Chapter 83

Chapter 83

A plate of lamb hand-pulled rice, a small dish of raw onions, raw tomato slices garnished with sour cucumber, and a bowl of fruit tea... Apart from a lamb leg bone in the rice, there seemed to be no other highlights. It was modest compared to the varied, tasty, and beautifully presented dishes of Dajing.

Wu'erqu acknowledged this, having experienced Dajing's prosperity and culinary richness along their journey, savoring many of Dajing's delicacies, always full of praise. Yet, the food before them was what the Northern people grew up eating.

After herding, setting up tents, fighting, or returning home from trading, eating such a meal would instantly erase all weariness. Wu'erqu did not expect to encounter this at a Dajing welcome banquet, feeling both surprised and thrilled. He looked at Danzi, "Your Highness, how did you know about these?"

Danzi replied, "As I mentioned, I have a fondness for the North, so my uncle prepared these dishes. He has never been to the North, relying only on hearsay and books to recreate these dishes. I find them quite tasty and hope they suit your palate. Please, have a taste."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Wu'erqu said, missing the hand-pulled lamb rice from his month-long journey from the North to Dajing. He eagerly grabbed some and tasted it.

Seeing this, ministers like Zheng Weilu were initially taken aback, then showed disdain, finding Wu'erqu's manners undignified, leading to a dislike for Danzi.

Pei Yanli and Lu Ming, worldly and knowledgeable, saw nothing amiss.

Danzi and Minghe, having spent the past few days with Xiaoyu learning about Northern customs and cuisine, also ate the rice and meat with their hands, understanding the importance of respecting others' ways of life.

Emperor Yongxi watched quietly.

Wu'erqu savored the hand-pulled rice, finding the lamb's savory flavor perfectly infused into the grains, rich but not greasy, with soft carrots, a strong cumin taste, and creamy lamb blending harmoniously. The raw onions, tomato slices, and sour cucumber added a comforting, homely touch.

His eyes moistening, Wu'erqu swallowed, wiped his hands, and looked at Danzi again, "Your Highness, you said your uncle made this lamb hand-pulled rice?"

"Yes," Danzi answered.

"Is he from the North?" Wu'erqu inquired.

"He is from Dajing," Emperor Yongxi intervened, taking over the conversation. "He enjoys cooking and developed an interest in the North because of the Crown Prince's fondness, hence the lamb rice. Does it suit your taste?"

"Your Majesty, it's perfect, almost identical to our Northern lamb rice!" Wu'erqu brightened up considerably.

Almost identical!

This Xiaoyu is truly extraordinary!

Internally praising Xiaoyu, Emperor Yongxi then said to Wu'erqu, "That's great. Let's continue our meal." He still didn't bring up the matter of an alliance.

The chief eunuch also served lamb hand-pulled rice to the other Northern guests.

At this moment, Danzi said, "Eunuch Qian, please serve me a portion as well."

"Eunuch Qian, I'd like one too," added Minghe.

"If Yuanheng and Minghe are having it, then bring one for me as well," Emperor Yongxi chimed in.

Pei Yanli and Lu Ming requested a portion each.

"Certainly," the chief eunuch immediately went to get it.

Wu'erqu was momentarily taken aback. It was his first visit to Dajing, and along the way, he had learned about Dajing's refined culture and manners. Initially, he had grabbed the hand-pulled lamb rice in excitement.

Then he noticed the disdain in the eyes of officials like Zheng Weilu, as if they considered him barbaric. He felt somewhat uneasy, but seeing the Crown Prince, young Master Ming, Emperor Yongxi, General Pei, and Master Lu all requesting lamb hand-pulled rice and eating in the Northern style, he felt a sense of inclusion, respect, and sincerity from the Dajing dynasty.

This gesture made him realize Dajing's tolerance and good intentions. No wonder Dajing's people were prosperous. If the North could ally with Dajing to drive out the barbarians, their border people could also live peacefully.

Resolved to do his utmost to foster this alliance, Wu'erqu's spirits lifted, and he began introducing Northern cuisine to Emperor Yongxi and others.

Emperor Yongxi smiled, "Not to hide from you, my Crown Prince has a keen interest in food."

"Oh? Your Highness is knowledgeable about this?" asked Wu'erqu.

