Muttering "sinful thoughts" in her heart, yet her mind reasoned, "Only by eating well and nourishing the body can one work efficiently, right?"
She was certainly not the kind of unscrupulous capitalist who would make the horse run without feeding it!
The Crown Prince immediately clasped his hands and smiled, saying, "Zhiyan thanks Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang."
Seeing that both His Majesty and the Crown Prince had secured a spot for the meal, the other officials grew anxious.
Elder Minister Wang spoke up, "Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang, since the vegetables have ripened, shouldn’t they be harvested and replanted? We’re quite familiar with this work! I wonder if this old man could take a look at the growth of these new crops—there are two varieties I’ve never seen before!"
Yue Fuguang held a favorable impression of Elder Minister Wang. The diligent old man had practically managed her vegetable garden for her, even though she had reciprocated with gifts. His dedication was undeniable.
She smiled and replied, "That’s no trouble at all. You’re welcome to join us, Elder Minister. However, we’re having barbecue today—I hope that suits your taste?"
Elder Minister Wang chuckled. "In my younger days, roasted meat was my favorite. Though I’ve aged, my teeth are still strong, and my palate hasn’t changed. It’ll suit me just fine."
Though the young immortal often spoke of violence, he was undeniably generous—a "good deity" in his own way.
Having eaten plenty of vegetables from her greenhouse, Elder Minister Wang felt rejuvenated lately. At over sixty, he felt as spry as he had in his fifties.
With another successfully onboarded, the others surged forward. Lu Qi, the Minister of Works, dragged along his subordinate Yu Chongshan, while Ji Hongming, the Minister of Personnel, pulled along her new father, Yu Zhongchun. Even Third Master Yu, her former father, was hauled along by his superior.
Yue Fuguang observed the crowd’s pleading, expectant gazes and inwardly laughed, though her expression remained composed.
Discussing food during the morning court session with her system had served two purposes: satisfying her own cravings and luring these officials in.
As the saying goes, "begging doesn’t make a sale." She couldn’t possibly lower herself to invite them—they had to beg to join her meal for her plans to unfold naturally.
After all, she had a grand surprise waiting for them!
Without this audience, who would she and her system perform for?
Once all the influential figures in the court had gathered, Yue Fuguang pretended to finally understand their silent pleas.
She then said, "If you all have time, you may accompany me to my humble abode..."
"Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang, I have time—!"
Before she could finish, a plump, rosy-cheeked young official—clearly well-fed—raised his chubby, dimpled hand and shouted eagerly.
Yue Fuguang turned her gaze toward him. The moment their eyes met, the young man sucked in his round belly and straightened his posture as much as possible.
Blushing, he stammered, "Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang, please forgive my rudeness. I am Wu Yong. I was just so excited to see you that I..."
He chuckled awkwardly before adding, "My father is Wu Yuanjing. We... both have time today."
Originally, he had meant to say he was free, but catching his father’s warning glare, he hastily included him.
Yue Fuguang understood. She found it amusing how bold this young official was—daring to declare himself "free" in front of his boss, Emperor Mingxi!
And how "filial" to drag his father along! The lengths these two would go for a meal!
She knew of Wu Yong—not just because his name was memorable, but also due to his high favorability score.
He was a recent addition to her "listeners," having only just gained court access. From the start, his favorability toward her had been an impressive 86, even one point higher than his father Wu Yuanjing’s.
Toward such "fans," Yue Fuguang was always more lenient. She nodded. "Then you may both come."
Hearing her words, Wu Yuanjing—who had been furious at his son’s interruption and already planned to starve the boy as punishment—instantly beamed.
The heavy slap he’d intended for his son’s backside turned into a gentle pat. Tsk, had the boy gotten even fatter lately?
Emperor Mingxi, the "big boss," took his ministers’ lack of workload in stride. These were his trusted advisors, privy to inner thoughts—he was naturally more tolerant of them.
Seeing the Wu father-son duo succeed, the others lamented their hesitation and abandoned all restraint, loudly volunteering themselves.
The dignified court quickly descended into chaos, noisier than a marketplace.
Yue Fuguang gave a slight nod and, mimicking the adults, raised her small hand in a gesture she thought commanding.
The commotion instantly died down. She rewarded the crowd with an approving glance.
Those who met her gaze inexplicably straightened their backs, swelling with pride.
Her childlike voice echoed through the hall as she declared, "Since you all have time, do join me at my humble home. The vegetables I’ve grown are ready—let’s enjoy them together."
"Many thanks for Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang’s invitation," Wu Yuanjing said first.
The others, feeling upstaged by the Wu duo again, quickly added:
"To taste the vegetables grown by Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang is an honor."
"Indeed! Since winter set in, I haven’t had fresh greens. Today is truly a treat."
Wu Yong suddenly bowed. "Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang, this official begs leave to return home briefly before joining you."
Wu Yuanjing seized his son by the collar, nearly choking him. "What nonsense! With Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang hosting us, you dare make everyone wait?"
Wu Yong wheezed, "Father! Dearest father! Let go, or you’ll lose your only son!"
Once freed, he hastily explained, "I only meant to bring gifts. One shouldn’t arrive empty-handed at Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang’s residence!"
The other officials—and Emperor Mingxi—who had planned to go empty-handed: Young man, we feel called out. And we have proof.
Some, however, reconsidered Wu Yong. Though usually seen as a simple glutton, his performance today suggested hidden talent.
This boy had potential!
Wu Yong continued, "Yesterday, the estate sent fresh game. I’ll bring some for His Majesty, Junior Mentor Yue Fuguang, the Crown Prince, and all the esteemed ministers to enjoy."
This was his tactful way of addressing the unspoken concern: their group was last-minute. If Yue Fuguang hadn’t prepared enough food, rushing now might inconvenience her. Worse, she might never invite them again.
