Chapter 823
The Third Prince, Ji Mingyu!
lobby.
The morning sunlight filtered through the wooden lattice frame and fell on the dining table in the front hall.
Liu Wanwan and Ji Mingyue came out of the kitchen, carrying a tray with several bowls of steaming braised beef noodles on it.
The soup is rich and flavorful, the noodles are chewy, and the top is covered with thick slices of braised beef and sprinkled with chopped green onions. Each bowl also has three golden and shiny poached eggs.
"Come on, eat it while it's hot!" Liu Wanwan greeted with a smile.
Upon smelling the familiar aroma, Jiang Ning's appetite was immediately whetted.
"Sister-in-law, I'll get the rest of the noodles!" He immediately got up and walked towards the kitchen.
After a while.
Just as Liu Wanwan finished arranging the noodles on the tray and was about to return to the kitchen, she saw Jiang Ning carrying a tray on each side, with several bowls of braised beef noodles on each side and a large bowl of braised beef on the other.
"Uncle! I want this bowl!!" When Xiaodoubao saw the bowl of braised beef on the tray in Jiang Ning's hand, he immediately stood on the stool bar and almost jumped up.
"You're kidding me!" Jiang Ning put down a tray and casually tapped her on the head.
Seeing her pitiful expression as she covered her head, I immediately smiled faintly.
Then he moved the bowl in front of the group.
Liu Wanwan and Ji Mingyue also lent a helping hand.
Zhong Ling then arranged the chopsticks.
"It smells so good!" Jiang Li's rough voice suddenly came from behind.
"Brother, you've come at the perfect time! Please sit down!" Jiang Ning said.
"Brother, guess who I just ran into on the road?" Jiang Li said with a smile.
"Who?" Jiang Ning asked, puzzled.
“Third Prince!” Jiang Li said.
As soon as he finished speaking, a person walked out of the door behind him.
He was tall and imposing, quite heroic.
It was none other than the Third Prince, Ji Mingyu.
Upon seeing this, Jiang Ning stood up.
"Third Prince!"
The Third Prince looked at Jiang Ning and the others and said with a smile.
"I apologize for the sudden intrusion! I just heard the news that Marquis Dongling and Little Seventeen have returned to the capital, and I happened to run into Brother Jiang Li on the way, so I thought I'd come and see how Marquis Dongling is doing and whether Little Seventeen has lost weight recently."
"Has the Third Prince had breakfast yet? If not, why don't you sit down and eat with us?" Liu Wanwan stood up and politely invited him.
Upon hearing this, the Third Prince Ji Mingyu rubbed his stomach, his face full of kindness.
"I didn't have time to eat yet, so please excuse my intrusion!"
"Then please sit down, Third Prince," Liu Wanwan said politely.
Then he turned and walked towards the kitchen.
"Third brother."
Ji Mingyue put down her chopsticks, stood up, and called out softly.
A subtle, complex emotion flickered across her face. She wasn't stupid; she knew that the Third Prince's visit at this time was not simple.
Moreover, she and Jiang Ning had only recently returned to the capital, so it was unusual for news to travel so quickly.
“Little Seventeen has lost some weight. It seems that life outside is a bit tougher than in the capital.” The Third Prince, Ji Mingyu, stepped forward, his gentle gaze lingering briefly on Ji Mingyue’s face before turning to Jiang Ning, his smile undiminished: “Marquis of Dongling, it’s been a long time. You are even more charismatic than before. I heard about your actions in Guangning Prefecture the other day. You were truly decisive and efficient, which is admirable.”
His tone was calm, as if it were just a casual greeting.
Jiang Ning remained calm and nodded slightly: "Your Highness is too kind. Please take a seat."
He understood that the Third Prince Ji Mingyu's visit at this time was not without reason; it couldn't simply be to visit Ji Mingyue and deepen their sibling bond.
If we're talking about sibling affection, the one who's closest to Ji Mingyue is only the Eighth Prince, Ji Minghao.
Ji Minghao and Ji Mingyue are from the same parents, so their relationship is very special, even closer than that of ordinary brothers and sisters in the royal family.
“Okay!” Ji Mingyu nodded and took a seat upon hearing Jiang Ning’s invitation.
"Grand Preceptor!" He looked at Su Qingying and greeted her politely.
At this moment, Su Qingying did not look up. She simply picked up a few noodles from the bowl, dipped them in some scallions, and put them in her mouth, then looked satisfied.
Seeing this, Ji Mingyu was not annoyed.
He knew that he had no standing in Su Qingying's eyes before he ascended the throne.
Having lived in the capital for so many years, he knew how aloof this Grand Preceptor was, and how he didn't interact with outsiders.
"Now that Marquis Dongling has returned to the city, I wonder what his plans are? Has his health problem been resolved?" Ji Mingyu asked Jiang Ning again.
Jiang Ning said calmly, "I have no plans. I'm cursed and am just struggling between life and death."
