Then, he put on a look of anticipation, waiting to be praised.
Come on!
Praise me quickly!
Seeing this, Yu Zhizhi thought to herself: This kid… I didn’t expect him to be even more ruthless than me—he even schemes against his own family.
“Mmm… just a tiny bit smart. I didn’t teach you to scheme against your family. When you go on to deal with those who bully us in the future, then I’ll properly praise you.”
Hearing that, Yu Yang grinned. “You don’t have to praise me. Just keep feeding me delicious food!”
“Yangyang! Can you have a bit of ambition? Stop thinking about eating all day and think about how we’re going to grow our street stall business bigger and stronger!”
“Aren’t we running a food stall?”
He wasn’t wrong to think about food!
Yu Zhizhi raised a finger and waved it. “No. In the future, what we sell at the stall won’t just be food. In short, you’re following the right person.”
Yu Yang was very good at flattering her. “From childhood until now, the smartest thing I’ve ever done is following you, boss.”
Yu Zhizhi smiled in satisfaction. She liked hearing that.
“In the future, I’m yours. Since you’re no longer the true daughter of the Prime Minister’s household, if no one marries you later, I’ll reluctantly lower my standards and marry you.”
Hearing that, Yu Zhizhi frowned. “What do you mean, reluctantly marry me?”
Am I that undesirable?
Although the original owner’s arrogant and domineering personality wasn’t very likable, it wasn’t that bad, right?
Yu Yang’s voice dropped a little as he explained, “Boss, that’s not what I meant. I just always hoped to marry a gentle type of wife.”
Yu Zhizhi teased him, “So you’re saying I have nothing to do with the word ‘gentle’, huh?”
“Yangyang, don’t underestimate me. I can be a very… gentle person too.”
Yu Yang widened his eyes as he looked at her, who was holding a large knife while smiling and saying those obviously unconvincing words.
He instantly broke out in a cold sweat.
“Boss, I suddenly remembered there’s something I need to take care of at home.”
He stammered, then turned and ran like the wind.
Watching his fleeing figure, Yu Zhizhi burst out laughing.
What “important matters”? He’s just a carefree glutton—what could he possibly have to do?
Meanwhile, Sixth Prince Zhao Yunjin entered the palace in a hurry and went straight to the Empress’s Yixin Palace.
He and the Crown Prince and Eighth Princess were all born of the Empress, but due to state affairs, he could not come daily to pay respects.
The Eighth Princess, on the other hand, often visited out of boredom, and was currently amusing the Empress with her lively personality, making her laugh.
When Zhao Yunjin arrived, he saw the warm scene in the garden.
He stepped forward, greeted the Empress respectfully, then sat down beside the Eighth Princess and subtly signaled to his attendant Zhao Er.
Zhao Er immediately understood and took out pastries from a food box.
“Your Majesty, these are your favorite jujube cakes and osmanthus cakes. The prince personally instructed me to buy them from Fragrant Aroma Pavilion after queuing.”
The Empress smiled. “Yun’er is thoughtful.”
The Eighth Princess happily took a piece. “Fragrant Aroma Pavilion really lives up to its name. The cakes are soft, sweet, and fragrant.”
After a few casual exchanges, Zhao Yunjin asked calmly, “Mother, what is the reason you summoned me today?”
The Empress smiled helplessly. “Must there always be a reason for me to call you?”
The Eighth Princess chimed in, “Yes, Sixth Brother, Mother misses you!”
“If there’s nothing else, Eighth Sister should stay with Mother more. I have matters to attend to and will take my leave.”
Just as he stood up, the Empress quickly stopped him.
“Sit down! I called you here to discuss your marriage.”
Her tone carried urgency and concern.
“The Crown Prince, Third Prince, Fifth Prince—even the younger Seventh Prince are all already married. Some even have multiple consorts. And you? You’re still alone.”
“I’ve seen a few noble young ladies recently. The legitimate daughters of the Minister of Revenue and the Grand Tutor’s household are both suitable. Shall I arrange a meeting?”
Zhao Yunjin replied coldly, “Mother, I have no intention of marrying for now.”
His tone was firm, leaving no room for discussion.
The Empress sighed. “You’re already nineteen. Are you still holding on to what happened three years ago?”
Five years ago, he was injured in battle and left with a deep scar on his face. The original fiancée of his engagement later withdrew the marriage agreement under the pretext of “not wanting to burden her granddaughter.”
Since then, rumors spread that she was noble and righteous, attracting many admirers—including even the Fourth Prince.
The Empress had once hoped they would marry as planned, but in the end, the engagement was broken.
Zhao Yunjin answered flatly, “No.”
The Empress finally relaxed slightly. “Good. I’ve heard the Fourth Prince has been interacting frequently with the young lady of the Lin family; they may soon be engaged. I only hope someone can accompany you as well.”
She then added, “We’ve found some leads on the divine physician. Your facial scar may soon be cured. Don’t take to heart the nonsense that woman from the Prime Minister’s household said.”
Hearing this, Zhao Yunjin’s expression softened slightly.
“She was drunk at the time. I didn’t take it to heart.”
Moreover… she had already written to apologize.
And even invited him to a banquet of hotpot.
It was just that… he had deliberately stood her up.