Chapter 19

Chapter 19

If these were the dishes she currently enjoyed, Xu Duanyi would naturally have no doubts.

But these dishes...

It had been a long time since she had eaten them.

Her aunt wasn’t a fan of spicy food.

Having eaten with her for so long, Xu Duanyi had grown accustomed to milder flavors.

Aunt Deng, having served people for many years, was naturally skilled at reading expressions.

Noticing Xu Duanyi gazing at the dishes in a daze, she said, "When the prince brought you back to the manor before, I noticed you enjoyed these dishes. Coincidentally, there’s a chef from Sichuan in the manor who cooks quite well, so I took the liberty of preparing them today."

"If you don’t care for them, I can have some capital-style dishes prepared instead."

"No need."

Xu Duanyi smiled and politely declined. "It’s been ages since I’ve had these. It’s a good chance to try them today."

Her father was from Sichuan and had a penchant for spicy food.

Before she was six, she had followed her father’s taste, but after living with her aunt in the palace for so long, her taste had gradually become milder.

In the past, she only ate spicy food when she left the palace with Xie Qingya.

Later, when Xie Qingya went to Jizhou, she rarely visited the manor.

She was surprised the manor staff still remembered, which greatly improved her mood.

Seeing that she liked the dishes, Aunt Deng also breathed a sigh of relief.

Actually, that morning, she had been a bit unsure, wondering what to prepare for the princess’s dinner. The prince happened to pass by and casually mentioned, "Didn’t she used to like spicy food? Just make some Sichuan dishes."

She had hoped the dinner would help them patch things up and improve their relationship.

Who would have thought the prince would cause trouble that very night!

Now, she couldn’t bring up all the things she had planned to say.

She could only focus on serving the princess diligently during the meal.

To avoid making the princess and her entourage feel that the manor was neglecting her.

"Aunt Deng, you don’t need to trouble yourself. You are a long-time servant of the manor and my mother-in-law’s confidante. You don’t need to do these things," Xu Duanyi said, not letting her serve.

Bixi also walked over with a smile.

"Aunt Deng, I can handle these things. You just stay and chat with the princess."

It was customary for a new mistress to inquire about the manor’s situation upon arrival, and Aunt Deng had long been prepared.

She smiled and said, "That’s fine. I also have some things to discuss with you."

After speaking, she took out two tally tokens (used for identification or access) and a string of keys.

"After the passing of the Princess, the household was left without proper management, so the prince entrusted the household affairs to me, and I have been managing them temporarily."

"Now that you have joined the household, these matters naturally should be handed over to you."

"It's late tonight, but tomorrow I will take you around the household and introduce you to the people here, so it will be easier for you to manage things in the future."

She assumed Xu Duanyi wanted to take over the household management and was happy to hand them over.

But Xu Duanyi had no intention of doing so.

She knew Xie Qingya was dissatisfied with this marriage and was wary of her, so naturally, she did not want to get involved in these matters.

"Aunt Deng, there's been a misunderstanding."

"Hmm?"

Aunt Deng blinked, not understanding what she had misunderstood.

Xu Duanyi gently explained to her, "I'm new here and still getting familiar with how things work in the household, so it's better for you to continue managing these matters."

"This..."

Aunt Deng hesitated.

She didn't expect this.

She thought that as soon as the princess entered the household, she would surely take control.

When she mentioned this to the prince this morning, he didn't say much, just said it was up to her.

She didn't expect the princess to refuse...

Xu Duanyi suggested, "If you don't mind, I will follow you tomorrow to meet the people in the household and get to know everyone. As for these household tokens and keys, you can keep them for now, and when I am more familiar, I will ask you for them."

Aunt Deng, hearing this, hesitated for a moment before saying, "Then I'll hold onto them for now."

"Whenever you want them in the future, just ask me."

Xu Duanyi agreed and then asked her, "I didn't see Ping'an and Zhang Ning earlier, is there something wrong?"

As soon as Xu Duanyi finished speaking, she saw Aunt Deng's smile stiffen.

Originally worried that something had happened to them, it seemed they simply chose not to come.

"...It's nothing serious, just that Third Young Master and the young lady caught a cold a few days ago, and considering today's celebration with many distinguished guests, it wouldn't be good if they disturbed anyone," Aunt Deng said with her head down.

Xu Duanyi understood and didn't ask further.

"In that case, please go and check on them for me. I can't go today, but I'll visit them tomorrow."

Aunt Deng quickly nodded in agreement.

After that, Xu Duanyi didn't keep anyone else.

After Aunt Deng left, Xu Duanyi began her meal.

The chefs at Prince Nan'an's mansion are skilled at preparing delicious dishes.

It was probably mentioned beforehand; although the dishes were prepared in the style of Sichuan cuisine, the spiciness was significantly reduced. Even though Xu Duanyi hadn't eaten Sichuan food in a while, she didn't find it hard to eat now.

In fact, she really enjoyed it.

She sat and ate her meal.

Bixi stood beside her, serving her dishes.

Shiyu also came over to ladle her some soup.

Neither of them dared to say a word.

Xu Duanyi didn't say anything at this time either.

After dinner, Bixi called for the dishes to be cleared and poured her a cup of tea to help with digestion.

Then she nudged Shiyu's arm gently with her elbow.

Hinting for her to bring it over.

Xu Duanyi pretended not to notice.

"Master, here's your tea."

Shiyu, eager to please, placed the teacup on the table beside her.

Xu Duanyi didn't drink it immediately, first instructing Bixi: "Go in and prepare the wedding bed first."