After saying that, he shook his head again: "I don't think about these things now, I just want to live each day to the fullest."
After saying that, he didn't bother to exchange pleasantries with the Third Prince, Ji Mingyu.
Grab your chopsticks and press the poached egg from the bowl into the noodle soup.
"This beef tastes best when there's plenty of broth; it doesn't taste good if it's left out for too long!"
As he spoke, he grabbed his chopsticks again and flipped the noodles over.
I picked up a thick piece of braised beef and put it in my mouth, then picked up a large forkful of noodles.
slid --
With a single open mouth, he inhaled a large bundle of noodles.
"That feels good!" He looked satisfied as he finished eating the noodles.
Then he picked up a poached egg that had been soaking for a while and took a bite.
"Delicious!!" Ji Mingyue nodded emphatically, "No wonder you kept missing your sister-in-law's noodles."
Ji Mingyue looked at Jiang Ning with a smile in her eyes.
At this moment, Ji Mingyu watched this scene with a faint smile.
He could understand what Jiang Ning meant.
Just then, Liu Wanwan appeared in front of them, carrying a tray with a bowl full of noodles on it.
On top of the noodles, large chunks of braised beef are piled up like a small hill, and three poached eggs are also placed on top of them.
"Thank you, sister-in-law!" Ji Mingyu stood up to greet her.
"Third Prince, you're too kind! You are the Seventeenth Princess's own brother," Liu Wanwan said neither humbly nor arrogantly.
She knew that her attitude represented Jiang Ning's reputation.
At this moment, Ji Mingyu accepted the braised beef that Liu Wanwan brought with a smile, then took a deep breath, looking completely blissful.
"This braised beef noodle soup smells delicious. The sauce is rich and the aroma is wonderful. I have never smelled such appetizing noodles in the palace."
As he spoke, a look of intense anticipation appeared on his face.
He then sat down next to Jiang Ning, his posture relaxed and natural.
He picked up the chopsticks on the table, tasted the noodle soup, and couldn't help but praise, "These noodles are delicious! They're fresh, fragrant, and rich, with a perfect sauce flavor. My sister-in-law has excellent skills; no wonder the Marquis of Dongling looked so delighted." "If the Third Prince likes it, then eat more. There's more in the pot if you're not full!" Liu Wanwan said.
"Alright!" Ji Mingyu nodded emphatically, "Then I won't stand on ceremony with my sister-in-law!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he picked up a large clump of noodles with his chopsticks and took a bite.
As soon as the noodles entered his stomach, he quickly showed a look of great enjoyment.
A big mouthful of noodles, then a big mouthful of braised beef, followed by a big gulp of noodle soup, then another mouthful of noodles, and a bite of a poached egg.
He no longer chose to exchange pleasantries with Jiang Ning, but instead revealed himself to be a complete glutton, like a commoner disciple, with no manners whatsoever, showing no sign of being a royal descendant who had received good etiquette training.
He knew that if he wanted to build a closer relationship, he couldn't act like a prince.
At this moment, the atmosphere seemed to become more harmonious.
Little Bean Bun opened its round eyes and curiously looked at this unfamiliar yet impressive guest.
Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan exchanged a glance and silently quickened their eating pace.
Zhong Ling kept her head down, eating her noodles in small bites, and didn't get involved in the incident involving the sudden visit of the Third Prince and Jiang Ning.
As for Su Qingying, she completely ignored the sudden arrival of the Third Prince.
Ji Mingyue was also enjoying the delicious braised beef.
After finishing more than half a bowl, she rubbed her stomach and looked at the remaining noodles and braised beef in the bowl. She finally understood why Jiang Ning had loved eating so much before.
She glanced at Jiang Ning secretly, then at Liu Wanwan.
"I must learn my sister-in-law's cooking skills!!" she thought to herself. "To win a man's heart, you must start by winning his stomach."
A moment later.
Jiang Ning put down his chopsticks, looking completely at ease.
"Would you like more noodles?" Liu Wanwan asked.
"Thank you, sister-in-law, but no need!" Jiang Ning said with a smile.
At this moment, Ji Mingyu slowly put down his chopsticks, revealing a look of satisfaction.
"I really envy Marquis Dongling. He has such delicious food to enjoy every day. It is a great blessing in life to savor such delicacies."
As he spoke, he took out a handkerchief, wiped the corner of his mouth, and spoke in a gentle tone.
Compared to the Third Prince Ji Mingyu's demeanor and actions, Jiang Ning simply licked the corner of his mouth.
"Was the Marquis of Dongling's inspection tour of Guangning Prefecture successful?"
“It went smoothly!” Jiang Ning nodded. “Now that Guangning Prefecture is stable, we might as well return to the capital.”
"Was the journey smooth? Guangning Prefecture is far from the capital, and the Marquis's health must be deteriorating. My father is under a curse, and now..."
