She then asked, "Master, what kind of filling would you like for the glutinous rice balls?"
"The glutinous rice balls—the chefs in the Imperial Kitchen make them fresh!"
Xia Ruqing thought for a moment. "Glutinous rice stuffed with dried fruits is delicious. I want pine nut sugar ones, and also… peanut and milk!"
"Ah! That's easy!"
Xiao Xizi ran off like a wisp of smoke. He knew the items Master had newly requested needed to be prepared in advance to avoid any delay.
After all the preparations were finished, it was time to go to Jiaofang Hall.
Xia Ruqing touched up her makeup again.
Looking in the mirror, she sighed, "I really don't want to go!"
Zi Su chuckled. "All the masters will be there, as will the Emperor. Your Highness, just focus on eating!"
Xia Ruqing pursed her lips. "But there's nothing tasty, though."
...
Midday was reserved for the formal banquet, set in Jiaofang Hall.
