Chapter 22 - Romantic meal

 As they arrive at the palace, Ding Qi guides them to the upper level, which has a rather wide balcony, from which most of the city can be seen in the daytime. As they get there, they find a finely decorated ambient and a rectangular table with a beautifully crafted lantern as a centerpiece:

-Feel at home. - Ding Qi smiles.
-Ding Qi... what a beautiful set! I have no words... - Yu Lexuan and Zhang Yi are impressed.
-It is just because I really like you... I fear we may not meet again any time soon, and you know how I like to enjoy every moment as if it was the last...
-We feel so flattered by his majesty dedication and willingness to hear us - Zhang Yi bows.

Ding Qi gently helps him to rise:

-Rise, please. I have only followed what my heart said would be the right choice. I tried for so many years to implement the philosophy of the beauty of governance but failed so many times for not being bold enough. Please, sit.

Ding Qi seats in the middle. Yu Lexuan looks at him and puts his hand over his shoulder:

-I always saw you as a potential leader, Ding Qi. You were soo good at strategy and self-control, and now when I saw you willing to kill someone because of a silly error, I almost lost my mind...
-You are right, Yu Lexuan. That moment was important, it put me to think again what was my role in this position. I'd have killed Wang for nothing, and no one would have criticized me, really. I was powerful enough to get rid of his life but weak to convince my counselors they were wrong on such a crucial matter. If not for both of you, I'd not have changed my mind, and also would not be able to see things as I can see now. 

Yu Lexuan smiles:

-I feel blessed knowing that we helped you to such a great extent. I have my weaknesses, Zhang Yi has his ones, but together we can achieve great things, like changing the way you face some problems. I'm sure Huangshan will have a great future.

-I hope so, Yu Lexuan... 

Ding Qi smiles. Wang arrives next:

-His majesty, can I bring the food and the wine you ordered?

-Yes, please.

-I'll take my leave.

Wang brings a serving tray, with three individual portions of steamed partridge:

-This is part of our Anhui cuisine. - Ding Qi smiles.

-It looks good!

They eat:

-This is really nice, Ding Qi! - Zhang Yi approves.

After they eat another three different local dishes, Ding Qi also offers some millet wine, which they drink:

-Your wine is sweeter than ours and very tasty! - Yu Lexuan smiles.

-That's good... sometimes I think our wine is too sweet, and I want to drink something bitter. 

-Maybe I can send you some bottles of our wine along with the powder for the tests. - Zhang Yi looks at him.

-I'd like it!

As time goes by, they start to feel sleepy:

-Yu Lexuan, Zhang Yi... I feel a bit tired. Maybe it's time for us to sleep... - Ding Qi yawns.

-I think this is appropriate. Zhang Yi, let's sleep too. We will have a very long trip tomorrow, coming back home.

-Yes, my highness...

As they go downstairs, Ding Qi grabs their hands:

-I ask you two to sleep with me.- Ding Qi hugs them.

-Well, if his majesty asks...

Zhang Yi and Yu Lexuan agree:

-We can sleep together.

Ding Qi smiles. They went to his bedroom, which has a large bed. Ding Qi lies down between Yu Lexuan and Zhang Yi, who hug him:

-We will keep you warm, Ding Qi. - Yu Lexuan and Zhang Yi kiss him on both sides.

-I want to feel it. - Ding Qi smiles.

Shortly after, they fall asleep, embracing each other. 

...

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