I started as a concubine, and I made the crown prince cry with my delicious food.

When Ye An'an saw that Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao were following behind Xiao Jingshi, she was genuinely stunned.

What's going on?

Invited one person to dinner, but three showed up? Is this a buy-one-get-two-free deal?

She thought Xiao Jingshi would come alone, or at most with Changting. Unexpectedly, he brought his right-hand men with him.

And judging from the fact that they were holding files in their hands... were they planning to hold a small political seminar here?

Ye An'an mentally ranted, but her expression remained unchanged.

She quickly adjusted her mindset and gave a warm yet appropriate smile.

"Lord Lu, Lord Xie, welcome, welcome. I didn't expect you two to come too. Please come in."

It's just a matter of having two more pairs of chopsticks; she has prepared enough ingredients, so it's not a problem at all.

Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao did not expect Ye An'an to react this way.

They thought that the concubine would be unhappy, or at least somewhat uncomfortable, seeing the two "outsiders" accompanying the Crown Prince to freeload a meal.

Unexpectedly, she was so poised and generous, her familiar greetings making it seem as if they were old friends who often came to visit.

The two of them felt even more favorably toward Ye An'an.

"We apologize for disturbing Your Highness." The two quickly bowed and greeted you.

"Don't be so polite, come in quickly, it's cold outside." Ye An'an welcomed them into the house.

Upon entering the main hall of Tinglan Water Pavilion, a warm feeling immediately greets you, accompanied by an indescribable, rich and delicious aroma.

Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao's gazes were instantly drawn to the large round table in the center of the hall.

In the center of the table, an old-fashioned charcoal stove was burning brightly, with a huge copper pot sitting on it. The golden broth in the pot was bubbling and boiling, with a few pieces of white yam and black chicken pieces floating in the soup. Just looking at it made one's mouth water.

The table was surrounded by a variety of dishes.

Thin slices of beef and mutton, as thin as cicada wings and with alternating red and white colors, are arranged in layers on an exquisite plate, resembling a blooming flower.

Plates of vibrant green vegetables, as fresh as the morning dew.

The tofu was white and tender, the bean curd sheets were golden, and there were various kinds of mushrooms that they recognized or did not recognize.

The most eye-catching items are two white porcelain bowls. One is filled with snow-white, incredibly bouncy and smooth meatballs, while the other is piled high with round meatballs that show clear signs of being handmade.

The whole scene was abundant, warm, and full of the lively atmosphere of everyday life.

"My God..." Xie Zhao couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

He was also the heir of a marquis's family; what delicacies hadn't he tasted? Yet, the scene before him gave him an unprecedented sense of novelty and shock.

Lu Chengyuan was also drawn to this unprecedented dining style. Looking at the steaming soup, he couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, is this... 'hot pot'?"

"That's right." Ye An'an smiled and introduced to them, "This soup base is made by simmering an old hen and yam for an afternoon. Later, everyone can put their favorite vegetables into this pot to cook, and then dip them in the sauce I made."

As she spoke, she pointed to the two bowls of dipping sauce that had been prepared on the table.

One bowl is bright red and looks very spicy. The other bowl is made with soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, and other seasonings, and has a savory and fragrant aroma.

"Please make yourselves at home, everyone. Don't be shy, just make yourselves at home," Ye An'an said.

Xiao Jingshi naturally sat down in the main seat.

Lu Chengyuan and Xie Zhao exchanged a glance and sat down somewhat awkwardly.

Ye An'an found their stiff and formal demeanor somewhat amusing.

"Don't just sit there, let's eat." She picked up a soup ladle and first served each person a small bowl of clear soup.

"Before you eat, have a sip of soup to warm your stomach. It's the essence of this meal."

The golden chicken soup was served in a white porcelain bowl, with a few red goji berries floating on top, making it a pleasing sight to behold.

Xie Zhao was already irresistibly drawn in by the aroma. He picked up the bowl, not caring that it was hot, blew on it a couple of times, and took a big gulp.

"Ugh—!"

The moment the soup entered his mouth, he froze, his eyes widening in shock.

fresh!

So fresh!

The rich chicken soup, with a hint of sweetness from yam and red dates, is mellow yet not greasy. As it slides down your throat, it feels as if a warm current instantly reaches every part of your body, sweeping away all the chill and fatigue.

This isn't just chicken soup; it's pure nectar!

Lu Chengyuan also took a sip. Although he wasn't as exaggerated as Xie Zhao, his slightly narrowed eyes and the expression of enjoyment on his face fully demonstrated how delicious the soup was.

Even Xiao Jingshi, who had eaten several meals with Ye An'an and thought he had developed some resistance, couldn't help but sigh in admiration when he took his first sip of soup.

This woman always seems to bring him new surprises when it comes to cooking.

"How is it? The taste is alright, right?" Ye An'an was extremely pleased with herself as she looked at their shocked expressions at the delicious food.

"It's more than just 'okay'!" Xie Zhao put down her bowl, looking at Ye An'an with excitement. "Your Majesty, your cooking skills... are simply divine! This soup alone is even better than the delicacies served at a state banquet!"

"I'm glad you like it." Ye An'an was overjoyed by the compliment. She picked up the serving chopsticks, took a slice of the tenderest beef, and put it into the pot.

"Come on, let me teach you. Put these thin slices of meat into the pot, count to a few in your head, and take them out when they change color. If you cook them for too long, they'll get tough."

As she spoke, she placed the cooked beef slices into the bowls of the three people.

The three of them followed her example, dipping the slices of meat in their favorite sauces and putting them in their mouths.

Tender beef, coated in either savory or spicy sauce, bursts with unparalleled deliciousness in your mouth.

"tasty!"

"It's so delicious!"

Now, no one is holding you back anymore.

The three of them picked up their chopsticks and began putting their favorite dishes into the pot.

For a moment, only the sounds of chopsticks and bowls clattering and the satisfied exclamations of the crowd filled the main hall.

Xie Zhao was the most impatient. He spotted a pork meatball that had just floated to the surface, picked it up, and put it in his mouth.

"Ouch! It's so hot!"

The meatballs were fresh out of the pot, still filled with hot broth, and they scalded his tongue.

He was breathing heavily, reluctant to spit it out, and his comical appearance made everyone burst into laughter.

Even Xiao Jingshi, who was usually aloof, had a clear smile on his lips.

This warm, lively scene, filled with laughter, was something his cold and lonely Jingming Palace had never experienced before.