Chapter 240: The Demon Lord Princess's Daily Slacking Chapter 240: Taking the Imperial Kitchen Away

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Early the next morning, golden sunlight filtered through thin clouds onto the earth, illuminating the entire Imperial Palace in radiant splendor. The sky was azure as a gem, and a gentle breeze brushed the flowers, grass, and trees of the palace grounds, bringing waves of fresh and pleasant fragrance.

Such bright weather was truly delightful, and even the guards who were usually stern and unsmiling unconsciously showed a hint of ease on their faces.

The Empress knew well that the several people who had come this time had traveled hard by boat and carriage, so she considerately decided not to disturb their rest too early. She had been waiting patiently in her own palace until the Si Hour (between 9 and 11 a. m.), estimating that the time was about right, before instructing the little eunuch by her side to go check whether they had woken up.

As for Qianqian, she had slept with Shangguan Xingyu the previous night. Don't look at Qianqian being no longer young, but she was still not used to sleeping alone. And Shangguan Xingyu loved Qianqian dearly; besides, Qianqian was very well-behaved and honest when sleeping, not tossing and turning to disturb others, so Shangguan Xingyu gladly agreed to sleep on the same bed with her.

When the little eunuch arrived at this place, he found that everyone had already risen and tidied up. At this moment, they were sitting around the table enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. It turned out that the Empress had specially instructed the Yushi last night to prepare a distinctive and varied breakfast for An Wang and the others.

Indeed, the imperial cooks did not disappoint, carefully cooking a table full of delicious dishes. There were sweet and tasty Chestnut Cake, Snowflake Cake, and Sugar Steamed Crisp; as well as appetizing Lotus Blossom Crisp, Five Red Glutinous Rice Cake, and Plum Blossom Fragrant Cake;

there were also steaming Shredded Meat Soup, Yellow Croaker Soup, Bamboo Shoot Spicy Soup, and Lotus Seed Soup; moreover, various uniquely flavored porridges such as Chicken and Bamboo Shoot Porridge and Corn Kernel Porridge; as for staple foods, there were Bamboo Joint Steamed Buns, Duck Silk Noodles, and buns with various fillings, including Mushroom Buns and Pork Buns, etc.;

in addition, the crystal-clear Crystal Shrimp Dumplings, the fragrant Chicken Steamed Dumplings, and the golden crispy Shrimp Pan-fried Dumplings made one drool with desire.

Every dish was carefully placed in small and exquisite plates, presenting an appetizing appearance. Although the portions were not large, the varieties were numerous, the colors were vibrant, and waves of fragrance emanated, making one drool with desire. Everyone sat around the table and picked up Chopsticks to taste them one after another.

Qianqian was even more uninhibited; her bright big eyes sparkled with excitement, and she impatiently picked up a bite of delicious food and put it into her mouth. Only hearing an "Mm," she chewed contentedly, her face beaming with a happy smile.

Next, she hurriedly said: "This is delicious! We don't have such delicious food where we are from." After speaking, she quickly picked up another dish and stuffed it into her mouth, continuing vaguely: "That one is also delicious, we don't see that where we are from either." Watching Qianqian's adorable way of eating, Shangguan Xingyu couldn't help but laugh out loud.

She smiled and said to Qianqian: "How about I go discuss with Mother Empress and lend you the Yushi for a few days, letting him go to your mansion to teach your mansion's cooks, and have them return after they learn."

"That way you can often eat these delicious dishes." Hearing these words, Qianqian's eyes lit up, and she nodded in agreement: "That would be wonderful!" However, An Wangfei beside her smiled reproachfully: "Don't talk nonsense, eat properly. After we finish eating, we still need to go out and play."

Hearing this, Qianqian hurriedly sped up her eating, the Chopsticks in her hand constantly dancing, stuffing various delicacies into her mouth. Just then, a little eunuch walked in with light steps.

He respectfully saluted and then said: "Reporting to the Eighth Princess, Her Highness the Empress specially ordered this servant to come and see if everyone has woken up. Her Highness the Empress is preparing to have carriages arranged to take you all out of the palace for sightseeing."

Shangguan Xingyu put down her bowl and Chopsticks, responding: "Go back and tell Mother that we will finish tidying up here right away; please have her arrange it. We can set out at any time."

After receiving the order, the little eunuch hurriedly left, while the people in the room continued to enjoy this sumptuous breakfast. After Qianqain swallowed the last bite of food contentedly, Diejiao quickly tidied up all of Qianqian's belongings.

Immediately afterward, everyone proceeded together toward the Palace Gate. They saw that the Empress had changed into a simple and elegant casual outfit, while Shangguan Peilin was also dressed in light casual clothes; the two rode in a luxurious Sedan Chair slowly toward the Palace Gate.

When they arrived, the others had already been waiting there for a long time. Shangguan Peilin and the Empress walked forward with measured steps, and the Empress smiled and said: "For this outing, this palace has specially prepared three carriages. This palace and the Emperor will ride in one carriage, An Wang and An Wangfei will share one carriage, and as for the other four children, they will ride in another carriage. I wonder if everyone agrees with this arrangement?"

Hearing this, An Wangfei quickly bowed and replied: "Her Highness the Empress has considered everything very thoroughly; this concubine has no objections." Shangguan Peilin also nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with this arrangement.

Afterward, everyone boarded the corresponding carriages according to what the Empress had said. The coachmen skillfully cracked their Whips, driving the carriages forward slowly toward the southeast.

As they gradually moved away from the noisy and bustling streets, a beautiful scene like a fairyland appeared before their eyes. Towering ancient trees stood on both sides of the road, their dense branches and leaves intertwined like huge green umbrellas, shielding people from the scorching sun.

Under the trees were dotted with small flowers of Wuse liuliang and tender green grass; as the breeze brushed past, the flowers swayed gently, emitting waves of fragrance, refreshing the heart and mind.

Continuing forward, the carriage passed through this picturesque Shulin, and a magnificent and resplendent Gate suddenly appeared before everyone's eyes. The Gate was entirely golden, shining with dazzling light, and above the door lintel were four large characters carved with vigorous brushwork—"Royal Villa."

Soldiers fully armed and with solemn expressions guarded the surroundings tightly, because this Quiet Place was a place where Shangguan Peilin often came to rest, so the guard force here was extremely strong to ensure his personal safety was without worry.

Accompanied by the sound of Horse Hooves coming from far to near, a luxuriously decorated carriage slowly stopped. The carriage curtain was lifted, and Shangguan Peilin and the Empress stepped out of the Carriage Compartment first, their postures elegant and noble.

The Deputy Commander of the Guards had already quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and respectfully saluted: "Greetings to the Emperor! Greetings to Her Highness the Empress!" At the same time, the guards at the gate and the people patrolling also knelt down to salute one after another, shouting in unison: "Greetings to the Emperor! Greetings to Her Highness the Empress!" The voices were loud and resounded throughout the Tingyuan.

Shangguan Peilin slightly raised his hand and said in a low voice: "Rise." The other accompanying people then got off the carriages one after another, and the group entered in single file, slowly walking toward the depths of the Tingyuan. Shangguan Peilin walked leisurely, as if strolling in a courtyard, every step seeming so carefree and content.