Chapter 283: I envy you for marrying such a wife.

Chapter 283: I envy you for marrying such a wife.

This was just the financial reward.

By hitching their wagon to the Liang family, they would have access to more opportunities for making money in the future.

For the Song family to rise, it still depended on her husband.

Next, Qin Xiaoyao witnessed Song Que's ease and grace as he conversed with everyone, laughing and joking.

Seeing him witty and measured in his speech, she felt extremely proud.

After a while, Song Que not only blended well with all the generals.

After toasting Han Chao twice, he also bridged the gap between them.

By the time the meal was over, all the generals had fully accepted Song Que, praising him without end.

They even repeatedly told Qin Xiaoyao to treat Song Que well.

Saying that she and Song Que were a perfect match, and so on.

Qin Xiaoyao watched in amazement.

It wasn't until they said goodbye at the door of Fu House, and the seemingly drunk Song Que sobered up and pulled her into his arms, that she came to her senses.

Facing the cool breeze, Qin Xiaoyao looked at Song Que, whose cheeks were flushed, in surprise.

"You—weren't drunk?" she asked.

During the banquet, her husband had drunk quite a bit.

She had intended to help him drink less, but was mocked by the others.

Then her husband stubbornly drank on his own.

He remained flushed, holding out in a state of half-drunk, half-sober, before finally giving in and not continuing to compete with those heavy drinkers.

Seeing his delayed reactions and occasional silly smiles, she, like everyone else, thought he was truly drunk.

But now, looking at his clear eyes, where was any sign of drunkenness?

Thinking of something, Qin Xiaoyao's expression became peculiar.

"Your alcohol tolerance—"

That's not right! According to past experiences, after drinking so much today, her husband should have been drunk long ago.

But—

Well, it turns out he was pretending all along...

Recalling their first time after drinking, Qin Xiaoyao suddenly realized that it wasn't a result of drinking, but a well-planned scheme...

Seeing the change in his wife's eyes, a dangerous spark flashed in his.

Song Que tightened his grip on Qin Xiaoyao's slender waist.

Then, he gave her a charming smile.

"Alcohol does not intoxicate; it is the heart that gets drunk. The more I look at my lady, the more intoxicated I become."

Qin Xiaoyao was captivated.

"Hmph, you know your place!" she scolded, but didn't argue further, instead leaning into Song Que's embrace.

The couple soon held hands and walked home together.

That night in Lingquan Town was warm and beautiful.

The next day, the day after the Lantern Festival.

The Song family's porridge shop opened as usual.

Qin Xiaoyao was busy in the shop when Song Que skipped work to come and see his wife at the porridge shop.

The Second Prince and Han Chao suddenly showed up.

Even though Song Que was caught skipping work, he didn't feel uncomfortable, instead calmly greeted the Second Prince himself.

"Two bowls of century egg and lean meat porridge, two steamer baskets of small buns, four sesame balls, and two spring rolls," the Second Prince said directly to Song Que, as if he were an ordinary customer, without any airs.

"Please wait a moment," Song Que replied with a smile.

He personally went to get the food for the Second Prince.

Since everything was ready, it didn't take long for Song Que to bring the prepared meal.

The Second Prince picked up his chopsticks and was about to start eating.

Seeing Song Que turn to leave, he quickly said, "Sit down and eat with me. There's too much for me to finish alone," as if chatting with a friend.

Song Que glanced at Han Chao, who had gone to order his own meal at the counter, knowing that the Second Prince had ordered this food not to share with Han Chao. After hesitating for a moment, he sat down.

"I've already had breakfast, so I won't be able to eat much," he said as he picked up his chopsticks.

Over these days, and through interactions from his previous life, he had become familiar with the Second Prince.

Between them, the master-minister relationship from his past life had faded, replaced by a sense of friendship.

The second prince glanced at Song Que.

Then, he looked towards Qin Xiaoyao, who was still busy not far away.

"I envy you, having such a wife."

Beautiful, capable, and so knowledgeable about food.

The longer he stayed in Lingquan Town, the more he envied their life together.

If he were not a prince, not the son of Empress Chen, but just an ordinary person, he might have been willing to stay in Lingquan Town and live a simple life.

Not to mention, he truly loved the century egg and lean meat porridge.

Once he left Lingquan Town, it would be hard to taste it again.

Following the second prince's gaze, Song Que saw Qin Xiaoyao turn around and smile at him.

He couldn't help but curve his lips into a smile as well.

"Your Highness probably can't envy this," he said with a hint of pride.

"Cough—" The second prince almost choked.

Seeing that Qin Xiaoyao knew nothing and smiled at him too, the second prince felt speechless.

He thought Mr. Qin must not know her husband's true nature.

"You really don't know how to be humble," the second prince said, giving Song Que a displeased look.

Song Que smiled indifferently and lowered his head to drink his porridge.

"When do you plan to set off, Your Highness?" he asked afterward.

The relaxed expression on the second prince's face finally disappeared.

"In three days."

He lowered his head to look at the porridge in his bowl.

"What a pity, I won't be able to enjoy such good porridge anymore..."

Song Que's expression froze, and he finally showed some sadness.

"If Your Highness needs it, we can send some century eggs to you tomorrow," he offered.

The second prince glanced at Song Que.

"Two hundred," he said.

Song Que's expression stiffened for a moment, then he laughed.

"Deal," he replied with a smile.

After winter set in, the demand for century eggs from Fu House decreased, leaving quite a few at home.

Sending two hundred wouldn't be a problem.

Seeing Song Que's change in demeanor, the second prince's face lit up with a smile.

"But compared to century eggs, I want even more the person who makes them."

Seeing Song Que's face freeze again, the second prince continued, "Although Mr. Qin is a woman, she has the talent of a general."

"Staying in Lingquan Town is a waste of her abilities."

"And you, Brother Song—"

"Your talents match those of your grandfather. If you entered public service, you would surely benefit the people."

"Leaving here in Lingquan Town, I—really can't bear it—" the second prince sighed.

At first, he valued Mr. Qin more.

But after this period, he found that Song Que had even greater potential.

Initially, he recruited Song Que to the government office to win over Mr. Qin, but Song Que's performance continually amazed him.

Despite being just a commoner, Song Que could navigate complex social dynamics, winning the favor of various factions, even making them willing to share their interests to curry favor with him.

When faced with difficult problems, he often found unique solutions that others couldn't think of, resolving the issues.

Such talent is rare.

If given a larger stage, his potential would be infinitely magnified.

And he could provide such an opportunity.

At the same time, he needed such talent.

He really didn't want to miss out on these two...

A flicker of emotion crossed Song Que's eyes.

After a moment, he lowered his head and continued drinking his porridge.