273 Untitled (2/2)
All the officials threw their chopsticks away and were prepared to flee.
In the end, the entire exquisite feast that was specially prepared was not touched at all. It was all thanks to the unsurpassable imagination of the valiant King Meng that no one could hold their chopsticks for more than one second.
The famous chef who had rushed from the capital and prepared the feast for three whole days, internally cried when he saw that all the dishes were not eaten at all…
During the feast, Meng Fuyao heard that the coronation ceremony of the Queen would only take place in mid-April and she was slightly taken aback.
Feng Jingrui then explained to her, ”Our nation has a tradition, that April is the most auspicious month, as it is the birth month of the Holy Protector of our nation. As such, all of our past and major ceremonies were all held in that month.”
Meng Fuyao grinned and asked, ”Then who is your Queen?”
”About this…” Feng Jingrui smiled and answered, ”We don't know about this. His Majesty's decree of inheritance will only be read out before the coronation ceremony,”
”Then do you know who it is?” Meng Fuyao glanced sideways at him.
”That is up to His Majesty.” Feng Jingrui's smiled stayed.
”What a pity.” Meng Fuyao sighed and said, ”Doesn't this mean that you have no chance in this? On the contrary, I feel that you have a magnificent aura and exceptional vision befitting of a ruler.”
”Please do not bring this up again.” Feng Jingrui cautioned as his expression changed. ”His Majesty is bright and wise. The new ruler he chooses will definitely be the bright head of our nation. I dare not to listen to such words that overstep his authority.”
”Why so serious?” Meng Fuyao's eyeballs gleamed. She smiled and added, ”Everyone takes turns at becoming the Emperor, and it might land on you the next year.”
Coughing sounds rose in the other tables as the color drained from their faces. They had heard of King Meng's brazen reputation as a professional rebel, and it was indeed true! She even dared to incite rebellious thoughts on their own land!
As such, Feng Jingrui coughed and resorted to changing the topic. ”I also did not think that you and the Crown Prince would arrive so early. Everyone is highly honored by your presence.”
”Hmm…” Meng Fuyao took out the invitation, flipped it around, and said in confusion, ”Your nation's Emperor did not even write the date, so I thought that the ceremony would be near.”
”Really?” Feng Jingrui looked away for a split second before he smiled. ”Since you are here, do visit the attractions in our nation. We have many places that have beautiful and reputable scenery of mountains and rivers. I will specially order people to wait on you two.”
”If so, thank you very much.” Meng Fuyao grinned and placed her chopsticks down. Then, she turned to Zhangsun Wuji, who had been smiling and drinking tea. ”Are you full?”
”Definitely!” The Crown Prince answered in such a way, although all he did was just sip on tea.
When the two of them stood up, the starving officials stood up as well and greeted them respectfully. As Feng Jingrui watched the two figures disappearing outside the room, his eyes shone. Moments later, he turned towards a certain direction and tilted his head.
…
”Are you full?”
Meng Fuyao leaned outside Zhangsun Wuji's window and knocked at it.
”I'm starving to death.” The window opened, and Zhangsun Wuji looked out. ”What a pitiful me. When I'm with you, I have to starve and even lie.”
”Come on out, there are delicious things.” Meng Fuyao gestured for him to get out and her eyes gleamed.
”What delicious thing can you whip out.” Zhangsun Wuji was doubtful, but he still floated out of his window and sighed. ”Can you bring out something better than a table of exotic delicacies?”
”Don't say it this way. To hell with those exotic delicacies! I promise mine's better.” Meng Fuyao smiled mischievously and pulled him to the backyard. There was already a small garden there, and Meng Fuyao had cleared out a small land of mud. On the ground, she set up a fire.
She squatted on the floor and kept dealing with the firewood. When she looked up and grinned, her black eyes were shiny and crystal-like under the reflection of the fire, resembling glazed pearls. But there was a small black spot on her nose, which slightly ruined the image.
”You're boasting again. You'd rather not eat those exotic delicacies and make yourself messy like this.” Zhangsun Wuji smiled and raised his hand to wipe the ash away from her nose. At that moment, there was a vague scent of something sweet. It was unfamiliar, but it had the temptation of something simple and delicious. He took a sniff and his appetite improved, even though he was someone who wouldn't feel hungry even after starving for three days and nights. Yet, he was unsure whether he was hungry because of the aroma of the food, or because of Meng Fuyao's smile.
”So this is what you deem better than the feast?” Zhangsun Wuji became interested. He squatted down to watch her assemble the firewood, and he asked, ”What is it?”
”Something average that farmers do. I found this in the cellar of the backyard. Hehe, I bet you have never eaten it before,” Meng Fuyao said as she casually cleaned her black hands on her robes. Beside her, Lord Yuan Bao's eyes shone with excitement, and it grabbed a thin wooden stick to poke around. It had also never smelled something like that before, and it wanted to eat it.