ate a whole plate of braised shrimp and spicy shrimp. They're delicious as snacks too."
Changning picked up a large shrimp, her slender fingers deftly peeling it in no time, and then casually held it to Yinzhen's lips. Yinzhen was taken aback for a moment before realizing that the peeled shrimp was for him, and then contentedly opened his mouth and ate it. Mmm, shrimp peeled by Yaoxian is delicious.
So he had an idea. After washing his hands, he peeled a shrimp and, imitating Changning, fed it to her.
Changning also ate it in one bite, thinking to himself, "Not bad, not bad, this kid is teachable. This account has been cultivated."
So Changning remained motionless, letting Yinzhen peel the shrimp for her without complaint.
She teased him, "Yinzhen, you know what? They say that loving couples don't even have shells. Looks like I'll have to trouble you more often in the future!"
Yinzhen smiled helplessly, finding it strange that before, who would have dared to order him around like this, the imperial prince? Yet now he was being treated like a servant, and the servants were even enjoying it. He was thinking to himself that if he ever encountered shrimp again, he would never let anyone else peel it for him.
Yao Xian can only eat the shrimp she peels herself.
The two of them ate the meal together sweetly and affectionately.
After the meal, Yinzhen mysteriously pulled Changning to the study and personally handed her a sandalwood box.
Changning was still a little puzzled. What was this? Was it a gift for her?
I calmed myself down and opened it to find a love lock made of mutton fat gold inlaid with jade.
Changning was somewhat surprised, but still very happy, and carefully took out the love lock to examine it closely.
This jade is of superior quality; even among the tributes to the imperial palace, it would be considered a rare treasure. Bathed in sunlight, it seems to possess a hazy, ethereal quality. How to describe it? It's like a goddess in the hearts of countless people, a white moonlight, an existence that transcends all boundaries.
Even Changning, who had seen many good things, liked them very much, and heard Yinzhen's whispers in her ear.
"I never knew what longing was, but now that I do, I am tormented by it."
The ambiguous words made her cheeks flush, her heart pounded like a deer's, and she felt as if countless fireworks were exploding in her mind.
In addition, Yinzhen took a painting from the table. The scroll slowly unfurled, revealing a pair of lifelike, clearly defined, and affectionately depicted cranes.
Yinzhen's painting skills are beyond question. These cranes are very realistic. On the gray silk paper, the cranes are drawn with smooth strokes and meticulous details. What is even more touching is the inscription next to them.
"Green pines and white cranes, passing the years in peace."
In ancient times, cranes were associated with longevity and were also a symbol of faithful love. The meaning behind Yinzhen's painting of cranes and lovers is all too clear.
"Today is my birthday, I had completely forgotten." Changning held back the tears welling up in her eyes and gently stroked the two cranes.
"Yes, I spent a month painting this picture of cranes and their companions. Do you like it?"
Yinzhen looked at Changning with doting eyes. He had been preparing for her birthday gift for a long time and wished he could give her all the beautiful and rare things in the world.
That's why he rushed back today. If it weren't for the heavy rain last night, he would have been able to present his congratulatory gift at midnight.
"I like it." Changning cherished it.
Yinzhen smiled slightly and, as if by magic, produced a set of clothes belonging to an ordinary wealthy family and handed them to Changning: "Change into these quickly, I'll accompany you to the market today."
This is such a wonderful surprise!
Although I was usually able to go out, I was always surrounded by a large group of people. If I wanted something, I had to send someone to buy it for me, which was really boring.
Today, Yinzhen actually agreed to go out with her in plain clothes, which meant that she could freely stroll around and have fun, which made her very excited.
After the two of them got ready, they took only Su Peisheng, two guards, and Chuixue, and disguised themselves as a wealthy family before leaving.
Changning was still quite excited as she sat in the carriage: "Is it just the two of us who came out? Aren't the children being brought along?"
"No, it's just the two of us."
Having received Yinzhen's affirmative answer, Changning was overjoyed, filled with the happiness of enjoying time alone with her husband. She completely forgot about the children she had slept with the night before.
Sorry, my darlings, Mommy's going out to have some fun! Hahahaha!
The carriage soon arrived at the market. Yinzhen got off first and then helped Changning down from the carriage.
As soon as I stepped out of Changning, I was greeted by a rich, sweet fragrance that I recognized immediately – it was osmanthus. Sure enough, looking around, I saw numerous vendors selling osmanthus blossoms along the entire street; the flowers were a vibrant golden yellow, a truly beautiful sight.
The streets were bustling with people and filled with the lively atmosphere of everyday life.
As the group strolled around, Changning discovered a number of osmanthus-shaped hairpins at a stall. Although they were not as precious as her own, the materials were ordinary, and the workmanship was average, the colors were vibrant and the designs were quite ingenious.
Golden petals, with a few rice-grain-sized pearls in the center as the stamen, surrounded by emerald green leaves, and a large round white bead on top, serving as the bright moon.
“This is quite interesting, let’s wrap it up.” Changning continued to pick and choose, and Yinzhen also helped her look at them with great interest.
Yinzhen chose a butterfly osmanthus hairpin. Among several osmanthus branches, a lifelike butterfly with outstretched wings was swaying, which was particularly lively.
"Take this one too."
The stall owner was overjoyed. She could tell the two were from a wealthy family, and there were several servants following behind them. She seized the opportunity to start selling.
"Madam, look at this dressing case. It is also carved with osmanthus flowers, and there are many dried petals added to the inner layer. The fragrance of osmanthus flowers lasts for a long time."
Changning was indeed more interested and asked for two, one for Yierha and one for Hutuli.
A sweet and soft little girl would be perfect for a fragrant jewelry box like this.
As for herself, Changning picked out two more osmanthus-patterned double-fan hairpins before letting Yinzhen pay for them, and then continued walking forward.
"Do you like these little trinkets? How about I have Su Peisheng buy all the hairpins from that stall?"
Changning was taken aback by his bold statement. Goodness, Yinzhen is becoming more and more like a domineering CEO.
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