Upon reaching the fourth floor, the waiter first brought a special pot of chrysanthemum tea to quench their thirst and enjoy the view. He then stepped aside without immediately introducing the menu, which impressed Qi Shou even more with the restaurant's service.
"Fugui, let's savor this Liujin chrysanthemum tea together and see if it has a unique flavor," Qi Shou said, pouring three cups for each of them. Before Fugui could stop him, Qi Shou had already downed the first cup.
"Ah, refreshing! In the palace, we sip tea delicately, savoring it slowly. It's refined, but not as satisfying. Drinking it in one big gulp is truly enjoyable!" he exclaimed, then drank another cup.
"Xiaoshou, if you drink like that, how can you appreciate the tea? It's no different from drinking water," Fugui chided.
"Fugui, we still have one cup left. Let's drink this one by our usual rules," Qi Shou replied. They each took a cup and savored the tea together, creating a refined scene.
"Fugui, tell me your thoughts," Qi Shou said.
"The raw materials are top-notch, but the craftsmanship is a bit lacking compared to the palace. It's good tea, but there's room for improvement," Fugui remarked.
"I knew you had an eye for quality. I'll finish the remaining two cups then!" Qi Shou said, downing the tea and letting out a burp. Turning to look at the Liujin River flowing eastward, he felt the river breeze bringing a pleasant drowsiness.
"Watching the Liujin River from the Liujin restaurant—what a beautiful sight. Waiter, please introduce your special banquet to us!"
"Our specialty banquet includes the Liujin fish, a signature dish for over ten years. The other two dishes change weekly. This week, we have roe deer meat and bear paw," the waiter explained.
"We'll have the fish, roe deer meat, and bear paw. Also, add a plate of stir-fried vegetable hearts. Please prepare them all in Yangcheng's traditional style," Qi Shou said after consulting with Fugui.
"Sir, all our fish weigh over five jin. That might be a bit too much," the waiter kindly reminded.
"Your business approach is quite unique. Most places would encourage us to order more. But don't worry, we didn't eat much yesterday and walked half a day today. We can handle it. Do you remind every table like this?" Qi Shou asked.
"Our boss believes in not wasting food, respecting both nature's bounty and the farmers' hard work, as well as the effort of earning money. So we remind every table," the waiter explained.
"No wonder your business is so good! It makes sense," Qi Shou praised. "We'll wait."
Within twenty minutes, the dishes were served.
"Braised Liujin Fish, Red-Braised Roe Deer Meat, Candied Bear Paw, and Stir-Fried Vegetable Hearts. Enjoy your meal!" the waiter announced.
Faced with the array of dishes, Qi Shou was the first to move, placing a piece of fish cheek on Fugui's plate.
"I knew you wouldn't start eating if I didn't. But this means I'm at a disadvantage! You don't need to wait for me to start next time," Qi Shou said with a smile.
As they ate, they shed the palace's etiquette, devouring the food with the enthusiasm of their age. Just then, the sound of footsteps approached the stairs. Qi Shou looked up to see a girl leading a boy who looked about fourteen or fifteen.
"Little brother, have you never seen a pretty sister before? Staring at me so directly is quite rude! And you still have some sauce on your lips. Do you need sister to help you wipe it off?" the girl teased.
Qi Shou felt embarrassed. Despite her beauty, her words made him seem like a little boy infatuated with her. How should he respond?
As Qi Shou pondered, the girl named Liu Xu took a guest towel and wiped the sauce from his lips.
"Sister, the food today is truly delicious. You should eat more," Qi Shou said, trying to be polite.
"You're such a cute little brother. Enjoy your meal; I'm heading upstairs," Liu Xu replied.
"Xu'er, why are you acting so differently today? I almost didn't recognize you!" her brother, Liu Xin, asked.
"I just felt an odd affection for that child, so I acted spontaneously. Are you unhappy?" Liu Xu asked.
"No, it's good. You've always been too aloof," Liu Xin replied with a smile. "But today is the day the Seventh Prince arrives in Yangcheng. We need to explain to our teacher why Father didn't come in person. I also want to see what kind of person this prince is!"
"Xu'er, the Seventh Prince will stay in Yangcheng for five years. You'll have plenty of opportunities to meet him. Do you want to marry into the royal family?" Liu Xin teased.
"Brother, I know nothing of the Seventh Prince's character or looks. Besides, entering the palace is like entering the deep sea. I'd rather enjoy my freedom in Yangcheng. But if the Seventh Prince and I are destined, I might consider it," Liu Xu said, laughing.
Seeing his sister's change, Liu Xin felt a bit worried. "Xu'er, I was just joking. Don't take it seriously. Whether the Seventh or Eighth Prince wins is still uncertain. If he loses, even if he's your brother, time and power can strain relationships. Even if the Seventh Prince wins, he'll likely marry a woman from the Wang family. Would you be willing to be his concubine? How many women who were favored by the emperor have lived to a ripe old age?"
"The current empress isn't from the Wang family, so your argument doesn't hold," Liu Xu retorted.
"That was an exception in over two hundred years, and what happened? She died in childbirth, and her family was wiped out. Her relatives were reduced to elders waiting to be buried alongside her. Even under the emperor's protection, it ended tragically. So whether the Wang family's princess was named empress or not doesn't really matter," Liu Xin argued.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're easily deceived?" Liu Xu said, returning to her usual icy demeanor.
"You mischievous girl! Always teasing your brother. It's because Father and I spoil you!" Liu Xin exclaimed.
"Who else should you spoil? You and Father are all I have. When Mother was alive, my younger sister was so lively. I'll find out that boy's background later. Who knows, he might be my future brother-in-law. As his future brother-in-law, I should examine him closely!" Liu Xin said with a chuckle.