Old Man Yun’s face paled in panic, and he quickly stood up, “Oh my, what’s wrong? Did a chair leg break? Da Man, Da Man, quickly go get another chair…”
Little Xi Tian watched the scene unfold, giggling uncontrollably.
What else could it be, but being startled by the sudden appearance of the Emperor?
Prefect Chen was also shocked, and he helped Prefect Qin to his feet, asking, “My lord, why are you dizzy before you’ve even had a drink?”
Even the sorghum wine from Dashui Village didn’t have this high of an alcohol content…
Prefect Qin poked him with his finger and whispered, “Look for yourself, who is that?”
“Who?”
Prefect Chen turned his head to look, could it be the Jade Emperor himself descending to earth?
Look at you, so scared, and you’re a prefect…
When Prefect Chen’s eyes met Emperor Cheng’s, there was a dull thud, and Prefect Chen collapsed onto the ground. His eyes were wide open, his mouth agape enough to fit an egg.
As officials of the court, both of them had seen Emperor Cheng before.
Moreover, Prefect Qin saw Emperor Cheng more frequently than Prefect Chen…
My heavens, why on earth has the Emperor come to Dashui Village?
Could it be, could it be that he’s here to visit the little prince?
The two officials simultaneously knelt on the ground, about to perform the proper rites, when Emperor Cheng suddenly coughed and looked at Old Man Yun, “Brother Yun, have you brought the chair? Can’t you see these two people have injured their legs from falling?”
“Hahaha…” Little Xi Tian leaned back in her chair, covering her small belly with her hands, laughing non-stop.
Old Man Yun kicked Yun Da Man, “Hurry up, where’s the chair?”
Yun Da Man rubbed his backside, “Dad, the chair isn’t broken. Maybe the ground isn’t level, that’s why the two lords fell!”
“Then hurry up and level the ground!” Old Man Yun reprimanded.
Yun Da Man: “…”
Seeing Emperor Cheng’s calm expression and no sign of displeasure, Prefect Chen and Prefect Qin sheepishly got up.
They figured the Emperor didn’t want to reveal his identity, so they had to cooperate.
Alas, it seemed they wouldn’t be able to enjoy this drink heartily today, Prefect Chen grumbled inwardly.
After the two sat down, Old Man Yun began to toast, “Come, thank you all for coming to my second son’s wedding despite your busy schedules. I’ll go first…”
With that, Old Man Yun raised his wine bowl and drank it down in one gulp.
Prefect Chen saw Emperor Cheng take only a small sip and asked Prefect Qin in a low voice, “My… My lord, can I chug it?”
Chugging meant finishing the entire bowl of wine in one go, and he felt that was the only way to truly enjoy it.
Prefect Qin shot him a glare and said impatiently, “Chug your ass! Didn’t you see His Majesty drinking in small sips? How can you have no sense of observation!~”
No wonder you’ve been a prefect in Heyang County for so many years without a promotion, you clearly lack discernment.
Prefect Chen: “…”
This drink was incredibly stifling.
Emperor Cheng smiled and said, “Today is a joyous occasion for the Yun family. You two may drink to your heart’s content, don’t be constrained!~”
Prefect Chen’s eyes lit up, he stood up and cupped his hands, “Thank you, Your… Ouch!”
Before he could finish speaking, Prefect Qin kicked him under the table.
He was truly afraid that this idiot would blurt out everything if he drank too much. If the Emperor’s identity were exposed, their official hats would be lost.
Old Man Yun blinked in surprise and asked curiously, “Prefect Chen, you know Old Brother Huang? Haha, what a coincidence…”
Old Brother Huang?
Prefect Chen and Prefect Qin were startled simultaneously.
Could this be the Emperor’s public identity?
Emperor Cheng smiled and explained, “I had some business dealings in the past and came into contact with you two lords, and we got acquainted that way!~”
“Wow, that’s great, it saves me the trouble of introductions, haha!~” Old Man Yun was thrilled, and he poured himself another bowl of wine, “Come, let’s drink together…”
This time, Emperor Cheng didn’t drink in small sips but, like Old Man Yun, downed it in one gulp.
Seeing this, Prefect Chen, without a second thought, emptied his bowl and let out a burp, “Burp, that was exhilarating!~”
Prefect Qin: “…”
It’s like you’ve never had alcohol before?
In fact, drinking also depends on the atmosphere and mood. If you encounter someone obstinate and unable to connect with, you’ll get drunk after just a couple of sips.
At the women’s table.
As Madam Xue chatted with Madam Gu, the topic turned to Yun Jinhe.
“I heard that Jinhe placed first in the imperial examinations and is now a scholar. Your Yun family is truly blessed with continuous good fortune!~” Madam Xue said with a smile.
Madam Gu smiled slightly, “It’s all thanks to you, Madam, and Prefect Qin. We wouldn’t have the life we have today without your help…”
Madam Huang scoffed upon hearing this and casually tossed aside the gnawed-clean large bone, “What blessings? If it weren’t for my husband’s help, would your old Yun family’s life be any better? Not to mention the waterwheel, if my husband hadn’t written to the Emperor to report your merits, would the Emperor even know who your old Yun family is? Right?”
Madam Gu: “…”
Madam Xue: “…”
You really know how to converse.
Moreover, Madam Gu felt that the Prefect’s wife seemed to have changed quite a bit after not seeing her for a while.
When she used to visit the old Yun family, she was often noisy and annoying, but now she seemed to disregard all decorum. Even in front of Madam Xue, she would speak her mind without holding back…
“Oh, right, where is your Jinshan?~” Madam Huang asked.
Since the live-in son-in-law arrangement didn’t work out, she wanted Xiao Ran to marry into the Yun family. She had taken a liking to San Man’s son, so why not arrange a child engagement early? It would save her trouble.
Madam Gu’s mouth twitched, “Perhaps he’s boiling water in the kitchen!~”
Madam Huang wiped her hands with a handkerchief, “Call him over later, this Madam has something to say!”
Madam Gu: “…”
Good heavens, you’re quite the empress.
Madam Gu served Madam Xue a chopstick of fern, saying nothing.
Du Tie Shan, unable to hold her liquor, had gone to lie down early after toasting everyone.
Granny Jin and Granny Gao were also busy serving tea, washing bowls, and wiping tables, very diligent.
In the kitchen, Yun Jin Shan poked the stove with a hook, intending to roast two potatoes for Yi Yi.
Just then, Qin Yi Yi toddled in. Upon seeing Yun Jin Shan, her little face turned red with shyness, “Brother Jin Shan, long time no see!~”
Yun Jin Shan scratched his head, and dandruff cascaded down, “Yes, I wrote to you last time, but you didn’t reply. I thought you were ignoring me…”
The two of them had already started exchanging letters in private.
“No, no!~” Qin Yi Yi quickly explained, “That’s because…”
Before she could finish, Shangguan Fang Er suddenly burst in, laughing heartily.