“Big brother, could you help deliver this letter to the Sixth Prince?”
However, the guards at the gate completely ignored her, as if she didn’t exist.
Seeing this, Yu Zhizhi began to feel a little anxious. Just as she was about to bribe them with silver, a voice came from behind:
“Give it to me. I’ll pass it to the Sixth Prince for you.”
Turning around in surprise, Yu Zhizhi saw that the speaker was Qi Yize—the Sixth Prince’s close friend and capable subordinate.
The Sixth Prince oversaw the Censorate, while Qi Yize served as the Vice Censor-in-Chief. Knowing how close they were, Yu Zhizhi trusted him.
Since he agreed so readily, she didn’t hesitate and handed him the letter.
“Thanks! Please make sure the Sixth Prince receives it, and tell him I’ll be waiting here for his reply.”
“Whether he agrees or refuses, please have someone come out and inform me.”
She planned to personally cook a hot pot meal to entertain him and show her sincerity.
After all, she had once heard a saying: there’s no problem a hot pot can’t solve.
If one meal isn’t enough, then two.
As long as the Sixth Prince enjoyed the meal, her goal would be achieved.
She had already decided—if he refused her invitation, she wouldn’t go to the blacksmith to custom-make a copper hot pot.
On the way here, she had asked at a blacksmith shop. An expedited order would cost three taels of silver.
She only had fifty taels in total, and after spending thirty to redeem Xiao Tao, she had just twenty left.
She still needed money to buy ingredients and set up her stall.
Right now, she was poor.
“Alright.”
Qi Yize agreed mainly because he was curious about what she was up to.
When he learned she would wait here for Zhao Yunjin’s reply, his curiosity about the letter’s contents grew even stronger.
Also… had he misheard just now? Yu Zhizhi actually said “thank you”? Her etiquette before had practically gone to waste.
“Qi Gongzi, I want to eat the fruit from this apricot tree. Can I pick some?”
Was Yu Zhizhi so poor now that she couldn’t even afford fruit?
Qi Yize didn’t want to indulge her. “You can eat apricots—but you’re not allowed to pick them.”
Yu Zhizhi paused for a moment.
The meaning was obvious.
She could eat them—but only if she picked them up, not plucked them.
She glanced at the ground—full of rotten fruit.
Qi Yize was clearly doing this on purpose.
Her brother was thirsty, just like her. Who knew how long they would have to wait? Quenching their thirst came first.
Got it.
A sly smile appeared on Yu Zhizhi’s lips. “Then I won’t hold back.”
She strode quickly to the apricot tree and, with lightning speed, kicked its trunk.
Immediately, many ripe apricots fell to the ground.
“Little brother, pick them up!”
Hearing her, Yun Xiaocheng hurried over and started picking up the freshly fallen fruit.
As he worked, he said, “Sister, you’re so amazing and smart!”
Not far away, Qi Yize stood stunned.
He never expected her to think so quickly and come up with such a trick.
Though… her behavior was rather uncouth.
Still, no one ever picked these fruits anyway—no one dared. Only she would dare to mess with this apricot tree.
Shaking his head, Qi Yize turned and entered the Sixth Prince’s residence.
Yu Zhizhi picked a large, ripe apricot, wiped it casually on her sleeve, and eagerly took a bite.
A burst of sweetness filled her mouth. She closed her eyes in satisfaction, savoring the taste.
After finishing it, her throat finally didn’t feel so dry.
Just as she was about to eat another, she noticed Xiaocheng still busily picking fruit.
She selected the biggest apricot and handed it to him. “Stop picking for now—this one’s really sweet. Try it.”
Xiaocheng looked hesitant. “But… these haven’t been washed.”
Yu Zhizhi smiled. “Conditions are limited right now, so we can’t wash them. Just wipe them like I did. Do you know what this method is called?”
Xiaocheng widened his eyes curiously. “What’s it called?”
“‘If it’s not clean, it still won’t make you sick!’”
“I see!”
And so, the siblings began an amusing routine—pick, wipe, eat.
The guards nearby watched in stunned silence.
Truth be told, they had long been tempted by the rare apricots on that tree. They just never dared to pick them. But after witnessing Yu Zhizhi’s bold method, they were tempted to try it themselves.
Meanwhile…
Zhao Yunjin sat in a refined pavilion within his residence, discussing important matters with several subordinates in a tense atmosphere.
Qi Yize walked in quickly. The moment he approached, he felt the heavy, oppressive mood.
He glanced at the others, then at Zhao Yunjin, waving the letter in his hand.
Zhao Yunjin looked at them coldly. “Go back and reorganize the case. If there’s a next time, accept your punishment.”
“Yes,” they responded in unison before quickly leaving, flustered.
Watching them go, Qi Yize smirked. “Looks like only Qin Zihao and I aren’t scared by your icy demeanor.”
Zhao Yunjin ignored him. “What do you want?”
Qi Yize grinned and handed over the letter. “Take a look.”
Zhao Yunjin accepted it. “Who sent it?”
“Yu Zhizhi.”
At the mention of her name, his eyes flickered slightly before returning to calm.
He opened the letter—and frowned immediately at the messy handwriting.
At the top, three large words stood out clearly:
“Apology Letter.”
He shook his head.
What ugly handwriting.
But as he continued reading, his expression gradually became complicated.
Dear Sixth Prince,
I want to apologize for my drunken behavior that day. I’m sorry!
If one apology isn’t enough, I’ll add two more.
Sorry!
Sorry!
Do you feel my sincerity now?
If not, that’s okay. I sincerely invite you to come tomorrow at noon to Fuju Restaurant in Haidong District for lunch.
I will personally cook a unique dish to show my heartfelt apology.
Looking forward to your arrival.
Wishing you: strong health, great appetite, growing more handsome, and finding love soon.
—Yu Zhizhi
By the time Zhao Yunjin reached the last line, he frowned again.
He clearly remembered what she said that day:
“You ugly man—no wonder no one wants you.”
She knew he had a scar on his face, yet she dared to wish him to become more handsome?
Didn’t she say he deserved to be alone?
He currently had no fiancée, and no woman dared approach him—yet she wished him to “find love soon”?
Find love with whom???
Was Yu Zhizhi doing this on purpose?!