The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 336 - Difficult to Raise

They first arrived outside Prince Ping's mansion. Prince Ping, along with his wife, Lady Fang, was there to greet them. They didn't get out of the carriage and instead headed directly to the theater.

Inside the carriage, Ye Yun and Ning Chen sat side by side, both eager to lift the curtain and take a look outside. This was, of course, against the rules, but hearing the lively sounds of vendors outside made her itch with curiosity.

So, while Ning Chen was resting with his eyes closed, she quietly lifted a corner of the curtain to peek outside.

Just then, they passed by a stall selling sugar paintings, and the glistening sugar artworks looked extremely tempting.

"What are you looking at?"

A voice came from behind—Ning Chen.

Ye Yun withdrew her hand and pursed her lips. "I was just thinking about the braised beef from the east side of the city and the Fu Ji osmanthus cake that I loved the most when I was at home. The candied fruits next to the Yu Shu Bookstore are also delicious. I haven't had them in a long time and can't help but think of them."

"If you want to eat something, just have the imperial chef make it. Why are you still thinking about these street snacks?" Ning Chen replied.

"The taste is not the same," Ye Yun said, lowering her eyes. "After all, they're not made in the same place, nor by the same person."

Seeing her look downcast, Ning Chen said, "Since you like it, I'll have the servants buy some later. Buy more, so you can take them back to eat."

"Alright, thank you, Your Majesty." Ye Yun smiled with her eyes curved.

Ning Chen found her childlike demeanor amusing and helpless, pinching her hand before saying nothing more.

Today, because the Emperor was coming, the theater had been cleared.

No common folks were allowed in; only officials and relatives could enter, as the Emperor's safety was paramount.

Too many people posed a danger, but too few would make the atmosphere dull, so they could only filter in some spectators.

The arrangements made by Prince Ping were very proper. When they arrived, they got out of the carriage and prepared a soft sedan chair, which carried them to the viewing area.

This theater was unique, as it was set on the lake. They boarded a painted boat from the shore and glided to the center of the lake, with the stage built facing the water, creating a distinctive atmosphere.

The group naturally boarded the most luxurious boat.

Once inside, they exchanged polite greetings.

"Your Majesty, Ming Shunyi, please take a seat. I've already ordered the tea and snacks to be prepared; they will be brought out shortly," Prince Ping said respectfully.

Ning Chen waved his hand, "There's no need to be formal, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law. Since we are here to enjoy the show, there's no point in being overly restrained. Please, sit down."

Even though he said this, the Prince and his wife still adhered to the necessary etiquette.

Ye Yun, however, had no such concerns. After all, she often disregarded formalities in the palace, so she felt even freer outside.

For instance, once seated, she began gazing at the other boats on the lake.

In the night, aside from the brightly lit stage illuminated by candlelight, there were various boats on the lake.