For a while afterward, things went more or less as Ning Rongrong had predicted.
The teachers and students from the various academies, especially those from commoner backgrounds, were overjoyed when Xue Qinghe personally brought them food and wine.
"The Crown Prince actually brought us food and wine himself!"
"Oh my god, this is the first time in my life someone as important as the Crown Prince has personally hosted me!"
"The Crown Prince is so down-to-earth! This is so moving!"
Similar exclamations rang out from one camp to another.
By afternoon,
bonfires had been lit throughout the uneven rows of camps.
Flames leapt as marinated cuts of meat were placed over the coals to roast.
Fat dripped onto the coals with a sizzling sound, filling the air with an irresistible aroma.
The Dao Seeking Academy's camp was no exception.
Zhu Zhuqing had already caught plenty of fish, shrimp, and crabs, and was now resting beside the bonfire.
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong were in charge of turning the lamb and venison on the grill, brushing them with sauce every so often.
Dugu Yan was setting out the tableware, while Ye Lingling helped nearby.
Zhao Linchuan shaved the Bitter Bamboo he had chopped into skewers, threaded the marinated meat onto them, and set them beside the bonfire to roast slowly.
Smoke curled upward as laughter rang out.
Just then, Xue Qinghe came over with two guards.
"Did you save any dinner for Qinghe?" he asked warmly, his gaze sweeping over the sizzling, glistening skewers on the grill, his eyes full of amusement.
"Don't worry, there's definitely a portion for you."
Zhao Linchuan nodded toward Ning Rongrong beside him. "Go tell your Crown Prince brother about your idea."
"What idea?"
Xue Qinghe came over and rolled up his sleeves without the least