Zi Ruoyan readily agreed to Zhong Lishuang's invitation.

She had experienced Minister Zhong's culinary skills before and was quite looking forward to it.

Moreover, she wanted to know what had happened in the court recently since her departure.

Because of Zhong Lishuang, Zhong Yangming was considered one of her trusted ministers.

By not revealing her return, she might witness some interesting events.

The group entered the Imperial City and headed directly to the Zhong Residence.

On the way, no one gave them a second glance.

The people in the Imperial City should recognize Zhong Lishuang, yet this Great General walking down the street didn't attract any attention, which was quite strange.

But Xiao Tian knew the reason behind it.

"The spiritual qi of this world is really quite interesting." Xiao Tian could see the spiritual qi from Zi Ruoyan's body subtly affecting the surroundings, making others "perceive" them less.

It was as if they were forcibly reducing their presence.

"Does it feel like her strength has improved?" Xiao Tian pondered as he watched Zi Ruoyan's back, thinking to himself, "Wang Cai, what is Empress Zi Ruoyan's current realm?"

"Honorable Master, Empress Zi Ruoyan is currently at the first level of the Ninth Tier Saint Ascension Realm."

"She went out and her realm improved; now that she's back, it means the Northern Frontier's conflict has been resolved," Xiao Tian thought, clicking his tongue in admiration.

My wife is amazing!

Before they knew it, the group had arrived at the entrance of the Zhong Residence and stepped inside.

After passing through the front yard, they soon reached the back hall.

"Hmm?" As Zhong Lishuang entered the back hall, she immediately smelled the aroma of food in the air.

She smiled and turned to her daughter, "Isn't this a coincidence? Your father is actually cooking himself."

"This is what they call being in sync."

"..." Zhong Ling remained silent, too embarrassed to reveal the truth.

As they walked further inside, they reached the entrance of the back hall.

Through the doorway, they could see the busy figure at the table inside.

Apparently hearing the commotion behind him, Zhong Yangming, who was setting the table, spoke without turning around.

"Brother Xiao, you're in for a treat today. I've prepared a golden-tailed white jade fish."

"And your favorite side dishes are ready too."

"Paired with the improved Empress Qingyan Wine, it's guaranteed to be a delight."

"By chance, I'm off duty tomorrow, so let's drink to our heart's content, hahaha..."

Zhong Yangming laughed as he spoke, turning around to see two familiar figures standing before him.

His smile froze instantly.

Zi Ruoyan was equally surprised as she looked at Zhong Yangming, as if meeting him for the first time.

Zhong Lishuang looked at her husband, her lips twitching slightly, especially when she saw him dressed in a chef's outfit.

Ridiculous!

"Ahem..." Zhong Yangming was the first to recover, quickly bowing in salute, "Minister Zhong Yangming greets Your Majesty."

"This time, it's no different from before," Zi Ruoyan gently shook her head, smiling, "Uncle Zhong, just treat me as the little girl who used to come to the Zhong Residence for meals."

"This... this is really..." Zhong Yangming showed an embarrassed expression, glancing at his glaring wife, and quickly said, "I'll go get more tableware, Your Majesty, please have a seat first."

After speaking, Zhong Yangming hurriedly turned and left.

Watching Zhong Yangming leave, Zi Ruoyan remained silent for a moment before slowly turning to look at Xiao Tian.

Not only her, but Zhong Lishuang also stared at Xiao Tian, her eyes full of curiosity.

She knew her husband well; ever since becoming the Minister of Revenue, he was so busy that he rarely cooked himself.

Unless she requested it, or occasionally when the Empress visited, he would personally cook.

But now, from her husband's words earlier, it seemed he had cooked for Xiao Tian many times recently.

He even changed into such attire.

Zhong Lishuang looked at Xiao Tian with a strange expression, wondering what kind of magic he possessed to influence her husband like this...

As for Zi Ruoyan?

She felt even more curious about Xiao Tian.

Xiao Tian rubbed his forehead, having felt earlier that he had overlooked something.

That's when he remembered, Zhong Yangming!

A glutton's misfortune.

If Zi Ruoyan knew he had advised Zhong Yangming and helped him solve a big problem, and then thought he was capable and asked him to help with state affairs, what would happen?

Damn it!

He miscalculated.

Being an emperor is a tiring job if taken seriously, and how could he enjoy a leisurely life while working with Zi Ruoyan?

Before long, Zhong Yangming returned with new tableware.

Zi Ruoyan took the main seat, and the others sat down in turn.

"Zhong Yangming, you've put a lot of effort into these dishes; they're quite unique." Zhong Lishuang clicked her tongue, looking at the dishes on the table and then at her husband.

These dishes were clearly meticulously prepared, even featuring new recipes.

Her husband had actually researched new dishes for Xiao Tian?

Incredible!

"..." Zhong Yangming could only smile awkwardly, unable to say much.

Zi Ruoyan said nothing, silently savoring the food and then taking a sip of wine.

Her eyes lit up, "Is this Qingyan Wine?"

"Your Majesty, it is indeed Qingyan Wine," Zhong Yangming nodded in response.

"I've had it before, but this... is delicious!" Zi Ruoyan nodded earnestly, understanding, "It's not just the name; it's the quality itself."

Zhong Yangming clasped his hands, "Your Majesty is right. The Prince invested in Qingyan Town, building a winery and helping improve the brewing techniques, which elevated the wine."

"Moreover, the Prince's winery not only employs the townspeople but also shares profits with them."

"Additionally, the Prince established a rule to voluntarily pay taxes regularly, setting an example for other merchants in the Imperial City."

"In just a few days, the Prince has revitalized Qingyan Town!"

As Zhong Yangming spoke, he praised Xiao Tian endlessly, then raised his glass and downed the Empress Qingyan Wine in one go.

Xiao Tian, sitting beside him, was dumbfounded, signaling Zhong Yangming to stop.

To read the uncut version, go to [p𝘢wread.com].

He didn't want to stand out too much or appear too competent in Zi Ruoyan's eyes.

Xiao Tian's wish was simple: to live a carefree life as a gigolo.

Seeing Xiao Tian's expression, Zhong Yangming seemed to understand.

With a serious look, he spoke again, "If that's not enough to demonstrate the Prince's excellence..."

Xiao Tian's breath nearly stopped: "???"

"Not only that, but regarding the Southern Frontier refugees, the Prince devised a series of regulations and guidelines."

"By following the Prince's instructions, the Southern Frontier issue can be resolved perfectly."

"Not to mention, the Prince personally funded and donated to the Ministry of Revenue to assist with the Southern Frontier matters."

"The cost was merely satisfying the Prince's culinary desires, which is insignificant."

Then, Zhong Yangming eloquently detailed Xiao Tian's series of suggestions and measures.

Zi Ruoyan listened carefully to Zhong Yangming, occasionally glancing at Xiao Tian, her beautiful eyes frequently sparkling with interest.

Even Zhong Lishuang was surprised as she looked at Xiao Tian.

After finishing, Zhong Yangming was satisfied, discreetly giving Xiao Tian a thumbs-up.

"Prince, this is all I can do for you," Zhong Yangming mentally encouraged Xiao Tian.

Meanwhile, Xiao Tian, sitting there, was already petrified.

He then covered his face and lowered his head, with only one thought in his mind.

"What a disaster!!!"