Chapter 111: Dining Together

The imperial kitchen delivered an array of exquisite delicacies every day. Gu Li, having a small appetite, often felt full before she even touched most of the dishes.

Now, things were different. With Lie Chang’an here, and him needing to recuperate, Gu Li naturally had half of the meals sent by the imperial kitchen each day brought to the side chamber by Xiao Qiu.

Gu Li nibbled a few bites in the main hall but quickly lost interest. Her thoughts were consumed by Lie Chang’an; she longed to be by his side at all times. Yet, she could not abandon her dignity as a princess. Moreover, hiding a man within Yunyan Palace was perilous, so she had to tread carefully and consider every detail.

Behind her, Mo Li arranged the dishes. Seeing the princess sitting at the table with a disinterested and distracted expression, she could guess what was on her mind.

Just then, Xiao Qiu returned, carrying a food box.

Gu Li noticed Xiao Qiu’s hesitant expression and put down her chopsticks. “What is it?”

Xiao Qiu looked troubled. “Princess, General Chang’an only took a few sips of soup; he hasn’t touched the other dishes at all.”

“That won’t do. He especially needs to nourish his body now,” Gu Li said anxiously, rising to leave the hall.

Quick-witted Mo Li swiftly took the food box from Xiao Qiu, added a few hot dishes, and handed it back.

Entering the side chamber, Gu Li found Lie Chang’an intently reading a booklet. Hearing her footsteps, he looked up and, seeing her, hurriedly prepared to stand and salute.

Gu Li strode over and scolded, “I gave you that booklet just to pass the time. Have you really become so engrossed in it?”

Lie Chang’an shook his head. “No, Princess. I’m only trying to learn some military knowledge from it.”

These booklets told stories of lowly soldiers or gifted commoners rising to the top—tales that Lie Chang’an found incredible and fanciful. He focused solely on the military strategies within.

Hearing this, Gu Li felt the anger inside her strangely dissipate, replaced by tenderness and sadness.

She asked with a hint of disappointment, “Do you really find it boring here and want to return to the mansion?”

“No,” he replied.

Seeing her eyes glisten with unshed tears, he hurried to explain, “I don’t mean that. I just want to recover quickly. Leaving early is only because I don’t want to trouble you.”

“In that case, you must eat properly,” Gu Li said firmly.

Having served the princess for some time, Xiao Qiu knew her temperament well. Hearing this, she understood that Gu Li intended to stay and dine with General Chang’an. Quickly, she fetched a small low table and placed it beside the bed, then carefully laid out all the dishes from the food box.

“Princess...” Lie Chang’an looked surprised at the scene.

“What is it?” Gu Li smiled wryly at his expression. “I haven’t eaten enough either, so let’s eat together.”

Lie Chang’an remained seated, feeling the situation slipping further from his expectations.

Seeing this, Gu Li picked up her chopsticks and said, “If you won’t eat, then I’ll feed you.”

“No need,” he said, powerless against such a princess. Hastily, he took the chopsticks and silently began to pick up food.

Gu Li smiled softly and started eating alongside him. As they ate, she couldn’t help but point to the sumptuous dishes spread before them and introduce them one by one. “This is Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, made with abalone, shark fin, sea cucumber, fish maw, fish lips, deer penis, deer tendons, crab roe, lake shrimp meat, dried scallops, and fourteen other ingredients, all simmered in a secret broth.”