Gluttonous Crown Princess - Chapter 30.2

“Y-Your Highness, are you a bit drunk?”

Her voice quivered unintentionally, like a feather grazing the tip of his heart.

Pei Yan’s deep pupils flashed with a hidden light; his long lashes drooped slightly as he said softly, “Mhm, perhaps.”

Tao Ti looked at him. The surroundings were quiet, with the occasional sound of insects chirping in late spring.

“Your Highness, why did you… suddenly come over? I thought you’d spend tonight in Zixiao Hall,” she asked softly. Her gaze swept lightly over his hand, which was still holding her sleeve. Her mind was a bit muddled. He… He’s drunk, right? That’s why he’s acting so dependent right now.

Just like the Sixth Princess, who loved to pull on her sleeve and call her sister-in-law sweetly and obediently.

Pei Yan gazed at her and said slowly, “I heard that you sent someone to Zixiao Hall to invite me, so I thought you might have something to discuss with me.”

Tao Ti blinked, thinking he was truly amazing. She nodded her little head and said, “I do have something I want to ask Your Highness.”

“Mhm?”

“It’s not a big deal, really. I heard from Xiao Wu today about Prince Yu’s 80th birthday celebration…” Tao Ti looked up at him as she spoke, her bright eyes glinting in the candlelight. “Do I also have to go?”

“Do you want to go?” Pei Yan looked at her and paused before adding, “If you don’t enjoy such gatherings, you don’t have to force yourself.”

Tao Ti pursed her lips and pondered.

In her past life, couples usually attended social events together. If someone went alone, people would inevitably speculate if there were problems in their relationship.

Although she wasn’t sure about the rules of ancient royal families, as a junior and a new bride, she should go to congratulate the respected elder, Prince Yu. Right?

As she pondered, she heard Pei Yan’s deep and warm voice, “I hope you can accompany me.”

A trace of surprise flashed in Tao Ti’s eyes as she lifted her head and met his deep and captivating black pupils.

In that single glance, there was an expectation and tenderness that made her heart race.

The look in his eyes was so irresistible that it felt like refusing him would be committing a grave sin.

Tao Ti nervously squeezed her fingers and nodded dazedly, “Alright.”

Pei Yan’s lips curled up slightly into a gentle smile.

—————

After bathing, Pei Yan went to bed first, but Tao Ti didn’t immediately go to sleep. Instead, she went to the small kitchen and scooped a bowl of century egg and lean meat porridge.

The porridge was made by simmering chicken bones to create a rich broth. Rice that had been soaked beforehand was added to the pot and boiled over high heat. It needed to be stirred occasionally to achieve the desired creamy consistency. Once the rice was cooked, diced century eggs and lean meat were added, and the heat was reduced to simmer slowly.

The aroma of porridge wasn’t as strong as other foods, but as it simmered, the fragrance seemed to grow wings and wafted toward her nose, evoking memories of the warm, soft, and flavourful taste.

Before serving, a pinch of salt was added, and a few drops of sesame oil were drizzled on top. It was then stirred with a spoon, blending the flavours of the tender rice with the savoury chicken broth. The steamy scent filled the air, tantalizing the senses.

Under the moonlight, she held the steaming, thick, and fragrant porridge, eating mouthful after mouthful.

The rice was soft but not mushy, the century egg had a unique savoury flavour, and the lean meat was tender and smooth. After thorough mixing, the flavour of the three ingredients merged perfectly, creating a thick and rich consistency with exceptional deliciousness. After finishing a bowl of porridge, her stomach was warm, dispelling all emptiness and worries.

Tao Ti put down the empty bowl, feeling utterly contented, both physically and mentally. She told Linglong and Fu Xirui, “There’s still some left in the pot. If you get hungry during the night, feel free to help yourselves.”

Linglong and Fu Xirui were both surprised, and hastily thanked her.

After rinsing her mouth, Tao Ti returned to the room to go to bed.

Pei Yan should be fast asleep by now, she thought as she carefully approached the bed.

She lifted a corner of the bedcurtains, and in the dim light, she could see Pei Yan’s sleeping figure. Her movements automatically became even lighter as she carefully crawled into the bed from the foot of the bed.

The blanket near his side was warm; she lay down gently, and her nose filled with Pei Yan’s faint fragrance.

Somehow, her mind kept replaying his words, “I hope you can accompany me.”

The expression and tone with which he said it were so sincere and genuine…

It… was as it he was making a promise of some sort.

No, what was she thinking?! He was just talking about going to Prince Yu’s residence together!

Closing her eyes, Tao Ti decided not to dwell on these messy thoughts and just go to sleep.

Before long, she was in a deep slumber.

Hearing her even breaths beside him, Pei Yan slowly turned and looked at her with calm eyes.

He kind of missed the feeling of holding her while sleeping.

It was soft, fragrant, and very comfortable.

He wanted to—really wanted to.

And after a moment, that’s what he did.

He reached out his long arm and effortlessly pulled her soft body into his embrace.

At first, the young maiden, still half asleep, grumbled a bit at being moved, her little head nuzzling against his sturdy chest.

But soon, she found a comfortable position in the warm and fragrant embrace and slept peacefully.

Pei Yan watched her go through these motions, a slight smile playing on his lips. He gently brushed his chin against her forehead and closed his eyes, holding her in his arms.

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