Since last year, Danzi had been eating, drinking, and working with Xiaoyu, setting him apart from the typical ignorant young lords. Confidently, he nodded, "Yes, I am quite knowledgeable."

The maturity he usually displayed, contrasted with such a child-like statement, was not only endearing but also made him more relatable.

Witnessing Danzi's exceptional qualities, Wu'erqu began to chat with him appreciatively, with Minghe also joining in the conversation.

The three of them started discussing the hand-pulled rice, moving on to yellow carrots, carrots, then white radishes, pickles, farming, herding, pig raising, and more, expanding the conversation.

"Farming is hard work," Danzi remarked.

Minghe added, "When there's drought or flood, we can't harvest any crops."

"Farming too, right?" Egg said, frowning slightly, "It's hard for the common people."

Wu Erqu nodded repeatedly, "Indeed."

Emperor Yongxi was astonished by the knowledge of Egg and Ming He.

The ministers knew the Great Prince only as someone from a weak maternal family, who had lived among the common folk for over a year, and on his return to the palace, was supported by the Empress Dowager. Yet, here he was, showing such breadth of knowledge and empathy towards the common people's hardships. They subconsciously felt that if the Great Prince became the emperor in the future, it would be a great fortune for Great Jing.

Zheng Wei Lu and several other ministers were anxious. They had thought the Emperor just wanted the Great Prince to make an appearance; what could a child barely over four years old stir up?

Now, the Great Prince, with just a simple dish of mutton hand-pulled rice, not only created a stir but also overwhelmed the Emperor and other courtiers.

What would happen to the Second Prince they supported?

Unable to voice their concerns, they could only watch helplessly as the Great Prince and Ming He, complementing each other perfectly, won everyone's favor, much to their irritation.

Pei Yanli and Lu Ming watched with amusement as the two children conversed with Wu Erqu.

The welcoming feast was thoroughly enjoyable for both guests and hosts.

With other official duties to attend to, Emperor Yongxi asked Egg, Ming He, and the others to take Wu Erqu on a tour of the Great Jing Imperial Palace. In the evening, they all gathered again for dinner.

This time, the head eunuch brought freshly baked naan, grilled lamb skewers, lamb soup, raw onions, and grapes – all freshly prepared.

The naan was soft yet chewy, the lamb skewers were tender and flavorful with tomato slices, the lamb soup was sweet and appetizing, the raw onions were crisp, and the grapes were sweet – exactly to the liking of Wu Erqu and other people from Beijin, who finished all the food.

It was then that Wu Erqu finally initiated the proposal to unite against the nomadic tribes.

With this, the initiative lay in Emperor Yongxi's hands, leading to a discussion between them.

Pei Yanli, Lu Ming, and others joined the conversation.

Egg and Ming He couldn't understand everything yet, but Emperor Yongxi wanted them to gain experience, so he didn't send them away.

The discussion continued late into the night.

Eventually, both parties agreed on a preliminary plan.

Emperor Yongxi said, "It's getting late. We shall continue this discussion tomorrow."

"Your Majesty, please rest early," Wu'erqu said, contentedly bowing.

Emperor Yongxi nodded.

Lu Ming escorted Wu'erqu and his party back to their residence.

Emperor Yongxi told Pei Yanli, "Yanli, it's late. You don't need to go back tonight. Stay in the palace with Lu Ming and continue the discussions with Wu'erqu tomorrow about the battle plans."

"Yes," Pei Yanli responded.

Emperor Yongxi looked at Danzi and Minghe, still seated but now swaying like wobbly dolls, clearly exhausted from the day's events. "Quickly, help them, be careful not to let them fall!"

Pei Yanli swiftly supported the two children.

Minghe and Danzi had diligently remembered Xiaoyu's advice to show their best side to the ministers, envoys, and the Emperor. But now, with the ministers and Wu'erqu gone, and only the Emperor remaining, they wanted to stay awake, but were just too tired, their little bodies upright but eyelids closed.

Suddenly supported, the children jerked upright, opened their eyes wide, and maintained smiles, nodding as if agreeing with someone's opinion.

Emperor Yongxi couldn't help but chuckle.

Pei Yanli said, "Your Majesty, I will take them back."

"Go ahead, we can talk about anything else tomorrow," Emperor Yongxi wished to carry his son back himself, but refrained due to his own frail health.

