Life and death were always rather weighty subjects, but none of those present were ordinary people, nor were they narrow-minded. They could laugh anything off.
As they chatted and laughed, the fragrance from the kitchen grew richer, and the sky grew darker. Yi Baokang's strong, resonant voice came from that direction.
"Brother, tell our honored guests we're about ready to eat-"
Yi Shuyuan glanced outside the sitting room door and called back, "All right!" Then he turned to the others with a smile.
"Since you're here, let your host make the arrangements. There's little worth serving guests out here in rural West River Village, so I hope you won't mind!"
"I've been waiting for this meal! I seldom travel, so I know little about such things. What dishes will you be treating us to today, sir?"
The emperor rubbed his hands, looking rather eager.
The journey by boat and carriage had been tiring, and they had hurried straight to West River Village without pausing after reaching Yuanjiang County. In fact, the wafts of fragrance earlier had already awakened quite a few appetites.
"A freshly slaughtered pork feast, fragrant and piping hot. Please come to the Dining Hall."
"A pork feast? Yuanshang, have you ever had one?"
The emperor claimed to know little, but he paid close attention to the people's livelihoods. He had actually heard of such meals, though he had never seen or eaten one.
"Hahahaha! I've had that good fortune. The beauty of a pork feast lies in its freshness and warmth, and there are many ways to enjoy it. Here in Mr. Yi's home, it's sure to have a special flavor of its own. We're in for a real treat today!"
They rose one after another and followed Yi Shuyuan to the Dining Hall, chatting and laughing.