The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Around 7 PM, as dusk settled, a bright moon quietly rose, adding a soft glow to the tranquil night. Chen Mengyao took out many solar-powered lights and placed them in various spots, instantly illuminating the entire courtyard.

After enjoying the buffet, Prince Wen and his brothers and sisters chose a pleasant and energetic way to spend their time. They strolled together in the elegant and tranquil villa, or walked slowly along the winding paths, basking in the warm sunshine and gentle breeze; or they moved to the open courtyard, each showing off their martial arts skills, their heroic spirit and perseverance revealed in the flashing swords and blades.

Through these alternating activities—whether leisurely strolls or intense martial arts practice—they not only enjoyed the beauty of nature but also received dual training and relaxation for both their bodies and minds. During walks, they could savor the fragrance of flowers and the songs of birds, experiencing the harmony and tranquility of nature, allowing their souls to be cleansed. While practicing martial arts, they were fully focused, pushing each movement to its limit, which not only strengthened their physique but also honed their willpower.

And so, after an afternoon, they gradually digested the food they had eaten at lunch, and their bodies felt much lighter. This time not only allowed them to temporarily forget the tedious affairs of the palace, but also deepened the bond between them as brothers and sisters engaged in shared activities.

Seeing this, Chen Mengyao smiled and instructed her servants to get to work. They carefully brought out the barbecue equipment one by one, and at the same time, strings of skewered food were neatly brought over: tender lamb, delicious shrimp skewers, sweet corn kernels, various meatballs, chicken wings, chicken mid-wings, and all sorts of vegetables—a colorful and mouthwatering display. Chen Mengyao also considered that children shouldn't eat so many "heaty" foods, so she arranged for the chef to prepare dishes suitable for them.

To make it easier for everyone to access and arrange the barbecued food, Chen Mengyao specially arranged for people to bring over a large table. This table was spotless, gleaming with a warm sheen, and looked exceptionally elegant under the moonlight. It sat securely in a corner of the yard, becoming the "supply center" for this barbecue party.

It's worth mentioning that the servants had already washed the food dishes early in the afternoon. They were neatly stacked together and brought over, ready to welcome the new delicacies.

The servants skillfully and meticulously placed the charcoal on the grill, their movements swift and orderly. Soon, a warm and bright flame leaped up, illuminating the excited and expectant faces of those around them. Once the fire had stabilized, the servants focused intently on the grilling task. They deftly turned the food on the grill, ensuring that every side was heated evenly and released an enticing aroma.

At this moment, Prince Wen, Prince Duan, and their entourage, who had personally grilled the food last time, were once again eagerly weaving through the dazzling array of ingredients, carefully selecting their favorite delicacies, ready to showcase their culinary skills once more. Their faces radiated confidence and anticipation, as if they were about to create a feast for the senses.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Yan and his wife, and Ouyang Shuang and her husband, were both novices at barbecuing and seemed a bit lost. Looking at the busy yet orderly scene before them, they felt both curious and apprehensive. So, they decided to ask their siblings for help, hoping to receive some valuable guidance.

Seeing this, the siblings stopped what they were doing and patiently explained every step and technique of grilling. From how to control the heat, to how to flip the ingredients, and when to add seasonings, every detail was explained clearly. Under their careful guidance, Ouyang Yan and his wife, and Ouyang Shuang and her husband, quickly mastered the essentials of grilling and began confidently grilling their own food.

When they finally tasted the food they had grilled themselves, satisfied and proud smiles spread across their faces. The food was not only crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, but also incredibly fragrant, a testament to their hard work and immense sense of accomplishment. They couldn't help but marvel at how amazing the barbecue seasoning was, a world of difference compared to the bland and tasteless flavors they had experienced when grilling meat outdoors before.

They all expressed their praise and gratitude to their younger brother's/third sister-in-law, who was in charge of preparing the seasonings. They commended her as a wonderful wife to their third brother/third sister-in-law, praising her beauty, kindness, and ability to bring all sorts of novel and delicious food and toys. They exclaimed with deep emotion that it was truly a blessing for the Eastern Mausoleum Kingdom that the royal family had found such a lucky star! This barbecue gathering not only allowed them to enjoy a feast of delicious food but also made them feel the warmth of family ties and the harmony of their clan.

This time, the Crown Prince, Prince Wen, and Prince Duan truly indulged in their barbecue cravings. As night fell, the roaring charcoal fire illuminated their excited faces. Everyone enthusiastically gathered around the grill, carefully grilling all the ingredients. From tender meat skewers to crisp vegetables, every ingredient was transformed into a delicious dish under their skillful hands.

During the barbecue, Chen Mengyao thoughtfully brought out plenty of beer and Wanglaoji herbal tea to liven things up. The men, trying beer for the first time, found its crisp, slightly sweet taste quite pleasant; the low alcohol content perfectly enhanced the festive atmosphere. They chatted and laughed, eating meat and drinking heartily, enjoying this rare moment of leisure.

As night deepened, everyone's bellies gradually swelled, and they finally stopped grilling the skewers with satisfaction. The remaining delicious food was generously shared with all the servants in the courtyard. Watching the servants happily enjoy the food, a warm feeling welled up in their hearts. The children, having eaten and drunk their fill, were led to their rooms to rest by the maids and servants.

Seeing that they were enjoying their meal so much, and worried that they might overeat, Mengyao took out some digestive tablets from her spatial storage and gave them to them. Everyone took the tablets and chewed them while marveling at Chen Mengyao's thoughtfulness and attentiveness.

After they finished eating, they belatedly realized the immense sense of accomplishment that came with cooking for themselves. Thinking about how they were usually waited on hand and foot in the mansion, having servants serve them food, they felt a little embarrassed. So, they all secretly decided that from now on, when they returned home, they would serve themselves, because not only would the food taste better and more delicious, but they would also experience the joy and satisfaction of cooking.

They thanked Chen Mengyao again in their hearts, thanking her for teaching them the importance of self-reliance and for introducing them to many novel dining methods. For example, the buffet style could be used at small gatherings, allowing guests to choose their own food—convenient and fun. They imagined the scene of future parties held in the mansion, guests sitting together, selecting their favorite dishes, filled with laughter and joy.

Moreover, their residence has all kinds of recipes, as well as a wide variety of pastries, fruits, and more. When the fruit growers have grown abundant fruit and made delicious pastries, they can supply them in large quantities to the guests. Such gatherings will surely be even more colorful and unforgettable.