Three days later—
He Jiuniang received an invitation as soon as she got up. It was from the Jing Prince's Mansion, inviting the couple to dinner at the Jing Prince's Mansion tonight, since the Jing Prince would be going to the frontier to guard the border early the next morning, so it was a farewell dinner.
He Jiuniang was immediately confused. Come to think of it, her relationship with Prince Jing wasn't that good, was it?
But since the invitation had already been delivered to her door and the formalities were observed, He Jiuniang still agreed.
She told Lu Baichuan to come back early that evening so they could go to the banquet together, and then she went to the palace herself.
The old emperor has been eating Lu Hei Ya (a type of braised duck) for the past few days, which has caused him some internal heat. After giving him acupuncture, I also need to write a prescription to reduce his internal heat.
As He Jiuniang wrote, she instructed, "Although this stuff is delicious, you can't eat it every day. Duck is considered a 'heating' food, and eating too much of it is bad for your health. You should eat it in moderation."
The old emperor didn't care about any of that and said matter-of-factly, "Isn't there still you?"
He had lived most of his life and hadn't eaten anything so appetizing in a long time. His appetite hadn't been very good lately, but after smelling that aroma, it instantly whetted his appetite. In the past few days, he had not only eaten a lot of Lu Hei Ya (a type of braised duck), but also quite a lot of other dishes.
As it stands, he has no intention of stopping.
"I'll be going back soon, and I probably won't be back until after the New Year. If anything happens to you during this time, I won't be able to come. Anyway, you're on your own. If you're going to disobey me, then prepare your will in advance so that the princes won't have to worry about you later."
He Jiu Niang didn't even look up, still diligently writing the prescription, completely oblivious to the old emperor's ashen face.
The palace maids and eunuchs around them trembled with fear. To talk about writing a will to someone who fantasizes about immortality is no small feat!
Only Madam Lu dared to say such a thing; if it were anyone else, they would have died countless times over.
He Jiuniang wrote down the prescription and handed it to the old emperor. When she looked up, she found him staring at her. She was a little surprised: "Why are you staring at me? You don't believe me? Then try eating this for a few more days. Maybe the banquet in a few days will not be about visiting the Pangu Jade, but about eating your food."
The old emperor: ……
"Guards, gag her filthy mouth!"
The old emperor took a deep breath and glared at the old eunuch beside him, thinking that these old things were becoming more and more useless. Someone said this about him, but these people didn't dare to utter a single word.
The old man trembled and hurriedly knelt on the ground, saying, "Your Majesty, please take care of your health and listen to Madam Lu's advice!"
"So, you also think she's right?"
The old emperor was furious and kicked the old man, who fell to the ground and hurriedly got up and knelt down.
He didn't dare to lose his temper with He Jiuniang, so he vented his anger on his father-in-law.
He Jiuniang couldn't stand it anymore and said, "If Your Majesty doesn't like to hear it, I won't say it. Why make things difficult for others? Eat if you want, I can't control you anyway."
With that, she got up to leave.
"Wait!"
The old emperor gritted his teeth as he looked at her, feeling that he had truly committed a sin, having lived most of his life only to be manipulated by a mere girl.
He Jiuniang stopped and looked at him with disdain, asking, "Is there anything else?"
"I heard you're going to Lao Liu's place for dinner tonight."
He Jiuniang paused for a moment, thinking, "This old man is quite well-informed."
"Yes, Your Majesty, would you like to come along?"
The old emperor shook his head and continued, "I know that it is thanks to you that the sixth prince was able to figure out that he should go to the frontier to guard it. When you go tonight, take these things to him, and I will not see him."
As he spoke, the old man quickly had someone bring up a suit of armor and a very sharp red-tasseled spear.
"Sixth Prince is quite skilled, but he is impetuous and easily manipulated. It would be good for him to go to the frontier for a few years of training. On the battlefield, swords have no eyes, and this is all I can do."
The old emperor waved his hand, indicating that He Jiuniang could leave.
He Jiuniang was speechless. Why did she have to do this? Why not just have someone deliver it to Prince Jing's residence? Why bother her?
Moreover, the old emperor finished speaking and then let her leave without giving her a chance to refuse.
Fine, let's do it.
He Jiuniang pouted and let several palace maids carry things behind her.
However, the old emperor's actions also reminded her of something: when visiting someone's home, you should bring a gift. Prince Jing's journey to the frontier is extremely dangerous. Considering that he bought the recipe for Lu Hei Ya from her, he can be considered her customer. So, she should give him a small gift to help him survive.
When Lu Baichuan returned, he took a shower and changed into clean clothes. The two of them then took a car together to attend the banquet.
Seeing the many carriages at the entrance of Prince Jing's mansion, He Jiu Niang realized that this was no simple meal; no wonder it was called a banquet.
At such times, many noblemen would be present, and they might engage in some sarcastic or cryptic literary pursuits.
But He Jiuniang wasn't interested in any of that. She decided that once the meal started, she would just keep her head down and eat, then leave.
Lu Baichuan got out of the car first and helped her down. After all, she was here to attend a banquet. He Jiuniang had put on makeup, making her already beautiful face even more striking. She was wearing the latest dress from Jiayuan Pavilion, a light purple jacket and skirt that trailed slightly on the ground, which was both elegant and flattering to her fair skin.
The marks on Lu Baichuan's face have been completely removed. He can even borrow leftover face masks from He Jiuniang to apply for a while. His handsome face has attracted many girls to steal glances at him.
Handsome men and beautiful women standing together are always the most eye-catching, no matter where they are.
"Who is this person? I've never seen him before."
"It seems to be the commander-in-chief of the Fire Cloud Division. He was in Jingzhou before, but he only came to the capital a few days ago."
"What are you doing in the capital all of a sudden? Is something big going to happen?"
"No, no, see the woman next to him? That's his wife. She's now the doctor in charge of the Emperor's health. This time, the couple came to the capital to treat the Emperor!"
"So it's her! I've heard about her; she's quite the talk of the town. I heard the Emperor treats her very well!"
"Huh? That can't be right."
"Why shouldn't she? Look how beautiful she is, it's not surprising that the Emperor would take a liking to her."
"That's true, what respectable doctor is this good-looking!"
"Tsk tsk tsk, that Fire Cloud Division Commander-in-Chief is a bit cuckolded... Ah! Who hit me!"
The group was whispering among themselves when one of them was suddenly hit on the head by a pebble, instantly swelling up into a large lump.
No one responded. Lu Baichuan led He Jiuniang inside, glancing at the group as they passed. Good, he remembered them.
Anyone who dares to speak ill of his wife like that, no matter what kind of royalty or nobility they are, he'll beat them without hesitation.
He Jiuniang was very satisfied with Lu Baichuan's approach and whispered in his ear, "Next time, use a bigger stone."
Lu Baichuan smiled and said, "Okay."
Just then, a furious voice came from behind: "Hey! Was it you who just laid a hand on me?"
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