The moment Liang Dekuai's eyes met Ye Fan's, a strange feeling flashed through him.
It wasn't fear or tension, but an inexplicable discomfort.
Liang Dekuai didn't dwell on it.
Perhaps this was the aura of a strong individual.
In any case, Ye Fan wasn't angry about his impromptu invitation, which was a good start.
If they could successfully connect with the expert behind him, it would be a tremendous blessing for the royal family!
Overall, the meal was very harmonious.
Compared to Ye Fan's composed demeanor, Liang Dekuai and his wife appeared somewhat reserved.
However, as time passed, a certain feeling grew stronger in their hearts!
The couple exchanged a glance.
As husband and wife for many years, their understanding was profound.
A single look was enough to convey their thoughts.
Once they confirmed they were thinking along the same lines, the couple became truly excited!
He resembled him!
He resembled him so much!
Although they looked completely different on the outside, Ye Fan's every word, action, and the feeling he exuded were identical to their deceased eldest son!
It was a peculiar sensation.
Though they were unrelated individuals, their figures slowly merged in their minds...
For a fleeting moment, they even thought their eldest son had come back to life...
Liang Dekuai finally understood.
No wonder Xiao Jiu liked being with Ye Fan.
It wasn't a romantic attraction as he had initially assumed.
Instead, she had unconsciously begun to see Ye Fan as her elder brother!
Even if Xiao Jiu herself hadn't noticed, this peculiar bond of kinship was undeniable!
"Ye Fan, eat whatever you like," the Empress said with a kind smile. "Consider this place your home, and please, don't be shy."
"Yes, yes, please don't be shy," Liang Dekuai echoed. "From now on, you can consider the palace your home. Come anytime you wish. And you two young people, Ye Fan and Xiao Jiu, you should spend more time together."
As he spoke, Liang Dekuai made a silent decision!
From this moment on, he accepted Ye Fan as his son!
From now on, anyone in the Great Liang Kingdom who dared to cause trouble for Ye Fan would face his wrath!
Lost in thought, Liang Dekuai looked at Ye Fan with increasing affection.
My son, do you know how much your father has missed you all these years?
"Your Majesty and Her Highness are too kind," Ye Fan replied politely. "I do get along very well with Rujing."
Ye Fan's gaze returned to Liang Dekuai, and unconsciously, it filled with paternal tenderness...
My son, rest assured!
Even though I have no cultivation now, when it comes to delicious food, I will certainly not let my granddaughter go hungry!
Liang Rujing paused with her chopsticks, looking at the others with a puzzled expression.
She felt that the atmosphere was somehow strange, but she couldn't quite articulate why...
Thus, the meal concluded harmoniously, filled with affectionate glances.
"Thank you for your hospitality today, Your Majesty," Ye Fan said after finishing his meal, cupping his fists. "I will personally prepare a feast to invite Your Majesty another time."
My son, your father's culinary skills are no longer what they were when he couldn't even roast meat.
This time, I'll make sure you eat to your heart's content!
"Then I shall await it!" Liang Dekuai agreed with a smile.
"Father, Mother," Liang Rujing said. "I'd like to take Ye Fan for a tour of the palace, since he's rarely here."
She felt the atmosphere in the room becoming increasingly peculiar and wanted to get some fresh air.
"Of course, you two young people spend more time together," the Emperor waved his hand. "Have fun."
Normally, such a request would be highly irregular.
Firstly, Liang Rujing was a princess, and it was improper for her to wander around the palace with an unfamiliar man.
Secondly, Ye Fan was merely a commoner, and his presence wandering the palace would be strictly forbidden.
However, Liang Dekuai was too preoccupied to concern himself with such matters.
Who said Ye Fan was an outsider?
He was朕's son!
A legitimate prince of Great Liang!
What was wrong with a prince and princess touring the palace?
As long as they stayed away from the inner court, they could explore to their hearts' content!
Besides, Xiao Jiu wouldn't take Ye Fan to the inner court, would she?
If it weren't for the perceived abruptness, he would have joined them!
And so, Liang Rujing led Ye Fan on a leisurely stroll through the imperial palace.
The surrounding guards, eunuchs, and maids watched with curiosity.
They were not surprised by the mischievous ninth princess exploring the palace.
But the sudden appearance of an unfamiliar man by her side was very unusual. They recognized most of the important figures who were permitted to roam the palace, and this man looked entirely new to them.
Could he be a newly appointed dignitary?
Or perhaps someone...
The ninth princess's sweetheart?
At this thought, everyone's attention sharpened!
This gossip was too good to miss!
Speaking of which, the ninth princess was of marriageable age. If a powerful individual were to take her... ahem, away, their lives would certainly become much easier!
Recalling the times they had been tormented by Liang Rujing's mischievous antics, everyone harbored a secret anticipation...
Ye Fan had seen countless imperial palaces, and in general, they were all similar, with nothing particularly unique.
But that didn't matter.
The important thing was enjoying family time with his granddaughter.
Everything else was secondary.
"Ye Fan, what do you think of our home?" Liang Rujing asked as she led the way.
"It's very nice," Ye Fan replied with a smile.
"Let me tell you, the most fun place in the palace is the imperial kitchens," Liang Rujing said mysteriously. "I'll take you there later, I guarantee you'll love it!"
Ye Fan chuckled.
Was this little girl still hoping to recruit him as a chef?
"The uniforms of those imperial chefs are also very attractive. Later..."
"Plop."
Something fell from a tree.
"Did something fall on my head?" Liang Rujing mumbled, reaching up to touch her head.
"Oh, it's just a green caterpillar," Ye Fan glanced and replied with a smile.
"Run, it's just a..."
Liang Rujing's words trailed off as her face instantly turned pale.
"Ah—!"
"A... a... a bug!" Liang Rujing suddenly clung to Ye Fan. "Get it off me! Ah—!"
Ye Fan was also stunned...
What?
She was a Qi Refining realm cultivator, and she was afraid of bugs?
Despite his internal grumbling, Ye Fan glanced at her head.
He didn't even need to act; the bug had fallen off as she shrieked and jumped.
"There, it's gone," Ye Fan pretended to brush her head.
"Phew... that scared me to death..." Liang Rujing sighed heavily.
The surrounding guards, eunuchs, and maids left with smiles.
They all knew about the ninth princess's fear of bugs.
In fact, it was common knowledge throughout the palace.
However, before, she would only scream in fright. It was only when the Emperor, Empress, or princes and princesses were present that she would cling to someone.
This was a sign of trust.
The ninth princess's trust in this stranger indicated that they had likely hit it off.
Excellent, a powerful individual was finally going to take away this menace!
We're finally going to have some peace!
"It's okay now," Ye Fan gently patted Liang Rujing's small head.
"Thank you..." Liang Rujing shyly returned to her feet.
Her actions had made her a little embarrassed.
There were many ways to overcome embarrassment, and changing the subject was one of them.
"Ye Fan, that's where the alchemist grandpas refine pills," Liang Rujing pointed to a building in the distance. "Let's go take a look."
"Mm," Ye Fan replied.
After all, he was accompanying his granddaughter, so it didn't matter where they went.