This Fruit Doesn't Need to Be Washed

At noon, Consort Rui hosted Qiao Mai in her palace with Jiamei.

The emperor accompanied them, though he initially hesitated. He attended to observe Qiao Mai up close.

Thinking of the New Year's Eve banquet, the old emperor struggled for conversation as they ate.

"Madam Qiao, the magical way you produced items out of thin air that day, is it a trick or a skill?"

"It's both. Magic is considered a form of skill, isn't it?"

"Oh, can you show us another trick now?"

"It depends on what Your Majesty desires."

"What else can you produce?"

"Fruits."

"What about the set of jewelry you gave to Consort Rui that day?"

"I already had that set of jewelry on me. I intended to give it to my in-law."

The emperor questioned, attempting to unveil the mystery, "Are the fruits in your shop also magically produced?"

"Your Majesty, that's like asking for a recipe. Will I reveal the secrets of my trade?"