Xu Ruyu did this to build a reassuring dam in Chen Xiao's heart, so that the anxiety caused by losing face would recede like the tide.
His purpose was all too clear: he didn't want Chen Xiao to realize that he had completely seen through her.
He hoped that Chen Xiao could gradually relax under this seemingly casual comfort, find a sense of ease in this complicated banquet situation, and regain the composure that belonged to an emperor, so as not to be bound by this small embarrassment, and thus be able to be more natural.
Under Xu Ruyu's warm and comforting words, Chen Xiao's tense nerves gradually relaxed, and the embarrassment and shyness caused by everyone's teasing also dissipated.
However, those teasing words, like clinging spider silk, still lingered in her heart, impossible to shake off.
What she cared about most was Zhao Siyuan. She joked about her with ease and familiarity, which showed that they used to have a very good relationship.
Furthermore, especially that brat Xi Xi, as the number one system in the Yuan Realm, 'possesses incomparably powerful abilities and wisdom, and should be an existence detached from worldly affairs and ignorant of worldly matters'.
Although it was all her own words, Chen Xiao didn't believe her. But Chen Xiao still didn't expect that she would join the others in teasing her and Xu Ruyu.
Chen Xiao knew perfectly well that Xi Xi knew that she and Xu Ruyu were completely innocent and had no connection, but she still did it, which made Chen Xiao both angry and helpless.
But at this moment, no matter how much dissatisfaction Chen Xiao had, he could only swallow it down.
After all, in the eyes of some of the people present, Xi Xi was like a 'god-like being', and was highly respected.
If she were to blame Xixi for such a small matter, it might cause 'dissatisfaction' among the crowd, which would be troublesome.
Therefore, she could only suppress her emotions and turn her gaze to the exquisite steamed rice cake in front of her.
The steamed cakes looked enticing and emitted a sweet aroma. Chen Xiao gently picked up a piece and put it in her mouth, chewing it slowly.
In an instant, a familiar taste exploded on my taste buds, like a magic key that unlocked the floodgates of memory.
Vague memories flooded back, and in those indistinct images, the figures of Zhao Siyuan and Xu Qin gradually became clearer.
Their smiles and every move were full of warmth.
Chen Xiao's eyes softened considerably. She looked at Zhao Siyuan and Xu Qin and said in a familiar tone, "I forgot to mention that I will be setting off for Xunyang tomorrow. As you know, the prefect of Xunyang is currently bedridden, and the water conservancy project has been put on hold with no one following up. This is a major issue concerning the people's livelihood."
Moreover, my mother has old friends and acquaintances there, and there are a few matters that require my personal attention. According to the Prime Minister, Consort Zhao is quite accomplished in water conservancy and is the best person to handle this matter, so I plan to take her with me.
"When I return from Xunyang, if Lord Zhao and Prince Zhao have time, they are welcome to visit the palace. We can chat together. I still remember how delicious Prince Zhao's steamed rice cakes were; they were truly exquisite. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. I really want to taste them again."
As Chen Xiao spoke, his originally calm tone inexplicably rose slightly at the end, carrying a hint of coquetry, like a child asking for candy.
This sudden change left everyone present stunned, as if they were seeing a Chen Xiao completely different from his usual calm and mature image, which was truly astonishing.
Unlike the shock of others, Zhao Siyuan and Xu Qin were extremely used to Chen Xiao's coquettish tone, as familiar as their own breathing.
Back when Chen Xiao was still the Crown Prince, they often gathered to chat. At that time, Chen Xiao always spoke in such a charming and cute tone, like a spoiled kitten. His appearance was so endearing that it made people feel happy and affectionate.
Whenever Xu Qin heard Chen Xiao act coquettishly like that, no matter how important the matter at hand was, he would put it down without hesitation and run to make her some steamed rice cakes with great joy.
That rice cake shop was filled with Xu Qin and Zhao Siyuan's doting affection for Chen Xiao.
But now, the situation is very different. Although he wants to satisfy Chen Xiao, he can't be as carefree as before.
So, he glanced at Xu Qian seemingly unintentionally, his eyes carrying a hint of smugness, as if to say, "See? His Majesty's favorite is still what I made."
Then, he turned his head and gave Chen Xiao a warm smile, saying softly, "I knew Your Majesty would prefer my steamed rice cake. Your Majesty, rest assured, I will make it for you personally after you return from Xunyang."
Xu Qian felt a chill run down his spine when Xu Qin gave him that childish yet provocative look, and he actually took the bait.
He secretly vowed in his heart that he would practice making Jian Chui Gao (a type of steamed rice cake) diligently starting tomorrow, and that he would make a better Jian Chui Gao than Xu Qin before Chen Xiao returned, thus surpassing Xu Qin.
Everyone present witnessed the subtle rivalry between the two brothers, but they simply smiled knowingly and offered no comment.
At this moment, Zhao Siyuan was not focusing all her attention on the interesting competition between the brothers, nor on the past events of Jian Cuigao.
Because she heard Chen Xiao mention Zhao Cheyu, who was her 'precious one'.
So she took the opportunity to speak and recounted Zhao Cheyu's outstanding talent in water conservancy: "Your Majesty may not know, but Cheyu has had unique insights and talents in water conservancy since he was a child. When he was young, he liked to study the blueprints of various water conservancy projects, and he would often spend a whole day looking at them. Those complex structures seemed to have a special attraction in his eyes."
At this point, Zhao Siyuan's eyes were full of pride. At the end of her sentence, she didn't forget to boost Zhao Cheyu's favorability, "Besides, Cheyu has had a good relationship with His Majesty since he was a child. He even asked to enter the palace this time. Seeing that His Majesty and he are still as good as ever, I feel relieved."
Zhao Siyuan's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.
Xi Xi's familiar gossipy expression immediately appeared on her face, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement, and the corners of her mouth slightly turned up, as if silently saying, "Your Majesty's charm is truly amazing!"
His expression was like that of an audience member waiting for a good show to begin, eager to uncover more interesting details.
The three ladies standing nearby were unaware of Xunyang's affairs. But seeing Chen Xiao mention them so openly, they understood a bit about it.
They knew that Chen Xiao's actions not only showed her deep trust in Xu Qian, but also extended that trust to them out of affection for him.
This feeling of being trusted is like the warm sun in winter, shining gently into their hearts.
This stirred a warm feeling in their hearts, and they felt even closer to Chen Xiao.
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