Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Emperor Yongxi's mouth opened and closed several times before he finally managed to speak, asking, "You, you're saying—"

"Your Majesty, last year, while on a mission to find the Crown Prince, I met Xiao Ziqing in Qingshi Town. At the time, I didn't know the child with him was the Crown Prince. Together, we overthrew the corrupt County Magistrate of Fu, traveled by mule cart, escaped a great fire, and sailed northward…" As Pei Yanli recounted these events, his mind was filled with images of Xiao Yu's calmness, concern, smiles, and playful moments - all so beautiful, vivid, and endearing.

Initially, everyone suspected that Pei Yanli's declaration of love was a deliberate ploy to dispel any rumors of Xiao Yu causing chaos in the harem.

However, as the esteemed Grand General, he had no need to publicly reveal his private feelings in the Qianxin Hall, risking his future prospects of marriage. As they listened to his concise account of his past with Xiao Yu, they felt a gentle yet intense emotion, involuntarily longing for such a bond. They realized his feelings for Xiao Yu were genuine.

Pei Yanli vividly remembered their past, while Xiao Yu gazed intently at the man in the center of the hall, his eyes brimming with joy.

Pei Yanli continued, "Therefore, it is impossible for Xiao Ziqing to have an interest in Qiuyu."

Initially, this matter was obscure and difficult to clarify, making it easy to accuse Xiao Yu of causing chaos in the harem or committing indecencies. Zheng Weilu had already imagined Xiao Yu struggling to defend himself, ending up in prison or, at worst, leaving the palace with Minghe.

But Pei Yanli's intervention made everything crystal clear!

Now, Zheng Weilu was completely at a loss where to cast aspersions. Continuing to speak would only raise suspicions about his own motives.

Xiao Yu, listening to Pei Yanli, nodded in agreement.

Lu Ming felt happy for his brother.

Consort Zheng and the Noble Consort were inexplicably moved.

Only now did Qiuyu realize how weak and unfounded her accusations were.

Xia Ruo looked at Qiuyu with displeasure.

Emperor Yongxi, recovering from the shock, sternly addressed Qiuyu, "Qiuyu, why did you falsely accuse Xiao Ziqing?"

"Your Majesty, I..." Qiuyu instinctively glanced aside, only to see Zheng Weilu subtly shifting his sleeve, revealing a colorless cord. She felt a jolt of fear and quickly prostrated herself, crying sincerely, "Your Majesty, I truly love Xiao Ziqing and wished to grow old with him. But since Xiao Ziqing ignored me, I spread those rumors, hoping the Noble Consort and Your Majesty would notice and grant me to Xiao Ziqing. I realize my mistake now, please forgive me, I won't dare do it again."

Emperor Yongxi sighed.

The Noble Consort immediately admitted her oversight, "Your Majesty, it is my negligence."

"Enough, Noble Consort, leave the matter to your discretion," Emperor Yongxi said.

"Your Majesty, there's more to this matter," Pei Yanli interjected.

Zheng Weilu's fists clenched in tension.

Qiuyu's crying briefly halted.

Pei Yanli continued, "Qiuyu claims to love Xiao Ziqing, yet knows nothing about him. It's likely that—"

Qiuyu interrupted Pei Yanli in a panic, "I do know, I know everything about him. I was just so intimidated by the Grand General's presence earlier that my mind went blank, and I couldn't say anything. I know Xiao Ziqing is from Qingshi Town, he can cook delicious food, loves eating watermelons and potatoes, he likes—"

Pei Yanli, unimpressed, suggested, "Really? Then let's discuss this further in the military prison."

The military prison was a place one entered but never left, and Qiuyu trembled with fear.

"Yanli," Emperor Yongxi called out.

"Your Majesty," Pei Yanli bowed to Emperor Yongxi.

"I know you are angry, but Qiuyu has confessed her guilt. I will clarify the rumors later, let's leave the matter for the Noble Consort to handle," Emperor Yongxi, known for his gentle nature and having abolished many harsh punishments since his ascension, showed leniency towards the consorts, officials, and palace servants, especially since Qiuyu had admitted her faults. He did not wish to embarrass the Noble Consort and thereby affect Princess San.

Understanding Emperor Yongxi's intentions, Pei Yanli glanced at Zheng Weilu, pondered briefly, and nodded, "Yes."

