In Zhong Yangming's impression, Liu Yan was the most accomplished subordinate under his wife's command.

She was a strong woman deeply trusted by the Emperor, in charge of the Imperial Guard.

She was loyal and righteous, unwavering in her principles.

Such a woman had actually fallen for Xiao Tian's charm.

Zhong Yangming admitted that Xiao Tian was indeed exceptionally handsome, but when did his own daughter, and even Liu Yan, become people who judged by appearances?

"Liu Yan, you... how could you..." Zhong Yangming looked at Liu Yan, unable to speak for a long time.

"Minister Zhong, please don't misunderstand. I just think it's unfair to judge the Prince solely based on appearances." Liu Yan knew Zhong Yangming misunderstood, and she shook her head to explain.

She had promised Xiao Tian not to reveal his secret.

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But she also didn't want Zhong Yangming to casually criticize Xiao Tian.

Seeing Liu Yan's serious expression, Zhong Yangming remained silent, as he understood her character.

He knew that when she looked like this, she was truly angry.

"Hmph, Father is being unreasonable." Zhong Ling also snorted coldly, feeling indignant for Xiao Tian.

Zhong Yangming glared, looking at Zhong Ling angrily staring at him, feeling a bit flustered, and quickly waved his hand: "Ling'er, it's not that..."

Zhong Ling, still angry, continued: "The Prince even persuaded me to stay home for dinner and spend more time talking with Father."

"And yet, you didn't even bother to understand the situation before blaming the Prince."

"Tonight, you can eat alone, Father."

With that, Zhong Ling took Liu Yan's arm: "Sister Liu, let's go to the Palace."

"Minister Zhong, don't worry. I'll personally bring the Young General back later." Liu Yan also glanced at Zhong Yangming, leading Zhong Ling towards the Palace.

Zhong Yangming was left speechless, watching his daughter leave, trembling as he pointed at Xiao Tian: "Prince, you... you..."

"Don't blame me. It was you who messed up, not my problem." Xiao Tian spread his hands, looking bewildered, "I even advised that kid to stay home for dinner with you, but you didn't cherish the chance. Who's to blame?"

After saying this, Xiao Tian shrugged and turned his back on Zhong Yangming.

At the same time, his words floated into Zhong Yangming's ears.

"What a disaster!"

Zhong Yangming slumped on the steps, staring blankly at the sky.

Oh heavens, what has the world come to?

Recently, he was already troubled by the influx of refugees from the south.

And now his daughter was being disobedient. What should he do?

Sitting on the ground, Zhong Yangming clutched his head, rubbing it vigorously, his graying temples particularly noticeable.

"Sigh..." With a long sigh, the somewhat despondent Zhong Yangming propped himself up on his knees, wanting to stand, but froze when he looked up.

Before him, Xiao Tian had somehow returned.

Not only Xiao Tian, but his daughter Zhong Ling and Commander Liu Yan were also standing in front of him.

"I heard Minister Zhong is quite skilled in cooking?" Xiao Tian looked at Zhong Yangming, "I wonder if I have the honor to taste it?"

Seeing his daughter glaring fiercely at him from behind Xiao Tian, Zhong Yangming could only force a smile and grit his teeth: "Please, come in!"

...

As night deepened, in the courtyard of the Zhong Residence, inside the pavilion.

Xiao Tian and Zhong Ling were already seated.

Liu Yan had just returned from her residence, changed into clean robes.

Zhong Yangming, now in casual attire, personally brought the last dish to the pavilion.

The dishes were like a bouquet of flowers.

The incredible aroma made Xiao Tian involuntarily swallow.

"Prince, this is the dish that won my mother's heart when Father was just a poor scholar." Zhong Ling pointed to the final dish and said.

Xiao Tian gently knocked on Zhong Ling's head: "Mind your manners, how can you talk about your father like that?"

"Oh..." Zhong Ling covered her head.

