Emperor Jingxuan was magnanimous.

He pretended not to hear and had no intention of arguing with a weakling.

At lunchtime, he was invited to stay and dine together.

Unable to decline such warm hospitality and bearing the responsibility of escorting them, he had no choice but to accept.

The midday meal had been pre-ordered from Tianxiang Lou, the finest restaurant in the capital, and was delivered promptly at the appointed time.

The round table in the Cen family’s main hall was laden with exquisite dishes, their aroma so enticing that even the neighbor’s child was drooling with envy.

Among them, only one dish—the fish—had been personally prepared by Lin Xiu, using the very fish Cen Yuanzhou had brought home earlier.

Lin Xiu, her expression gentle and kind, used clean serving chopsticks to place a piece of tender fish belly into Yun Wan’s bowl, smiling warmly. "A-Wan, try this. It’s the sweet and sour fish you used to love. Tell me if my cooking’s still the same?"

Not yet fifty, her temples had already turned gray, and fine wrinkles framed her eyes after her husband’s passing and her own bout of illness. Yet her kind-hearted nature shone through her features.

Yun Wan took a bite, her eyes softening with nostalgia. "Even though it’s been so long since I last tasted your fish, the flavor is exactly as I remember. Delicious!"

Lin Xiu’s smile deepened. "If you like it, eat more. Next time you visit, I’ll make sea bass and yellow croaker for you—though I wonder if the fish in the capital tastes the same as in Yangzhou?"

Different lands nurture different flavors, even in fish.

After her mother’s death, Yun Wan had spent some time in Yangzhou under her uncle’s care. Back then, she had adored Lin Xiu’s fish, especially the belly meat for its lack of fine bones.

Lin Xiu had always reserved that portion just for her.

Yun Wan’s eyes curved happily. "With your skills, any fish you cook would be wonderful."

The sweet words melted Lin Xiu’s heart, her laughter crinkling her eyes into slits. She turned to her son teasingly, "Look at A-Wan, her words are like honey! Always knows how to charm me."

Cen Yuanzhou was used to it—whenever his cousin was around, he became insignificant.

Meanwhile, Emperor Jingxuan, quietly eating his meal, felt a smug satisfaction. No one could resist his wife’s sweet talk.

If she set her mind to it, even the coldest heart would soften.

Noticing Yun Wan reaching for a dish farther away, Emperor Jingxuan instinctively moved to assist—

But Cen Yuanzhou, catching the motion out of the corner of his eye, abruptly stood up, snatched the plate, and set it before Yun Wan.

The sudden movement startled everyone, as if he’d been struck by a sudden madness.

Yun Wan: "...Thank you, cousin."

Emperor Jingxuan’s face darkened, beaten to the punch.

Later, when Yun Wan reached for water—

"Cousin, thirsty? Let me pour tea for you."

Cen Yuanzhou sprang up again, swiftly filling her cup, leaving no room for anyone else to intervene.

Emperor Jingxuan: .........His fists clenched.

His temples throbbed, veins bulging.

Cousins were nothing but trouble—always in the way.

Cen Yuanzhou felt the weight of a piercing glare but straightened his back defiantly.

A scholar’s pride knew no fear of authority.

Yun Wan glanced between the two, sighing inwardly. Her cousin had misunderstood entirely.

And it was her husband’s fault for disguising himself in the first place.

Lin Xiu smacked her son’s arm, scowling. "What’s gotten into you? Sit down and eat properly."

A grown man acting so strangely!

Cen Yuanzhou swallowed his grievances, crying injustice in his heart.

Emperor Jingxuan smirked.

The Cen household had no rule against talking during meals. After scolding her son, Lin Xiu turned to Yun Wan, her eyes brimming with affection. "Seeing you in good health and spirits puts my heart at ease. If only your mother and uncle were still here—they’d be so happy for you."

Her voice wavered, regret heavy in her sigh.

"That’s why you must take care of yourself, Auntie."

Yun Wan placed a tender braised pork rib on her plate, soothing her gently. "You’ll see Cousin pass the imperial exams, marry, and raise a family. Your later years will be filled with joy and peace."

Lin Xiu’s sorrow eased slightly, but she murmured, "Still, your uncle carried so much guilt—for your mother’s marriage to the Yun Family, and for your own wedding to a man on death’s door..."

He ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‍had watched helplessly as his sister fell ill and passed, then as his niece was left a widow.

Yun Wan squeezed her hand. "Auntie, don’t say such things. Having you as family is more than I could ask for."

Many said she was fated to be alone, but the love of these few relatives was enough.

She knew the truth—after Lu Fenglan’s death, her uncle had written repeatedly to the Yun Family, demanding they bring her home.

He’d even bought boat tickets, ready to storm the capital and drag her out of the Lu household by force if needed.

If the Yun Family refused to take in a widow, he’d bring her back to Yangzhou himself.

But fate was cruel. Before he could depart, illness struck him down.

At the time, Yun Wan could barely protect herself, let alone leave the Lu estate. All she could do was send money and medicine.

Mention of her uncle cast a pall over the table.

Emperor Jingxuan’s chest tightened uncomfortably.

By rights, this was private family matter—yet he listened without qualms, and no one minded his presence.

The Yun Family. The Lu Family.

He repeated the names silently, his expression unreadable.

It was time to purge some vermin from the court.

Cen Yuanzhou broke the silence. "Mother, what’s done is done. Today’s a happy reunion—let’s not dwell on sorrow."

Yun Wan handed Lin Xiu a handkerchief. "Yes, Auntie. Our family’s safety and health are blessings enough."

Emperor Jingxuan nodded in agreement. Family, safe and sound.

Cen Yuanzhou frowned. What was this man thinking? He wasn’t part of their family.

Meeting the other’s gaze, he forced a polite smile. "Commander Wei, is the food to your liking?"

Glancing at the dishes he’d ordered, Emperor Jingxuan replied mildly, "Your aunt’s fish is excellent."

Aunt? Since when?

Cen Yuanzhou’s smile stiffened as he screamed internally.

Powerless as he was, offending the Imperial Guard Commander was unwise.

The thought only fueled his ambition.

Once he passed the imperial exams and rose in rank, his first act would be to denounce this man before the Emperor!

His resolve hardened, though his face betrayed nothing.