The slender figure named Zhao Shijiu was also a member of the Hidden Guard. Despite looking frail and delicate, in reality, he was an expert assassin and knowledgeable in pharmacology. This was the main reason the Emperor sent him here.
Nan Jin Yu initially wanted to refuse, but upon hearing about a skilled cook, the words of rejection got stuck in his throat, turning into a nod.
Zhao Shijiu was very perceptive. Upon seeing the peaches on the table, he immediately went over to check them.
After examining them for a while, he handed one to Nan Jin Yu, "These peaches are quite good, Master. I have already checked them; they’re not poisoned. Would you like to try one?"
Nan Jin Yu cast a sidelong glance at him with a look of disdain in his eyes, maneuvered his wheelchair around him, went to the table, and picked up an untouched peach.
As soon as the peach was in his hand, the image of the thin little girl resurfaced in his mind.
Though poorly dressed, she had a charming appearance for her young age. Her sweet smile unconsciously made one want to melt into it, lifting one’s spirits.
Most importantly, he didn’t dislike it.
He lifted the peach to his mouth and took a bite. The crisp sound accompanied the juicy peach as its sweetness filled his taste buds, bringing him complete delight.
Crunch, crunch, the peach quickly ended up in his stomach.
There were still a few left on the plate, and he wanted more, but the peach was so large that one was already filling.
Usually very self-controlled, Nan Jin Yu suddenly felt his own lapse and quickly looked away.
The sound of swallowing came, and when Nan Jin Yu turned back, he saw Zhao Shijiu staring at him and the peach in his hand. Thɪs chapter is updated by NovᴇlFir(e).nᴇt
Disdainfully, Nan Jin Yu shifted his gaze, his brows tightly furrowed, "What? Has the Emperor not fed you all properly?"
"Not exactly." Zhao Shijiu licked his lips and played pitiful, "But since coming here from the capital, we’ve been on the road for days without a proper meal. Also, I’ve heard you’re pretty knowledgeable about food, so anything you find tasty must be extraordinary."
"Fine, if you want to eat, just help yourself. Stay hidden for the time being, and don’t show yourselves without my command."
"Understood." Zhao Shijiu was overjoyed.
He took a bite, the deliciousness narrowing his eyes.
He picked another one from the table and handed it to Zhao Qi, "Qi, you should try this. It tastes really good."
He couldn’t resist taking another crunchy bite as he spoke.
Zhao Qi looked at him with disdain, "I don’t have the guts like yours, coveting the Master’s things. Don’t forget, we’re here to protect the Master, not to steal his stuff."
Zhao Shijiu gave an awkward laugh, "It’s just that we were starved over the journey, and besides, the Master rejected the one I touched. I promise I won’t do it again."
While they were whispering, Zhao Qi turned to see Nan Jin Yu clutching the armrest tightly, his brow knitted as if suppressing something.
"Master, are you unwell?" Zhao Qi quickly stepped forward to ask, while Zhao Shijiu also became nervous and hurried forward to examine.
"Master, Shijiu is skilled in medicine. Let him take a look at you quickly."
After Zhao Qi finished speaking, Zhao Shijiu took Nan Jin Yu’s pulse and examined his legs.
"How is it? Is the Master in danger?" Zhao Qi asked hurriedly.
"It’s good and bad news." Zhao Shijiu said seriously, "The Master feels uncomfortable because the toxins in his leg are acting up. However, I’m not sure what’s causing it. Let me use acupuncture to suppress the toxins again."