"Delicious," Nan Zhiyun said, her emotions slowly relaxing as Yu Jingchen asked about her. She was led upstairs by Yu Jingchen.
Yu Jingchen didn't think much of it. After sitting down, he pulled Nan Zhiyun to sit on his lap.
"What's delicious? Did little Yun'er share her precious grapes with me?" Yu Jingchen teased. Since seeing how much Nan Zhiyun loved those grapes, Yu Jingchen had sent almost all the tribute grapes to the An Hall.
"No, it's something I made myself," Nan Zhiyun said, sounding a little proud when she mentioned making it herself.
"Is that so? Our Yun'er can cook?" Yu Jingchen was genuinely surprised this time. He remembered Nan Zhiyun couldn't cook. Yu Jingchen opened the food container; it was a plate of pastries.
"Horse-hoof cake. I learned to make it," Nan Zhiyun brought the pastries over and held them up to Yu Jingchen's face. "Your Majesty, please try it, won't you?"
Yu Jingchen picked up a piece. "It looks good." Without hesitation, he put it into his mouth.
Nan Zhiyun looked at him expectantly. "Your Majesty, is it delicious? It's my first time making it," she asked.
Yu Jingchen hadn't swallowed yet, but his expression suggested no problems.
"It's delicious. Yun'er is amazing," Yu Jingchen said, and it didn't seem forced.
Hearing Yu Jingchen's words, Nan Zhiyun was also delighted. This was her first time in the kitchen making something, so receiving praise made her feel content.
"I'll try it too," Nan Zhiyun said and took a piece for herself. Yu Jingchen watched her without stopping her, as he hadn't finished what was in his mouth.
Nan Zhiyun didn't feel anything at first when she tasted it, but... soon her expression changed... this was too hard to chew.
Nan Zhiyun looked at Yu Jingchen, her mouth still full, unsure how to speak. Yu Jingchen chuckled. Fortunately, he had managed to swallow.
"Yun'er's craftsmanship is good; it's stuck your mouth together, hmm?" Yu Jingchen was still in the mood to joke.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun found it difficult to speak.
"Alright, spit it out," Yu Jingchen extended his hand. Nan Zhiyun stared at the hand in front of her, stunned. Spit it onto her hand? How could she dare?
"Good girl, if you can't eat it, just spit it out, okay?" Yu Jingchen saw Nan Zhiyun's hesitation. After a moment, Nan Zhiyun finally spat out the pastry.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty," Nan Zhiyun felt a little guilty. Yu Jingchen had just eaten the entire thing.
"What's there to apologize for? I think it's quite good. It's already excellent for Yun'er's first attempt," Yu Jingchen comforted her with a smile.
The palace servants cleaned up what Nan Zhiyun spat out and brought a handkerchief. Nan Zhiyun took it and gave it to Yu Jingchen to wipe his mouth.
"I'll do a better job next time, and bring it to Your Majesty to eat when it's ready, okay?" Nan Zhiyun said.
"Yun'er doesn't need to go to such trouble. It's fine. The kitchen can be a dangerous place; what if you get hurt?" Yu Jingchen felt that Nan Zhiyun might not be suited for the kitchen...
"Mm..." Nan Zhiyun agreed, but it was uncertain if she had taken it to heart.
"Did you come today just to bring food?" Yu Jingchen asked her.
"Yes, but I didn't make it well." Nan Zhiyun was still a little disappointed, which touched Yu Jingchen's heart.