TPITWOHEF

Chapter 185

The borscht was a vibrant red, as if tomatoes had melted into it.

Though its temperature wasn't apparent, one sip revealed a warm, tangy sweetness with a rich aroma. It was hearty yet not greasy, smooth and refreshing.

The cabbage inside was fragrant with a subtle sweetness, complementing the rich flavor of the sausage. Everything was cooked to perfect tenderness.

It wasn't just suitable for adults; even toothless elderly and children could easily chew and digest it.

Princess Yun Wu took four or five sips in succession, picking out the soft, succulent cabbage to eat.

As she sipped the soup slowly, she told her attendant, "Go buy several more portions."

She looked up at Chu Chu sitting in the stroller, her rosy little face scrunched up in delight, eyes narrowed to slits. Yun Wu thought if she found it so delicious, her own children at home would surely love it too.

Princess Yun Wu took another sip of the hot soup, breaking the palace etiquette of 'not eating more than three bites' from the same dish that the imperial nannies had taught her.

"Brother Liu, try this meat zongzi," Xiao Yunzhou offered.

Yun Wu gracefully wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and nodded, using the opportunity to move her chopsticks to the glistening glutinous rice dumpling. "Alright."

Used to palace cuisine, she didn't find zongzi particularly novel and was even a bit wary of its richness.

But after taking a small bite, Yun Wu was pleasantly surprised.

The salted egg yolk inside burst with flavor, layering with the fresh aroma of the bamboo leaves, the savory sweetness of the meat, and the delicate sauce-infused glutinous rice.

Yun Wu's eyes lit up. This intricate and rich taste was excellent; the children would probably love it too.

"Brother Liu, the cuisine in your Jing Country is truly refined and innovative," Yun Wu now fully believed what the Ji sisters had told her.

She was even looking forward to trying the milk tea. Her appetite was thoroughly piqued.

Yun Wu gave her guard a look, signaling him to buy some other foods elsewhere to take back to the Princess's Palace. Then she turned to Xiao Yunzhou and asked, "I wonder if Brother Liu knows why Jing Country suddenly decided to host this cultural gathering here?"

Xiao Yunzhou narrowed his eyes.

[Oh my, as expected of the Princess of Chu State who occupies five elite character slots!]

Xiao Chuchu's expression of enjoyment while drinking soup paused for a moment.

[Her political instincts are so sharp, she's sensed my imperial father's hidden agenda!]

Xiao Yunzhou choked on Xiao Chuchu's inner monologue.

Hidden agenda... well, that was indeed the case.

Xiao Yunzhou lowered his eyes, picked up his teacup, and took a light sip to conceal the complexity in his gaze.

"Does Brother Liu know something?" Princess Yun Wu noticed his change in mood and pressed further, "I suspect Jing Country's cultural gathering at the border must have some ulterior motive."

[Hehe, that's right, my old man wants to poach talent from your Chu State~]

Xiao Chuchu wanted to laugh but held it in.

[My old man's scheme has been caught red-handed.]

Xiao Yunzhou's mouth twitched0

His daughter, reincarnated from a celestial maiden, was perfect in every way except for these inner monologues, which sometimes made his scalp tingle with embarrassment.