"Yes," Pei Yanli replied and then said to the children, "Mission accomplished, we can go home now."

Danzi, with a drowsy expression, asked, "It's done?"

Minghe, in a daze, wondered, "Can we go home now?"

"Yes, you can sleep. Uncle will take you home," Pei Yanli said softly.

On hearing this, the children closed their eyes and leaned over, falling asleep.

Pei Yanli, with one child in each arm, easily lifted the two little ones and turned to Emperor Yongxi, "Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. I shall take my leave."

"Hmm."

As Pei Yanli left Qianxin Hall and turned a few corners, he saw Xiaoyu standing quietly at the entrance of the Prince's residence, radiating a natural tranquility. A sense of calm welled up in him, and he called out with a smile, "Xiaoyu."

Xiaoyu turned and hurried over, "Are they asleep?"

"Yes," Pei Yanli replied.

"You've had a long day," Xiaoyu said, reaching out to take one of the children.

"I'll carry this one," Pei Yanli insisted.

"Alright, let's go."

The two men entered the Prince's residence together.

"How long have you been waiting here?" Pei Yanli asked.

"Not too long." In reality, Xiaoyu had been waiting since nightfall, concerned about the children's performance and the negotiations between Dajing and the North. "How did today go?" he asked.

"Very well," Pei Yanli replied.

Xiaoyu turned slightly, "In what way very well?"

"Every way. The food you prepared was excellent, and the children performed wonderfully," Pei Yanli said.

Xiaoyu continued, "And what about the alliance for joint combat?"

"It's almost finalized," Pei Yanli said with a smile. "I will go tomorrow to discuss the battle plans."

"That's great news," Xiaoyu expressed his happiness.

As they spoke, the two arrived at the main room of Courtyard Nine.

Seeing the children were very sleepy, Xiaoyu had the palace staff clean them up and tuck them into bed, then thanked Pei Yanli.

"Are we still so formal with each other?" Pei Yanli asked.

Xiaoyu just smiled.

Pei Yanli then asked, "How are you coping?"

Xiaoyu, puzzled, asked, "With what?"

"My identity," Pei Yanli clarified. "Back in Shuiqing Lane, I used the identity of Kong Shaoqing for convenience. I revealed the truth to you later, but seeing you struggle to accept it, I gave you time to come to terms with it. It's been almost three months now. How are you handling it?"

"I've... accepted it," Xiaoyu said.

"You've accepted me?" Pei Yanli was somewhat surprised.

Xiaoyu clarified, "I've accepted that you are the Grand General."

Pei Yanli, a bit disappointed, then suggested, "You used to call me 'Eleven'. Now, you can call me 'Yanli' or 'Yizhi'."

Xiaoyu pointed out his status, "But you are the Grand General."

"And you are Lord Xiaoyu," Pei Yanli responded, implying it was no less significant.

Xiaoyu countered, "But I am just a minor official."

Seizing the opportunity, Pei Yanli asked, "Shall I request a higher position for you from His Majesty?"

"Please don't!" Xiaoyu quickly objected, knowing Pei Yanli had the influence to secure him a higher post.

"Why not?" Pei Yanli inquired.

"One should wear a hat as big as their head. Don't trouble me with this," Xiaoyu advised.

"The dishes you prepared for the Northern envoy today are enough to merit your promotion," Pei Yanli stated simply, referring to everyone's praise for the food.

Xiaoyu was pleased to hear this.

Pei Yanli looked intently at Xiaoyu, "You're outstanding. Even if you remain Xiaoyu, the shop owner, without any official title, you can still approach me and call me by my name."

Xiaoyu's calm demeanor was once again disturbed by Pei Yanli's words. Looking into Pei Yanli's affectionate eyes, he suddenly asked, "Why should I approach you?"

"I can come to you instead," Pei Yanli said, and started walking towards Xiaoyu.

Xiaoyu immediately smelled the crisp scent of cedar, pleasant yet assertive, and instinctively stepped back two steps.

Pei Yanli's mouth curved up in a pleased smile, "See, every time I approach you, you start to retreat."

"Who's retreating?" Xiaoyu stood tall and proud, only to bump right into Pei Yanli's arms.

In that moment, their hearts raced uncontrollably, unable to distinguish between their own heartbeat and the other's. Just then, Lu Ming's voice interrupted, "Yanli, Yanli."

