After nightfall, the three of them had dinner together in the side hall.

Princess Xinyang looked across the table at Shangguan Qing with a warm smile and said, “Ah Heng told me you don’t like fennel. I told the chefs not to use any spices. Try and see if the dishes suit your taste.”

Shangguan Qing had long since lost any real appetite. These days, he either forced himself to eat or had the accompanying medical officer give him a bit of nutrient infusion.

But seeing the table full of delicately prepared and appetizing dishes, he still moved his chopsticks and tasted a little of everything.