"Come, Master. Your twice-cooked pork is also delicious, I'll get some for you." She solicitously served some twice-cooked pork to Qing Muyye, completely ignoring the strange glances cast her way by the others.
Qing Muyye looked at the twice-cooked pork in his bowl, his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He said nothing, only ate quietly.
However, the meat in his bowl remained untouched until the end.
For lunch, six dishes and two soups were prepared: twice-cooked pork with beans, pan-fried crucian carp, braised pork, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, stir-fried pork with mushrooms, and stir-fried flat beans. Pigeon soup and black chicken soup were also simmered.
Because the taste was good and the presentation was excellent, the table of dishes was cleaned out completely.
Even Meng Jingwei hadn't expected such simple home-style dishes to be so popular and in demand with the He Ka three siblings.
After the meal, everyone left their seats, and servants came to clear the dining table.
The He Ka three siblings then prepared to depart.
"Old Bei, Miss Meng, Brother Ming Jin, thank you for your warm hospitality," He Ka Yan Yi said politely.
"Hahaha, Your Highness the First Prince is too kind," Old Tou Chen laughed heartily, agreeing.
He Ka Lian Nuo said, "Big Brother, Master made all the dishes at noon. You should thank Master."
Her favoritism towards Qing Muyye was so blatant, as if she were afraid no one would notice.
"Eldest Sister, don't forget your status and restrain yourself," He Ka Ling Chuan couldn't stand it and reminded her.
He Ka Lian Nuo paid no mind, waved to Qing Muyye, "Master, thank you for your hospitality. I will invite you to the royal palace as a guest another time."
He Ka Yan Yi bowed slightly, "Old Bei, Miss Meng, Brother Ming Jin, Tie Zhu, we bid farewell."
The gentlemanly and elegant man exuded an innate nobility and composure in his every move.
The three walked out of the courtyard, and the guards waiting not far away immediately followed them.
In the courtyard, He Xiao Ming Jin muttered, "What's going on? Grandfather, what's their game?"
Old Tou Chen's smile vanished. He turned back and looked meaningfully at Qing Muyye, "Come with me."
"Certainly, Mr. Bei," Qing Muyye turned and followed him into the living room.
He Xiao Ming Jin immediately walked to Meng Jingwei's side and whispered in her ear, "Sister Wei Wei, does Young Master Lian Nuo have a thing for傻大柱?"
傻大柱?!
Meng Jingwei's fair face darkened. "Who are you calling 傻大柱?"
How could such a tacky nickname be used for her husband?
It was simply unbearable!
"Of course, I'm talking about Tie Zhu Zi."
"Where did you get the impression that he's傻?"
"Oh, it's just a nickname, why are you being so petty?" He Xiao Ming Jin felt Meng Jingwei was overreacting.
"It's basic etiquette not to casually give others nicknames."
Meng Jingwei rolled her eyes at him and turned to leave.
However, her foot accidentally stepped hard on He Xiao Ming Jin's foot, causing him to cry out in pain, "Ah, my foot, it hurts... it hurts so much. Sister Wei Wei, do you want to crush me to death?"
"Did I guess right? Sorry, I didn't see you."
She apologized with a fake smile, showing no sincerity.
After saying that, she returned to the living room.
...
The Royal Palace.
After returning to the royal palace, He Ka Ling Chuan separated from He Ka Yan Yi and He Ka Lian Nuo and found a beautiful maid to seek pleasure with.
Entering the side hall, He Ka Yan Yi immediately turned around, his cold eyes looking down at He Ka Lian Nuo, his gentle demeanor gone, and questioned, "What do you want to do?"
"What do I want to do? I don't understand what you mean."
He Ka Lian Nuo raised her hand and played with a strand of hair in front of her, twirling it around her fingers.
She walked slowly to a nearby chair, sat down, picked up a glutinous rice cake, took a bite, and chewed slowly.
"Of course, it's about Tie Zhu Zi!"