Chapter Forty-Seven: The Royal Family Plans a Grand Celebration

When Zhuo Yue'an informed Xiao Jingxuan that Su Jingluo wanted to discuss something with him, Xiao Jingxuan shot to his feet. Just as he was about to stride out, he stopped and stepped back. He turned his head, looking thoughtfully at Zhuo Yue'an.

"Is something wrong, Your Highness?" Zhuo Yue'an felt uneasy under his gaze, not knowing if he had made a mistake.

"If I rush over the moment she calls, won't it seem like I care too much? I'll wait an hour—no, at least half an hour," Xiao Jingxuan muttered, returning to his seat to stomp his foot and count the minutes.

But a mere quarter of an hour later, Xiao Jingxuan stormed off to Su Jingluo's small courtyard.

"You wanted to see me?" he announced as he entered, only to find Su Jingluo and Yunbai enjoying the fruit they’d brought from the palace, feeding each other without a care in the world. The sight irked him.

"Yes, have a seat. Would you like something to eat?" Su Jingluo held no grudges, popping a frozen grape into her mouth and gesturing for Xiao Jingxuan to help himself.

"No, thanks. How long have these been here? Haven’t they gone moldy by now?" Wasn’t there something urgent? Why did they look so relaxed?

"They've been specially prepared. These bananas, peeled and frozen, taste almost like ice cream," Su Jingluo generously shared her invention.

"Ice cream? What’s that?" Xiao Jingxuan was taken aback. What sort of food was that?

How to explain? Finding it impossible to make clear, Su Jingluo simply nudged Yunbai.

Yunbai grabbed a piece of banana, tilted her head, and held the frozen fruit up, gazing expectantly at Xiao Jingxuan.

"Use your mouth," Su Jingluo instructed as Xiao Jingxuan reached out his hand, signaling him to bend down. He really had no idea how to be a loving, interactive father.

Caught off guard by Yunbai’s wide eyes, Xiao Jingxuan hesitated, then bent down.

"Bad Daddy, this is really tasty," Yunbai declared, shoving the frozen banana into his mouth, watching him intently for a reaction.

"Is it good? Do you like it?" Su Jingluo prompted.

There had never been a shortage of fruit for Xiao Jingxuan. What the palace had, the Prince Jing's residence had as well. He simply didn’t care for fruit and had never found it special. He’d had bananas before, but this frozen version truly had a different texture—surprisingly soft and sweet.

"It’s all right," Xiao Jingxuan replied. He’d meant to say it was delicious, but his personality would never allow exaggerated praise.

Yunbai, still unfamiliar with her father, pouted at the lack of enthusiasm.

"Daddy doesn’t know how to eat. Uncle Zhuo says it’s delicious," Yunbai grumbled, stomping her foot before running back to her mother’s side.

Uncle Zhuo? He’d gotten to taste their special fruit before him? Since when had Zhuo Yue'an grown so close to Yunbai? Xiao Jingxuan shot a sidelong glance at Zhuo Yue'an, who immediately shrank into a corner in nervousness.

"I didn’t come here to eat. Didn’t you have something urgent to tell me?" Xiao Jingxuan asked, a little annoyed.

He didn’t know why he was suddenly so irked again. The look on his face made even Su Jingluo’s special ‘fruit ice cream’ lose its sweetness. Hastily, she stuffed more into her mouth, wiped her hands, and approached him to whisper quietly.

"Let me tell you—the Empress poisoned me with something called ‘Drunken Immortal.’ The initial symptoms were exactly as I acted out, which you saw. Later, I’d be compelled to obey the one who administered the poison. That’s why I can’t attend the banquet," Su Jingluo confided, describing the Empress’s scheme in detail. She even seemed proud of her performance, which only annoyed Xiao Jingxuan further.

"You have to go. The Empress sent you the invitation specifically to ensure your attendance. Besides, Yunbai has to go. Are you comfortable not being by her side?" he retorted. It was really because of Yunbai—both Su Jingluo and Xiao Jingxuan were deeply concerned for the child. Su Jingluo worried her little rascal might use poisons indiscriminately, without regard for time, place, person, or dosage—killing without leaving a trace. Xiao Jingxuan worried someone might bully his son and felt the whole family needed to be on guard.