Chapter 339: Chapter 215: Fun
These past few days at noon, Zhao Yao would go find Zheng Rang to exchange delicacies.
Knowing that Zheng Rang also liked food and even enjoyed cooking himself, Zhao Yao felt he had found a kindred spirit, so he generously lent his collection of gourmet recipes to Zheng Rang for him to copy down.
During this period, after finishing work each day—yes, let’s call it finishing work, as the Tenth Prince put it. The Tenth Prince even said that every day after attending court, coming to Lanyuan Pavilion to work is like going to the office. These terms "going to the office" and "finishing work" really are so fitting.
After coming home from work each day, Zheng Rang would try cooking dishes based on the recipes Zhao Yao lent him, creating quite a few delicacies. It was only in recent days he discovered a few things, like how stir-frying and hot pot were invented by the Tenth Prince. Oh, and barbecue was also invented by the Tenth Prince.
The Tenth Prince really came up with many methods for eating, including many novel yet tasty things; he’s truly remarkable in this regard.
Thanks to the Tenth Prince, the quality of meals for Zheng Cheng and Zheng Qian had risen sharply during this period.
Today, after coming home from work, Zheng Rang tried making the hotpot recommended by Zhao Yao. Their family’s taste was quite strong, as they enjoyed spicy food.
The hotpot recommended by the Tenth Prince was well-suited to their taste. Zheng Rang was quite talented in cooking, successfully making it on his first try.
The three brothers thoroughly enjoyed their meal.
After dinner, the three brothers sat under the veranda, drinking tea, enjoying the moon, and chatting.
"The Tenth Prince is an absolute genius when it comes to food," Zheng Cheng praised. "Unexpectedly, the Tenth Prince came up with so many delicious dishes, and these were all unprecedented."
Zheng Rang laughed, "I asked the Tenth Prince how he came up with so many novel methods of eating. He said a foodie would find every way possible to create various delicacies. He simply relied on his foodie nature and imagination."
Zheng Cheng, holding his teacup, chuckled, "The Tenth Prince truly is an extraordinary person."
"Yes, the Tenth Prince is very delightful," Zheng Rang said. "Seeing the Tenth Prince’s smile every day naturally lifts one’s spirits. Prime Minister He and others say that the Tenth Prince is a joy-bringer; as long as he comes to Lanyuan Pavilion, he brings laughter and joy."
"It’s true; just seeing the smile on the Tenth Prince’s face really lifts your mood involuntarily," Zheng Cheng laughed. "It feels like the Tenth Prince is always happy, smiling all day, and full of energy."
Zheng Rang suddenly thought of the Tenth Prince’s status, a trace of heartache passing through his eyes.
"It’s a pity that the Tenth Prince’s background isn’t very favorable."
Zheng Qian, who had been silently drinking tea without speaking, raised his eyes curiously at his elder brother’s words and looked toward Zheng Rang, "Not a favorable background?"
"The Tenth Prince’s mother, Imperial Concubine Zhaoyi, used to be the daughter of a County Magistrate in Yangzhou. It’s said that the County Magistrate title was bought during the previous dynasty. Imperial Concubine Zhaoyi’s maternal family were merchants for generations, quite famous in Yangzhou," Zheng Rang explained. "Imperial Concubine Zhaoyi and the Tenth Prince aren’t particularly favored, plus their maternal family lacks power, so the ministers in the court do not favor the Tenth Prince."
Zheng Cheng said, "The Tenth Prince doesn’t seem to aspire for this either; I think it’s rather good for him."
He added, "Besides, being favored by ministers is not necessarily a good thing."
Zheng Rang nodded slightly, "That’s true."
"A prince not being favored by ministers, what’s good about that," Zheng Qian said blandly. "A prince isn’t an ordinary person. If no ministers favor him, it shows he’s a failure. An ordinary person being a failure wouldn’t risk life and limb, but a prince being a failure is dangerous."
Zheng Rang and Zheng Cheng understood what their younger brother meant, "The Tenth Prince is only six years old, still young. When he grows up, perhaps some ministers will favor him."
"The Tenth Prince’s maternal grandfather is already the governor of Yangzhou. Once the Tenth Prince grows up, who can tell what might happen then."
Zheng Qian looked at his two elder brothers, "Eldest Brother, Second Brother, you seem to really favor the Tenth Prince."
Zheng Rang smiled gently, "We like the Tenth Prince a lot because he’s a lovable child, but that has nothing to do with whether we favor him or not."
"The Tenth Prince truly is a very adorable and lovable child, unlike you," Zheng Cheng glanced sideways at Zheng Qian. "You weren’t cute at all when you were little, always bullying us every day."
Zheng Qian shot a cool glance at Zheng Cheng, his tone frosty, "Who’s to blame but you for being stupid..." Before he could finish his words, Zheng Cheng ruthlessly messed up his hair.
Zheng Rang initially just wanted to sit aside and watch the scene, not expecting to get involved, resulting in all three brothers tumbling together in play.