Chapter 229: Small gathering
The tavern was still the same, with just the right number of customers and lukewarm business, but the warmth and intimacy were even greater than before. Just from afar, it gave me an indescribable feeling of favor. It's true that no matter what business or activity, a place with a human touch is truly special.
Xier still came today, but she had already promised Zhong Min not to say those nonsense anymore. In her heart, being able to stand aside and silently look at Luo Jiaxing a few more times was enough, and she really didn't want to ask for anything else.
Zhong Min also knew Xi'er's thoughts, so she stopped making plans for her without authorization. Now she also understood that everyone has their own ideas and ways of living, and some things are really not as simple as they think.
Moreover, she had originally thought of bringing it up only when Luo Jiaxing was around, but now with so many people like Xiao Mingzheng and Xie Feng present, she wouldn't bring it up even if Xier didn't say it. If Luo Jiaxing's reaction was too much, Xier's reputation would be completely ruined.
When Xiao Mingzheng and Zhong Min arrived at the tavern, Luo Jiaxing and Xie Feng were already waiting there. They didn't deliberately ask the tavern owner to stop the other guests. Firstly, they didn't want to cause a big crowd and arouse curiosity. Secondly, there were not many guests here and the overall quality was quite good. They ate and drank their own food, and the noise of their casual conversation did not disturb others, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.
Seeing Xiao Mingzheng and Zhong Min coming in, Luo Jiaxing and Xie Feng hurriedly stood up to greet them. The outside was not like the royal palace, nor like the army, so Xiao Mingzheng waved his hand before they saluted, indicating that everything could be kept simple.
Although the boss didn't know Xiao Mingzheng's background, he had been there once before and knew that he was the distinguished guest that Luo Jiaxing was waiting for. Seeing so many people coming, he enthusiastically asked his son to take out the best wine in the wine cellar to entertain them. He also selected the best dishes and cooked them himself.
Xiao Mingzheng sat down first, and then waved to Luo Jiaxing and Xie Feng to sit down as well. He knew that if he didn't sit down first, the other two would feel embarrassed to sit down first.
After they sat down, the atmosphere was a bit dull for a moment. Everyone seemed unsure what to say first, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. It wasn't that Xiao Mingzheng was uncomfortable, but he wasn't a talkative person to begin with, and since he'd always been the one doing the talking, even if it was just a few words like "no need to be polite, sit down," he'd already set a precedent.
Luo Jiaxing was clearly feeling a bit uncomfortable, and he couldn't seem to find a suitable topic to start with in front of Zhong Min and Xiao Mingzheng. Xie Feng, on the other hand, was completely due to Xiao Mingzheng's presence; he wasn't as close to them as Luo Jiaxing and Xiao Mingzheng. He was delighted to see Zhong Min, and although he had much to say, he was hesitant to appear overly enthusiastic.
Although Zhong Min had called him "Brother Xie" in the past, now that she was about to become the prince's first wife, Princess Mu, her status had changed, so naturally he still had some reservations in front of the prince.
Zhong Min naturally understood everything, and because of her status, she was easier to talk to, so she spoke first to break the slightly uncomfortable awkwardness.
"Brother Luo, Brother Xie, I always said I'd treat you to a drink, but it's been so long since I've done it. I've been owing you this drink for so long that I'm a little embarrassed. But don't accuse me of being a slacker. I finally invited both of you here, so let's have a good drink today!"
As she spoke, she personally poured wine for the group, then took the bottle in front of her and emptied it. Her alcohol tolerance wasn't average, so she couldn't be considered a heavy drinker today. But since Xiao Mingzheng was there, she wasn't afraid of no one getting her back, so she just let loose and drank to her heart's content. The wine was truly amazing; even after not having it for over a year, it still tasted just as pure and fragrant.
Zhong Min's encouragement gradually relaxed the atmosphere at the table. Xie Feng was straightforward to begin with, and after hearing what Zhong Min said and seeing Xiao Mingzheng watching with a smile on his face, he also relaxed, raised his glass without saying a word, and drank first.
As the wine started to flow down his throat, he began to talk more. "Sister, you don't know how much my elder brother has worried about you over the past year or so. Now that you've returned safely and are about to marry the prince, I'm so happy for you from the bottom of my heart!"
"It just so happens that Your Highness is here today. I'm truly delighted to be able to meet Min'er again today and drink and reminisce about the past. You know I'm a rough man, and after drinking, everyone tends to talk a lot. I'm not sure if I'll say anything rude, so I beg Your Highness to forgive me in advance."
As Xie Feng spoke, he poured himself a glass, smiled sincerely, and said to Xiao Mingzheng: "I would like to offer a glass to Your Highness and congratulate Your Highness in advance!" After that, he drank it all, feeling very happy.
