PFC Chapter 390 Full Moon Over the Capital, August 5
Chapter 390 Full Moon Over the Capital, August 5
Dai An added with a grin, "Our Prince's Mansion's pastry chefs are the best in the capital."
Granny Fang has been with the princess since she was a young girl, and her pastry-making skills are absolutely unparalleled!
Upon hearing this, Yang Wenwen quickly bowed slightly, maintaining a dignified demeanor, and said in a soft and polite voice, "Thank you, Grandma."
I feel truly honored to have the opportunity to taste such delicious pastries today.
Dongfang Jin...
These two little drama queens.
To be honest, the pastries from ancient times were indeed delicious, authentic, and all-natural.
For example, this peach blossom pastry.
The sweet fragrance then gently wafted into my nostrils, as if carrying the tenderness of the entire peach grove in spring.
Upon closer inspection, these peach blossom pastries resemble miniature peach blossoms blooming on the plate.
It is round and flattened, just like a newly blooming peach blossom. The petals are distinct, thin as cicada wings yet with clear textures, and gracefully spread out from the center.
The pastry has a light pink hue, just like the shy blush of peach blossoms in early spring.
Upon closer inspection, you can see that it is evenly covered with tiny specks of icing, like dewdrops condensed on peach blossoms in the morning, shimmering with delicate light under the illumination.
Gently pick up a piece, and the pastry makes a soft "rustling" sound, as if it is whispering the romance of spring.
When you put it in your mouth, you first feel the crispness of the pastry, which melts on your tongue like thin snow.
Then, the sweet aroma of the filling slowly spreads, with the delicate and smooth red bean paste carrying a refreshing peach blossom fragrance.
With just the right amount of sweetness, the silky texture and crispy crust blend perfectly, every bite is a gentle tribute to the romance of spring.
Then there's this plum blossom cake.
The sweet fragrance eagerly enveloped me, like a warm scent in the cold winter, dispelling the chill from my body.
The plum blossom cake in front of me is like a red plum blossom blooming proudly in the snow in the cold winter, so exquisite that one is reluctant to take a bite.
Its shape is small and exquisite, with a slightly raised top, just like the full posture of a plum blossom in bloom.
Five "petals" are evenly distributed on the surface of the cake. Each petal is carefully carved with slightly curled edges and delicate textures that resemble the veins of a real plum blossom, making it lifelike.
The pastries are an enticing brownish-red color, a mark left by careful baking. Their warm and glossy hue seems to tell a story of time.
The petals are adorned with brightly colored dried fruits and plump little glutinous rice balls, like glistening ice crystals beside red plum blossoms in the snow, adding a touch of playfulness and liveliness to these small pastries.
Take a gentle bite, and the soft, slightly chewy cake gently spreads between your teeth.
The aroma of glutinous rice instantly fills your mouth, mixed with the sweet and sour taste of candied fruit and the soft and chewy texture of small glutinous rice balls.
With its rich layers and superb taste, every bite is filled with the warm and sweet essence of winter.
Dongfang Yuan watched her daughter happily eating pastries without disturbing her, and then looked at the two children.
She couldn't help but chuckle softly, gently covering her mouth with a handkerchief, her eyes full of affection: "Don't be so reserved in front of your grandmother, just be more relaxed and at ease."
"Yes," Yang Wenwen replied obediently, a sweet smile on her face.
Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the pleasant and wonderful time to the fullest.
Sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows. The Prince Dun's Mansion is filled with a warm and joyful atmosphere, a picture of tranquility and peace.
……
The moon shines brightly over the capital on the fifteenth of August.
Imperial banquet.
As the sun sets in the west and night falls, a full moon slowly climbs onto the eaves of the Forbidden City.
As dusk settles, the palace is bathed in golden splendor, adorned with lanterns and decorations everywhere.
The bright red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, like ripe pomegranates, perfectly conveying the festive and joyous atmosphere of reunion.
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
With carved beams and painted rafters, and gold bricks paving the floor, the emperor and empress sat solemnly in the center on the dragon throne, their demeanor both dignified and approachable.
On both sides, officials of the fourth rank or above from the capital, along with their families, took their seats in turn. The men were dressed in court robes and their hats were neatly arranged.
