Lin Haihai happily enjoyed the broccoli Yang Shaolun had swapped in for her, occasionally sneaking glances at the man. He had been digging into the Kung Pao Chicken and nothing else. He must really like the dish!

The empress pitied the emperor and decided to share some of the burdens with him. Noticing that, Lin Haihai interjected, “Have some fried prawns, Empress! It’s really delicious!”

She then moved the dish to the front of the empress and the Kung Pao Chicken closer to Yang Shaolun. “Your Majesty should have more if you enjoy Kung Pao Chicken!”

Moved, Yang Shaolun looked up with suppressed emotions in his gaze, but all he said was a simple “thank you.” Noticing the tears in his eyes, Lin Haihai interpreted that as him being touched and happily pushed the plate of sauteed green chili toward him. “This is pretty spicy as well. You should have some. It’s really good!”

Yang Shaolun took in a deep breath at the seemingly glowing chili and forced a smile. “Thank you,” he said. “You should sit down and eat!”

Lin Haihai sat down, digging into her plate of broccoli. The empress watched the scene unfold with a deadpan expression, casting a pitying look at the emperor. Meanwhile, the empress dowager smiled and said, “Yuguan, you’ve been urging the...