Chapter 182: The Demon Lord Princess's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 182: Dining Together

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Suddenly, the Princess Consort seemed to recall something important, turned her head to look at An Wang, and asked, "The Prince and Princess of Dongying Guo have come this time; should we go pay a visit to the Emperor?"

An Wang nodded slightly, expressing agreement: "Indeed it should be so. After we finish lunch and rest a bit, I will take the two of them into the palace to see the Emperor."

However, Qianqian, sitting to the side, heard this and her little mouth immediately pouted, grumbling with a face full of reluctance: "Ah? Then wouldn't I be unable to play with Elder Sister Xingyu this afternoon……"

An Wang said with a smile: "Qianqian, this trip to the palace, you may also come along. Your Huang Bobe hasn't seen you in a long time; if he sees you, he will certainly be very happy!"

Hearing this, Yan Shuang'er frowned slightly, thought for a moment, then asked softly: "Father, then does Second Brother also have to go into the palace this afternoon?"

An Wang nodded and replied: "Correct. This visit is to discuss import trade matters; Si'er, as the person primarily responsible for this affair, naturally must go."

At this moment, Yan Shuang'er fell silent for a while, then raised her head to look at An Wang, eyes full of expectation, and said: "Then Father, may I also enter the palace?"

Seeing this, An Wang laughed heartily and agreed readily: "Of course! However, at that time we need to discuss proper business, and you girls can go out and amuse yourselves. Only, along the way, we'll have to rely on you to take good care of Qianqian and Princess Shangguan!"

Yan Shuang'er heard this and her face instantly bloomed with an overjoyed smile, nodding repeatedly in agreement. And Shangguan Xingyu, hearing this, was also full of joy; after all, she had been worried in her heart that after entering the Imperial Palace she would be all alone with no one to keep her company. Now with Qianqian and Younger Sister Shuang'er accompanying her, it could not be better.

Not long after, a servant hurried over and respectfully reported to An Wangfei: "Reporting to the Princess Consort, lunch is already prepared; please proceed to the Shantang for the meal."

An Wangfei heard this and immediately stood up, smiling at the Shangguan siblings: "The meal is properly prepared; the two of you might as well come with us to the Shantang." The Shangguan siblings heard this and also hurriedly stood up; Shangguan Xingyu first bowed slightly in salute, then said softly: "Many thanks to the Princess Consort and the Prince for your generous hospitality."

Shangguan Xingyan, seeing this, also imitated his sister's manner and said: "Many thanks to the Princess Consort and the Prince." Having finished speaking, several people filed out and walked toward the Shantang.

Before long, everyone had arrived at the Shantang. One saw the servants bringing up dish after dish of exquisite color, aroma, and taste in an orderly manner.

First to meet the eye was that sweet and sour pork with its bright red color and nose-piercing fragrance, immediately followed by the squirrel-shaped mandarin fish with its crisp, sweet-and-sour texture; in addition there was Dongpo pork with its sauce-red, oil-glossy color and meat tender yet holding its shape, as well as the exquisitely shaped, melt-in-the-mouth crab meat lion's head and the fatty-but-not-greasy, perfectly salty-sweet preserved vegetable braised pork;

plus the palace-style wild rabbit with its rich aroma and delicious texture, the unique-flavored assorted cured meat steamed together with its cured fragrance permeating, and the spicy, numbing, fresh, and tender boiled fish slices, a dazzling array of delicious dishes making one salivate.

After everyone took their seats, An Wangfei spoke first: "Xingyu, I wonder if I may address you so?" Shangguan Xingyu's face showed delight and she hurriedly replied: "Of course, Princess Consort!"

An Wangfei waved her hand lightly and said with a smile: "You, don't always be so polite; calling me Princess Consort all the time seems too distant. From now on, just call me Aunt directly." Shangguan Xingyu heard this, felt a surge of joy, and hurriedly called out crisply: "Aunt!"

An Wangfei nodded satisfiedly, then enthusiastically urged: "Come, taste this sweet and sour pork and squirrel mandarin fish; they were both made according to your preferred sweet-and-sour flavor!"

Finishing these words, her gaze full of smiles slowly moved to Shangguan Xingyan, and she said gently: "Xingyan, quickly try this; this boiled fish slices and palace-style wild rabbit are both spicy dishes you usually love to eat!"

Hearing this, the brother and sister couldn't help but look at each other, both feeling a warmth in their hearts. They never expected that this noble Princess Consort would be so thoughtful and considerate, specially making dishes the two of them liked. So the two hurriedly stood up and respectfully saluted in thanks: "Many thanks to the Princess Consort for your care."

Shangguan Xingyu, seeing this scene, overjoyed, quickly extended her chopsticks, lightly picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork with enticing color and wafts of sweet fragrance, and put it in her mouth. The moment she bit down, that sweet-and-sour flavor instantly spread across her tongue, intoxicating her.

Tasting carefully further, one could feel this piece of pork was extremely tender inside, as if melting in the mouth; while the outer layer was fried golden and crisp, with superb texture. This wonderful taste made Shangguan Xingyu love it immensely, and she ate with increasing relish.

Simultaneously, Shangguan Xingyan sitting to the side was savoring with great relish that pot of steaming, fragrant boiled fish slices. One saw those fish slices had been sliced extremely thin by the chef, light and transparent like cicada wings.

The instant the fish slices entered the mouth, without much chewing, they quietly melted like snowflakes, leaving a mouthful of fresh, tender smoothness. That spicy, scalding hot broth further stimulated the taste buds, making one unable to stop.

Watching this pair of siblings eating heartily before her, the Princess Consort's smile grew even more radiant. After everyone finished eating, rested a bit, and tidied up simply, they began preparing for the palace visit.

At this time, An Wang had long since instructed his subordinates to have the carriages ready and waiting at the mansion gate. This trip arranged a total of two exquisitely decorated carriages to ensure everyone could reach the Imperial Palace comfortably and smoothly.

An Wang stood tall and straight beside the first carriage; Yan Si accompanied Shangguan Xingyan with graceful bearing onto the same carriage. Simultaneously, Yan Shuang'er, Qianqian, and Shangguan Xingyu also elegantly boarded the other carriage.

With the coachman lightly waving the whip, the two magnificently decorated carriages slowly started moving; the wheels rolling emitted a faint sound, as if narrating the important mission of this party.

The carriages traveled steadily on the road; the horse hooves sounded crisp and rhythmic. Trees on both sides of the road flew backward; sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, casting mottled light and shadow. Before long, that majestic and spectacular Imperial Palace Gate appeared before their eyes.