Chapter 594: Scolding the Matriarch (1)

This was when the Chengping Emperor finally understood why so many people had been so frustrated and dissatisfied when Guilin Restaurant had first shut its doors, and why they had written so many angry letters to complain to House Jingan when the restaurant had reopened without any of its original flavour.

After eating such marvellous cuisine, he realised that what he had been eating for the past few decades couldnt even be called delicacies.

The emperor was starting to become jealous of his younger brother.

Wenqing had already been escorted out by Senior Servant Lan after she finished introducing the five dishes.

Despite his usual control over his food portions, the emperors mind wasnt able to restrain the raging appetite of his stomach and he ate three whole bowls of rice that day.

This was more than he had eaten in a single meal in years.

The large portions of the five dishes disappeared into the imperial brothers bellies in less than twenty minutes.

Eunuch Wei, who was dressed up as a normal manservant, watched with wide eyes in shock.

Although he wanted to remind the Emperor that eating so much wasnt good for his health, he himself was drooling from all the food

I didnt expect Jinyis cooking to be so good. The emperor rubbed his bloated tummy, satisfied beyond belief. He had never felt so fulfilled in years.

It wasnt Prince Weis first time tasting Chu Lians cooking. He had had the same thoughts while enjoying the roast duck she had made last time.

That reminded Prince Wei of something. He wriggled his brows as he said, Brother, you havent tried the roast duck that Jinyi makes yet. Now thats the best duck Ive ever eaten. There isnt enough time today, or I would have asked her to make another roast duck for us.

Oh? Roast duck? How does it compare to the one that Father used to eat?

The two brothers had inherited their love of roast duck from the previous emperor. While he had still been alive, he would eat roast duck every few days. Later on, when his health had declined and the imperial physicians advised the emperor to avoid oily foods, he had still eaten roast duck on the sly

Prince Wei sent his brother a mysterious smile. Brother, allow me to keep you in suspense for this. Youll know whether its good or not once Jinyi opens her restaurant. You can go there yourself in incognito to taste it then!

Oh? Shes going to open another restaurant? What happened with the other one, Guilin Restaurant?

Since the emperor was asking, Prince Wei explained the incident to him simply.

The emperor frowned. House Jingans Matriarch wasnt right in this case.

Prince Wei smiled. Although they could comment on these kinds of incidents, they wouldnt really take any action due to their high status. If they were to interfere even in these small matters, then their citizens would likely think that the imperial family had too much time on their hands.

The empty dishes on the table were cleared and fresh sencha was placed in front of the two imperial brothers.

It was rare for them to have these carefree afternoon moments.

The emperor suddenly asked, Why did Jinyi visit you today, Ninth Brother?

One of Prince Weis attendants had already informed him of the reason Chu Lian had come to the estate.

Thus, Prince Wei replied honestly to his brothers direct question.

The Chengping Emperor frowned again. What? Theres such a thing? What nonsense. The Jingan Estate is in a terrible mess now, I should have summoned Count Jingan back earlier.

Prince Wei shook his head. These are all matters for the inner courts. Brother, you dont have to worry too much about this. My wife will help Jinyi settle this when the time comes.

The emperor chatted a while longer with his brother before Eunuch Wei politely reminded him that it was about time to return to the palace.

When Prince Wei sent the emperor off at the side entrance, they happened to catch sight of Chu Lian and her maidservants leaving.

The emperor froze for a moment, but he quickly recovered and turned to Prince Wei. Ill entrust the planning for the Thousand Blessings Festival to you then, Ninth Brother. Dont make it too ostentatious.

Rest assured, Brother. Ill keep that in mind. I wont spend too much or waste resources.

Having gotten Prince Weis promise, the emperor finally left the estate with his entourage in tow.

The Thousand Blessings Festival was on the 23rd of March. It was also the emperors fiftieth birthday this year, one of the major milestones in life. Furthermore, this year happened to be Chengping 20, the twentieth year since the Chengping Emperor had taken the throne and began his wise rule.

In the past years, the emperor had ordered the celebrations for the Thousand Blessings Festival to be kept simple. The ministers of the court approved of the emperors frugal ways. He always kept the celebrations low-key unless it was a major milestone.

While it was good enough to hold a simple event for other years, since it was his fiftieth birthday this year, they couldnt just pass it over without a proper celebration. Even the empress dowager, who normally didnt interfere in politics or the inner courts of the palace, had ordered that this years celebrations had to be much bigger than in the past.

Prince Wei didnt touch politics and was trusted by the emperor, so he was the best person to plan the banquet this year. Thus, the emperor had given him one last reminder before leaving.

After they left Prince Weis Estate, the emperor boarded an unassuming green carriage under the protection of his bodyguards.

Right as he entered the carriage, the emperor sent a meaningful look at the Yulin Army Commander, He Lin, who was dressed as a normal martial artist. He Lin looked around him before quickly following the emperor into the carriage.

He Lin made a cupped fist salute as he kneeled on one knee before the emperor and said, Your Majesty, how may I be of service?

The emperor was leaning against the wall, his gaze directed far away.

His tone was calm, without any particular emotions in it. However, He Lin had served the emperor for many years and he could sense that the emperor was giving off a dangerous air right now.

Send some spies to investigate House Yings Second Master. We want to know everything about him!

Yes, this subordinate will do as Your Majesty has ordered!

He Lin didnt dare to tarry a second longer. He turned and jumped off the carriage, leaping onto his steed. Urging his horse on, he quickly disappeared around the end of the small alley.

Chu Lian heaved a sigh of relief after leaving Prince Weis Estate and boarding her carriage. Before she had left, Princess Wei had promised to help her block the jade token that Matriarch He had sent to the palace.

As long as the matriarch was held back from meeting the empress dowager before her father-in-law, Count Jingan, returned, all would be fine.