无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

“So, it’s really called Concubine’s Cake?”

“Yes, it was created specially for Her Highness the Concubine, so it’s called Concubine’s Cake.”

“Although it seems a bit flattering, I like it.” Concubine Jin seemed in a good mood.

Li Hongyuan smiled and said, “After all these years, it’s the first time I’ve heard you say that you like someone, Mother.”

“I don’t really like her, I just like the snacks and desserts she makes.” Concubine Jin returned to her indifferent, cold demeanor and yawned lazily, “In my eyes, no one is worth liking, including your Emperor Father and you.”

“I haven’t offended you.”

“What do you think you are? You’re just doing everything you can to fight for the throne. What’s the point?” Concubine Jin said lazily, “Go back. Tell your wife that if she wants my help in the future, she should bring me delicious food.”

Li Hongyuan: “…Mother, haven’t I been filial to you all these years? You’re picky about food, but I’ve found you many delicacies. Why haven’t you taken a closer look?”

“What you brought me wasn’t tasty.”

II II

Concubine Jin glanced at him: “Isn’t eating an important thing? You’ll starve if you don’t eat.”

“Yes, it’s very important.”

“Have you eaten what your wife made before?”

“Never.”

“Then you’ve lived in vain.”

Li Hongyuan bowed, “Rest well, Mother. I take my leave.”

As he walked to the door, he heard her say, “Do you know why I’ve never liked you?”

Li Hongyuan stopped in his tracks.

Concubine Jin said lightly, “Because you are too much like me. Both of us, mother and son, have cold, aloof natures. On the surface, you’re filial and respectful to your Emperor Father and me, but you don’t truly care about us. Your wife is skilled in cooking, but you haven’t tasted her food, which shows she doesn’t like you. She shouldn’t dislike you because you’re her husband, of noble status, and handsome, but she does. Do you know why?”

Li Hongyuan didn’t respond.

Concubine Jin said, “It’s because you have no heart. You only care about yourself, and you see her only as a tool. People who never open their hearts to others will never win the hearts of others.”

Li Hongyuan remained silent for a moment and then smiled easily, “Why did Mother think of saying these things today?”

“It’s nothing, really. I just happened to eat something delicious, which put me in a good mood, so I rambled on.” Concubine Jin touched her own face and asked the palace maid beside her, “Is it possible that I’m getting old and becoming a chatterbox?”

Li Hongyuan shook his head and walked away.

On the day the results of the Imperial Examinations were announced, Jiang Ning personally made a box of food and had it sent to Third Brother.

If he passed, it would be a congratulations.

If he didn’t, the delicious food would serve as consolation.

But Jiang Yi did well, ranking eighth in the first class.

The Jiang family was overjoyed, and Jiang Yi immediately sent someone to Prince Yu’s Mansion to inform Jiang Ning and asked for more food, saying it was delicious.

Jiang Ning sent someone to ask, “How did He Tang perform in the exam?”

“He Tang did even better, ranking third in the first class!”

“Isn’t that the third place scholar?”

“After the Palace Examination, only when the Emperor personally examines the result can it be decided.” The servant grinned, “Our Third Master will also participate in the Palace Examination. Maybe the Emperor will like him and promote him.”

Jiang Ning was very happy, rolled up her sleeves and personally cooked more delicious food.

When Li Hongyuan returned, he heard that Princess Consort had personally cooked and sent food to her family and the He family..