Emperor Yong’an looked in the direction Wei Qiang was pointing.
A dense mass of people—naturally impossible to pick out that person.
However, Emperor Yong’an seemed to have asked casually and soon shifted his attention. “I don’t see Luo Chi either.”
Luo Chi was Grand Marshal Luo’s given name.
As Commander of the Jinlin Guards and His Majesty’s number one trusted subject among the outer court officials, Grand Marshal Luo naturally accompanied the imperial carriage during rest stops.
Wei Qiang fell silent for a moment, then said, “Before the food was even brought, Grand Marshal Luo headed in that direction.”
Seeing Wei Qiang point in the same direction again, Emperor Yong’an’s curiosity arose naturally.
One after another all heading in that direction—what was there?
“Didn’t Qiang’er ask what they were doing?”
“Your son did not ask.” Wei Qiang paused. “Perhaps they went to find Miss Luo.”
“Miss Luo?” Emperor Yong’an thought for a moment. “Luo Chi’s daughter?”
“Precisely.”
Emperor Yong’an narrowed his eyes in thought.
In his impression, Luo Chi had a daughter with quite a reputation, who seemed to have teased Prince Kaiyang…
Thinking this, Emperor Yong’an was slightly alarmed. “Could it be your Eleventh Royal Uncle went to cause trouble for Miss Luo, and Luo Chi rushed over to intervene?”
“That Royal Uncle and Grand Marshal Luo went to Miss Luo’s location is merely your son’s speculation.”
Emperor Yong’an’s expression grew somber. “Why such speculation?”
“It’s mealtime.”
Emperor Yong’an became even more puzzled.
Wei Qiang explained, “For this autumn hunt, Miss Luo brought along a chef with outstanding culinary skills.”
Emperor Yong’an first froze, then couldn’t help laughing. “Luo Chi’s daughter is truly… different from the rest.”
He had wanted to say “nonsensical,” but as an emperor some words couldn’t be spoken carelessly, so he changed his phrasing.
Wei Qiang didn’t respond to this, merely listening with lowered eyes.
And Emperor Yong’an didn’t pursue the matter further, turning to return to the golden tent.
After the midday meal, Emperor Yong’an customarily took an afternoon rest.
Wei Qiang’s gaze respectfully saw Emperor Yong’an into the tent. After some thought, he walked toward Luo Sheng’s location.
A faint awkwardness permeated the air between Luo Sheng and Wei Han.
To be precise, it was the man’s one-sided awkwardness—the young woman opposite still wore an expression of complete serenity.
Wei Han clasped his fingers together, as if he could still feel the slight coolness of the red plum when it was held in his palm.
So the plum hadn’t been thrown by Miss Luo.
He stood stunned for quite a while before forcing out a sentence. “The plum was quite sweet though.”
Luo Sheng smiled. “There are more in the carriage. If Your Highness enjoys eating them, I’ll have Hong Dou bring you a plate?”
How could Wei Han not hear the teasing in this? Meeting the young woman’s bright smiling face, that awkwardness transformed into a thread of disappointment in this moment.
This feeling left him somewhat at a loss.
Yet when faced with setbacks, this man was accustomed to rising to challenges, just like every struggle on the battlefield.
He returned her smile, his expression composed. “If it’s not given by Miss Luo, then there’s no need.”
Luo Sheng froze.
This person… when did his face become so thick?
The two locked gazes.
One utterly calm, the other expressionless.
If Shi Yan were present, he’d probably cheer for his master.
Finally showing some backbone, not retreating step by step before Miss Luo.
But for Shi Yi, he didn’t feel this as deeply.
Right now the young guard’s deepest feeling was that Third Brother’s occasional words were still reliable—if the master could marry Miss Luo, it would simply be a blessing for everyone in the prince’s manor.
“Ahem.” A light cough sounded.
Wei Han and Luo Sheng both looked over.
Wei Qiang walked over, greeting them with studied nonchalance. “So Royal Uncle is here with Miss Luo.”
“Why has the Crown Prince come over?” Wei Han asked flatly.
Wei Qiang’s gaze fell on that large pot bubbling with sour broth as he smiled. “Following the fragrance.”
