Listening to the childrens laughter and discussion, the ball of hair was so angry that it could not bear it, but it was helpless. It was not appropriate to argue with several children at such an old age. Besides, there was a great generation gap and obstacles. Who can understand the language of birds?
—This kid is utterly clueless. Ive gone to such lengths to help you, and youre not only ungrateful, but you dont even speak up for me! If it werent for the fact that Im the Son of Destiny, who would even care about you...
Feeling utterly dejected, Mao Bulu tried to join the conversation but, after several failed attempts and frantic struggles, gave up. He stood there in a daze, his eyes drooping and gaze vacant, his face a mix of bewilderment and amusement. He would whistle now and then, fiddling with his hair, looking utterly disheveled. The childrens chatter kept coming in through his left ear, but slipped straight out through his right.
—This master... I cant hear! I cant hear! I cant hear!
"Xiao Jun, Xiao Xi, and the Holy Maiden, lets go to dinner, shall we?"
Ah... Oh, Uncle Li, please call me Xiao Jun, otherwise it feels strange to me.
"Um... I understand. Xiao Jun, please..."
Fortunately, there was an experienced elder beside the children, who had already noticed the mood of the adult, and suddenly reminded the ignorant children that it was time to eat--thus stopping the controversial topics and relieving the discomfort of the adult, but...
Oh, right, such an important thing, how could I forget it... hahaha
--Goo-goo-goo...
"Then lets go!"
— Well!
I said, "Brother, what about this ball of hair? Should we take it with us? But taking it away like this doesnt seem quite right..."
"Well! I was thinking the same thing, but it seems to want to come with me..."
"Ha? Its just stuck there!"
"Xiao Xi, please be careful with your words. The Empress has just told you that you will be partners from now on. Xiao Jun, remember to take good care of your partner!"
"Really... well, yes!"
—Well, thats about right! Young man, oh, youve done well, Im sure of you!
The fluffy creature was overwhelmed with emotion and finally became a full member. Suddenly, the three hairs that had been tangled on its head stood up again, its eyes filled with pride, and even its eyes glistened with tears... Then, it began to wipe its feathers with its wings, looking smug as it continued to groom itself.
"Well... Uncle Li, are you sure its not your aunt whos wrong? It looks so unreliable."
"Xiao Xi..."
Though there were still many mysteries and uncertainties, Ah Jun was delighted when Uncle Li mentioned it—after all, more friends mean more options. But to Xiao Xi, this was clearly a misunderstanding. That little ball was definitely here to cause trouble—just look at how it was acting!
Therefore, he had to bravely question his brothers future again, but this time, no one paid him any attention except that man—it disdainfully dissed him a few times, and then a flash disappeared.
Uncle Li left the Zhuque Hall with Ning er and Ajun, while Xiao Xi remained there, still in a daze... But soon, as if hed been shattered, he rejoined the group with a cheerful smile and began looking forward to the delicious food again.
Come on, youre looking forward to the dinner!
Oh... Yes! Im coming! Wait for me! Ah, Im starving... I wonder what the imperial chef made today. I really miss Chef Gaos Jingbei fried sauce noodles!
"Ah... Young Master Xiao Xi, didnt you call to make the reservation a month ago?"
"Oh! Yes..."
" chirp ..."
The children followed Uncle Li back along the same path... When they passed the Imperial Garden again, they surprisingly bypassed it—though Xiao Xi had wanted Ning er to see the gardens beauty, his mind was now preoccupied with delicious food. Of course, if esports were mentioned, that would be a different story.
So, Ah Jun and his crew could only catch glimpses of the outline from the outside. Though it was just the surface, they were quite satisfied — the Imperial Garden truly lived up to its reputation...
"Wow... It smells so good, it cant be the scent of flowers! Oh, right, its the sauce of fried noodles! What a coincidence!"
"Hmm? Little Master Xi, did you forget? You booked with that chef a week ago..."
Oh... Hey, look at my memory, its like a fishs—Ah Jun, Ning er, hurry up! That ones so delicious, my dad cant even make it!
Everyone was so amused that they had to follow Xiao Xis footsteps to find the food and speed up their walk. Soon, they came to the outside of a very retro building.
Uncle Li mentioned that this is Zui Xian Lou, which has been the special banquet hall of the imperial palace for thousands of years. Over the years, only the most honored guests have been invited here to enjoy the imperial banquet, of course, the royal familys home banquet is also here...
As he listened to the professional guide, Ah Jun gazed intently at the building. Its three-story structure matched the tavern from the TV drama verbatim, with its facade restored to gilded splendor. The details showcased cutting-edge infrastructure, creating an immersive atmosphere. Approaching the building, he felt as if he were stepping into a xianxia (Chinese fantasy) drama—where a master would arrive for a banquet, followed by a martial arts duel to forge friendships.
--But children cant drink!
Upon entering the building, the eclectic decor creates a harmonious blend of old and new—retro architecture and interiors complemented by subtle modern touches, achieving a sophisticated yet contemporary aesthetic. The previously mentioned Imperial Kitchen, however, is located in a separate building adjacent to the restaurant, which, by comparison, presents a noticeable contrast.
The imperial kitchen, which should have been grand and sophisticated, turned out to be rather humble and unremarkable after the comparison. Though featuring a single-story design with a high-ceilinged layout, it appeared somewhat low-key. Despite its modern central kitchen exterior, it lacked distinctive features and looked rather ordinary. While the equipment seemed impressive, the absence of comparison made it hard to appreciate its value.
So tonights home dinner, on the second floor of the restaurant, was the most luxurious place--so exquisite and luxurious that Ah Jun was stunned.
After all, the child is from a small place, and it is natural that he has not seen it--of course, this is the opinion that the little princess will surely express!
However, when Ajun and his party arrived, the capricious little princess and the flower protector Yuwen Lu were not there yet--strange, shouldnt they have come long ago?
-Well... thats good, otherwise Ah Jun will be dissed again.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, come!"
After a while, with a message from the civil servant, the two great men arrived at the banquet hall in their finest clothes, hand in hand, slowly. The queen was still as beautiful as ever, but only with a serious look on her face.
— Could it be that Her Majesty still holds a grudge against me for my tardiness? Or perhaps she harbors some resentment because Ive passed the trials while her daughter hasnt? If so, did she also face punishment for not coming?
Well! Ah Juns concern wasnt unfounded. After all, the child had been sensitive since childhood, and the aunts complexion was indeed not very good. Combined with all the information, the probability was still high.
Fortunately, the Emperor was a man of discernment, always wearing a warm smile and showing no airs. He invited the children to sit down and chatted with Ah Jun to distract him. The approach worked wonders—soon, Ah Jun was freed from his worries, though he remained somewhat puzzled.
"Um? Uncle Li, dont you want to eat with me? Sit down..."
"Well... thats not right. These two positions are for the princess and the heir..."
Why dont we add one more? Its so spacious, and theres so much food!
" cough ..."
Hehe, thank you, Young Master Xiao Jun, for your concern. We have our own working meals, which are quite good. And thanks to you, Young Master Xiao Jun and everyone, we even had an extra snack today. We cant waste it!
"Snack—Uncle Li, it cant be that old Southern-style chicken leg again... Hey, youre so old-fashioned..."
"Xiao Xi... Well, the chicken leg isnt very good. I was about to eat it, haha!"
"Well... is that so? Do you want me to leave you one?"
"Ah, yes! Uncle Li, three more... Ah, this old flavor, I havent had it in ages, I miss it so much—Ning er, let me tell you, that..."
"keke..."
"Well, I understand. Well, then, I will leave!"