Chu Wenzong very much wanted to say that Jiang Yourning had asked an excellent question, but as emperor, he still had to keep the occasion under control.
"At this time of year, fish are at their freshest and most delicious. With General Zheng returning to court today, I have specially arranged this all-fish banquet so that all my beloved ministers may celebrate together!"
As he spoke, Chu Wenzong raised the wine before him.
"My beloved ministers, drink this cup with me!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The assembled ministers raised their cups in salute.
Once the dancing girls entered, Chu Wenzong calmly used his chopsticks to pick up a little sauce-coated air from the fish and put it into his mouth. Smiling, he watched the ministers begin their meal.
Although the ministers at the banquet were somewhat surprised, they still began eating.
Except... Jiang Yourning and Little Wukong, who had already been fed until they were stuffed, and Xie Ciyan, who had eaten so many brains lately that the sight of a fish head made him want to vomit.
"Minister Xie, why aren't you eating? Is today's all-fish banquet not to your liking?"
Chu Wenzong first turned his smiling gaze toward Xie Ciyan, who had quietly shifted his stool more than a meter away from the square table and looked decidedly unwell.
He had heard that his dear nephew had been eating brains every day lately, with fish brains making up most of them.
As his uncle by marriage, he ought to show a little extra concern.
With everyone's eyes falling on him, Xie Ciyan, who was all too familiar with His Majesty's smiling-tiger manner, immediately explained, "Your Majesty, I merely felt a little warm. This all-fish banquet is quite to my liking."
"Oh? I see." Chu Wenzong nodded with a