Wei Han frowned slightly.
Freeloading a meal?
“The Crown Prince hasn’t eaten yet?”
“Barely ate a few bites.” Wei Qiang looked toward Luo Sheng. “It smells quite fragrant—I wonder what’s cooking in the pot?”
Luo Sheng met his gaze and replied, “Fish head noodles in sour broth.”
Wei Qiang raised his brows.
Just hearing about it made it sound even more fragrant.
“I wonder if I might beg a bowl of noodles to eat?” After slight hesitation, he asked.
Wei Han’s dark brows knitted even tighter.
Begging for food?
This nephew was nearly thirty years old—did he have no sense of propriety?
Luo Sheng didn’t consider the feelings of a certain someone who had just freeloaded a meal at all, smiling slightly as she said, “Your Highness is too polite. Of course it’s possible.”
She turned her head to instruct Xiu Yue. “Prepare another bowl of noodles.”
The young woman’s voice was like spring water—cool yet not lacking in sweetness. Falling on Wei Qiang’s ears, it carried a trace of being unexpectedly honored.
Compared to that day when he went to Youjian Tavern to ask Miss Luo for help, today’s Miss Luo was much more sensible.
Before long, a steaming bowl of noodles in sour broth was presented before Wei Qiang by Hong Dou.
Wei Qiang reached out to take it, remarking casually with a smile, “Seems there’s no fish head.”
Wei Han said coldly, “The Crown Prince came late. The fish heads have been eaten.”
Hong Dou couldn’t help curling her lip.
Listen to Prince Kaiyang’s words—as if he’d eaten fish head when he arrived.
“Your Highness did come a bit late.” As Luo Sheng spoke, she gave another instruction. “Xiu Gu, cut some diced ham as a topping.”
Xiu Yue took out a piece of bright red ham from the bamboo basket covered with a snow-white cloth beside the large pot, neatly cut off a piece and diced it, placed it in a strainer and cooked it briefly in the sour broth pot, then poured it over the noodles.
Wei Han was stunned.
When the Crown Prince came, not only did he get noodles, but ham topping was added too?
He looked silently toward Luo Sheng.
And Luo Sheng was looking at Wei Qiang.
Wei Han’s eyes turned completely cold.
Miss Luo was good in every way—her judgment had just deteriorated.
“The noodles are delicious.” After finishing a bowl, Wei Qiang praised sincerely.
“Would Your Highness like another bowl?”
Wei Qiang struggled internally for a quick moment, then reluctantly said, “No, I’m already full.”
With so many people watching, running over here to eat several large bowls of noodles really wouldn’t look proper.
“Is the Crown Prince going back?” A cool voice interjected.
Wei Qiang nodded to Wei Han. “Going back.”
Luo Sheng glanced at Wei Han, then asked Wei Qiang with a smile, “Would Your Highness like to bring a bowl of noodles for the Crown Princess?”
Wei Qiang froze. “Doesn’t Miss Luo know?”
Luo Sheng calmly asked back, “Know what?”
“The Crown Princess is unwell and didn’t come on this autumn hunt.”
“Is that so? I didn’t notice.”
Seeing Luo Sheng speak so casually, Wei Qiang found nothing unusual.
Miss Luo was willful and unrestrained—not paying attention to such matters wasn’t strange.
“Xiu Gu, no need to trouble yourself.”
Wei Qiang’s heart stirred at the rich sour fragrance, and he changed his words. “Since Miss Luo is so generous, I’ll take a bowl with me.”
Yu Niang had repeatedly shown longing for Youjian Tavern, but unfortunately given her status she had no opportunity to go. Bringing her a bowl of noodles in sour broth made by Youjian Tavern’s chef could be considered a consolation.
Luo Sheng smiled and instructed Xiu Yue. “Xiu Gu, prepare another bowl of noodles for His Highness to take away. Remember to add extra ham.”
Before long, a bowl of noodles in sour broth with diced ham piled high was placed in a food box.
Wei Qiang picked up the food box and walked forward two steps. Seeing Wei Han standing motionless, he asked, “Isn’t Royal Uncle going back together?”
“No, I was just asking if Your Highness was leaving.”
Wei Qiang: “…”