"Shut up!" Xiaoyu and Pei Yanli both turned and shouted simultaneously.

Lu Ming was left standing in place, stunned by their rebuke.

Xiaoyu and Pei Yanli looked at each other and then burst into laughter.

"What are you doing? What's going on?" Lu Ming asked, looking wronged.

Minghe was woken up by the noise and sat up, rubbing his eyes, "Uncle, I'm thirsty."

Xiaoyu said to Pei Yanli, "You guys go ahead and leave."

Pei Yanli, reluctant to leave, said, "But what about what I said..."

"I'll consider it," Xiaoyu replied.

"Consider what?" Lu Ming asked, puzzled.

Pei Yanli grabbed Lu Ming by the collar and dragged him away.

Xiaoyu got water for Minghe to drink.

Overcome with sleepiness, Minghe fell back asleep after a sip of water.

Exhausted himself, Xiaoyu lay down on the bed. Thinking about his conversation with Pei Yanli, he felt inexplicably happy, a happiness he could hardly control. Embracing Minghe, he kissed him twice, expressing his overwhelming emotions.

Minghe mumbled, "His Majesty is right, the Crown Prince is right," still thinking about meeting the Northern envoy.

Xiaoyu chuckled softly.

The next morning, Danzi and Minghe slept in and then excitedly recounted their experience of meeting the envoy with Xiaoyu.

"Many people liked the younger brother!" Minghe exclaimed.

"They liked the older brother too!" Danzi added.

Just then, an imperial edict arrived, praising Danzi and Minghe, and promoting Xiaoyu's rank from the sixth to the fifth grade, along with a reward of numerous gold, silver, and jade objects for the uncle and nephews.

The eunuch delivering the edict said, "His Majesty requests that Lord Xiaoyu continue to prepare Northern cuisine."

Xiaoyu responded, "I obey the decree. Also, please inform me if the envoy has any specific preferences, and I will do my best to cater to them."

"Understood."

Over the next few days, Pei Yanli was busy exchanging information and drafting battle plans with the Northern envoy, while Xiaoyu worked on preparing dishes for them. Danzi and Minghe, besides their studies, increasingly visited Qianxin Palace.

The court officials, impressed by the Crown Prince's capabilities and seeing how the Emperor favored him, started leaning towards the Crown Prince's side. This made the Zheng family anxious, leading them to send Zheng Weirong's wife, Jiang, to the palace to meet Consort Zheng and convey their concerns.

Consort Zheng frowned upon hearing this.

Jiang said, "Your elder brother is injured and unconscious, we don't know when he'll wake up. Otherwise, he would have a way to turn the situation around. But your third brother said the key lies with Xiaoyu."

"Xiaoyu?" Consort Zheng questioned.

Jiang continued, "The third brother believes that the Crown Prince, being only four years old, couldn't have much influence. His favor with the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, the praise from the envoy and the ministers – it's all orchestrated by Xiaoyu. So, if we get rid of Xiaoyu, the Crown Prince will lose his backbone."

Consort Zheng remarked, "Xiaoyu is a good person."

"He may be good to the Crown Prince, but not to the Second Prince!" Jiang pointed out.

Consort Zheng hesitated, "This...".

Jiang said, "Your Highness, please think about the Second Prince."

Consort Zheng didn't respond directly, frowning slightly, "It's a bit stuffy in here. Let's go for a walk." She headed outside.

Jiang had no choice but to follow Consort Zheng out of Fufang Hall. As they walked, she looked up and saw Xiaoyu, Minghe, and Danzi coming out from Cihe Palace.

"Big brother!" Xiaoyuanping suddenly ran out from somewhere, joyfully heading towards Danzi. Running too eagerly, he veered off course.

"Little brother!" Danzi quickly chased after him, "Slow down, little brother!"

Xiaoyuanping shouted, "I can't control myself!"

"You're going to fall!" Minghe quickly moved to intercept.

Then the three chubby boys tumbled together in a heap.

The fall happened so quickly that Xiaoyu, dropping the food box he was holding, rushed forward to help Xiaoyuanping up, asking with concern, "Second Prince, are you hurt?"

Seeing this, Consort Zheng turned to Jiang, "Sister-in-law, it's getting late. You better head back now."

Jiang's expression changed slightly, "Your Highness, you..."