The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Chen Mengyao had enjoyed a lavish barbecue feast with the servants. The delicious grilled meat, fragrant grilled vegetables, and various special sauces made her eat to her heart's content, until her stomach was so full she could barely move. So, she happily invited Ouyang Han to accompany her for a stroll in the garden so she could digest her meal.

Chen Mengyao strolled leisurely along the path leading to the garden, occasionally gently stroking her slightly protruding belly. Suddenly, she remembered the special forces training she had been concerned about, so she turned to Ouyang Han beside her and asked softly, "Yichen, I wanted to ask how the special forces training is progressing?"

Ouyang Han smiled slightly and replied gently, "Yaoyao, don't worry! I've already arranged everything. I've invited a veteran general who has been through countless battles to personally go to the military camp and carefully select the most suitable candidates from among the many soldiers to participate in this special training."

Then, he explained to Chen Mengyao in detail: "This old general has extremely rich combat experience and outstanding military talent. With him overseeing the selection, he will definitely choose the best soldiers. Moreover, after the general finalizes the selection, I'll probably get quite busy. Because I'll need to provide that old general with some guidance on training, and if time permits, I might even go there in person to help. However... all of this will have to wait until after our wedding. After all, our wedding is the most important thing right now." After saying this, Ouyang Han affectionately pinched Chen Mengyao's small nose.

Chen Mengyao was reluctant to let him go when she heard he was going to train those people, but she couldn't stop him from going, so she was conflicted. She said, "Can I take you with me? If the enemy country suddenly starts a war, I can immediately provide you with weapons." Ouyang Han, of course, couldn't let her go into danger, so he firmly said, "No, the border is too dangerous. You can't go. I don't even consider those two countries a threat. After all, they were my defeated enemies before. You can prepare some weapons for me before I leave, but you can't go to such a dangerous place. Maybe by the time we set off, Ling Qi and the others will have already manufactured the explosives. He has already found the relevant materials and started mixing them. I believe he will manufacture the explosives soon. Be good, stay in the manor and wait for my good news." Chen Mengyao had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Ouyang Han thought for a moment and then said, "When I'm no longer in the manor, when you go out, be sure to take those two maids who know martial arts and the secret guards with you. Be careful. If there's any danger, remember to hide in your spatial dimension immediately. I think it's necessary for you to let your maids know that you have a spatial dimension, so they can remind you to go in if they need to deal with danger. Don't worry, the maids I've assigned to you are all very loyal." Chen Mengyao thought it made sense. She took out so many novel things every day, and the maids didn't ask any questions, which showed they weren't meddlesome people. So she planned to take them with her when she moved in with her sisters-in-law tomorrow, since people who went into their spatial dimensions wouldn't reveal their secrets after leaving. So she agreed. After wandering around for a long time, she went back to rest. Chen Mengyao went back to her room and immediately went to bed, because she had a lot of things to do tomorrow.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, she eagerly got out of bed. After a quick wash, she drank a sip of her fine wine, worried that she might lack the energy for the day's tasks. Then, she quickly began to organize her belongings. She moved swiftly and methodically, and in no time, everything was neatly arranged.

Immediately afterward, with a thought, she took out the meat skewers she had carefully marinated the night before, along with various ingredients for making a delicious hot pot, and all sorts of drinks. The ingredients were dazzling and diverse, making one's mouth water just by looking at them.

Then, she summoned several of her trusted maids and called upon the servants who had enjoyed the barbecue with her the previous night. Together, they worked together to carry the heavy load of ingredients and tools to the new courtyard. The journey was filled with laughter and joy, creating a lively atmosphere.

When they finally arrived at the new courtyard, the plaque had already been hung up by the servants, who were busily sweeping the courtyard. She quickly went over and kindly greeted a few servants, asking them to follow her into the kitchen to help wash the ingredients. The kitchen immediately became lively, with everyone doing their own thing—some washing vegetables, some chopping them—all working happily.

Chen Mengyao instructed the servants on how to clean the ingredients, and seeing that they were doing a good job, she felt relieved and went to prepare the seasonings. Chen Mengyao meticulously prepared a rich variety of hot pot seasonings and broth, making them look incredibly appetizing. She skillfully combined various spices to create a unique hot pot broth that emitted a rich aroma. As for the seasonings, she prepared minced garlic, sesame oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, and other condiments, each neatly arranged.

After all the seasonings had been carefully prepared, she gracefully took several exquisite copper pots from the cupboard and quietly instructed the busy servants around her to fetch fresh chicken for cooking. These copper pots were no ordinary ones; each was specially made with two separate pots, allowing for the simultaneous preparation of two different broths—one a hot and flavorful spicy broth, and the other a light and delicate original flavor broth. This was in case someone couldn't handle spicy food.

