Chapter 28.5

Termite mushrooms are an extremely delicious wild delicacy, renowned for their exquisite flavor and rich nutritional content. It’s often referred to as the “king of mushrooms.” Fresh termite mushrooms are white and tender, and exude a fresh fragrance that’s unique to mushrooms. When fried in hot oil, the aroma is fully released. Together with chili slices, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic cloves, and sesame seeds, the entire kitchen was filled with an intense and dominant fragrance.

After the Yaoguang Hall’s maids each tasted half a Qingtuan that afternoon, they couldn’t stop praising it, and showered endless compliments on Tao Ti.

Now, as the aroma reached their noses, their attention was instantly captured.

“Oh my, what is the Crown Princess making now? It smells so good.”

“That goes without saying. Since when does it not smell good when the Crown Princess cooks? …But this time, it really smells amazing. Is she frying meat?”

“Who knows? Anyway, the Crown Princess is really good to His Highness. She always finds ways to make delicious food for him! His Highness always has a good appetite whenever he visits our Yaoguang Hall.”

While the palace maids chatted enthusiastically, Tao Ti had already finished frying the termite mushrooms and was now cooking the noodles.

Cold Noodles with Shredded Chicken are meant to be mixed, so the noodles shouldn’t be cooked too soft. It was important to get the doneness just right. Tao Ti used chopsticks to test the noodles in the pot, and knew it was ready. She promptly scooped up the noodles, evenly dividing them into two delicate porcelain bowls. A drizzle of sesame oil was added and everything was gently mixed to ensure that the strands of white noodles remained separate and not sticky. Then, she set them aside to cool.

She placed the prepared shredded cucumber, shredded chicken, bean sprouts, and shredded carrot on top of the cooked noodles, sprinkled sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top, then poured a generous spoonful of fragrant and flavourful chicken broth, followed by a spoonful of termite mushroom oil. Finally, some crushed peanuts left over from making the Qingtuan were added. A bowl of Cold Noodles with Shredded Chicken, complete with looks, fragrance, and taste, was now ready!

After a quick cleanup, Tao Ti had the palace maids bring the two bowls of Cold Noodles with Shredded Chicken to the table, along with a small dish of vinegar, a small dish of chili sauce, and a few types of pickled vegetables.

Already tantalised by the aroma while she was frying the chicken mushrooms, Tao Ti couldn’t resist anymore. Now that the noodles were on the table, she eagerly picked up her chopsticks and began mixing, “Your Highness, mix the noodles like me to ensure they’re coated in the sauce. You can adjust the amount of vinegar and chili according to your taste. It’s sour and spicy, and very appetizing.”

“Alright,” Pei Yan replied, and mixed the noodles as she did. The pure white strands of noodles were quickly coated with the alluring broth, and the deliciousness of the chicken broth and the savoury aroma of the termite mushrooms filled his nostrils.

Tao Ti took the first bite, stuffing her mouth full. Her small face puffed up slightly, and her plump, delicate lips were coated with a layer of the sauce’s glistening sheen. “Mmm, it’s so yummy!”

To have made something this tasty, I really did a great job!!

Watching her fully immerse herself in enjoying the food, Pei Yan’s mood gradually relaxed.

Her happiness was always so simple—a bowl of rice, a bowl of noodles, or even a piece of pastry could make her features relax and bloom into a smile.

Such simple happiness was truly enviable.

“Your Highness, why aren’t you eating?”

It wasn’t until the third bite that Tao Ti noticed the person across from her was watching her, and his bowl of noodles remained untouched. She couldn’t help but feel puzzled. Could it be that he doesn’t like noodles? That shouldn’t be the case, it’s so fragrant!

Pei Yan replied, “You’re enjoying your meal so much that I got lost in watching you…”

Tao Ti was taken aback, then let out an embarrassed chuckle, ” I might not have the most refined table manners, sorry if it seemed a bit uncouth. I… I’ll try to be more mindful in the future.”

Pei Yan shook his head, “No need to change, you’re fine just the way you are.”

After a momentary pause, as if to reassure Tao Ti that he meant what he said, and not just speaking out of politeness, he added, “Whenever I eat with you, I find myself eating more.”

Tao Ti laughed, amused by the idea that she might actually be enhancing his appetite.

“Alright. Do hurry and eat,” she flashed him a bright smile and went back to enjoying her noodles.

Pei Yan also picked up a mouthful of noodles with his chopsticks and brought it to his lips. The noodles were soaked in a flavourful, slightly spicy sauce, and were refreshing and toothsome. The fried termite mushrooms added a faint sweetness along with a numbing spiciness. The shredded chicken was tender, while the shredded cucumber, shredded carrot, and bean sprouts provided a crisp and refreshing contrast, enhancing the overall texture of the cold noodles.

On this night of the Cold Food Festival, the two of them finished off the two big bowls of cold noodles.

Amidst the graceful interplay of light and shadow, the two satiated individuals met each others’ gazes, and there was a tranquil sense of contentment and joy in their eyes.

Suddenly, Pei Yan found himself thinking, How wonderful it would be if we can continue to be like this forever.

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