bookrandom Chapter 168 Wine
Chapter 168 Wine
Before long, a dazzling array of delicious dishes, each one a sight to behold, were laid out on the table. Everyone took their seats, and the Crown Prince led the way. About halfway through, the Crown Prince leaned over slightly and whispered something to Eunuch Gao beside him. Eunuch Gao nodded in understanding, then quietly left the room...
A moment later, Eunuch Gao returned, followed by several eunuchs. Each of them held a tray in their hands, and on the tray were several jugs of fine wine.
The Crown Princess saw this and immediately realized that His Royal Highness had secretly ordered someone to prepare drinks. A surge of anger welled up in her, but due to the presence of so many guests, she couldn't let it out immediately. So, suppressing her anger, she softly said, "Your Highness, please take good care of yourself!"
The Crown Prince naturally knew that the Crown Princess did not want him to drink with the others present, after all, they all had huge appetites. However, he took advantage of the situation and replied with a smile, "Don't worry, Jiawan. We haven't prepared any strong liquor today, just some fruit wine, and the quantity is limited. It will definitely not make anyone drunk."
After hearing the Crown Prince's explanation, the Crown Princess said nothing more. She just silently gave him a meaningful look, as if telling him: "As long as you know the limits, it's all right."
The corners of the Crown Prince's mouth curled up slightly, a smile as bright and warm as a flower blooming in spring. His gaze slowly shifted to the Crown Princess, and he nodded slightly, as if silently telling her: Don't worry, I know what's going on.
When the fine wine was carefully served on the table, the prince said softly, "This is a new fine wine from the Western Regions—wine. You may wish to have a taste!"
Liu Jingyue was filled with curiosity and anticipation. She couldn't help but wonder: Is this wine from the Western Regions different from what we taste today? With this thought in mind, she involuntarily turned her head and cast her gaze towards Dugu Jingyao beside her, her eyes eager for a response.
Dugu Jingyao naturally understood that her sister was salivating over the alluring glass of wine. Originally, she had intended to allow her sister just a small drink to satisfy her curiosity, but before she could open her mouth to respond, a familiar voice rang out from the table nearby.
The voice was none other than Li Ruo. It turned out this lively and lovely princess also yearned for that Western wine and couldn't resist the urge to try it. She first quietly asked her eldest brother, who sat beside her, but all she got was a helpless look from him, as if to say, "There's nothing you can do!"
Then, Li Chu looked up again, hinting to Li Ruo that "it's not okay to ask yourself, you should ask your father and mother."
Li Ruo followed Li Chu's gaze and turned her eyes to the seat above. Suddenly, she realized, "Yes, this is an important place in the palace. My brother's words cannot be decisive. I must obtain the permission of my father and mother before I can enjoy this fine wine..."
So, to personally taste this precious wine sent as tribute from the distant Western Regions, she mustered her courage, raised her head, and with a determined and expectant gaze, she looked towards her parents seated at the head of the table. She softly asked, "Father, Mother, may I have the honor of trying this fine wine?"
At that moment, the Crown Princess was tempted to refuse outright. After all, drinking alcohol wasn't a wise move for a girl who wasn't even an adult. However, when she met her daughter's expectant gaze, the words on her lips seemed to be stuck on a fishbone, making them difficult to utter...
At the same time, the Crown Prince, who had been silently observing the development of the situation, also keenly caught the eager and eager look in his beloved daughter's eyes. Turning his head, he glimpsed the Crown Princess beside him, who looked hesitant and hesitant. With a sudden thought, he made a decisive decision and said, "In that case, it's fine to drink a little, but remember to only taste a little and stop, and never drink too much!"
After receiving the Crown Prince's approval, Li Ruo was overjoyed. She quickly thanked him and bowed, then gestured to her personal maid, Ruhua, to fill her glass with fragrant wine...
With Li Ruo as a precedent, Chu Xingchen, Liu Jingyue and Chu Xinyu were naturally granted special permission to "have a drink" together.
Just like that, everyone filled their glasses with delicious wine as they wished. Then, the prince raised his glass and said loudly, "Come, come, my dear friends and family! It's been a few days since we've been able to gather together and enjoy the joy of family. Let's raise our glasses and drink to our heart's content!"
As soon as the Crown Prince finished speaking, everyone responded, raising their glasses. After the Crown Prince and Crown Princess elegantly sipped their wine, the others followed suit. However, amidst this lively atmosphere, there was one person who stood out from the crowd—Chu Xingchen.
I remember that at the last Tianxianglou party, he got drunk after tasting a cup of peach blossom wine and caused a lot of jokes.
Now, in the palace, facing such a solemn and dignified occasion, how could he dare to indulge himself so easily? If he lost his manners in front of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, the consequences would be unimaginable! Not only would he lose face, but he would also be afraid that his parents would be punished.
What's more, if that clever and eccentric Yu'er knew that I was so unable to drink, I would probably become her laughing stock forever!
Chu Xingchen carefully lifted the wine glass and took a small sip. But even with that slight sip, he immediately felt a unique flavor surge in his heart: this wine had a mellow taste, sweet and delicious, with a long aftertaste that was intoxicating and unforgettable...
After everyone had finished drinking, the prince smiled and slowly scanned the people present. He then asked softly, "What do you think of the taste of this wine?"
At this moment, Dugu Xin's face revealed an expression of lingering desire, a lingering aftertaste. He narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly still immersed in the wonderful taste experience. After a brief pause, he spoke slowly, "This wine is slightly sour and astringent at first, but as you savor it, a subtle sweetness wells up in your heart, leaving you with an unforgettable memory! It's truly unique and wonderful!"
Chu Xiaoyi, standing nearby, nodded in agreement upon hearing this. He then continued, "Indeed, Your Highness, as Brother Dugu said, this wine is very different from the fruit wines we usually brew. It has a richer, fuller flavor, with a lingering aftertaste. It's truly a peerless wine!" His words were filled with admiration.
Liu Jingyue, sitting in the corner, remained silent, but she was secretly thinking: Isn't this modern wine? However, compared to wines brewed using modern techniques, this wine is less bitter and has a more lingering sweetness. It's truly rare!
If this fine wine could be brought back to the world, it would surely cause a sensation. Compared to that supposed 82 Lafite, it's probably no less impressive! But unfortunately... Thinking of this, Liu Jingyue couldn't help but sigh softly.
Seeing this, the crown prince's lips curled up slightly, revealing a hint of smugness. He said aloud, "Haha, what you two say makes perfect sense. In that case, please enjoy these fine wines and delicacies once again!"
As soon as the words fell, Dugu Xin and Chu Xiaoyi, having received the Crown Prince's permission, immediately picked up their glasses and drank heartily; the others followed suit, continuing to indulge in this feast for their taste buds...