Chapter 202: A Day

After confirming the Emperor was sound asleep, Wan Tang silently donned her robe and stepped outside the hall.

Under the moonlight, only Xiao Shunzi stood there with hands hanging, waiting.

"What on earth is happening?" Wan Tang's voice was pressed low.

Xiao Shunzi immediately bowed and whispered, "Reply, Master, General Huang's first visit to the tavern was indeed drawn by the scent of the strong liquor."

"But after he claimed the top prize and read the words in that silk pouch—" Xiao Shunzi paused, his tone incredulous, "—it was as if his soul were hooked, and he could not move forward at all!"

"At first he was polite, merely probing the military strategy in the pouch, asking who wrote it."

"Nubi, following your order, only said it was written by the owner. Who knew General Huang, upon hearing that, insisted on meeting this 'owner' in person."

"When he couldn't see the person, he actually tried to cause a scene on the spot… Fortunately we managed to calm him before he really flipped the table."

Xiao Shunzi didn't notice the complexity hidden in Wan Tang's eyes, focusing only on his report.

Adding a hint of excitement: "Since that day, General Huang has been unshakable, storming the tavern the moment it opens, the first to rush in for a drink."

"That's already the fifth consecutive day he's been so drunk he's carried back unconscious."

His tone grew more fervent: "Master, your move is truly unparalleled!"

"General Huang's behavior has actually brought our tavern enormous fame."

"Now the whole Forbidden City is curious about what treasure the silk pouch actually hides."

"Before dawn, a long queue forms outside the shop; we now have to limit admissions!"

Wan Tang nodded expressionlessly; everything was as expected.

Xiao Shunzi became increasingly excited, pressing his voice, "Master, you could never have guessed!"

"Now a single day's revenue from this tavern exceeds the total of all previous shops combined."

"Even if it's just you alone, it's enough to cover the entire Imperial harem's expenses."

Before he finished, his gaze met Wan Tang's suddenly cold stare.

Startled, his whole body jolted; the words he was about to say were swallowed, and he hurriedly lowered his head, daring not to speak further.

In Yangxin Hall, candle flames flickered, the atmosphere oppressive.

Chu Yunzheng's brows knit tightly as he leaned against the chair back, allowing Wan Tang's moderate pressure to massage the aching side of his forehead.

Days of frantic trouble had left deep fatigue and resentment etched across his brow.

Li Defu bowed his head, standing below, quietly reporting the various movements:

"Emperor, the Xiao Family has been very active lately, hosting banquets everywhere to win over officials; the traffic of carriages and horses at each mansion's gate is several times more frequent than before."

Chu Yunzheng let out a faint, cold snort from his nostrils, eyes still closed, but his tightened jawline showed his displeasure.

Li Defu paused, then continued, "Also General Huang, after returning to the palace, seems not to have reflected on his mistakes."

"He still goes to the newly opened tavern in the City every morning, only returning when utterly drunk."

"Bang!" Chu Yunzheng smashed a fist onto the imperial desk, causing the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to all jump.

Wan Tang's massaging hand trembled slightly, she immediately lowered her head and held her breath, daring not to make any sound.

Chu Yunzheng's chest rose and fell violently a few times, suppressing his anger, then suddenly opened his eyes.

His sharp gaze swept to Li Defu, "Where is Xu Yanchuan? What has he been up to lately?"

Li Defu hurriedly replied, "General Xu is unusually quiet."

"These days, aside from handling Lord Xu's funeral affairs and shutting the doors to guests, there have been no abnormal actions."

"Rumor has it that Lord Xu is blessed with good fortune, having this filial son."

"Filial son?" Chu Yunzheng chewed the two words, his complexion growing even darker.

He suddenly turned his head toward Wan Tang, "Tangtang, what do you think?"

Wan Tang felt a sudden chill, a wave of icy terror gripping her, as if each step were on thin ice.

She strained to keep her voice steady, carefully choosing her words, "Reply, Emperor, according to my vague childhood recollection,"

"He truly is a sentimental, filial child, but he is not highly valued at home."

"Filial?" Chu Yunzheng sneered, his laugh filled with cold sarcasm and caution.

