Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Qian Gonggong stepped forward, saying, "Lady Zheng, please."

Mrs. Jiang, reluctant, said, "Your Majesty, I—"

"Lady Zheng, remember that Zheng Cifu is still ill," Qian Gonggong emphasized, reminding her to care more for Zheng Cifu instead of focusing on the royal family, or risk losing her husband's official position.

Mrs. Jiang shuddered, not daring to argue any further, thinking she couldn't see Empress Zheng in the palace, but the Zheng family still had Lady Zheng Er and Lady Zheng San. She quickly bowed, "Your Majesty, I take my leave."

Emperor Yongxi paid no attention.

Mrs. Jiang stood up, her gaze sweeping over Xiao Yuanping, Minghe, and Danzi, giving Xiao Yu a sharp look before leaving with her head held high.

Xiao Yu and his companions then paid their respects to Emperor Yongxi.

"Please, rise," Emperor Yongxi said.

"Father," Xiao Yuanping immediately called out.

"What is it?" Emperor Yongxi asked, looking down.

"Father, do you like me?" Although Empress Zheng entered the palace not by her own choice and later engaged in continuous conflicts with the Noble Consort and others, she never used Xiao Yuanping as a tool for gaining favor. Instead, she genuinely cherished him. Emperor Yongxi, known for his gentle nature, enabled Xiao Yuanping to maintain his childlike innocence and frankness, even in the Empress's residence, encouraging him to ask questions directly.

"What do you think?" Emperor Yongxi asked with a smile.

Xiao Yuanping, with his chubby cheeks, said, "I asked you first."

Emperor Yongxi chuckled lightly, "Of course, I like you. You and Yuanheng are both my sons, and I naturally love you."

Xiao Yuanping then asked, "But I'm three years old and not studying yet, do you still like that?"

"Start studying at four," Emperor Yongxi replied.

Xiao Yuanping continued, "Then, can I sell throat lozenges?"

Emperor Yongxi nodded, "Yes." Considering the child was still young, he thought it harmless for him to play around, but stricter discipline would be necessary as he grew older.

Satisfied, Xiao Yuanping happily wiggled his little body.

Xiao Yu and the others couldn't help but laugh.

Emperor Yongxi turned to Xiao Yu: "I heard you made the throat lozenges?"

Xiao Yu glanced at Qian Gonggong.

Qian Gonggong nodded slightly.

Indeed, making throat lozenges for Qian Gonggong and others was the right move, easily catching Emperor Yongxi's attention. Xiao Yu replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, I made them."

Emperor Yongxi commented, "Well done."

"It's mainly due to the recipe provided by Physician Yan. I could only make the lozenges with the help of the Grand Highness, Second Highness, and Minghe." Xiao Yu always took the opportunity to mention Danzi.

Emperor Yongxi looked towards the three youngsters: "Did you also help?"

Danzi said, "I collected firewood."

"I lit the fire!" Minghe added.

"Father, I fanned the flames," Xiao Yuanping said.

Emperor Yongxi nodded, "Very good. Qian Gonggong, send some of the tribute from Nanjiang received today to the Princes' Palace and Fufang Hall."

"Yes," Qian Gonggong responded.

Emperor Yongxi seemed about to say more when a gust of wind blew by, causing his head to feel dizzy and then ache, prompting him to press his temples.

"Your Majesty, you haven't taken your medicine today," Qian Gonggong said.

Emperor Yongxi's migraine was a chronic issue. He started taking medication from autumn, hoping to reduce the frequency of headaches in winter. However, as the weather grew colder, his headaches and dizziness became more frequent, and the medicine only provided temporary relief. He looked at Xiao Yu and joked, "If Master Xiao could make a candy that eases my headache, that would be wonderful."

Here it comes!

Just waiting for Emperor Yongxi to say that!

In the book "Emperor's Dream," it wasn't specified what illness Emperor Yongxi had, but readers deduced from his symptoms that he likely suffered from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. His fondness for spicy and organ meats, foods detrimental to such conditions, worsened his health, leading to his untimely demise.

The author later confirmed this in the comment section.

Xiao Yu, not being a royal physician, couldn't just approach Emperor Yongxi and offer to treat him. So, when he befriended Qian Gonggong, he hoped that seeing Qian Gonggong's throat improve might lead the Emperor to desperately seek help for his own ailment. If Xiao Yu could then step in to prolong the Emperor's life, it would grant Danzi a few more years of a happy childhood and possibly prevent a bloody succession struggle when Danzi ascends the throne.

Now, Emperor Yongxi had indeed brought it up himself!

Although it was said in jest, Xiao Yu took it seriously, "Your Majesty, I have actually encountered someone with a similar headache."

Both Emperor Yongxi and Qian Gonggong looked at Xiao Yu with curiosity.

Qian Gonggong urged, "Master Xiao, please elaborate."

