Today, with the Emperor, Empress, prince, and princess gathered at the Cining Palace, the refreshments prepared were exceptionally exquisite. Particularly, there was a delicacy called Crystal Osmanthus Cake—transparent and radiant, filled with frozen golden osmanthus flowers. The cakes were molded into tiny ingots, adorable and dainty. Eating them brought a mouthful of fragrant osmanthus, slightly sweet yet refreshing.
Externally, Jiang Xiaoman wore an expression of ‘I disdain earthly delicacies,’ yet his hands were continually active. While the Emperor and Empress engaged in casual conversation, he assumed the role of a senile immortal, nodding and occasionally humming. Meanwhile, he indulged in one piece of osmanthus cake after another, sneakily slipping a few extra pieces into his small pocket on the side.
“Ting’er also enjoys Crystal Osmanthus Cake,” the Emperor suddenly glanced at Jiang Xiaoman.
At that moment, Jiang Xiaoman was reaching out for the last piece of osmanthus cake, slightly out of his immediate reach. Leaning forward, he extended his arm as far as possible.
All eyes fell upon him, caught in the midst of reaching for the cake. At this point, retracting his hand seemed awkward, yet continuing his reach was equally uncertain.
Jiang Xiaoman found himself frozen in place, unable to move. However, his earnest expression led others to suspect a hidden meaning behind his gesture, intensifying their unwavering focus on him.
Left with no other option, Jiang Xiaoman flipped his hand and closed his eyes, pretending to calculate by pinching his fingers.
After a while, Jiang Xiaoman opened his eyes and spoke with seriousness, “The Crown Prince……”
Everyone: “?”
Jiang Xiaoman, “……has an affinity with this Crystal Osmanthus Cake.”
The entire room fell into silence.
Suddenly, the Emperor let out a sigh.
“Truly, Ting’er’s connection to this osmanthus cake is remarkable,” the Emperor’s countenance held a touch of wistfulness. “The immortal’s foresight is indeed akin to divination.”
Did I really hit the mark?
Could it be that the Crown Prince developed an issue from eating osmanthus cake?
“His late mother, the Empress, was renowned for her mastery in creating this Crystal Osmanthus Cake. Her rendition surpassed even the culinary finesse of the imperial kitchen. Presently, the palace confectioners still adhere to the methods passed down from the late Empress,” the Emperor conveyed, observing the last piece on the plate with a sigh. “During Ting’er’s childhood, he had an ardent fondness for this osmanthus cake. Regrettably, in recent years, he declared maturity, eschewing sweetness and relinquishing its consumption.”
For a moment, a tinge of sorrow lingered in the air as everyone remained silent, gazing at the osmanthus cake on the plate.
Originally intending to take the last piece, Jiang Xiaoman refrained from doing so as everyone’s attention was fixed upon it.
“It has been quite some time since I last saw the Crown Prince. He was never one for solitude, and since the leg injury, he only attends court sessions. At other times, he remains secluded in the Changle Palace,” the Emperor remarked.
“Yes, I, too, haven’t seen my older brother in several days. I’ve nearly forgotten how he looks,” Rongzhe commented, glancing at Yunmeng. “You wouldn’t have forgotten as well, would you?”
Yunmeng glared at him and whispered, “Who’s like you!”
“What nonsense are you talking about?” the Empress interjected. “The Crown Prince is destined for good fortune. Now that the immortal is present, his recovery will be swift.”
“Indeed, the immortal is here.” Upon hearing the Empress’s words, the Emperor’s expression shifted from somber to bright. He then turned to Rongzhe and inquired, “Speaking of which, has the youngest made any progress in his studies lately?”
“Father1, please refrain from asking!” Rongzhe winced at the mention of studies, hastily reaching for the pastries. “Let’s have some snacks!”
“Your Majesty, please ask Third Brother! He spends his days wandering without any commitment to his studies!” Yunmeng didn’t miss the chance to tease her cousin.
“The other day, I had the pleasure of hearing Rongzhe reciting his studies. Rongzhe, would you kindly recite something for His Majesty?” the Empress suggested with a smile. The Emperor joined in good humor, saying, “Quickly now, let your father test your knowledge!”
Just moments ago, the topic of the Crown Prince cast a gloomy cloud over the gathering. Yet, within less than three minutes, the atmosphere shifted to one of jovial harmony.
“It’s time for the meal. I have already arranged for lunch to be prepared,” stated the Empress.
As noon arrived, at the Empress’s command, palace attendants swiftly emerged, carrying dishes and setting them upon the table, one by one.
“By the way, immortal, what of your cherished companion? I’ve been meaning to catch a glimpse of the legendary General Yin,” the Emperor inquired, as the palace attendants continued presenting the dishes.
“Is it a tiger?” Rongzhe’s curiosity was piqued once more.
Jiang Xiaoman seemed a bit absent-minded and only regained focus upon hearing Rongzhe speak. Prepared for this moment, he gently raised his hand, allowing the sleeve of his Taoist robe to slide down slightly, revealing his pristine arm.
He replied, “General Yin is still within the Tower of Ascension. Allow this humble one to summon him forth for Your Majesty’s inspection.”
At that moment, his hands were empty. He casually picked up a handkerchief placed nearby by a palace maid for everyone’s use. Rolling and compressing the handkerchief within his palms, he merged them together. In the next instant, with a swift movement and a simultaneous separation of his palms, a small orange cat appeared out of thin air in the center of his hands.