"His 'filial' nature has easily gathered the hearts of the old generals in the Bei Mo army and those mourning Xu Chengyuan!"

The more he thought, the angrier he became; he abruptly stood, pacing irritably a couple of steps, "I must go see for myself what magical power this folk tavern possesses."

"Is my imperial wine not even comparable? It makes Huang Hu linger endlessly!"

He stopped abruptly, ordering Li Defu, "Prepare! I will go out of the palace in disguise and personally investigate that tavern!"

After the instruction, he turned to Wan Tang, the malice in his eyes softening slightly, taking on a hint of gentleness.

He grasped Wan Tang's slightly cool hand, his tone easing, "Tangtang, I know you've been cooped up in the palace."

"This time, you'll accompany me out."

"It's perfect, also a chance to relax."

Chu Yunzheng's sudden indulgence and proposal to mingle with the common folk warmed Wan Tang's heart, as if a warm current surged through her limbs.

She nodded heavily, genuine smile and emotion shining in her eyes, "I thank the Emperor."

The Capital's most bustling East Avenue.

Chu Yunzheng changed into an indigo brocade robe of fine material that did not draw attention, shedding the dragon robe's grandeur, his posture even more upright; though his brows still bore undeniable nobility, there was now a touch of leisure.

He naturally took Wan Tang's hand, his palm warm.

Wan Tang wore a lotus‑colored ru‑skirt, lightly powdered, her hairpins removed, with only a fresh magnolia blossom pinned.

Graceful and demure, she blended into the crowd like a pampered young lady of a wealthy household.

Li Defu lingered a few steps behind, lowering his brows and eyes, striving to suppress the aura of the palace's chief steward, playing the diligent old servant.

The market bustled, crowds woven like fabric, the cries of vendors and laughter never ceasing.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering dappled spots, and the air was filled with the aromas of various street foods.

Chu Yunzheng turned his head sideways, looking at Wan Tang beside him whose eyes brightened from the novel sight, and his lips involuntarily lifted.

He whispered, "Wife, watch your step."

The word "Wife" sounded natural and affectionate, making Wan Tang's ears warm, and her heart felt as if soaked in honey.

She lifted her eyes, met his smiling gaze, and gently replied, "Husband, these sugar figures look truly amusing."

Her voice was soft, tinged with a hint of shyness, yet she blended naturally into the role she was playing.

Chu Yunzheng heard this and his smile deepened; he truly took her to the sugar‑figure stall.

He paid and bought a lifelike rabbit sugar figure, handing it to her.

The two exchanged smiles, as if they were a loving ordinary couple, taking advantage of the fine spring weather to stroll the market.

This moment of warmth and simplicity, cut off from the deep palace's scheming and the Former Dynasty's overwhelming pressure, seemed especially precious.

【Don't scold me, I invited them and accepted them, I'm just love‑brain. But whenever I see the two of them together, I want to ship them.】

【Scold you for what, Shei is no different either?】

【Just a bit worried, now on the Capital's main street, more than half of the businesses are linked to Wan Tang, truly fear the Emperor will notice a clue.】

【Honestly, the Emperor not only sits in the Golden Throne Hall, but also truly worries people.】

【It's just strange, in the original text, whenever Yan Wangfei shows any sign of movement, Chu Yunzheng immediately summons Yan Wang for a lecture. Back and forth, it forced Yan Wang into a rebel king. But this time, Bai Li has been ill for so long, why does Chu Yunzheng show no sign of action?】

Wan Tang kept a smile on her face, listening to the Barrage's words, her face still maintained a smile.

The Capital's long street remained noisy, yet it was vastly different from before.

Along both sides of the street, several brightly signposted, crowd‑filled shops abruptly stood.

Crispy Burger House, Golden Fried Chicken Pavilion…

Strange, appetizing aromas wafted through the air, and each shop had a winding long queue, a spectacular sight.

Chu Yunzheng, noble as the Son of Heaven, having tasted delicacies from all seas, could not help but be intrigued by this unprecedented spectacle.

He stopped in front of a shop named "Kazi Crispy Golden Fried Chicken."

Watching people clutch the oddly hot, golden oil‑paper‑wrapped food and devour it heartily, his eyebrows slightly raised.

"What is this? How does it attract so many people to buy it?" he asked beside Li Defu.