"Then you stay, everyone else may leave," Emperor Yongxi ordered.

"Yes," the Noble Consort and others responded.

Xiao Yu looked towards Pei Yanli.

Pei Yanli nodded.

Xiao Yu then followed the Noble Consort and others out of the Qianxin Hall, noticing Zheng Weilu speaking discontentedly with Consort Zheng.

Walking a few steps forward, Xiao Yu overheard Zheng Weilu say angrily, "I wouldn't dare trouble Consort Zheng," before storming off. Consort Zheng looked upset. After a moment, Xiao Yu quickly stepped forward to thank both Consort Zheng and the Noble Consort.

Consort Zheng said, "No need for formalities, Xiao Ziqing. You've helped Yuanping many times; it's I who should thank you. It's getting late, and the Crown Prince and Master Ming will be finishing their lessons soon. You should head back, and we will be leaving too." She left, visibly dejected, with Xiao Yuanping.

The Noble Consort turned to Xiao Yu, "Xiao Ziqing, this matter originated from a maid in my palace, causing you trouble. I hope you don't hold any grudges against me."

"Noble Consort, far from it, I am truly grateful for your timely support. Without it, I wouldn't know how to clear my name," Xiao Yu responded, appreciating the testimonies of the Noble Consort and Consort Zheng, which lent weight to Pei Yanli's statement.

"If you truly bear no grudges, then gift me a jar of tomato sauce," the Noble Consort suddenly requested.

Tomato sauce?

Xiao Yu was momentarily taken aback, not immediately grasping the Noble Consort's intention.

The Noble Consort, somewhat embarrassed, explained, "To be honest, Princess San is naturally picky. Although she's only a few months younger than the Second Prince, she's significantly smaller in stature. The imperial chefs have tried many dishes, but she still doesn't eat much. A few days ago, during a visit to the Empress Dowager, she unexpectedly took a liking to tomato sauce. The Empress Dowager was so pleased that she gave me an entire jar. These days, she wants tomato sauce with steamed buns, rice, even noodles. I don't understand her taste, but she's finally eating well, so I have no choice but to boldly ask you for more."

So, it's for a little one with a sweet and sour preference.

Xiao Yu immediately agreed, "I will make it for Princess San as soon as I return."

"When will it be ready?" the Noble Consort asked and quickly added, "I'm not rushing you, but we're running out of tomato sauce, and I'm worried she'll get upset again."

"I understand. The prince's residence has tomatoes in the small kitchen. I'll make it as soon as I return; it'll be ready in half an hour," Xiao Yu said, knowing he had no pressing matters and that tomato sauce was quick to prepare.

The Noble Consort happily responded, "Then I'll send someone to the prince's residence in half an hour to collect it."

"Alright," Xiao Yu agreed.

After chatting a bit more, the Noble Consort concluded, "Don't worry, I'll ensure you get a fair outcome."

Xiao Yu bowed, "Thank you, Noble Consort."

The Noble Consort then left with Xia Ruo.

Xiao Yu noticed Lu Ming was still around: "Why are you still here?"

Lu Ming retorted, "If I'm not here, where should I be?"

Xiao Yu glanced back at Qianxin Hall, curious about what Emperor Yongxi and Pei Yanli were discussing. Needing to make tomato sauce for Princess San, he said to Lu Ming, "Then wait here; I need to go back first."

"Okay," Lu Ming nodded.

Xiao Yu started to walk away.

"Xiao Yu," Lu Ming called out.

Xiao Yu turned around.

Lu Ming teased in a light-hearted manner, "Congratulations, Xiao Yu, and congratulations to you and Yanli for finally breaking through that last barrier."

Xiao Yu gave Lu Ming a sidelong glance and continued walking, his mind filled with Pei Yanli's words in the Qianxin Hall. He realized that he wasn't the only one harboring such beautiful feelings; Pei Yanli truly liked him. Knowing since his last life that he was interested in men, Xiao Yu had lived for over twenty years without encountering someone who stirred his heart. He had gradually given up on the idea, never expecting to meet someone here who could invoke such thoughts in him.

Almost forgetting the incident with Qiuyu, his mind brimming with joy, Xiao Yu quickly returned to the prince's residence. He thoroughly washed the tomatoes in the small kitchen and started making the tomato sauce.

As soon as it was ready, a palace servant from the Noble Consort arrived to collect it.

