Xiao Tingyi ate with gusto, half a pot of warm wine gone, while Yang Zhao sat beside him with a helpless expression.
If it were known that the Prince of Ding, who was supposed to be at the imperial banquet for the New Year, had feigned illness and was not present, but was instead enjoying himself here, people would surely gossip.
"Why aren't you eating? Does the wet nurse's cooking not suit your taste?"
Xiao Tingyi asked as he drank, his tone calm, but to his attendant Yang Zhao, it sounded rather intimidating.
"Your Highness jokes. Mama Wang's cooking is first-class. How could this subordinate dislike it? It's just that eating at the same table as Your Highness, this subordinate feels a bit..."
"When you were in the army, you weren't so timid."
Let alone eating together, they could even share a pot of wine. Indeed, the rules of this capital city were strict, even confining a dignified third-rank General Pingnan to such restraint.
Yang Zhao thought it made sense and immediately picked up his chopsticks. Before he could even take a bite, Mama Wang entered with a steaming bowl of noodles. He quickly stepped forward to help.
"Thank you for your hard work, Mama."
Looking at the slightly plump woman before him, whose round face always wore a kind smile, Xiao Tingyi's long-chilled heart felt a touch of warmth.
"Your Highness has come at an inconvenient time. We've run out of salt at home, and it's impossible to buy any now. Please make do with what we have."
This Mama Wang was the wife of Doctor Zhang. Both she and her husband had been close confidants who had accompanied the Prince of Ding since childhood. If it weren't for Mama Wang's advanced age and the Prince of Ding's desire to keep her away from the unsavory affairs of the capital, this meal would have been held at the Prince's mansion.
Mama Wang looked at Xiao Tingyi with concern, secretly blaming the cooks in the mansion. Had those people not been serving him properly after she left the Prince's mansion?
The dignified Prince of Ding looked as if he hadn't eaten for months, having devoured more than half of the venison leg.
Only Yang Zhao understood that his master was a picky eater, and besides Mama Wang's cooking, he disliked anything prepared by others.
"This year is special. Uncle Shou is not at home. I was thinking of bringing you back to the mansion to celebrate the New Year, but that place lacks warmth. It's better to be lively here."
What Xiao Tingyi said was true.
Lihua Lane was filled with ordinary folk. After a year of hard work, they naturally wanted a lively New Year's Eve. Since his arrival, the firecrackers at his doorstep had not stopped, and the sounds of children's laughter and play could be heard incessantly. It was far better than the cold and lonely Prince's mansion.
Mama Wang understood Xiao Tingyi's intentions. He had come to accompany her, an old woman, for the New Year, not wanting her to be alone. However, she did not reveal this, fearing the bashful Prince would be embarrassed. She merely looked at him with increasing affection.
"Speaking of which, after the New Year, Your Highness will be twenty-eight. You should start thinking about your personal affairs. Otherwise, the vast Prince's mansion has no mistress, and it's embarrassing to speak of."
Yang Zhao had heard Mama Wang say this for over ten years, his ears growing calloused. Yet, the person being lectured remained as calm as if they were discussing someone else's affairs.
"Don't worry, Mama. If I meet someone suitable, I will certainly propose marriage."
He appeared sincere, deceiving Mama Wang for so many years. He spoke well, but after all these years, he was still alone. Mama Wang, frustrated by his lack of progress, no longer bothered to talk to him about it.
If one path was blocked, she would find another. Thinking of her husband's visit to the Feng family, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curve upwards.
Xiao Tingyi, however, was curious. Why was Mama Wang so happy that Uncle Shou wasn't home for the New Year? Had they quarreled?
Each lost in their own thoughts, the New Year's Eve dinner was both peaceful and warm.
A night of revelry.
As dawn spread across the entire capital city, large patches of red firecracker wrappers lay scattered on the ground, a joyous sight. The firecracker remnants could not be swept away for three days, lest good luck be swept away. Therefore, when the vendors set up their stalls, they were especially careful not to step on the "good luck" in front of each house.
The temporary structures built along the four canals that crisscrossed the city were already taking shape, their wooden frames facing Xingde Tower.
The sky, a pale white, grew brighter, and more people dressed in new clothes appeared on the streets.
Every year, from the first to the twenty-second day of the first lunar month, the Imperial Street was completely open to the public. Along the street, not only were there various food stalls, but also performers of song and dance, acrobats, storytellers, and jugglers, with drums and gongs sounding loudly.
Music mingled with the shouts of the people, and the twelfth year of Tianqi of the Great Jin officially began.
Feng Jinyao woke up early and heard Feng Yunhe's cough. It was not severe, but she was still worried.
"How are you?
Does your throat still hurt?"
"Aunt, don't worry. I just choked when I swallowed. I'm fine."
"That's good. The kitchen has made some vegetable congee. I saw they put in your favorite ingredients. Would you like to try some?"
Upon hearing that he could eat again, Feng Yunhe nodded happily.
Feng Jinyao chuckled. He was indeed a child, and his recovery was remarkable. He had been so weak when he woke up yesterday, but today he looked energetic. It seemed he would be able to walk within seven days.
She took out a white porcelain bowl from the food container, stirred it gently with the accompanying spoon, and blew on it to cool it before carefully feeding it to Feng Yunhe, reminding him.
"Be careful, it's hot."
"Mmm."
Feng Jinyao fed him meticulously, while Feng Yunhe found it hard to keep up. However, he knew his aunt meant well and could only suppress his hunger and eat slowly.
After finishing the bowl of vegetable congee, Feng Yunhe licked his lips with satisfaction. He mentally reviewed his favorite foods and couldn't help but sigh that it was good not to be sick.
"Aunt, did the doctor say when I can get out of bed and walk? I've been lying down for so long, my limbs are practically melting."
"You're quite eager. But I think in about three or four days, you should be fine. We'll switch to a different medicine then, and you won't have to lie down all day. Moving around more will also help with your recovery."
Hearing her words, Feng Yunhe was filled with anticipation. He had finally managed to endure until today, but for some reason, he suddenly remembered something. His previously lively and happy expression instantly turned cold.
Sensing the change in his mood, Feng Jinyao asked curiously, "What's wrong? Weren't you happy just now?"
Feng Yunhe frowned, unsure how to express himself. He was afraid that if he overthought things, he might cause more trouble.
"Aunt, before I got sick, I saw something I shouldn't have seen. I haven't told Father or Mother about it yet."
Feng Jinyao's heart skipped a beat. In large families, there were bound to be some unsavory dealings. However, the Feng family had always been strictly managed by his mother and elder sister-in-law. What could he have seen that he shouldn't have?
"What is it?"
There was no one else around, and no one dared to approach this courtyard anymore. Therefore, Feng Yunhe quietly told Feng Jinyao.