Xiao Yu used a character from his past life as an example, "I had a fellow villager, who in his thirties, suffered from migraines."

"What were the symptoms?" Qian Gonggong inquired.

"Sometimes headaches, sometimes dizziness, occasionally blurred vision, often feeling tired, and experiencing rapid heartbeat," Xiao Yu recalled, "It got worse in winter."

Qian Gonggong listened, alarmed.

As the ruler of the nation, Emperor Yongxi's health was a closely guarded secret. Although the officials knew of his migraines, they were unaware of the details, and Xiao Yu certainly couldn't have known... So, to hear of someone with the exact same condition, he asked excitedly, "And then what happened?"

Xiao Yu replied, "Then he tried many medicines, but none were effective."

Qian Gonggong involuntarily nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Xiao Yu confidently continued, "By chance, he met an itinerant doctor at the foot of a hill. The doctor asked a few questions and accurately identified his fondness for egg yolks, organ meats, offal, spicy foods, and pickles."

Qian Gonggong subtly glanced at Emperor Yongxi.

Emperor Yongxi, who also favored these foods, became more convinced by Xiao Yu's story and asked, "Did your fellow villager really like these foods?"

Xiao Yu nodded, "My fellow villager thought the itinerant doctor was extraordinary and immediately asked for a prescription."

"Did he get it?" Emperor Yongxi and Qian Gonggong asked together.

"There was no prescription," Xiao Yu said.

"No prescription?" Both Emperor Yongxi and Qian Gonggong were extremely surprised.

Xiao Yu nodded, "The itinerant doctor advised eating less spicy food and egg yolks, and more celery, green vegetables, tomatoes, oats, apples, and so on, and to walk about five to ten thousand steps daily."

"Just like that?" Emperor Yongxi asked.

"How is your fellow villager now?" inquired Qian Gonggong.

"He passed away," Xiao Yu answered.

Qian Gonggong's expression changed.

Emperor Yongxi was taken aback.

Xiao Yu inwardly smiled and added, "However, he lived to ninety-nine and was the longest-lived person in our village."

Qian Gonggong, upon hearing this, was overjoyed, "Your Majesty."

Emperor Yongxi, also desiring a longer life, asked, "How are the celery and green vegetables prepared?"

"They are consumed normally," Xiao Yu replied.

Qian Gonggong turned to Emperor Yongxi, "Your Majesty, since Master Xiao is a cook, why not let him arrange your diet? Try it for a while, what do you think?"

Emperor Yongxi, having tried many bitter and nauseating medicinal recipes, thought trying a diet change was reasonable and asked, "Master Xiao, would you be willing?"

"I would be glad to, only—" Xiao Yu hesitated.

"Only what?" Emperor Yongxi inquired.

"Only, my fellow villager mentioned that this kind of headache is a long-term condition, and it takes quite a while to see any effect," Xiao Yu honestly said.

Emperor Yongxi, having suffered from migraines for many years, didn't mind waiting a bit longer and said, "Just do it, I won't blame you if there are no immediate results."

Emperor Yongxi truly was the most benevolent and tolerant emperor, and Xiao Yu nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yongxi decided, "Let's start from today's lunch, make three or four dishes."

Xiao Yu bowed, "As you command."

After a moment's thought, Emperor Yongxi added, "You also have to take care of Yuanheng and Minghe. If you're too busy, you can write recipes for the imperial kitchen, and they can prepare them."

Xiao Yu responded, "Understood."

"Then let it be so," said Emperor Yongxi, feeling a severe headache again and not wishing to visit the harem anymore. He told Qian Gonggong, "Let's return."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yongxi and Qian Gonggong left.

Xiao Yu turned to the three children and said, "Let's go back!"

"Back home!" all three children chimed in unison.

The four of them arrived at the small kitchen of the princes' residence, cheerfully. Seeing the winter melon, celery, fresh meat, and spare ribs just delivered by the Agricultural Affairs Department, Xiao Yu rolled up his sleeves and skillfully made stir-fried celery with pork, cold wood ear mushroom salad, spinach stir-fried with pancakes, and winter melon spare rib soup. Though the dishes were light, his effort made them delicious.

After eating, Emperor Yongxi specifically sent Qian Gonggong to praise Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu asked, "Did His Majesty really enjoy the meal?"

Qian Gonggong replied, "Master Xiao, you should have confidence in your cooking skills."

Xiao Yu smiled, "Then I will continue to cook for His Majesty."

"His Majesty said that you are usually busy, so just prepare three or four dishes like today for each meal. The imperial kitchen will fill in the rest at the dining table."

Xiao Yu emphasized, "Just don't add offal, pickles, or spicy items."

"I understand," Qian Gonggong assured.

Dietary therapy is a long-term process. Xiao Yu made plans not only to cook daily but also to frequently visit the Imperial Medical Bureau, documenting various ingredients' benefits, organizing notes, and experimenting with new dishes.