Danzi and Minghe rushed back, calling out, "Uncle!"

"Ah, finished school?" Xiao Yu affectionately touched the two children's chubby cheeks.

"Yes, Uncle, I'm so hungry!" Danzi said, patting his stomach.

Minghe, hugging Xiao Yu's waist, said adorably, "I did archery and running this afternoon. The snacks weren’t enough. Right now, I could eat a whole pig!"

"You can't eat that much!" Danzi retorted.

"I can!" Minghe insisted.

"You can't eat that much!" Danzi stood firm.

"Brother, you're really being argumentative," Minghe said.

"You're the argumentative one."

Seeing the two children about to start quarreling, Xiao Yu quickly intervened, asking, "What do you want to eat?"

"Noodles!" the two children chorused.

"What kind of noodles?" Xiao Yu asked.

"The ones with meat in them!" Danzi replied.

Minghe added, "I want eggs too!"

"How about I make some braised meat noodles, sound good?" Xiao Yu proposed.

"Yeah!" both children agreed in unison.

"Then have some snacks first to tide you over while your uncle starts making the dough," Xiao Yu suggested.

"Uncle, make a lot, I'm really hungry," Danzi said.

Xiao Yu smiled and nodded, "Alright."

The two children happily went to get some snacks.

Xiao Yu mixed, rested, kneaded, rolled, and cut the dough. By the time he finished, night had fallen.

The children started the fire.

Xiao Yu dropped the noodles into boiling water, rinsed them twice in cold water, cooked them thoroughly, and then drained them. He served four bowls of noodles, one large and three small, topped with the freshly made braised meat and eggs from that morning, and sprinkled with chopped green onions, releasing a delicious aroma.

Danzi swallowed hard, "I really want to eat this."

Minghe asked, "Uncle, did you cook extra noodles?"

"Yes, I cooked extra. Come on, let's eat," Xiao Yu said, carrying the tray.

"Let's eat!" The two children rushed out of the kitchen first.

The uncle and his nephews moved to the adjacent room.

"Lord Ziqing, the Grand General has arrived," a palace servant announced.

Xiao Yu's heart skipped a beat, then a tall figure emerged from the darkness.

"Uncle, have you eaten?" Danzi warmly greeted.

Minghe, acting like a little adult, said, "Eat with us here."

"Okay," Pei Yanli readily agreed.

Danzi and Minghe, using the polite phrases they learned from their neighbors in Shuiqing Lane, usually expected a refusal. Surprised that Pei Yanli actually accepted, they paused for a moment, then quickly got busy, recalling what their neighbors would do next in such a situation.

"I'll get the chopsticks!" Danzi ran out excitedly.

"Uncle Pei, please take a seat," Minghe said, pulling up a chair.

Pei Yanli sat down.

The two children took their places.

Xiao Yu told the children, "If Uncle Pei joins us for noodles, then you two can only have one bowl each."

The two children paused, then said in unison, "Then we won't have enough to eat," casting a reproachful look at Pei Yanli.

Pei Yanli scratched his eyebrow, feeling a bit awkward but remained seated firmly.

Xiao Yu smiled and asked the servants to fetch more dishes from the imperial kitchen.

Danzi asked happily, "Now will there be enough?"

Xiao Yu nodded, "Yes, now there will be enough."

"Then let's eat!" Minghe didn't mind Pei Yanli's presence anymore.

Starving, the two children picked up their chopsticks and started eating.

Xiao Yu also picked up his chopsticks and asked, "By the way, where's Lu Ming?"

"He's returned to his residence," Pei Yanli replied.

Xiao Yu glanced at the sky and asked, "Aren't you going back today?"

"No, I'm staying in the palace tonight. There's important business to handle tomorrow." With the impending trip to the border, Pei Yanli was busy preparing and had many tasks to complete.

Xiao Yu, aware of this, said, "So you didn't have lunch because of the rush to come here?"

"Yes," Pei Yanli admitted, having planned to eat but got delayed by the rumors and subsequent tasks.

"Then you should eat," Xiao Yu urged.

Pei Yanli picked up his chopsticks but hesitated to start eating.

Minghe, noticing this, furrowed his brow and admonished in an adult-like tone, "Uncle Pei, you should eat properly, don't just keep looking at my uncle! There's no noodles on his face! Sigh, you really make me worry!"