Once everything was in place, she skillfully lit the stove, and the fire gradually rose, the warm and bright flames licking the bottom of the pot. Then, she carefully placed the chopped chicken pieces into the pot, added an appropriate amount of hot pot broth, and instantly the aroma filled the entire kitchen.

To ensure the cooking time was just right, she specifically summoned a servant skilled in cooking and carefully instructed him to pay close attention to the changes in heat at all times, so as to avoid any unexpected situations affecting the quality of this delicious meal. After giving these important instructions, she turned and left the kitchen with satisfaction, and went to the living room to quietly await the arrival of her guests.

When Ouyang Han arrived with the Emperor, Empress, several concubines, the Crown Prince, Prince Wen, their siblings, and their children, a delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen, making everyone's mouths water. The Emperor spoke first, asking, "Yao'er, what food have you made today that smells so good?" Chen Mengyao smiled and replied, "I'm making hot pot for you today, and there will be barbecue later. Please come inside and sit down; we'll be eating soon." She then led them into the main hall and instructed the servants to make tea for them. Bowls and chopsticks were also set out on the table.

She went outside and had the people outside bring out the barbecue ingredients they had brought. She instructed the servants who had eaten barbecue the night before to go to the kitchen and get the barbecue grill, charcoal, and various seasonings. Everything was quickly prepared, and the servants soon started a fire and put some meat on it to grill. Soon, the people inside smelled the delicious aroma. The little foodie Princess Chang Le immediately ran out and saw the servants grilling skewers of meat on a grill. She rushed over and asked Chen Mengyao, "Third Sister-in-law, what's this delicious food? It smells so good!"

Chen Mengyao tapped her nose and said, "You're such a glutton. This is called barbecue. It'll be ready to eat soon, just wait a little longer! We'll bring it in for you when it's done." Princess Chang Le didn't want to go in, so she ran to the servants and asked them how to do it. The servants patiently explained it to the princess, and soon Chang Le tried to grill it. However, she burned it on her first try. Undeterred, she tried again, but this time it was only half-cooked. Finally, she succeeded on her last try. She felt a great sense of accomplishment eating the meat she had grilled herself, so she took the skewer of grilled chicken wings and went inside to show off. As a result, Ouyang Han, the Crown Prince, Prince Wen, Prince Duan, and the Prince Consort all came out. They also wanted to try the taste of grilling themselves.

Since Chen Mengyao had cooked for him the night before, Ouyang Han wanted to try it himself this time. Men are indeed more capable; the servants had only taught him once, but the men succeeded on their first try, much to Chang Le's frustration, who stomped her feet in exasperation. Everyone laughed at her antics until each of her brothers shared some of the meat and vegetables they had cooked with her, at which point she finally smiled happily.

The Crown Prince and his entourage brought in some roasted meat and vegetables for the Emperor and his entourage to eat. Everyone praised it highly, especially the Empress and the others, who were trying such food for the first time. They grew increasingly fond of and admiring of Princess Jing. She was truly an extraordinary woman; not only did she sell such excellent skincare products, but she also had so many useful household and feminine hygiene products. After using the sanitary napkins, they found them exceptionally convenient, no longer afraid of embarrassing leaks. Now, they could still go out during their periods—truly a treasure for women! And now, there was even such delicious food; it was all so unexpected. This Princess Jing was truly capable of anything; Prince Jing was truly blessed.

The other concubines couldn't help but look at Consort Lan with envy. Consort Lan returned their gaze with a proud expression, "See? This is my good daughter-in-law. You can't be envious of her." The other concubines rolled their eyes in exasperation, ignoring her and continuing to eat. The eldest princess shook her head helplessly at this scene. A bunch of childish women. What does it matter whose wife she is? The most important thing is that she's a member of the Dongling royal family, that's enough. Thinking this, she continued eating, watching Chen Mengyao bustling about outside with admiration.

Not long after, Chen Mengyao arrived with her servants, carrying pots of scalding hot copper pots, along with many others carrying raw food and dipping sauces. The Emperor and his entourage were puzzled; were they to eat it raw? This time, it was the Empress who spoke up: "Yao'er, what are these things you've brought? Why is everything raw?" Chen Mengyao had the servants place the food on the table and then said to her, "Your Majesty, this is called hot pot. It's a way of eating where food is cooked and eaten immediately, especially suitable for winter." She then picked up a plate of meat, used her chopsticks to take a piece, and dipped it in the boiling broth. After a few quick dips, she dipped it in sesame sauce and placed it in the Empress's bowl for her to try. The Empress picked it up and ate it.

The rich aroma of sesame paste instantly filled her mouth, blending perfectly with the savory flavor of the meat slices in the hot pot. The Empress chewed gently, savoring the tenderness of the meat and the richness of the sesame paste. The taste was like a feast for the senses, leaving her completely intoxicated.