He even wrote to Manager Liao with the recipes, leading to the introduction of new dishes like "Warm Stomach Pot" and "Lung Nourishing Soup" at Xiaohezi Restaurant, which boosted their income.

He was delighted, and even more so because Mrs. Jiang no longer frequented the harem, bringing peace and pleasantness.

Before long, it was the Winter Solstice.

It was a significant day. Emperor Yongxi and the Empress invited the nobility of the capital to join the Winter Solstice banquet, both to strengthen the bond between monarch and subjects and to keep an eye on the officials.

Naturally, Xiao Yu, Danzi, and Minghe attended.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Weirong also made an appearance.

"He's woken up again," Xiao Yu murmured.

"Uncle, what did you say?" Danzi asked.

Xiao Yu shook his head, "Nothing."

"Master Xiao!" Pei Yi also arrived.

Xiao Yu smiled, "Second Young Master, are Secretary Pei and the Princess also here?"

"My father is busy, but my mother is here!" Pei Yi pointed in a direction.

Xiao Yu turned and saw the Princess, resplendent in her attire, seated in the distance. He greeted her from afar.

The Princess gave a faint smile in acknowledgment.

"Uncle Yi, let's play with glass marbles!" Xiao Yuanping came over and suggested.

Danzi and Minghe also showed interest in playing.

Xiao Yu then said to Pei Yi, "The banquet hasn't started yet, you can play for a while."

The four children ran towards an open space.

Xiao Yu thought about going to watch over them.

"Master Xiao," a voice called out, stopping him.

He turned and saw a handsome man, but he didn't recognize him.

"I am Kong Shaoqing, the real Kong Shiyi," Kong Shaoqing said with a smile, bowing. "The one Yan Li pretended to be."

Hearing this, Xiao Yu smiled and returned the bow, "I am Xiao Yu, a pleasure to meet you."

Kong Shaoqing said, "Thank you for adding to my achievements through your and Yan Li's efforts."

Xiao Yu didn't quite understand what Kong Shaoqing was referring to.

"Ah, the magistrate of Fu County," Kong Shaoqing was at home accompanying his wife during her pregnancy when he unexpectedly received credit for capturing Fu Huai, the corrupt official from Qingshi Town, and confiscating a large amount of his ill-gotten wealth.

It took him a moment to realize that it must have been the work of Pei Yanli and Lu Ming. Later, he heard that Pei Yanli and Lu Ming had done quite a few significant things, most notably Pei Yanli and Master Xiao's sensational love story that had stirred up the capital.

Xiao Yu felt somewhat embarrassed and modestly lowered his head.

Kong Shaoqing hadn't expected Pei Yanli to be interested in such a man, but Pei Yanli obviously valued the person before him greatly, or else he wouldn't have asked him to pay close attention.

Through his connection with Pei Yanli, Xiao Yu struck up a conversation with Kong Shaoqing. As they talked more, Xiao Yu found himself missing Pei Yanli more and more. He couldn't help but turn his gaze away, trying to ease the longing in his heart, when he suddenly noticed Zheng Weirong was no longer in his seat, causing a tight feeling in his chest.

At that moment, Zheng Weirong was walking towards Minghe and the others.

"Uncle!" Xiao Yuanping recognized Zheng Weirong at first sight.

Zheng Weirong responded and looked straight at Minghe, calling out, "Prime Minister, Ming—"

Minghe, picking up a glass marble, turned at the sound, "Deputy Prime Minister, are you calling me?"

Such a familiar phrase!

Zheng Weirong felt a tug at his heart. Although he had already identified Minghe as the one, he still wanted to confirm it again, asking, "Your name is Minghe?"

"Yes," Minghe replied.

Zheng Weirong didn't realize his own attitude was very respectful as he inquired, "Where are you from?"

Ming He answered, "Qingshi Town."

Zheng Weirong then asked, "Is there a Moonview Tavern in your town?"

"Yes."

Just as suspected!

The infamous Moonview Tavern, which had wronged Ming He's uncle, was burnt to ashes overnight. The gruesome death of the tavern keeper's family became nationally notorious.

Everyone knew Ming He was responsible, but no one dared to comment. Later on, Ming He’s methods became even more chillingly ruthless... Zheng Weirong snapped back to reality and asked, "How old are you now?"

Ming He, having experienced much with Xiao Yu and being quite intelligent, became wary: "I am four years old. What are you planning, Second Minister?"

"I, I—"

"Brother, throw it!" Danzi urged Ming He to throw the glass ball.

"Alright!" Ming He suddenly raised his hand.

"Minister Ming! I dare not anymore!" Zheng Weirong, terrified, started backing away.

Ming He paused, taken aback.

The others looked at Zheng Weirong, puzzled.

Xiao Yuanping spoke in a childish voice, "Uncle, Ming He isn't an adult, he's a child!"