After so many years in the palace, it was her first ti walking onto the street, with neither a royal palanquin nor guards accompanying her. The bustling crowd around her made her feel a bit nervous, so she tightly held onto Chen Mo's arm, unwilling to let go.
But soon, this sense of nervousness was replaced by curiosity.
A pair of bright almond-shaped eyes scanned the surroundings, filled with novelty.
"Chen Mo, what is this?" the Empress asked, pointing to a steaming street stall.
"This is called '粉粢,' made by steaming glutinous rice and forming it into a ball, then pairing it with at sauce and vegetables. It's a local specialty snack, not very common in the Capital City," Chen Mo replied.
"Oh." The Empress nodded, involuntarily swallowing at the sweet aroma.
Chen Mo smiled slightly, leading her to the stall and tossing over a piece of broken silver, "Boss, give a serving of 粢饭."
"Sure thing!"
The vendor, seeing a big custor, bead brightly, wrapping the rice ball with at sauce using lotus leaves, "Take your ti, sir!"
Chen Mo took it and handed it to the Empress, "Would you like to try it, Your Highness?"
The Empress slightly opened her lips, took a tentative bite, and her eyes instantly lit up, "Mmm, delicious!"
Chen Mo said, "If you like it, have so more…"
The Empress shook her head, "No, the rest is for you."
Chen Mo: "?"
"You don't know, these rice balls are the easiest to gain weight from. I must control my appetite, otherwise, the newly made underwear by the Clothing Bureau won't fit." The Empress showed a troubled face.
Ever since they got together, her figure has beco more plump, and now she can't see her toes when looking down…
"Alright then."
Just as Chen Mo finished speaking, he saw her sniff slightly, taking steps forward, attracted by sothing else.
In the palace, everything the Empress ate had to pass the strict scrutiny of the Internal Affairs Office, with ingredients carefully selected and cooking thods thoroughly refined, far from these coarse, smoky snacks.
Bailu City, being a transportation hub, gathered rchants from all over Jiu Zhou, with a dazzling array of food that overwheld one's senses.
"Those little dried fish look pretty good, too. Shall we buy so to taste?"
"Alright."
"Donkey at can be eaten? Boss, give one donkey at pancake."
"Got it."
"What is this little brick?"
"This is '糖贡,' made by putting coconut, peanuts, and malt into a mold, usually sold by the pound."
"Let's try a pound first to see the taste."
"…"
The Empress had eyes bigger than her stomach, wanting to eat everything but getting full after a few bites, stuffing the rest into Chen Mo's mouth.
Luckily, he was a Martial Arts Grandmaster, instantly digesting food, but even then, eating too much beca overwhelming!
"If Zhixia were here, this street would barely make her eight-tenths full."
Chen Mo rolled his eyes from the Osmanthus Sweet Cake, reminiscing about the girl with pig's feet who almost ate the Shen Family into bankruptcy.
The reason for not returning with the Empress was partly for handing over official duties and more importantly, to visit Zhixia at the Martial Saint Mountain on the way.
It's been so ti since their parting, and he had promised to find her as soon as possible.
As for the Taoist Secret Realm, it's almost ti to prepare.
"Little thief, co quickly, they're setting up fireworks here!"
At this mont, the Empress called out excitedly from the front.
Chen Mo looked up to see her standing on the Golden Sand Bridge, her skirt fluttering, with a charming smile, waving at him on tiptoes.
Several pleasure boats docked at the shore, with fireworks racks on the deck, and judging by the words on the banners, it seed so restaurant was opening, hosting an event.
The fireworker lit the fuse, and accompanied by a sharp sound, sparks soared into the sky and exploded in mid-air.
In an instant, radiant flas spread out, dazzling brilliantly like fiery trees and silver blossoms.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
Against the backdrop of glowing flas, her face appeared even more vibrant, and Chen Mo found himself unable to look away.
"I asked you to watch the fireworks, why are you staring at ?" The Empress asked, blushing.
Chen Mo candidly replied, "Your Highness is far more beautiful than these fireworks."
"Hmph, you're just sweet-talking; I don't believe you." The Empress spoke such words, her eyes curved like a crescent moon.
Monts later, the fireworks gradually ceased, and the night sky returned to calm.
"It's over already; I haven't had enough." The Empress said wistfully.
Seeing her reluctant expression, Chen Mo felt a stir in his heart, ford a spell with his hand, and the extinguished fire tube reignited.
Bang!
A firework rose up, bursting into dazzling colors.
However, unlike before, these flas seed to have a spirit of their own, interweaving in the air as if embroidered with needle and thread, finally forming a line of large characters, suspended in disbelief in the eyes of all.
"May we find soone to love and grow old together, never to part..."
The Empress looked up at the sky, dazed, unable to hide her obsession.
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