Chapter 131 The End of the Battle (1/2)
”Given that Prince Yu is such a highly-skilled martial artist, he'll be alright. Although we didn't hear any good news, neither did we hear any bad ones. Eat something, Master. Don't forget there's still someone eyeing on us.”
Baiji brought a bowl of congee over as she vaguely reminded Lin Mengya that the Crown Prince was not going to let the matter rest yet.
”True enough.”
Lin Mengya took the bowl from Baiji and started sipping from it.
The method the Crown Prince employed to deal with the situation this time was too cowardly.
When faced with an attack, the Crown Prince had totally disregarded the safety of his people, and ran off, fleeing for his own life. Who would entrust their lives and their family's lives into the hands of such a character?
Suddenly, Lin Mengya had a brainwave. Perhaps she could give the Crown Prince a surprise attack, so he would be caught unprepared.
Just when Lin Mengya was in the process of perfecting her plan, there was a stir outside her room.
Although the temporary imperial residence was relatively large, the rooms were limited.
In a moment like this, the Crown Prince was still concerned about his show of extravagance. Not only had he forcibly occupied many rooms, but he was also completely apathetic towards other people's situation.
In the temporary imperial residence at this moment, most of the imperial guards apart from the ones sent as military aid to Long Tianhao, were surrounding the Crown Prince.
All those who had arrived had been fleeing the whole way here.
Not only did they not have a room yet, they had not even had a drink of water. On the contrary, the Crown Prince remained more concerned about the display of his lavishness.
At this instant, some bold souls were beginning to voice out their dissatisfaction and complaints.
”Your Highness, if you continue in this manner, I'm afraid these people would start to develop discontentment towards you.”
Lord Zhang, who was standing by the Crown Prince, said with caution.
Unfortunately, the Crown Prince was like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow now. Any movement or stir would provoke his defense mechanism.
”Discontentment? Are they discontented with me? If not for these people delaying me on my journey, I would be back in the capital city by now.”
These people were merely liability in the eyes of the Crown Prince.
Although those ministers were gone, there remained others in the court who acted as reserves, who would rise to the occasion.
He was the most honorable heir apparent to the throne. If any accident happened to him, even sacrificing the many lives would not make up the value of his life.
Lord Zhang was struck dumb. He knew the Crown Prince's character all too well.
On the surface, he might seem mature and steady, but inwardly, he was, in fact, unable to extricate himself from the Queen's control.
If the Queen had not been putting the Crown Prince under her control all these years, the situation would have been much more chaotic.
”Nevertheless, you can't just leave these people alone.”
Lord Zhang was a senior minister in the royal court. He was certainly more far-sighted than the Crown Prince in some matters.
The Crown Prince had indeed fled with his confidante when he met with the enemy's attack. This alone was a stain on his reputation.
While riches were easy to acquire, it was not so for the hearts of people!
”They wouldn't starve to death by missing a meal since we will arrive in the capital city tonight. Do you want to join the people outside?”
The Crown Prince furrowed his brows as he spoke those words in displeasure.
Lord Zhang shut his mouth immediately, while at the same time, a feeling of bitterness rose in his heart.
He had initially thought that he had made a good move by marrying his daughter to the Crown Prince.
However, it seemed too early for him to jump to such conclusions.
”Here are some snacks. If you don't mind, please come over and eat some.”
At this moment when the people outside were starting to feel the dissatisfaction towards the Crown Prince, a gentle voice echoed through the air into the people's ears.
Lin Mengya together with her four maidservants were carrying some food and water and distributing them to the corners of the courtyard.
”Don't snatch, there is enough supply for everyone. The maids from the other families may want to follow us to go and prepare some food for everyone.”
Just when Baiji finished speaking, immediately some quick-witted lasses in different styled dresses came closer and gathered around her.
Soon, she finished distributing the food items, while there were still some sweet cold drinks left for them.
Lin Mengya stood quietly behind the maids. Her expression was neither smug nor impatient. She simply looked at the people collecting the food item with a calm expression.
”There really is more food, let's all go!”
The fire in the kitchen stove was still burning, so very soon, the maids were able to get ready some simple dishes.
The first batch of maids who followed Lin Mengya's maid to the kitchen were happily carrying the food they cooked back to their families.
When all the people learned that they could really prepare meals to eat, they became restless and there was a stir in the courtyard as the situation became more chaotic and out of control.
”Stop all the pushing and shoving. You've to queue up for this. Although the kitchen is relatively big, it could only accommodate up to five families cooking at any one time. Don't worry if you're not in the queue yet, because those families in front can prepare more food to share, and anyway, everyone would get a turn soon.”
There may not be delicacies in the temporary imperial residence, it did have sufficient supply of the basics, such as rice, noodles and necessary condiments.
Moreover, staying a few days in the temporary imperial residence was part of the Crown Prince's plan in this hunting trip.
For this reason, the guards at the residence had prepared large amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Zhu Aizhi, who had received a huge favor from Lin Mengya, also instructed his servants to go down to the kitchen to help. After busying themselves for about two hours, the majority of people had access to hot meals.
”There are only a few families left who had not gone into the kitchen to prepare food. However, those who had started preparing food first had cooked extra and shared their cooking with the others.”
Of the four maidservants, Baiji had the hardest time.
In the beginning, when Lin Mengya suggested distributing food to the people, Baiji, together with Baishao, had first gone into the kitchen and steamed a large pot of rice.
Therefore, the maids from the other families only had to fry some vegetables and boil some soup, which really sped up the overall food preparation process.
”Good girl, you must have been working so hard.”
Lin Mengya took out a handkerchief and started wiping the perspiration on Baiji's face.
Although she did not respond by saying anything, she smiled quietly when being appreciated.
Most of the people were filled with gratitude towards her.