Li Defu quickly bowed and said, "Your Excellency, I have heard it is the latest craze in the Capital, called Fried Chicken."

"The old servant does not know the details, only that the taste is extremely peculiar, making one unable to stop."

"Oh?" Chu Yunzheng's interest deepened, "Then let's try it."

He pulled Wan Tang, ignoring the long line, and walked straight to the counter.

Li Defu immediately stepped forward, pulling out a sizable silver ingot.

His tone carried unquestionable arrogance: "Shopkeeper, the best, bring three orders."

That demeanor was exactly that of a flamboyant noble son out to experience the common folk's hardships.

The queuing crowd, though displeased, dared not speak further upon seeing the three's extraordinary bearing.

Soon, three portions of oil‑paper‑wrapped Fried Chicken were delivered before them.

Chu Yunzheng, imitating others, picked up a still‑hot chicken piece and tentatively took a bite.

The crispy crust made a crisp "crack" sound between his teeth, while the chicken inside was tender and juicy, the blend of exotic spices instantly assaulting his palate.

This rough, direct, yet immensely satisfying texture was something refined palace cuisine could never match.

Chu Yunzheng's eyes suddenly flashed with amazement; he could not even maintain imperial bearing, and quickly took another big bite.

After savoring, he exclaimed, "Wonderful! Exquisite! Crispy outside, tender inside, richly aromatic and domineering!"

"Who would have thought such a genius exists in the market!"

He seemed unable to find the right words, finally laughing, "Such a fun and delicious food!"

He turned to Wan Tang, teasing, "Wife, it seems the cooking from your Changle Palace little kitchen will be outdone by this common shop today!"

Wan Tang forced an awkward yet polite smile, silently cursing Qi Er for being scheming.

She thought they set the price at one or two silver coins per piece, literally robbing money.

But she could not utter a single sentence to explain that the "genius" was herself.

She could only dryly echo, "Husband, as you said, the common folk hide dragons and crouch tigers."

Chu Yunzheng, in high spirits, bit another piece of Fried Chicken.

He nodded at the bustling shop, "One who could devise such food cannot be a mere pond creature."

"If fate permits, I truly would like to meet them."

Li Defu, bowing beside, replied, "Your Excellency, I have heard the owner of this Fried Chicken Shop is an extremely mysterious lady, like a divine dragon whose head is seen but tail not, ordinary people likely cannot glimpse her true form."

Chu Yunzheng, upon hearing, shook his head regretfully, "She is a woman?"

"To have such ingenuity and boldness is even rarer."

"Such a pity, truly regrettable," his tone full of regret for missing such talent.

Wan Tang stood aside, her face still only able to keep that awkward yet polite smile, her fingertips subtly pinching her palm.

When leaving the Fried Chicken Shop, a young attendant at the door enthusiastically thrust a stack of exquisitely printed flower paper at them: "Esteemed guests, these are discount coupons from our allied shops; present them at these stores for discounts!"

Chu Yunzheng took the stack of flower paper and, with great interest, flipped through it.

He saw prints such as "Pearl Milk Tea Buy One Get One Free," "Spicy Fries 20% Off," "Donut Tasting Price," and many more, varied and cleverly designed, revealing the mastermind's deep business acumen.

He couldn't help but exclaim again, "The mastermind behind this, with such brilliant mind and agile tactics, is truly a business prodigy."

"To think of linking different shops together to mutually draw traffic."

Before he finished speaking, his finger turned to the last flower paper, and his smile instantly froze.

It was a discount coupon for "Forget‑Worry Tavern."

The earlier admiration and curiosity vanished in an instant; Chu Yunzheng's complexion darkened, his gaze becoming sharp and icy.

He clenched that stack of coupons tightly, his voice tinged with cold: "Ha… what an Alliance Store!"

"I never imagined this business to be so vast, tangled like roots."

"Even the tavern that makes Huang Hu linger and never want to leave is also one of them!"

He suddenly looked up, his gaze like a torch toward the direction of the "Forget‑Worry Wine House," his tone leaving no room for doubt:

"Li Defu, move!"

"Today I must personally go to this 'Forget‑Worry Wine House' and see what magic it truly possesses!"