The music of strings and bamboo instruments flowed sweetly as the dancers swayed their slender waists.
Yet the atmosphere at the banquet was downright strange.
Every guest sat on pins and needles.
Only the emperor, seated in the place of honor, seemed completely unaware.
"Don't be so reserved."
He smiled at the young woman beside him, his gaze settling on a plate of delicate pastries.
"I remember King Jing keeps a chef from Gusu at his mansion. His Glazed Pastry is the most authentic around—even the imperial chefs in the palace can't quite match his skill."
"Go on, try one."
The emperor reached out and personally pushed the plate toward Jiang Yuechu.
"When I'm in the palace and get a craving for one, I have to wait for King Jing to be in the mood."
The words sounded like a joke, but Li Jingran broke into a cold sweat.
Was the emperor warning him?
Or hinting at something?
He hurriedly bowed. "You have an excellent memory, Imperial Brother. It is indeed Master Zhang from Gusu."
"These pastries are made with lotus stamens freshly harvested this year, honey, and morning dew. They have to be steamed for three whole hours to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture without being overly sweet."
As he spoke, he glanced cautiously at Jiang Yuechu, his tone tinged with flattery.
"I wonder what flavors Inspector Jiang usually prefers. If you find them too bland or too rich, just say the word. This King will have someone bring out something else at once!"
A dignified prince was acting like an obsequious waiter.
The expressions on the guests' faces were even more colorful.
Jiang Yuechu lowered her eyes to the delicate pastry before her.
She had no interest in the undercurrents between the brothers.
But since the emperor had offered...