Chapter 635: How Stinky! (3)

Just as the tent was filled with sounds of merry-making and chatter, a guard posted outside the tent came in to report.

He Changdi set down his chopsticks and asked with a cold expression, Whats wrong?

The guard was one of He Changdis men, so he replied very respectfully, My lord, Great Steward Wei has arrived.

By Great Steward Wei, the guard was referring to the emperors trusted attendant, Eunuch Wei Chenghai.

Why had he chosen to visit during mealtime?

Of course, everyone in the tent had heard He Changdis conversation with the guard.

They all set down their chopsticks as Eunuch Wei was ushered in by the guard.

Eunuch Wei entered the tent with two younger eunuchs behind him, one of them even carrying a container for food.

Eunuch Wei first greeted everyone with a bow, before smiling as he made small talk, Ah, what a coincidence, even Old Duke Zheng and Your Highness are here! I wonder what delicacy Honoured Lady Jinyi has made this time?

Since he had mentioned Chu Lian in his question, the task of answering him naturally fell upon her shoulders. No, no, it wasnt any sort of delicacy, Eunuch Wei. I only told my maidservants to make a few simple dishes.

The eunuchs smile became even warmer, You must be joking with me, Honoured Lady. I could smell that fragrance from all the way over there. It was quite particular.

Chu Lian almost choked on her saliva after hearing Eunuch Weis words.

She shot a nonchalant glance over at the entrance of the tent. Just as the eunuch had said, the emperors luxurious tent could be seen not too far away. The easterly winds were blowing today as well, and they had been cooking upwind. No wonder they had been able to smell it from the emperors tent.

If not for Eunuch Wei still present at the scene, Chu Lian might have let out an expression of regret.

He Changdi had been observing their interactions and he found Eunuch Weis attitude towards his wife rather strange. Before Chu Lian could reply once more, he stepped forward to block his wife from view. He cut in with, May I ask what business Gonggong has here?

A tiny wrinkle developed on Wei Chenghais brow. He wasnt very happy with the way He Changdi had interrupted his and Chu Lians conversation. However, he was used to navigating treacherous social waters amongst the officials, so he wouldnt show this little bit of dissatisfaction on his face.

His lips remained spread in a smile, Well, its rare for such a chance to present itself. His Majesty would also like to try Honoured Ladys cooking. Thus, Ive come over shamelessly.

Eunuch Wei sent a signal at the young eunuch behind him. The young eunuch quickly responded by offering up the food container in his hands, His Majesty said that we couldnt let Honoured Lady offer up her food without a gift in return, so this is a reward for Honoured Lady.

They couldnt refuse a gift, what more something bestowed by the biggest boss in the Great Wu: the emperor.

Chu Lian received the box with both hands and made her gratitude known. When she turned around, she shot a reassuring look at her husband.

Chu Lian worked swiftly. Since it was something to be served to the emperor, she had to cook it herself. All Wenqing and Wenlan could do was to help with some minor tasks at the side. Furthermore, they had to be very careful with something made for the emperor.

Luckily, the dishes werent very complicated and she finished cooking in just forty-five minutes. She handed over the food to Eunuch Wei directly, and he quickly left for the emperors tent.

Once she was done cooking, the others in the tent had already had their fill. Since they still had some hunting to do in the afternoon, everyone quickly dispersed and returned to their own tents.

When only Chu Lian and He Changdi were left in their tent, Chu Lian opened up the box that Eunuch Wei had sent over.

Chu Lian gaped in surprise at the contents. The box was completely filled with birds nest!

They werent the normal grade of birds nest either; these were top quality blood birds nests, in the most perfect crescent shapes.

Products of this quality were usually used as tributes in the Great Wu, and there were very few of them in number. These were sent over from the Xinluo Country every year and only the most esteemed and respected women in the palace could enjoy these.

Even in the modern world, this kind of birds nest was considered extremely rare and precious.

Why would the emperor gift her such valuable items for no reason

Chu Lian stared at the huge pile of blood birds nests with her eyebrows drawn together. She looked up at He Changdi, who seemed to be brooding over the gift as well, Hubby, what do you think His Majesty is thinking by sending such precious gifts?

He Changdis profound gaze flickered over to Chu Lian. All the events of today had also left him rather confused.

He caressed Chu Lians cheek gently and shook his head, I cant discern His Majestys intentions for now. Lets just wait and watch.

Since she couldnt understand what was going on either, Chu Lian simply set aside her thoughts and ordered Wenqing to put away the top-quality birds nest.

Lets give some to Mother when we return.

While Countess Jingans illness had already been cured, she had struggled with it for so long that her body was sorely lacking in vigour. The nutritious birds nest was exactly what she needed to boost her health right now.

Warmth suffused He Changdis heart. He pulled Chu Lian over into his lap.

No need, I just sent some medicinal ingredients over to Mother a few days ago, He Changdi placed light kisses down her cheek as he explained in a low tone.

Chu Lian took his hand and started playing with his fingers.

But I dont have any use for this birds nest! My bodys perfectly healthy, I dont need to eat things like that.

Eating nutritious products like birds nest when it wasnt needed could instead cause adverse effects to her body and affect her health.

However, He Changdi didnt catch Chu Lians meaning immediately, and his mind somehow turned on a crooked path instead.

He bent down closer to her ear and let out a low chuckle, What, are you worried that youll be overly nourished again? Dont worry. With me around, we can work together to extinguish your fires anytime.

Chu Lian was in awe of how He Changdis mind could twist anything into something perverted!