My son works hard at the Imperial Academy, it takes a lot of time and effort, he needs to be well-nourished.
As Madam Pei spoke, she handed the first bowl of soup to Pei Xueyan.
Pei Xueyan accepted it with both hands; it was warm to the touch.
He didn't drink it himself, but turned around and very naturally offered the bowl of soup to his father, who was sitting at the head of the table, his tone sincere:
"The soup that my mother cooked herself took a lot of effort, so my father should taste it first."
Pei Xuanyun's expression remained unchanged, as steady as a mountain. He gently pushed against the rim of the bowl with a light touch, yet with unusual firmness.
“When can’t I have a drink at home? My son, you should have more to nourish your body.”
He used to only have a drink when he couldn't afford it, so how could he bear to let his wife cook so often? He'd rather leave that "honor" to his son.
Pei Xueyan's smile remained unchanged as she continued to decline:
“I saw that Mother cooked a lot, enough to share. Father works hard day and night for the country, he should be nourished.”
"No need, the good stuff should naturally go to you brothers first."
The father and son smiled and spoke politely, but in reality, they were engaged in a silent contest over the bowl of soup.
Finally, Madam Pei's face darkened, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and the air in the dining hall seemed to suddenly drop to freezing point.
"What do you two mean by this?"
The voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling undercurrent, and the act of pushing her away froze instantly.
"Drink," Madam Pei said succinctly, with an unquestionable air of authority, "Both of you have some, drink them both!"
"Yes, Madam!"
"Yes, Mother!"
The father and son responded in unison, their responses incredibly swift and obedient.
Pei Xueyan picked up the bowl, took a deep breath, and slowly drank a sip.
His expression froze almost imperceptibly for a moment, then he regained his composure with great self-control.
His Adam's apple bobbed violently before he managed to swallow the soup with difficulty.
The soup... had a complex and indescribable flavor when it entered the mouth.
The mutton seemed to have been stewed too "tender" and had a faint burnt flavor.
The yam melted completely, making the soup too thick;
The seasoning is even more peculiar, with a salty taste tinged with bitterness and a subtle, peculiar aroma of an unknown spice.
What a waste of such fine mutton and yam...
He secretly glanced at his father at the head of the table, only to see the Prime Minister, without changing his expression, holding his bowl and slurping his drink loudly.
He really is a father... Pei Xueyan felt ashamed of herself for not being worthy of him.
A thought suddenly flashed through Pei Xueyan's mind, and she said to her mother with concern:
"Mother, don't just focus on us. You've been busy all afternoon. Have a bowl of water too."
Madam Pei immediately waved her hand, "No need, no need. The good stuff will naturally go to you three. I won't drink it."
Pei Xueyan: ...
He strongly suspected that his mother might have known all along how bad his cooking skills were.
Otherwise, how do you explain that she never tastes a drop of the soup she makes?
Hmm...did I make my mother angry because I've been away from home for too long this time?
Or perhaps my father and brother have done something wrong recently, causing me to suffer this undeserved misfortune?
Apart from that bowl of uniquely flavored soup, all the other dishes were prepared by the chefs of the Prime Minister's residence, and were familiar delicacies.
Pei Xueyan thoroughly enjoyed the meal, which served as compensation for her depleted stomach at the Imperial Academy over the past few days.
After the meal, Pei Xuanyun said calmly, "Come with me to the study."
The father and son entered the study one after the other, the familiar scent of agarwood filling the air, calming the mind and spirit.
This was a fixed routine every time Pei Xueyan returned home, and Madam Pei never bothered her.
This time, however, it was not Pei Xuanyun who first inquired about the court situation; rather, it was Pei Xueyan who broke the silence first.
"Father, my elder brother has been transferred to the Department of Ceremonial Affairs, and is even directly involved in important matters such as the provincial examinations. What are your thoughts on this?"
Pei Xuanyun remained silent, his expression somber.
Pei Xueyan's heart skipped a beat. For her father to look so troubled, something unexpected and major must have happened.
After a long silence, Pei Xuanyun sighed deeply, rubbed his temples, and slowly revealed the truth:
"Sigh... Don't even mention it, your good-for-nothing brother, he's taken a fancy to the Sixth Princess."
"puff!"
Pei Xueyan spat out the mouthful of fragrant tea that she had just taken a sip of but hadn't even had a chance to swallow!
His eyes widened suddenly, and he coughed violently, only managing to stop with great difficulty.
What?! What did he hear?!
He was stunned, as if struck by lightning. He could never have guessed it would be because of this.
Brother and the Sixth Prince?
this……
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