Chapter 243

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

At this moment, Shangguan Xingyu had a sudden inspiration and said, "Imperial Mother, why not ask my elder brother and Yan Si? They often travel outside, so they surely know the delicacies outside the palace like the back of their hands."

After hearing this, the Empress nodded slightly in agreement. Thus, everyone rested for a moment and walked into a small, exquisite house not far ahead.

Taking this opportunity, the Empress turned her head and looked gently at Shangguan Xingyan sitting beside her, asking softly, "Younger Brother, do you know where there is tasty food outside the palace? Today we have this rare opportunity, so shall we enjoy a good meal outside?"

Shangguan Xingyan nodded slightly, thought for a moment, and said, "In my opinion, we might as well go to Qitian Restaurant. I've heard that their pagoda meat is famous far and wide and very popular among diners!"

Upon hearing this, the Empress nodded slightly in agreement. However, she knew she still needed to consult Shangguan Peilin's opinion, so she turned to him and asked softly, "Your Majesty, this subject proposes we go to Qitian Restaurant to dine together; what do you think?"

Shangguan Peilin smiled slightly and readily replied, "Very good."

Qianqian, standing beside Shangguan Peilin, blinked her lively big eyes and asked curiously, "What exactly is pagoda meat?" Her voice was clear and pleasant, like an oriole leaving the valley.

Seeing this, Yan Si smiled and patiently explained, "This pagoda meat is made by carefully cooking fresh pork and cleverly shaping it into the form of a pagoda. Not only is the appearance excellent and pleasing to the eye, but the taste is also fresh and delicious, truly a masterpiece!"

After hearing this, Qianqian clapped her hands excitedly and called out, "Wow, that sounds great! Great, great, let's go quickly!" She was full of anticipation and couldn't wait to taste this delicacy.

Naturally, An Wang and An Wangfei had no objections either.

After everyone had packed their belongings properly, they all boarded the carriage they had come in, and the wheels rolled forward, rushing toward Qitian Restaurant.

Qitian Restaurant was famous far and wide because of its signature dish—pagoda meat. Diners came in an endless stream every day, making this place bustling and lively.

Fortunately, Shangguan Xingyan was a regular here. The shopkeeper saw him coming from afar and immediately beamed with smiles, hurrying forward to welcome them and leading the group straight to a private room on the second floor.

After all, today the Emperor and Empress were traveling incognito out of the palace and could not appear in public, lest their identities be exposed and bring unnecessary trouble.

The few people walked in single file, closely following the waiter up the stairs to the second floor. Only to see the waiter push open the private room door with practiced ease and enter first.

Shangguan Peilin followed closely behind and entered the room. The rest entered one after another. Just as they stepped into the private room, a fresh and elegant scene leapt into everyone's eyes.

The whole room was mainly blue and white, the walls were white as snow, the tables and chairs were all deep blue, and even the tableware used were exquisite blue and white porcelain products.

Such a combination complemented each other perfectly, creating an atmosphere that made people feel refreshed and delighted.

After everyone had taken their seats, the waiter skillfully handed the menu to Shangguan Xingyan and quickly poured a cup of fragrant tea for everyone.

Shangguan Xingyan took the menu, first turned to look at Shangguan Peilin beside him, then handed the menu to him. However, Shangguan Peilin waved his hand and said, "You arrange it; I... truly don't know what dishes to order. I've heard that this pagoda meat is the signature dish here, so let's have one portion first; as for the other dishes, you can decide."

Shangguan Xingyan obediently replied, "Understood, Father!" Then he gently picked up the exquisite menu on the table and browsed it carefully. In a short while, he had ordered four dishes, including refreshing cold dishes and steaming hot dishes with fragrant aromas. After ordering, Shangguan Xingyan smiled and handed the menu to An Wang beside him.

However, An Wang waved his hand and said gently, "Originally... originally, we are not very familiar with this place, so... it's more suitable for you to order the dishes."

After hearing this, Shangguan Xingyan did not decline too much, took the menu again, thought carefully for a moment, and ordered four more delicious dishes. Thus, they ordered a total of eight dishes.

After ordering, Shangguan Xingyan thought for a moment and said, "Six people eating eight dishes should be about right, right?"

The waiter standing beside him quickly smiled and replied, "Guest, you are absolutely right, but if you feel it's not enough later, we can add more dishes, but it's still best to avoid waste!" Upon hearing this, Shangguan Peilin generously waved his hand and said loudly, "Then let it be like this!"

After receiving the reply, the waiter nodded respectfully and said, "Alright, guest, please taste the tea in our shop first, wait a moment, and the dishes will be served soon." After saying this, he turned and quickly left the room.

The few people sat around the table, leisurely tasting the tea in their cups. Shangguan Peilin took a light sip and said slowly, "Hmm, this tea actually has a faint barley fragrance."

Upon hearing this, An Wang also curiously picked up his teacup and took a small sip, then nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it must be barley tea without a doubt."

At this time, the cute Qianqian was not to be outdone; she picked up the teacup in front of her and took a big gulp. After swallowing the tea in her mouth, she blinked her lively big eyes, put on a serious face, and echoed, "Father Wang's words are very right!"

Seeing her serious appearance, everyone was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter in unison, and the whole room was instantly filled with joyful laughter.

After laughing, the Empress's gaze shifted and fell on An Wangfei, and she said with a smile at the corner of her mouth, "Younger Sister, look at our two children; why not marry Yu'er over there, and your Qianqian can stay with this palace as a daughter? This palace truly likes this girl from the bottom of my heart!" After saying this, her eyes were full of affection.

Upon hearing this, An Wangfei also had a mind to tease her and replied, "Thank you for Elder Sister's great love; to receive such favor from Elder Sister is truly Qianqian's good fortune. Since Elder Sister has this idea, then let it be as Elder Sister said, and let Qianqian stay by your side."

However, Qianqian, sitting beside them, would not have it upon hearing this; she pouted her little mouth and quickly waved her hand, saying, "No, no, absolutely not! How can I stay in Dongying Guo?" Her voice was clear and loud, with a sense of urgency and determination.

Seeing this, the Empress couldn't help but feel curious and asked softly, "Oh, Qianqian, why are you unwilling to stay?"

Only to see Qianqian blinking her watery big eyes and answering seriously, "If I am not by Mother and Father Wang's side, who will protect them? What if someone bullies them? So I must stay by their side!"