The Emperor of Xiyun’s living quarters were called Jun Palace. Just as An Jing and Xiao Changyi arrived at the entrance of Jun Palace in their carriage, before they had even alighted, they saw the Emperor emerging from the Jun Palace with a most unpleased expression, followed by a group of eunuchs and palace maids who were bowing and showing signs of great fear.
An Jing felt somewhat perplexed, not understanding what had upset the Emperor.
However, as soon as the Emperor’s gaze fell upon Xiao Changyi at the entrance of Jun Palace, his displeased expression instantly turned cheerful. With a broad smile, he said, "Yi Er, why have you arrived so late? I was about to go to Fenghua Palace to look for you."
Upon hearing these words from the Emperor, An Jing realized the reason for his displeasure and found it quite amusing.
Xiao Changyi ignored the Emperor, helping An Jing to descend from the carriage.
The Emperor didn’t come down the steps but stood atop them, cheerfully saying, "You promised me two hours, but now four hours have passed, and I’ve only just seen you. Tomorrow, I must find you for one more extra hour."
Xiao Changyi still ignored the Emperor, leading An Jing up the steps. Meanwhile, An Jing sweetly called out to the Emperor, "Imperial Father."
The Emperor responded, and again he cheerfully continued speaking to Xiao Changyi, "Actually, Chengyu was supposed to join us for dinner, but knowing how much you dislike him, I didn’t allow him to come."
Xiao Changyi finally spoke up, "I dislike you, too."
The Emperor fell silent for a moment, continuing to walk with Xiao Changyi and her towards the Jun Palace. With dissatisfaction, he said, "I am the Emperor, how can you be annoyed by me?"
Xiao Changyi let out a snort, "Why, can’t I?"
The Emperor replied, "It’s not that you can’t, but even if you are annoyed, you shouldn’t say it out loud. Just keep it in your heart."
An Jing: "..." What kind of logic is this?
The Emperor continued, "If you don’t say it out loud, I can pretend to know nothing and believe that you aren’t annoyed with me."
An Jing: "..." Emperor, is it really okay for you to deceive yourself like that?
Then, the Emperor threatened, "Don’t say it out loud again in the future, or I will cry and cling to your legs just like I used to. Let’s see if you dare to say it again then."
An Jing: "..." So the stories her husband had told her about the Emperor making a scene crying were true...
Xiao Changyi looked at the Emperor with a gaze full of disdain. This old man always used the same trick to threaten him!
The food served to the Emperor was already top-notch, and now with his beloved foster son’s return, the Emperor had the Imperial Kitchen prepare a feast of exquisite delicacies, which An Jing deemed wasteful.
The three of them couldn’t possibly finish a table full of dishes.
The table was originally much bigger, but considering that his beloved foster son always disliked such pomp and circumstance, he generally spared him whatever he could. Therefore, the Emperor hadn’t been overly formal and had only arranged for a moderately-sized round table.
With many dishes on the table, An Jing sat in front of it unsure of what to pick, as she wasn’t fussy with food. Eventually, she decided to eat whatever was closest, starting with the dish nearest to her.
Of course, she also served Xiao Changyi quite a few dishes first.
Xiao Changyi was also willing to serve An Jing, but when he reached out with the chopsticks to pick up the first piece, which was a slice of abalone, for An Jing, the Emperor noticed and was initially taken aback. Soon after, he silently pushed his own bowl towards Xiao Changyi, the meaning clear: he wanted Xiao Changyi to serve him as well.