无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Li Hongyuan has long known about Jiang Ning’s exceptional culinary skills.

Of course, this was all from what he had heard from others.

Especially from the Emperor Father, the Concubine Mother, and Xiaoqian.

All three of them had nothing but praise for Jiang Ning’s culinary expertise.

As for the Emperor Father, he emptied out all the valuable items from his study just to indulge in her dishes.

Xiaoqian made a habit of running into the mansion of the Prince of Yu just to enjoy free meals and drinks.

And the Concubine Mother?

She was the most blatant of them all.

For a person known for her cold demeanor, it was surprising that she made an active effort to ingratiate herself with the Emperor Father, all because of Jiang Ning.

Before this, Li Hongyuan always thought it was a far-fetched notion.

He never believed that the dishes made by Jiang Ning could be so delicious.

After all, she was a young lass who grew up in a farming household; could her culinary skills possibly surpass those of the imperial chefs in the palace?

He thought the Emperor Father and the Concubine Mother were simply amused by the novelty of it all.

At least, that’s what Li Hongyuan always believed until now.

But when he tasted the dried venison prepared by Jiang Ning, he was instantly won over.

Followed by a sip of wine, it felt like the most contented moment he had experienced in over a year.

Having gotten a taste of the succulent meat, he developed an interest in the other seven or eight snacks and dishes.

There were cakes shaped like little rabbits, pickled spicy vegetables.

There was even a large piece of roast lamb.

The roast lamb was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, leaving a delightful lingering taste on the lips.

Topped with another sip of wine, it was perfect.

Li Hongyuan kept consuming pieces of meat and pouring down glasses of wine, indulging himself thoroughly, much to the surprise of Li Yuanyuan, who was watching.

“I’ve never seen you have such a hearty appetite.”

“I never imagined her skills could be so impressive. I underestimated her before,” said Li Hongyuan, a hint of blush surfacing on his handsome face as he drank his wine.

Li Yuanyuan asked with a smile, “Is it really that delicious?”

“Give it a try.” Li Hongyuan casually passed her a small rabbit-shaped cake.

“Thank you for your kindness,” said Li Yuanyuan, who seemed a bit taken aback as she accepted it.

The rabbit-shaped cake was white, its shape cute and friendly, and felt soft to the touch.

She brought the cake to her mouth and took a small bite. The outer layer was soft yet chewy, while the filling was soft and melted immediately in her mouth.

“I’ve never tasted a pastry like this before,” said Li Yuanyuan, her eyes twinkling.

After finishing one, she hesitantly said, “You never liked sweet food…”

Li Hongyuan glanced at her, knowing she wanted to eat more.

There were a total of four little rabbit-shaped cakes on the plate.

Three remained.

Li Hongyuan casually picked one up and commented, “You can take these two. After all, she made them, I should at least taste one.”

With that, he ate the whole cake.

“It doesn’t taste too sweet, and it’s quite good.” He enjoyed the flavor more than he expected.

Although he liked it, he wouldn’t ask for the two he had given to Li Yuanyuan back.

He didn’t particularly like Li Yuanyuan, but she had been by his side for several years. They had traveled all the way to the Imperial Mausoleum, she had worked hard and suffered a lot.

If there was no merit, there was at least hardship.

Li Hongyuan wasn’t harsh with her.

He softened his tone, “Ms. Li, let’s leave this matter. You should stay in the mansion of the Prince of Yu and recuperate. Don’t trouble the Princess Consort at the Prime Minister’s Mansion with your presence. She needs to recover.”

“When will your Highness be able to return after being locked up for more than two months?”

“Soon.”

“Your Highness, I’ve been hearing rumors that the Prime Minister’s Mansion is putting great effort into making you the Crown Prince…”

“Shut up.”

Li Yuanyuan quickly bowed her head, “I overstepped my boundaries.”

Such matters were not to be discussed by a concubine.

And certainly not in this place.

Suddenly there was a startled cry from the Warden outside, “Ay! Oh young Highness, this is not a place for you to barge into!”