A satisfied smile spread across the Queen's face, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "The meat in this hot pot, dipped in sesame sauce, tastes absolutely wonderful!"

So the Empress, imitating Chen Mengyao, gracefully picked up a slice of tender meat and gently placed it into the hot pot. The meat slice tumbled in the boiling pot and quickly cooked through. She scooped the meat out, dipped it in sesame sauce, and placed it in the Emperor's bowl, saying, "Your Majesty, it tastes good, you should try some too." So the Emperor also picked it up, put it in his mouth, and savored it carefully; the taste was indeed excellent.

Just then, Chen Mengyao, who had been standing quietly to the side, suddenly spoke up again: "Father, Mother, ladies, there's more than just this one flavor of seasoning here! We have all sorts of other uniquely flavored seasonings here, so why not give them a try? And the broths in these two pots are different—one is spicy, and the other isn't—so you can choose according to your own taste." As she spoke, she gracefully reached out and picked up another slice of tender meat, placing it into the pot to cook. Once the meat was cooked, she carefully scooped it out, dipped it lightly in the fragrant garlic sauce, and then smiled as she presented the delicious slice of meat, coated in garlic sauce, to the Emperor.

Upon witnessing this, the other concubines followed suit. Those who usually preferred spicy food excitedly added various meats and vegetables to the bright red, fragrant hot pot; while those who couldn't tolerate spicy food naturally chose to put their ingredients into a different, milder pot.

After everyone tasted this unique and ingenious dish, they were all genuinely satisfied with this novel and distinctive way of eating. Whether it was a spicy hot pot or a clear broth hot pot, the dishes cooked in it emitted an irresistible aroma that made mouths water, and their taste was simply indescribable. For a time, exclamations of praise rose and fell, never ceasing.

The concubines ate with great relish, completely immersed in the pleasure brought by the delicious food, not even wanting to put down their chopsticks for a moment. They ate heartily, enjoying this incredibly delicious hot pot feast to the fullest. Everyone seemed to have forgotten all their worries and restraints, and wholeheartedly devoted themselves to this feast for the senses.

Even Princess Chang Le and the others, who were leisurely enjoying a barbecue in the courtyard, couldn't suppress their curiosity and appetite after hearing the praise for hot pot coming from the hall. They hurriedly returned to the palace to join the lively feast.

When the Crown Prince and his companions tasted the hot pot, they were completely captivated. What kind of food was this? It was so delicious! After eating, they felt warm and cozy all over. It would be even better in winter. So Prince Duan asked, "Third Sister-in-law, what's this called? It would be great to open a shop. Especially in winter, it's so comforting." Chen Mengyao couldn't help but admire Prince Duan's quick wit as a businessman. She replied, "Fourth Brother, this is called hot pot. It's indeed suitable for winter. This is one of the food businesses I've been thinking of starting, along with a barbecue restaurant." Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince and his companions immediately said, "If that's the case, we'd all like to participate." Chen Mengyao nodded and said, "No problem. Let's discuss it together after we've eaten. I have other businesses to do as well." So everyone sat down to eat. The hot pot meal was very satisfying for everyone, filled with laughter and a harmonious atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the courtyard outside was filled with the aroma of roasted meat. The servants sat together, thoroughly enjoying this delicious feast. They held skewers in their hands, eating with gusto and relish. Especially the dozen or so servants who had never tasted barbecue before; their eyes widened in surprise as they chewed on the food, even taking a sip of the unidentified beverage.

"Wow, this tastes absolutely amazing!" a young waiter couldn't help but exclaim.

“Yes, I never imagined meat could be roasted so crispy and delicious! And this drink has such a unique flavor; it feels so comforting after drinking it,” another maid chimed in.

Everyone ate, laughed, and chatted, creating a lively atmosphere. Laughter and conversation mingled together, like a cheerful symphony echoing throughout the courtyard.

Chen Mengyao was enjoying her meal inside when she heard the laughter outside. She couldn't help but turn around and smile at the cheerful servants. Her heart was filled with satisfaction, knowing that her small gesture had brought so much joy to everyone. Seeing the servants like and respect her even more filled her with immense contentment.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for letting us taste such delicious food!" An older servant stood up and bowed respectfully to Chen Mengyao.

The other servants also put down their food and joined in expressing their gratitude to Chen Mengyao.

Chen Mengyao waved her hand gently and said softly, "Everyone, don't be so polite. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. We'll have more delicious food together in the future."

Hearing Chen Mengyao's words, the servants' smiles grew even brighter. That night, thanks to a delicious barbecue, the entire courtyard was immersed in happiness and warmth.