CHAPTER 47: A FEAST AND A VERBAL BATTLE

Tianqin Restaurant was truly lived up to its reputation as one of Beirong Kingdom’s finest restaurants.

In less than the time it took for one stick of incense to burn, the entire table was filled with steaming and fragrant dishes.

Not only were the famous signature dishes served, but also several of Yue Mingxuan’s favorite meat dishes.

Having not eaten since morning, Yue Mingxuan didn’t care at all about etiquette or royal presence.

Completely ignoring the princes and princesses around him, he joyfully threw himself into the delicious battle with food and savoring every bite as though nothing else in the world mattered.

"Tsk, tsk, just look at him, he looked like he’s never eaten before. How vulgar." Rong Yuelin covered her mouth with her hand and turned to whisper to Xie Lianhua. "It’s embarrassing to even sit at the same table as him."

Xie Lianhua straightened her posture and delicately dabbed the corner of her lips with a silk handkerchief, though she had barely touched anything, not even her tea.

In order to maintain her graceful image in front of her beloved Rong Tieshan, she forced herself to move slowly and elegantly, every gesture perfectly calculated.

Rong Tieshan who is chatting with Shang Qinghua about politics and state affairs couldn’t help glancing occasionally at Yue Mingxuan who was focused entirely on eating.

When Yue Mingxuan had once been his fiancée, he had failed to fulfill his duty toward him, no wonder Yue Mingxuan had ended up living such a hard life.

A pang of guilt quietly grew in Rong Tieshan’s heart.

Shang Qinghua, on the other hand, was a little surprised as he watched Yue Mingxuan.

Every time they met, this person showed him a new side. He’s clever, quick witted, skilled in medicine, and now, clearly a devoted lover of food.

So many sides to him... Which one was the real Yue Mingxuan?

Shang Qinghua’s curious gaze did not escape Rong Yuelin’s notice.

Immediately, she smiled sweetly and said in a playful tone, "Fourth Brother probably doesn’t know him, right? He’s the Fifth Prince Yue Mingxuan, the one who caused such a stir in the city recently."

Her tone grew increasingly intimate and the formal "Fourth Prince" quickly became "Fourth Brother."

Anyone listening might even think Shang Qinghua was a member of the beirong royal family.

Shang Qinghua gave Yue Mingxuan a casual glance.

However, Yue Mingxuan acted as though he hadn’t heard a thing and continuing to eat calmly and gracefully.

The air grew slightly tense and awkward.

Yue Mingxuan’s deliberate indifference made Rong Yuelin furious, but before she could explode, Xie Lianhua gently pulled her sleeve and said softly, "Sister Yuelin, Prince Yue is here for the first time. It’s understandable that he’s a little curious and forgot some manners."

By now, Yue Mingxuan had finished eating.

He took a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped his mouth slowly. Then, in a cool voice, he said, "Xie Lianhua, spare me your act. It’s disgusting. I just managed to eat a full meal, I don’t want to throw it back up."

Xie Lianhua froze and completely stunned that Yue Mingxuan dared to speak to her so bluntly.

She clenched her hands tightly under the table, her nails digging into her palms, but since Rong Tieshan was present, she didn’t dare to lash out.

"Prince Rong, I... I didn’t mean it like that," she said tearfully, her usual trick of acting pitiful in full display.

Her eyes shimmered as if tears would fall at any second.

It was a move that usually melted men’s hearts but to Yue Mingxuan, it was enough to ruin his appetite.

Seeing Xie Lianhua’s pitiful look, Rong Yuelin immediately spoke up in anger, "Yue Mingxuan, don’t go too far! Sister Lianhua was helping you explain things and this is how you repay her? You really don’t know good from bad!"

Yue Mingxuan shot her a cold look.

Was intelligence in the beirong royal family reserved only for the men? Because this princess, from head to toe, looked like a complete fool.

"I didn’t see a dog," he said lazily, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I did see a fly buzzing around nonstop and ruining my meal."

When it came to verbal sparring, Yue Mingxuan was never one to lose.

Rong Tieshan quickly realized the tension in the air and tried to smooth things over.

"Alright, alright, let’s not take things too seriously, it’s all just joking around. Prince Shang, allow me to toast you." He lifted his cup and downed the wine in one go.

Shang Qinghua said nothing, he just raised his own cup and followed suit.

Yue Mingxuan frowned slightly as he watched him drink.

The poison in Shang Qinghua’s body hadn’t been fully cured yet. For him, alcohol was almost the same as poison.

Shang Qinghua noticed the worried look in Yue Mingxuan’s eyes but pretended not to.

Instead, he turned his attention back to Rong Tieshan and effortlessly steering the conversation to distant lands and court matters, while Yue Mingxuan sat silently, suppressing the growing unease in his chest.

After Yue Mingxuan had eaten his fill, drowsiness slowly crept over him.

The warm sunlight streamed into the private room and his eyelids began to droop.

He looked like a lazy cat basking in the sun.

Shang Qinghua glanced at him and the sight reminded him of how peacefully he had slept the night before.

For a brief moment, his heart stirred with an unfamiliar warmth.

Rong Tieshan also noticed Yue Mingxuan’s sleepy look and decided to end this accidental meal gathering early.

"Prince Yue," Rong Tieshan said carefully, choosing his words with formality, "I had hoped to speak with you a bit longer, but I have official matters to attend to today. I’ll be sure to visit you another day. Meeting you today has truly been enlightening. I hope you can give me more guidance in the future."

Shang Qinghua was far too clever not to see through him.