After the formalities were completed, Princess Consort Liang dismissed them; neither dared to utter an extra word, hurriedly leaving with their maid in tow. It was clear to see that Princess Consort Liang had a firm command over her subordinates, and her influence in the backyard of the Prince's Mansion was not as gentle as it appeared.
Meals in the Prince's Mansion were served at fixed times, and by late Shen hour, dinner was already prepared. Since Mo Yan and Xiao Ruiyuan were guests, two tables were set up in the dining room: one for the Crown Prince and Xiao Ruiyuan, and another for Mo Yan and Princess Consort Liang, separated by a semi-transparent screen.
The tables were laden with a variety of delicious dishes, some of which Mo Yan could not even identify. Remarkably, despite the cold weather, fresh fish was served. Although just common crucian carp, it was a rarity, especially since the moat had frozen over after the major cold period.