Seeing this, Xiao Mingzheng was in a good mood and immediately raised his glass to drink. "Today, there is no need to talk about princes or not. Let's just talk about friendship and drink. There are no taboos. Just say whatever you want. Being more relaxed will make you more happy."
After saying that, Xiao Mingzheng looked at Luo Jiaxing, who had been silent the entire time, and said, "Jiaxing, relax a little. You've been working so hard these days, so you should take this opportunity to relax and not be so restrained."
After hearing Xiao Mingzheng's words, Luo Jiaxing seemed to come back to his senses. When he first saw Zhong Min and Xiao Mingzheng arriving together, he knew that this was how it should be, but he still felt an indescribable feeling in his heart.
After hearing Xie Feng's words, he felt a thousand thoughts running through his mind, and he still felt a little uneasy. But just when Xiao Mingzheng turned to talk to him, his restless heart finally felt at peace.
He had been with Xiao Mingzheng for more than a year or two. Despite their differences in status, they both knew that they didn't consider each other an outsider. He had always considered Xiao Mingzheng a family member, and Xiao Mingzheng did the same. Consequently, their cooperation and tacit understanding over the years were unmatched.
Even with Zhong Min's appearance, even though they knew each other's feelings clearly, there had never been a glimmer of rift between them. The prince could treat him this way, so what else could he not understand? Zhong Min and the prince were in love, they were truly destined to be together, and they were the people he cared about most. Now that they could get married and find happiness, he should be happy for them.
Yes, happy for them! He shouldn't be so petty. This ending is a good one. After all, Zhong Min is back safely. She won't disappear without a trace anymore. After all, he can still see her from time to time and know if she's doing well. After all, she's happy and got what she wanted. What's wrong with that?
He secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Luo Jiaxing was not an ordinary person. He quickly adjusted his mood and there was not much abnormal change in his expression.
He also raised his glass and said to Xiao Mingzheng and Zhong Min, "Jiaxing would like to express his sincere wishes in advance. May the prince and princess be forever happy! I would like to express my respect with this drink. I will drink it first!"
After saying that, he drank the wine in the glass in one gulp. He didn't savor the taste of the wine, but he felt a lot more relieved.
Seeing this, Xiao Mingzheng and Zhong Min naturally accepted Luo Jiaxing's blessings, looked at each other, and drank the wine in their hands with a smile.
"Okay, the dishes haven't been served yet, but the wine is coming one cup after another. Min'er can't drink much, so drink slowly. I won't control you, so just enjoy yourself!" Xiao Mingzheng saw that Zhong Min had already drunk several glasses, so he reminded her.
This girl's alcohol tolerance is really not that good. Although this osmanthus wine is not too strong, the aftereffect is still very strong. Thinking back to the last time she was drunk, she said a lot of nonsense, like a chatterbox who couldn't stop, saying anything. Her drinking behavior is really not good.
Thinking of this, Xiao Mingzheng couldn't help but smile as he looked at Zhong Min, with an expression of indescribable tenderness on his face.
This made Luo Jiaxing and Xie Feng dumbfounded. They had never seen the prince have such an expression in all these years. If they had not seen it with their own eyes, they would not have dared to believe it and would have thought that someone was making it up.
With a bitter smile in his heart, Luo Jiaxing had to admit that only Zhong Min had the ability to make Xiao Mingzheng accomplish such a transformation.
Seeing this, Zhong Min felt a little embarrassed. Xiao Mingzheng smiling at her like this in front of Luo Jiaxing and Xie Feng really made her feel that there was an awkward atmosphere in the air.
She couldn't help but touch Xiao Mingzheng secretly, signaling him not to be like this, so as not to be laughed at. However, Xiao Mingzheng acted as if he didn't understand and continued as before. He even started to arrange the dishes for Zhong Min in front of everyone. His movements were skillful and his expression was natural. He picked all the dishes that Zhong Min liked.
For a moment, Luo Jiaxing and Xie Feng knew for sure that Xiao Mingzheng was really in trouble this time.
Seeing Zhong Min's embarrassed face, Xie Feng found it very interesting and couldn't help laughing. Of course, although he was laughing, he still did not forget to kindly help Zhong Min ease the embarrassment and change the topic.
The atmosphere gradually became lively, and several people chatted with each other, drinking and eating from time to time, and they felt relaxed and at ease. The owner's cooking skills were excellent, the food was delicious and exquisite, and the wine was the best here. Therefore, everyone was very satisfied. In the end, they drank a lot, and when it was getting late, they dispersed and went home.
Zhong Min drank a lot today, but his alcohol tolerance seemed to be much better than before. Although he was a little drunk and dazed, he could only lean on Xiao Mingzheng to hold his head steady when sitting in the carriage, but strangely, his mind was still surprisingly clear.
This time she didn't say a lot of nonsense. Instead, she complained about Xiao Mingzheng, saying that he shouldn't have been so intimate in front of outsiders, which made her feel very embarrassed in front of those acquaintances.
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