At this point, Ji Mingyu clenched his fists, his eyes filled with anger, and his teeth were clenched tightly.
"Third brother, what's wrong with Father?" Upon hearing this conversation, Ji Mingyue immediately put down her bowl, chopsticks, and noodles, and asked anxiously.
Although she had already heard the news, she was still very nervous.
"Not good!" Ji Mingyu shook his head and glanced at Ji Mingyue again.
"Sigh—" He sighed and continued, "As for the specifics, Little Seventeen will find out when he goes to the palace later!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Mingyue's heart sank.
Seeing Ji Mingyu's posture, she knew that the news was indeed true.
"Lord Dongling, you really shouldn't have come back at this time!" Ji Mingyu changed the subject and said to Jiang Ning.
"Why?" Jiang Ning asked.
“The Marquis is a wise man. He should know that although the capital city seems as prosperous as ever, there are undercurrents. The Emperor is unwell, and countless people have developed ambitions because of this. The Marquis has a special status. As long as he steps into the capital, he will stir up the hearts of countless people. Little Seventeen is still young and should not get involved in the turmoil of the capital.”
The deeper meaning in his words was clear to everyone present.
Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with confusion.
They didn't understand the changes in the palace, but from the few words they exchanged and the atmosphere at the moment, Liu Wanwan could glean some information about the situation.
At this moment, Ji Mingyue's fingers tightened slightly.
"Does this touch the hearts of countless people, including the Third Prince?" Jiang Ning asked.
"Including!" Third Prince Ji Mingyu said calmly.
Then he said, “Lord Marquis should understand that even though Father’s health has deteriorated for a long time, the position of Crown Prince is still uncertain! Father is not foolish; he must understand the turmoil this will cause. This shows that Father has tacitly approved of the struggle among us brothers.”
"Father also understands that the Great Xia Dynasty needs someone with ability, courage, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking to take that position."
"Only such a powerful ruler can sweep away the current decline of the Great Xia Dynasty and save it from collapse!"
Jiang Ning looked up at Ji Mingyu.
"Does the Third Prince consider himself a great ruler?"
“Yes!” Ji Mingyu looked calmly at Jiang Ning and nodded.
Beneath its calm exterior, it did not reveal its full potential.
Then he turned to Jiang Ning and said, "I would like to invite Your Excellency to lend me a hand. If Your Excellency agrees, once I have succeeded, I will open the royal treasury and use all available resources to help Your Excellency escape the death trap set by the curse!"
As he spoke, he looked at Ji Mingyue again.
"I will also personally officiate a grand wedding for the Marquis and Little Seventeen."
"I wonder if Your Excellency is willing?" Ji Mingyu looked intently at Jiang Ning, his eyes revealing a longing expression.
Just then, Liu Wanwan stood up and took Xiaodoubao's little hand.
Jiang Li also stood up and patted Jiang Yiming on the shoulder.
The family of four got up, and Jiang Li gave Jiang Ning a look before walking outside.
Seeing this, Zhong Ling also silently got up.
Just then, Su Qingying pressed her shoulder, and she immediately sat down.
Jiang Ning watched this scene and said calmly, "It's a good thing that the Third Prince has ambition and aspirations!"
"What does the Marquis mean?" asked the Third Prince, Ji Mingyu.
"Thank you for your kind offer, Third Prince, but I have no idea at the moment," Jiang Ning said.
Seeing this, Ji Mingyu stopped beating around the bush and leaned forward slightly.
"I know that you, Marquis, have a deep friendship with the Seventeenth Prince and are also very close to the Eighth Prince. The Eighth Prince is exceptionally talented and kind-hearted, but you should know that he has no maternal clan or any powerful support. Among the many princes of the royal family, the Eighth Prince is the one with no hope. I hope you will think carefully. If you return to the capital at this time and choose the Eighth Prince, you will be walking into a dead end."
Upon hearing these words, Ji Mingyue's face paled slightly, and her lips moved, but no sound came out.
She knew that what her third brother said was true.
The succession of a prince to the throne is not only a contest of his own abilities, but also a contest of the power behind him.
Ji Minghao, who shared the same mother as her, had been in poor health since giving birth to them and had passed away many years ago.
Moreover, her mother was of ordinary status and not the legitimate daughter of a prominent family.
They were unable to offer any support in the struggle for the crown prince position.
"To be honest!" Ji Mingyu continued, "I have no intention of fighting with my eighth brother, nor do I wish to see brothers turn against each other, causing pain to our loved ones and joy to our enemies. But given the current situation in Great Xia, if no one steps forward to stabilize the situation and allows the conflict to spread, it will only make the world more chaotic and the people more miserable. At this time, we need a strong ruler who can use absolute strength to quell all the fighting, so that we can sweep away the turmoil and restore a clear sky."
"In this way, royal brothers and sisters will not turn against each other, fighting and shedding blood." (End of Chapter)