The Crown Prince’s personal visit to the Marquis Manor, accompanied by the Imperial Chef and a retinue of palace attendants, reached Yulan Hall within half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
Inside the hall, Yang Shi was chatting leisurely with Madam Ding, steam rising from the teacups beside them.
Upon hearing the news, Madam Ding set down her cup, curling her lips in disdain. “Shen Qingtang merely has a poor appetite. She’s grown enough that missing a couple meals won’t starve her. Yet His Highness the Crown Prince goes to such lengths, even bringing the Imperial Chef from the palace. What an overreaction.”
Yang Shi gestured for the attending maid to withdraw. Only after the door closed did she lean closer.
Her voice dropped to a whisper: “You haven’t stayed long in the Marquis Manor, so you don’t understand the intricacies. This girl is fortunate—she’s been doted on by the Empress and Crown Prince since childhood. Otherwise, why would I have treated her so kindly all these years, never daring to speak a harsh word?”
She paused, recalling past events, then added: “And this is just a poor appetite! You should see when she catches a slight headache or fever—the Crown Prince practically wants to move the entire Imperial Medical Bureau here for her!”
“Aiyo—” Madam Ding clicked her tongue twice, winking meaningfully. “Even a real sister wouldn’t receive such treatment! She’s merely an adopted daughter, yet treated more preciously than a princess!”
She leaned closer to Yang Shi, lowering her voice further: “Do you think… the Crown Prince has taken a fancy to this girl?”
“Probably not.” Yang Shi frowned thoughtfully, shaking her head slowly. “I heard from the manor’s old-timers that before Wen Shi passed, she had practically arranged Shen Qingtang’s entire life.”
“Not only did she plead with the Empress on her deathbed to watch over the girl, but she also arranged an early marriage alliance.” She took a sip of tea before continuing: “The match is with Lu Rongyu, the eldest legitimate son of the Minister of Rites. That child showed exceptional brilliance since youth—achieved the Third Rank Scholar at seventeen, now serving as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. Though only sixth-rank, he’s truly outstanding among men, matching Shen Qingtang in both family status and talent.”
“What does ‘outstanding among men’ matter compared to the Crown Prince?”
Madam Ding snorted dismissively, her tone laced with contempt: “Shen Qingtang has that vixen’s face. If she weren’t secretly enticing the Crown Prince, why would His Highness show such special treatment to a cousin without blood ties?”
Having said this, she immediately called for her personal maid waiting outside, urgency coloring her tone: “Quickly find your young mistress! Tell her the Crown Prince rarely visits the Marquis Manor—she should hurry over and make a good impression!”
Fangfei Courtyard
Palace attendants shuttled back and forth with food containers. Within moments, the octagonal table at the hall’s center was laden with assorted pastries.
Crystal Cakes, Plum Blossom Cakes, Cloud Slice Cakes, and even Shen Qingtang’s favorite Crab Roe Soup Dumplings—all kept warm in heated containers, steam curling gently upwards.
The kitchen area buzzed with even greater activity. Imperial Chefs bustled around stoves, the sounds of chopping and sizzling audible across the courtyard, creating a scene of vibrant commotion.
Shen Qingtang sat opposite Xiao Chengyu, her fingers unconsciously twisting her handkerchief as she felt utterly ill at ease.
Huaping stood shrinking by the doorway. Seeing Shen Qingtang’s glance, she subtly shook her head.
Shen Qingtang’s heart sank instantly—it seemed she wouldn’t be able to send a message to Lu Rongyu today.
“Didn’t Tangtang want to eat some pastries? Why are you just sitting there without moving?” Xiao Chengyu picked up a piece of Peach Blossom Cake and brought it to her lips, his eyes filled with laughter that concealed an undeniable tenderness.
Shen Qingtang quickly reached out to take it, her fingertips brushing against the warmth of his fingers before she swiftly withdrew her hand. Forcing a slight smile at the corners of her mouth, she said, “Thank you, cousin. But with your busy schedule handling numerous affairs every day, how do you have time to visit today? And you’ve brought so many things…”
Xiao Chengyu’s gaze fell on her delicate face. “I heard you had no appetite yesterday and barely ate anything. I was worried, so I came to check on you.”
In the past, Shen Qingtang would have thought her cousin was simply concerned about her. But now, she felt a chill run down her spine.
She had only skipped two meals yesterday, yet the Crown Prince already knew every detail. Who had reported this to him?
Jinshu had been sent away to embroider a scented sachet and wasn’t by her side.
So, there were other spies in the Marquis’s estate watching her?
The thought that her every move might be reported to Xiao Chengyu in minute detail made Shen Qingtang’s whole body tense. Even the Peach Blossom Cake in her hand lost its flavor.
Suppressing her unease, she smiled faintly. “I’m much better today, Cousin. There’s no need to trouble yourself over such a small matter.”
“Besides, if I want to eat something, I’ll have the maids buy it for me.”
Xiao Chengyu’s eyes darkened. “Food from outside isn’t clean. From now on, if you crave anything, just send word to me. I’ll have the Imperial Kitchen prepare it and deliver it to you.”
He paused, then added, “If the estate’s chef doesn’t suit your taste, let me know. I’ll transfer a few Imperial Chefs from the palace to specially attend to your meals.”
“There’s no need, Cousin. Really, it’s too much trouble.” Shen Qingtang quickly waved her hand in refusal.
Xiao Chengyu’s dark eyes narrowed abruptly. The warmth in his expression vanished instantly, replaced by the imposing aura of a Crown Prince that spread around him like a tide. “Tangtang, you’ve never been so distant with me before.”
Shen Qingtang didn’t know how to respond. She could only lower her head and eat, stuffing the Peach Blossom Cake into her mouth to avoid the topic.
But she ate too hastily, and crumbs caught in her throat. She covered her mouth, coughing violently until tears welled in the corners of her eyes.
Xiao Chengyu immediately set down his teacup, handed her the warm tea by his side, and gently patted her back, his tone full of helplessness. “Slow down. No one’s competing with you. Why the rush?”
Shen Qingtang took a sip of tea from his hand, finally stopping her cough. Feeling his hand still on her back, she quickly shifted away, avoiding his touch.
“Cousin, I’m fine now. There’s no need to pat me.”
Xiao Chengyu watched her obvious evasion, his brows furrowing sharply. A shadow flickered in his eyes.
[It seems yesterday wasn’t a misunderstanding. Tangtang is indeed deliberately avoiding me. She used to be so obedient, relying on me for everything. Who dared corrupt my Tangtang!]
He slowly withdrew his hand, picked up his teacup, and took a sip, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the rim.
[If I find out who’s secretly driving a wedge between Tangtang and me, I’ll skin them alive!]
Hearing this cold, ruthless inner voice, Shen Qingtang’s heart trembled violently. She looked up just in time to see the teacup in his hand.
It was clearly the same one she had just drunk from!
Hesitating for a moment, she softly reminded him, “Cousin, this teacup… I just drank from it.”
Xiao Chengyu raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a mix of nonchalance and intimacy. “It’s fine. Tangtang isn’t an outsider. I don’t mind.”
[The tea Tangtang drank from is indeed much sweeter.]