The weather has become chilly due to the rainy season and the upcoming winter.
Lingxi went to the kitchen to make some wontons. The Chef, Zhou Liqin was busy cleaning up when she arrived.
He greeted her, "your highness"
"Chef Zhou, there is no need for formalities", Lingxi smiled and went on to get the flour but he stopped her.
"Your highness, if you need anything, just let me know. I can't make you work while I'm around", he was beginning to think his breakfast was not up to par and he must have made a mistake.
Lingxi read his thoughts, "don't worry, I just want to make some wontons"
"That won't do. You are the lady of Channing Palace. How can you do these menial tasks? Leave them to me", he said taking the flour from her hand and setting it down.
Lingxi watched him for a while.
"How about this? You prepare the ingredients and I'll make the wontons myself", Lingxi suggested.
Zhou Liqin hesitated, "but....."
"I want to personally make them for my father", she explained.
"Okay, I'll prepare the ingredients", he agreed and started washing and chopping the required ingredients while Lingxi wore an apron and went on to knead the dough.
[The Palace]
"Your majesty, I have a case to report", Minister Gu stepped forward.
"Go on", He Jingcheng gave his permission.
"Now that Li Changsheng has fallen, the Minister of Revenue position remains vacant", he reported.
"Who do you think is suitable for the position?" He Jingcheng asked.
"The imperial exams are coming up. I suggest waiting for a suitable candidate to take over", he said.
His words attracted murmurs from all sides.
"What happened to the Vice Minister of Revenue? Why can't he take over?" He Jingcheng asked.
"Vice Minister Cui is still young. I'm afraid he won't be suitable to carry out this responsibility"
Some officials nodded in agreement while some were still opposing.
He Yu stepped forward, "Your majesty, I have something to say"
"What does Imperial Uncle have to say?" He Jingcheng asked.
"Vice Minister Cui has a clean record and has carried out his responsibilities dutifully. I remember Li Changsheng had once praised his talents", He Yu said.
"Li Changsheng was a traitorous official. How can his words still have any standing?" Minister Gu said.
He Yu coughed lightly and Gu Wenlan seemed to remember he was speaking to a frail grand prince. He carefully stepped back into position.
He Jingcheng studied He Yu's pale skin for a minute, "is Uncle feeling unwell?"
He Yu slowly removed his hand from his covered mouth and took a breath, "just the usual cold, it's nothing much"
"If Imperial Uncle is unwell, there is no need to come to court every day. Put your health first", he said.
He Yu gave a silent acknowledgement to his words.
"Imperial Uncle has supported Vice Minister Cui, is there any other candidate?" He Jingcheng asked.
Mo Qinshan stepped forward, "Your majesty, I have something to say", he said.
"Speak"
"As far as the Censorate is concerned, there are no records of improper conduct regarding Vice Minister Cui. I firmly believe that he is very suitable to carry out the responsibilities in the ministry of revenue"
Everyone nodded. The Censor-in-Chief of the Imperial Censorate had spoken. Who dared to go against him?
"It's settled then. I'll send the edict conferring Vice Minister Cui as the Minister of Revenue", He Jingcheng said in a closing tone.
"Your majesty, I have something to report", Minister Wang, the Minister of Rites, said.
"Go on"
"The wedding arrangement between the Duke Su and the imperial family is around the corner. I implore your majesty to send officials to invite the Commandary Princess to the capital for the wedding", he reported.
"Commandary Princess Anning has indeed come of age. He Rui", he called.
"Yes, father?" He Rui answered with a bow.
"Arrange the escort for Commandary Princess Anning", He Jingcheng ordered.
"Yes, father"
[Channing Palace]
Lingxi opened the basket when the wontons were ready. The steam from the basket filled the air.
"Your highness, they look amazing", Zhou Liqin commented truly impressed.
Lingxi smiled as she served some in the meal box. The broth was gently simmering in the fire. She served some into the box along with the wontons.
"Your highness, are you packing this for His Highness?" Xin Lan asked.
"No, it's for my father"
"Father? You mean Censor Mo?" Lingxi nodded, "he hardly eats before court. I would like to give this to him".
She passed the meal box to her.
"Let's go"Lingxi left Channing Palace accompanied by Xin Xie and Xin Lan who were behind her and both sides. Qin Yan, on the other hand, was slightly far apart, within three paces, on her right side.
"Your highness, are we going to wait here?" Xin Lan asked.
They were standing outside the main palace but by a side walkway. Lingxi did not answer but in a few minutes, several officials were coming out of the hall. They were speaking among themselves in whispers.
Of course, some were wondering how the emperor had issued the edict sentencing the Li family with such urgency.
Others were wondering why Gu Wenlan wanted to oppose Vice Minister Cui from being promoted.
Yet, some wondered if Mo Qinshan and He Yu were working together.
Lingxi sighted her father walking down the steps. She lifted her hand to catch his attention. Mo Qinshan saw her and hurried down the steps.
He Yu had also stepped out and saw her but He Yan stopped him to exchange pleasantries.
Lingxi smiled as Mo Qinshan approached her, "father", she called.
Mo Qinshan bowed but Lingxi stopped him halfway, "there is no need for such formalities between us"
Mo Qinshan scanned his daughter he had not seen for a month, "you look bright. It seems His Highness has been taking good care of you"
Lingxi smiled, "do you think he did a better job than you?"
"He should. If he ever makes you suffer, tell me. I will stand up for you"
"Will Father go against the grand prince for my sake?" Lingxi asked.
"Of course, if he dares hurt you, I'll take you back home and teach him a lesson", Mo Qinshan joked but they both knew he was serious.
"It seems my father-in-law is planning to teach me a lesson. I wonder what my offense is", they heard He Yu's voice.
Mo Qinshan turned to see him. He gave a bow but He Yu bowed in return.
"Your highness, your action goes against etiquette", Mo Qinshan stopped him.
"You're my wife's father so you are my father too. It's only right to show my respect", He Yu said with his usual gentle smile.
It was then that Mo Qinshan noticed their outfits. Lingxi was wearing a flowing black hanfu embroidered with silver cranes and drifting clouds while He Yu's outfit was black as well with matching designs. They truly felt like a pair.
"Father", Lingxi called his attention back to her as she took the meal box from Xin Lan, "you hardly eat before court. I made this for you", she said handing it to him.
They were both smiling at each other with affection in their eyes and He Yu could not help but feel a bit jealous as his eyes fell on the meal box.