The women, adorned with swaying hairpins and exquisite brocade robes, filled the hall with dazzling jewels, yet remained orderly under the constraints of etiquette.
At the banquet, the lights were dazzling, and the sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments could be faintly heard.
Inside the Taihe Hall's sleeping quarters, Dongfang Jin, along with Yu Ying and three others, was carefully accompanying the Empress who was about to give birth.
She did not appear at the banquet with the people from the Prince's residence.
Just then, Ruyi's voice came over, "[Jin-jie, these people who came are all tough opponents.]"
Dongfang Jin frowned slightly, stood up and walked towards the peephole, her gaze sweeping over everyone at the banquet.
He spoke softly but seriously, instructing, "Pay attention to everyone present, and don't underestimate your enemy."
Don't overlook any details, especially the servants.
【I know, I know. 】
Ruyi nodded quickly, then added, "They haven't shown anything yet, but the garden is quite lively."
"Oh? Tell me." A hint of wariness flashed in Dongfang Jin's eyes as she pressed for an explanation.
"[That's the woman who stole your hairpin from the Treasure Pavilion last time. She's currently having a conflict with someone named Xie Wenjing over some fruit.]" Ruyi described vividly in the space.
Upon hearing this, Dongfang Jin instantly recalled the arrogant figure from the Ningguo Duke's mansion, but couldn't recall his name for a moment.
【Hua Lingshu.】Ruyi seemed to sense her confusion and quickly added.
Dongfang Jin pursed her lips helplessly and sighed, "Sigh, I hope they don't bring their brains into the palace."
Many foreign envoys have arrived today; this is not the usual time for idle chatter.
If further trouble occurs, the entire nation and the royal family will lose face internationally.
Ruyi looked puzzled and muttered to herself, "Could he really be that brainless?"
Dongfang Jin's expression was solemn, his eyes sharp. "That's hard to say. Keep a close eye on things."
If anyone tries to sow discord among them, tell me immediately.
We have many people hiding in the shadows; we must stop them immediately.
Don't worry, Ta Xue and A Cai (the cat) are also on standby.
"I'm not saying anything more, I'm going to go watch the fun." Ruyi said excitedly.
Dongfang Jin...
Watching the fun?
It's nothing more than a farce of little girls competing with each other, with some vying for attention by comparing their clothes.
Some people compare their jewelry to gain the top spot. Others compare their family background to show off their status.
Meanwhile, in the garden, the setting sun filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled light and shadow.
Hua Lingshu wore a bright red silk dress with a jade ribbon tied around her waist. She raised her chin high, her face full of arrogance.
She pointed at a plate of fruit on the stone table and shrieked, "I heard these are rare fruits delivered from the south by fast horses. How dare you touch them?"
Xie Wenjing was equally assertive, dressed in an elegant plain brocade dress, her figure graceful and her expression aloof.
He responded neither humbly nor arrogantly: "They are just some fruits, how can you say they are worthy or unworthy?"
The Imperial Garden is royal property, not your Ningguo Duke's mansion. You are not allowed to run wild here.
They also had these fruits at home; they were all sent by people from her father's hometown.
And she knows things that these people don't, humph!
Hua Lingshu was so angry that her face turned red and her eyes widened. She suddenly reached out and pushed Xie Wenjing: "You are just a daughter of the Prime Minister's mansion, how dare you be so insolent in front of me!"
Xie Wenjing dodged easily with a swift movement, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes: "Although I am from the Prime Minister's residence, I still know propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame."
Unlike some people who act recklessly because of their family background, let's see how long your family can remain arrogant.
The surrounding maids were so frightened that they all retreated, not daring to breathe, for fear that the conflict would affect them.
On the other side of the garden, unmarried women from various households, dressed in their finest attire, gathered together, each harboring their own thoughts, yet engaging in conversation about the most sensitive topics.
Hou Yao, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Rongchang, is eighteen years old and one of those who wants to enter the palace as a concubine.
She wore a moon-white brocade dress embroidered with delicate osmanthus flowers, her figure graceful and her demeanor dignified.
She gently waved her fan, a faint smile playing on her lips, and spoke first in a low voice: "Since His Majesty ascended the throne, there has only been one Empress in the harem. He is truly devoted."
His voice was clear and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate, but his words were full of sarcasm.