Of course, Gu Qingheng was also there. He had come to pick up his wife from the palace, and upon smelling the aroma, he knew it was his wife cooking. He was making every effort to involve the Empress Dowager in their business venture.
"Emperor, itâs Madam Ruyi who cooked for the Empress Dowager," Aunt Hong Ye hurriedly came over to pay respects.
Yang Ruxin could only tag along.
"Is there any for me?" Emperor Xuanjing looked at Yang Ruxin.
Yang Ruxin shook her head, "No."
"Ah?" Emperor Xuanjing thought he hadnât heard correctly.
"I didnât think the Emperor would want to eat it? These were prepared for the Empress Dowager, Noble Consort Mu, and the Virtuous Concubine, as well as Zhaoyi Leng," Yang Ruxin scratched her head, "But since they are all your wives, perhaps you could ask them?"
Emperor Xuanjingâs lips twitched, but he felt more at ease. After all, a straightforward woman wouldnât be so twisted and scheming, making her easier to understand, even if she was sometimes surprising.
"If the Emperor goes, the Empress Dowager will surely be pleased," Hong Ye quickly spoke up.
"I think so too." Emperor Xuanjing raised a hand to point at Yang Ruxin, "You need to learn to be flexible."
"I will heed your advice."
Emperor Xuanjing then hurriedly walked towards Kangshou Palace.
"Father, your son..."
"You all go wherever you want." Emperor Xuanjing waved a hand without looking back, "Didnât you hear that even I must scrounge for someone elseâs meal?"
The Crown Prince and the others looked at each other, deciding it was best to find their own food.
"By the way, regarding todayâs lunch, my portion will be given to Gu Qingheng," the Emperor stopped after taking two steps, "After all, his wife cooked, and he shouldnât go hungry."
"Thank you, Emperor." Gu Qingheng quickly expressed his gratitude.
Emperor Xuanjing truly left.
"Madam Ruyi, when will you cook a meal for me too?" The Crown Prince didnât forget to ask Yang Ruxin before leaving.
"Anytime."
"I will remember that." The Crown Prince nodded, then reached out to pull Gu Qingheng, "You go; your husband will wait for you at the palace gate."
In Kangshou Palace, the Emperorâs arrival delighted everyone. Not to mention scrounging for food, they would gladly give up their meals for him.
The eight dishes and one soup were more than enough, yet in the end, there was not even a drop of soup left.
"Satisfying." The Emperor exhaled, "Itâs been a long time since Iâve eaten so well."
"Shall we open the restaurant then?" The Empress Dowager personally handed the Emperor some tea.
"Absolutely," Emperor Xuanjing nodded, "Mother, from now on youâre the shopkeeper. Your son can go out and grab a bite whenever heâs free."
"But youâll have to pay," Empress Dowager Jiang said seriously.
"Mother dear, I am your own son..."
"Business is business," Empress Dowager Jiang shook her head, "Xinxin said no credit. After all, even the landlordâs family has no surplus grain..."
"Fine," Emperor Xuanjing was helpless and finally nodded, "Then your son will pay, is that alright?"
"Weâll give you a discount," Yang Ruxin quickly interjected.
"You honest child, the Emperor is not short of silver. If you give a discount, itâll be a loss for us..."
Yang Ruxinâs mouth twitched, thinking to herself, "Old woman, youâre sharp," and quickly nodded, "Right, when the Emperor comes, weâll charge more."
"You all..." Emperor Xuanjing didnât know whether to laugh or cry.
The others had mixed feelings, and their gazes towards Yang Ruxin shifted.
Yang Ruxin ignored Xiao Jinâs malicious looks and didnât care about the Virtuous Concubineâs flattering gaze. However, she did notice the look from Shu Fei Cui Meng, which made her quite uncomfortable.