“This…” Everyone was stunned. Where did this cat come from? Just a moment ago, the immortal’s hands were clearly empty.
“Immortal, how did you do that?” Even Yunmeng, who was afraid of cats, was astonished.
Jiang Xiaoman smiled but remained silent, cradling the little orange cat in his arms and gently stroking it while wearing a smile.
The little orange cat suddenly woke up, looking sleepy with its fur a bit disheveled. However, it had a good temperament; it didn’t get upset being awakened and curled up in Jiang Xiaoman’s arms, grooming its fur contentedly.
“Is this General Yin?” The Emperor chuckled lightly as he observed the little orange cat. “I had anticipated a larger tiger.”
“Who says this isn’t a tiger?” Jiang Xiaoman began to fabricate a tale, “This is a uniquely bred tiger, resembling a cat in its appearance.”
At that moment, the little orange cat yawned and let out a soft meow.
“…Even its meow is no different from that of a cat,” Jiang Xiaoman said earnestly, “but upon closer inspection, one can discern the unique kingly aura of the ruler of a hundred beasts emanating from it.”
Jiang Xiaoman lifted the kitten high, the little orange cat feeling scared of heights, helplessly meowing incessantly.
“Listen, the roar of dragons and the howl of tigers.”
Jiang Xiaoman’s expression was too serious, leaving everyone momentarily stunned, nodding in a somewhat understanding yet uncertain manner.
Jiang Xiaoman set down the kitten, aware that this round had come to an end.
At this moment, all the dishes were served, around ten courses completely filling the stone table, emitting a delightful aroma of food.
“Your Majesty, in a prior instance, you expressed appreciation for the exquisite taste of this Eight Treasure Duck. Today, I have taken the liberty to have the imperial kitchen prepare a portion expressly for Your Majesty’s indulgence,” the Empress pointed out.
“Your thoughtful gesture, Empress, is a testament to your graciousness,” the Emperor chuckled, contentedly. “Speaking of which, have we arranged the Phoenix Tongue delicacy that Yunmeng adores?”
“Of course, we have.”
“Alas, Father, why do you never inquire whether my favorite dishes have been prepared?”
Jiang Xiaoman sat cradling the cat, observing the harmonious camaraderie of the four individuals, occasionally drifting into a reverie.
The Emperor, noticing Jiang Xiaoman’s silence, remarked, “Immortal, do come and taste. I presume immortals have no dietary restrictions, do they?”
Jiang Xiaoman remained unresponsive at first when called by the Emperor. It was only after the Emperor called out to him again that he snapped out of his reverie, asking, “Pardon me, what?”
“Are there any specific foods that an immortal avoids?” asked the Emperor once again, with warmth and cordiality.
“Ah… no… I…” Jiang Xiaoman stammered, his words in disarray. After a moment, he softly murmured, “This humble one has decided to fast today. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kind gesture. This humble one shall pass on this midday meal.”
Jiang Xiaoman rose and nodded politely towards everyone before departing with the cat in his arms.
The onlookers watched Jiang Xiaoman’s departing figure, understanding the eccentric nature of this immortal and paying it no mind. Soon enough, the whole family joyously resumed their meal.
When Jiang Xiaoman departed, he didn’t opt for a sedan chair; he simply desired to walk alone for a while.
Carrying the kitten, Jiang Xiaoman strolled through the palace during the lunch hour. As it was mealtime, the palace servants and eunuchs were busy attending to their respective masters, leaving Jiang Xiaoman alone on the path.
With no one around, his expression faltered, unable to maintain the enigmatic facade he typically wore.
His once slightly upturned lips now drooped downward, his brows furrowed, and his large eyes gazed at the ground, on the verge of tears as if they could fall at any moment.
He missed his grandparents dearly.
As he observed the harmonious scene of the Emperor’s family, he couldn’t help but be reminded of his grandparents.
There were days in his past when, although their life was modest, his grandparents never forgot what he liked to eat. The three of them gathered together, enjoying simple meals that brought more joy than the Emperor’s opulence.
But his grandparents had passed away, and even he had died inexplicably, arriving in this unfamiliar place…
Jiang Xiaoman felt overwhelmed by these thoughts. Lost in his emotions, he wandered aimlessly, eventually finding himself not far from the Tower of Ascension.
He wanted to return home, take a nap, and rejuvenate himself before resuming his task of matchmaking the male and female protagonists. Even though he was the only one left at home, he still longed to go back.
He passed by the Changle Palace, noticing that its gates remained tightly shut.
He remembered the lifeless atmosphere within the Changle Palace and suddenly felt compassion for the Crown Prince. A young boy without his mother, his father marrying multiple wives and bearing many sons, and now confined due to his injured leg, waiting passively for the female lead to appear.
Jiang Xiaoman was close to returning to the Tower of Ascension, but upon contemplating this, he turned around and headed back towards the Changle Palace.
“Your Highness, the immortal has arrived,” said Tongguang to the Crown Prince inside the Changle Palace.
“What is he here for?”
“He expressed his intention to present Your Highness with a glimpse of a magnificent tiger.”
T/N
if you enjoyed this, pls consider leaving a high rating on NU! we’re soo close to reaching 4 stars!!
1父皇 which would be translated as something along the lines of ‘imperial father’ or ‘Father Emperor’ etc. but I’ll keep it as ‘Father’!
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