At this moment, Zhong Yangming, who had taken his seat, appeared much more relaxed.

He hadn't reached his current position by being foolish.

After observing, Zhong Yangming noticed that his daughter didn't show much romantic affection, but rather a sense of admiration, even a hint of... fear?

This last part puzzled Zhong Yangming. What could his daughter possibly fear about this Prince?

In terms of cultivation talent and strength, Zhong Yangming was confident in his daughter.

In his view, she could easily make Xiao Tian cry for mercy.

"Prince, I toast to you." After sitting down, Zhong Yangming took a deep breath, raised his glass to Xiao Tian, and said, "I apologize for my earlier words, driven by concern for my daughter."

After speaking, Zhong Yangming drank it all in one go.

But immediately, Zhong Yangming poured another drink, raised his glass, and said, "Liu Yan was right. I shouldn't have judged you without understanding you."

Again, he drank it all.

After that.

Zhong Yangming poured another drink, raised his glass: "Ling'er has been mischievous, and has troubled the Prince these days."

After three drinks, Zhong Yangming's face turned red.

Xiao Tian, having accepted the three drinks, cheerfully raised his glass: "Cooking is hard work, let's eat!"

After drinking, Xiao Tian picked up his chopsticks and started eating.

Eating requires focus and enthusiasm!

"Mmm, the taste is indeed amazing." Xiao Tian took a bite, his eyes lit up, and he gave Zhong Yangming a thumbs up.

Without gobbling, Xiao Tian savored the wine and dishes, closing his eyes in contentment, enjoying the flavors on his palate.

What is life?

This, Fing Hell, is life!

What are good days?

This, Fing Hell, are good days!

Seeing Xiao Tian like this, Zhong Yangming chuckled, suddenly feeling that his daughter and Liu Yan were right.

You can't judge a person by their appearance.

Xiao Tian was indulgent, enjoying himself.

But thinking carefully, he hadn't done anything wrong, had he?

And from this meal, he could see that Xiao Tian had a deep respect and serious attitude towards enjoyment.

He seemed to have a special obsession with this leisurely, indulgent lifestyle.

How strange.

However, the atmosphere at the dining table was getting better and better.

When some prejudices disappeared, the interaction became harmonious.

After several rounds of drinks, Xiao Tian kept staring at Zhong Yangming, seemingly pondering something.

"Prince, if you have something to say, just say it." Zhong Yangming, his face flushed, felt uneasy under Xiao Tian's direct gaze.

"Well, Minister Zhong, I have an unreasonable request." Xiao Tian rubbed his belly, smiling happily.

Zhong Yangming, seeing Xiao Tian like this, felt something might be amiss: "Please speak, Prince."

Xiao Tian, with an expectant expression, said: "I wonder if I could come to your house often for meals, to taste your cooking. I can't help it, your skills are extraordinary."

The Palace chefs were good, but compared to Zhong Yangming, they were far inferior.

"..." Zhong Yangming's mouth twitched slightly. He wanted to ask this Prince if he had suddenly lost his mind.

Just when he had a good impression, the other party was eager to ruin it?

To have him, the dignified Minister of Revenue, cook for his appetite?

Absolutely impossible!

With a stern face, Minister Zhong was about to speak.

Smack!

Xiao Tian slapped the table, and when he lifted his hand, there was a storage ring.

"I personally offer a million Spirit Stones for the Ministry of Revenue to aid the southern refugees!"

Zhong Yangming, with righteous indignation, sternly looked at Xiao Tian: "Prince, what would you like to eat tomorrow? I happen to be off, and I'll personally select the ingredients to ensure you're happy and satisfied."

"Ling'er, help Father by buying a chef's outfit. Your father needs to wear it."

"When serving the Prince's meals, we must adhere to proper etiquette."

Beside him, Liu Yan was speechless, and Zhong Ling blinked.

They had never realized that Zhong Yangming had such a talent for changing his tune.