Chapter 627 - War Begins
Naturally, this coffee wasn't prepared for the emperor emeritus alone. Thus, Xiaocao considerately also placed some milk and sugar on the serving tray. Whoever felt that the coffee was too bitter could easily add either to their own taste.
The emperor emeritus drank some pure coffee and ate a few pieces of sweet but not too sweet western-style pastries. He nodded his head in satisfaction. The fatigue that had settled into his bones for months had dissipated away as soon as he ate the delicious food. Other than the emperor, who had added a bit more milk and sugar to his cup and drank it down with pleasure, the rest of the people present weren't used to this bitter drink.
However, Headmaster Yuan was able to taste the uniqueness of the coffee. There was still more than half a year before the autumnal exams started, so all of the students were studying late every day. Naturally, their energy levels couldn't keep up with this schedule. If they had access to this energizing drink, it may be of great help to them in the future. He silently remembered the properties of this drink and reminded himself to ask the little lass for 'the secrets' of this drink.
"Ahem ahem! We've done most of the ceremonies today, and it's starting to get late..." The emperor emeritus finished the cup of coffee in front of him in one gulp and wished to drink more.
The Yu Family and Headmaster Yuan, who was the matchmaker on the female side, all thought that he was going to say his farewells next, so they hurriedly interjected, "Lunch preparations has just been finished, so you should eat before you go ah!"
The emperor emeritus nodded his head in a matter of fact manner and said, "That was precisely my thought. It's getting late and about time to eat the noon meal. I heard that when my second son had guests over, the little lass had come up with a few more new dishes. I'm not sure whether this old lord would be able to try any today at noon."
Imperial Prince Jing had a constipated look on his face. Why did he agree to allow his old father to become the middle matchmaker? Was there anyone else who would shamelessly cadge a meal from the female side when they were here to match the birthdates between the prospective groom and bride?
"Will 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall' be at the meal today? Every time the imperial chefs make it, I always feel like it's missing something. The taste is never as good as when that lass Xiaocao makes it." The emperor also had a face full of approval, showing that he had no intention of moving even one iota out of the chair.
Imperial Prince Jing let out a long sigh inside. It looked like he was truly going to be shamed to the heavens today. After all, it was impossible to not get bitten when there was a lot of lice around! He also had no intention of saying his farewells now either.
"Yes, yes, yes! When Cao'er found out that Your Imperial Majesty was going to personally come today, she made sure that all of the ingredients for the dish were ready in advance. She had woken up bright and early to begin preparing. Not only will there be 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall', but she also prepared your favorite braised pig head meat, sliced pig ears in chili oil, braised pig snout...all of these have been personally made by that lass Cao'er!" Yu Hai realized that both the emperor and the emperor emeritus were quite easygoing, so he slowly relaxed as time went on. Thus, when he spoke, he wasn't as afraid as before.
The emperor emeritus chuckled and said, "Looks like I didn't dote on that lass for nothing. She still remembers what this old lord likes to eat the most. However, these past two years my teeth have become more loose in my mouth. Thus, it looks like the sliced pig ears will have to benefit the rest of you stinky brats instead."
As one of the 'stinky brats', Imperial Prince Jing rubbed at his nose. He was almost fifty years old but was still labeled a stinky brat. It felt like he had gone back to his youth again during a time when his old father would beat him out with a broom.
