Chapter 24.4

As Pei Yan was coming for dinner that night, Tao Ti asked for three more blocks of tofu from the imperial kitchen.

The palace attendants thought she was going to make stuffed fried tofu again. Unexpectedly, she used the three blocks of tofu to make three dishes— fresh and crispy fried tofu, spicy and red Mapo tofu, and Wensi tofu thread soup.

When Pei Yan came and saw these dishes, he raised his dark brows slightly and smiled lightly, “It’s a tofu feast tonight?”

Tao Ti said smilingly, “I was feeling a little lazy today, so I just made some simple dishes. Your Highness, I hope you don’t mind.”

Pei Yan’s eyes seemed to be full of moonlight, and his voice was clear, “You made it specially. I can’t wait to enjoy it, so how would I mind?”

He had a very nice voice; gentle and soft, with a touch of unconscious carelessness, like a feather brushing against one’s ear, somewhat ticklish.

This was probably the kind of voice that could make one’s ears pregnant , thought Tao Ti as she sat down. “Let’s eat, shall we? You can drink more of this tofu soup. It’s light and refreshing, and also has the effects of nourishing the body and tonifying deficiency.”

Tonifying deficiency…?

Pei Yan’s long eyelashes cast a shadow on his face. He didn’t say anything, nor did he immediately go for the soup. Instead, he took a piece of fried tofu.

The fried tofu was golden brown and crispy. Eaten with a carefully prepared dipping sauce, a crisp crunching sound is emitted immediately when one bit into it. The skin that’s dipped in the sauce was spicy and fragrant, but the inside was very tender and had no beany smell at all. On the contrary, it was so savoury and tasty that it made one want to have another.

Tao Ti didn’t think much about him eating the fried tofu. She scooped a bowl of Wensi tofu thread soup for him and put it aside to cool down. Then, she scooped several spoonsful of Mapo tofu and mixed it with rice.

She once lived in Chengdu for half a year, and whenever she had the time, she would check out the “housefly” stalls hidden everywhere. Mapo tofu was one of her favourite Sichuan dishes. As long as there’s a bowl of Mapo tofu, she could polish off three bowls of rice!

Looking at the bright red and spicy tofu before her, Tao Ti’s appetite was fully aroused. After fully mixing the fragrant saucy tofu with the plump, gleaming rice, she took one spoonful after another, happy and satisfied.

Pei Yan raised his eyes; seeing her face full of enjoyment, the corners of his lips lifted slightly.

The next moment, he turned his face slightly and his eyes finally fell on the bowl of soup which she had scooped for him.

His slender, fair hands held the bowl of soup, and he took a sip.

The soup was very clear, and one could clearly see the ingredients inside. Tofu that had been cut into hair-thin threads, shredded ham, shredded mushrooms, shredded spring bamboo shoots, and shredded chicken. Each thread was clear and defined, and without the need for extra seasoning, the ingredients themselves were fresh and delicious enough to be amazing.

“It’s very good. The knife skills are good, the control of fire is good, and the taste is better,” said Pei Yan.

“Then, drink more. You can’t eat spicy food, right? This soup was specially made for you.” At this point, Tao Ti had already eaten half a bowl of rice; her lips were numb and spicy, and slightly red and swollen.

“You drink some too. Don’t get choked by the spice,” said Pei Yan.

Upon hearing this, Linglong, who was waiting upon them by the side, wanted to step forward to help the Crown Princess scoop a bowl of soup, but saw the Crown Prince reach out and scoop a bowl for the Crown Princess himself. “Here.”

Tao Ti didn’t think there was anything wrong with that and received it with thanks, then took a big mouthful to suppress the spiciness.

The two chatted as they ate, talking about the stuffed fried tofu that noon, then about how she and Xu Wenchan got along.

Pei Yan saw that when she spoke about Xu Wenchan, her eyes were filled with a relaxed and happy look, and the fingers he was holding the spoon with clenched without anyone noticing.

After a long silence, he suddenly asked, “Have you thought about your life after leaving the palace?”

Tao Ti was startled, “…”

What’s wrong with today? Why were they all asking the same question?

She raised her head slowly. Her brows were slightly knitted, and her beautiful eyes seemed to be a little wet from the spiciness, misty and moist, like the landscape of Jiangnan in the misty rain.

Seeing that Pei Yan seemed to just be asking it casually, she also replied breezily, “My dowry is quite generous, it’s enough for me to lie down and do nothing but eat, drink, and play for the rest of my life.”

After saying this, Tao Ti vaguely realised something— did he ask this question because he was worried that after his death, she would be left without a place to live?

Sigh, little angel Pei Yan was just too thoughtful and considerate. It’s not good to think about such pessimistic things all day long.

Tao Ti stared at him with a pair of bright black eyes and said solemnly, “Your Highness, I can live well by myself. Don’t worry, be more optimistic!”

Pei Yan, “…”

After a while, his gentle and delicate eyes bore the trace of a smile, “Mhm.”

He wasn’t worried at all. There’s no way he’d let her be out there alone.

……

Before going to bed, Pei Yan said he just happened to be free tomorrow and could take her out of the palace to have a look.

Tao Ti was elated and hurriedly agreed.

Perhaps because she was in a good mood, she had a good dream all night.

In the dream, there was a huge Christmas tree. The things hanging on the tree weren’t presents, but all kinds of food, such as chicken drumsticks, grilled sausages, hamburgers, braised pork knuckles, spicy mala mix, Tianjin-style jianbing, beef hot pot… There was a dazzling variety of everything she could think of.

The further up the tree, the more abundant the food, so she climbed up the tree trunk, grabbing more food into her arms and stuffing her mouth along the way…

Pei Yan’s sleep has always been very shallow, and he would wake up with the slightest movement, not to mention that such a soft little maiden was tugging at him, her two small hands carelessly touching his chest. Her bright red lips were even smacking away, as if she wanted to eat him clean.

Her body was pressed closely against him, and there was only a thin layer of fabric between their skin. He could clearly feel her graceful and undulating curves, as well as the warmth of her body…

Seeing that her small hands were still restlessly touching away, Pei Yan’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and his pitch-black eyes became even deeper.

Suddenly, he reached out and squeezed her slender wrist.

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