Only after the two sat down did he slowly speak, turning his gaze back to Zhu Zhuqing:
"Have you been well all these years away?"
Those simple words instantly made Zhu Zhuqing's nose sting. She sniffed, her voice slightly nasal:
"Yes, very well. Brother Su Yu has been taking care of me."
At the mention of Su Yu, she instinctively looked at the man beside her, unable to hide the dependence in her eyes.
Zhu Mingyuan took in the scene, his gaze shifting slightly. He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table and instructed someone outside the door:
"Bring some pastries and tea."
Before long, a maid stepped lightly inside with tea and pastries and set the tray on the table.
Several small, delicately shaped pastries sat on an exquisite white porcelain plate. They were the coconut crisps Zhu Zhuqing had loved most as a child.
"Here, try these."
Zhu Mingyuan reached out and pushed the plate toward Zhu Zhuqing, his gaze softening considerably.
"I remember how you always pestered your sister in the kitchen for these when you were little. You could eat several at a time."
Looking at the familiar pastries, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes reddened further. She lowered her head, picked one up, and ate it in small bites.
The sweet, soft flavor melted on her tongue, carrying a warmth she had not felt in a long time, yet it only made her nose sting more.
Watching his daughter, Zhu Mingyuan fell silent for a moment, then picked up the teapot and poured a cup each for Su Yu and himself.
He lifted his teacup but did not drink. His gaze settled on Su Yu, and his tone regained some of its composure:
"Your Highness the Holy Son."
Knowing they had reached the main topic, Su Yu set