"...Yes."

Before leaving, Bixi opened her mouth to speak on Shiyu's behalf.

But seeing Xu Duanyi's calm expression, she didn't dare to say more and could only lift the curtain and go in first.

Xu Duanyi waited until Bixi had gone in before speaking to Shiyu: "Who told you to speak to Aunt Deng like that earlier?"

"She used to serve Your Highness, the Grand Princess. Even Donggu has to address her respectfully as Auntie when they meet!"

Shiyu knew she was at fault and lowered her head a bit.

But she couldn't help feeling a bit unhappy inside.

"...Who told that Prince Nan'an to treat you like that? I'm just unhappy. You marrying him is a great fortune for his Prince Nan'an's mansion, and he dares to give you a cold shoulder!"

"I just wish I had been there earlier, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

Xu Duanyi interrupted her.

Even Shiyu, straightforward as she is, could sense that Xu Duanyi's tone wasn't right now.

She glanced up quietly and saw her usually gentle and easy-going master looking at her with a calm expression.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Shiyu didn't dare to say more.

She quickly walked over and knelt before Xu Duanyi, like a loyal and submissive pet, clutching at Xu Duanyi's skirt, gazing up timidly and asking, "Mistress, are you angry with me?"

After all, she had been by her side since childhood.

Seeing her like this, Xu Duanyi ultimately couldn't bear to speak harshly, though her face remained stern.

"Didn't I warn you back in the palace that when you come to the royal manor, you must be cautious with your words and actions?"

Shiyu pursed her lips.

She couldn't bring herself to deny it, nodded, and whispered, "...You did."

"So you deliberately went against my instructions," Xu Duanyi said, looking at her.

"Mistress..."

Shiyu wanted to defend herself, but Xu Duanyi raised her hand.

Seeing this gesture, Shiyu immediately fell silent.

Xu Duanyi continued, "I won't press you for reasons, and I know the reason behind your actions, but Shiyu, this is the last time."

"If you do this again in the future—"

"You've been with me since childhood, and naturally, I can't bear to punish you, but don't follow me anymore, go home, and I won't care what you do."

This struck Shiyu to the core.

She wouldn't mind being beaten, but Xu Duanyi's threat to send her away made Shiyu's face turn pale instantly, and her voice became sharp with anxiety: "No!"

Her eyes welled up with tears.

She clung to Xu Duanyi's skirt in desperation, shaking her head vigorously, repeatedly saying, "No, no!"

"Mistress, please don't send me away!"

"I won't dare anymore, I really won't dare anymore."

At the sound of the commotion, Bixi rushed out, and seeing the scene, she also became nervous.

"Mistress..."

She walked over, wanting to speak for Shiyu.

Xu Duanyi glanced at her.

After Bixi fell silent with a pale face, Xu Duanyi then looked down at Shiyu again, waiting until Shiyu had cried enough, she reached out to wipe away her tears: "If you don't make mistakes, naturally, I won't send you away."

"It all depends on how you behave."

Shiyu hurriedly sobbed and promised, "I will control my tongue from now on, and treat the prince and the people of the manor well."

Xu Duanyi then said no more, pulling her up.

Seeing her tear-streaked face, Xu Duanyi sighed, "Stop crying like a child and go wash your face."

"After you come out, I have something to tell you."

Shiyu dared not delay and hurried inside.

Bixi stayed by Xu Duanyi's side.

Noticing Xu Duanyi pressing her temples, Bixi realized she had a headache and quickly moved behind her to massage her.

Xu Duanyi withdrew her hand, letting Bixi continue.

"You spoke to her like that today; she won't dare to do it again," Bixi comforted her.

Xu Duanyi gave a soft hum of agreement; she didn't truly intend to send Shiyu away.

When Shiyu emerged after washing her face,

After being scolded like that, she didn't dare to stay as close to Xu Duanyi as she used to.

Xu Duanyi was the one who reached out to her.

Only then did she hurry over and take Xu Duanyi's hand.

Xu Duanyi looked at her and said, "You and Bixi are the closest to me. It pains me to scold you today."

Shiyu hurriedly said, "It was my fault."

After splashing her face with cold water, she had calmed down a bit.

She had been impulsive.

Bixi, just like her, cared deeply for their mistress.

Bixi didn't stir up trouble, not out of fear, but because she didn't want to make things difficult for their mistress.

But she, despite claiming to care for her mistress, was actually causing trouble and making things more difficult for her.

Originally, their mistress bore the heaviest burden and had the most challenging role.

Not only had she not helped alleviate her mistress's worries, but she had also made her even more tired.

Thinking this way,

Shiyu's head dropped even lower involuntarily.

"...I won't do this again," she promised Xu Duanyi.

Seeing her like this, Xu Duanyi knew she had truly understood this time and just held her hand, gently patting it a few times.

Then she glanced back at Bixi and signaled towards the outside with her eyes.

Understanding, Bixi immediately went out to keep watch.

"Those people my aunt gave me, keep an eye on them later. See what they are doing, and don't let them notice."

"If anything seems off, report it to me immediately."

Xu Duanyi hoped she was just being overly cautious, but it was better to err on the side of caution.

Although Shiyu didn't understand this, she didn't ask further.

She had always been the most obedient to Xu Duanyi, and without hesitation, she quickly nodded.

...

At this moment outside.

Mei Xuezheng seized an opportunity to step out and speak with Xie Qingya.

Changfeng and Lingji were on guard outside, ensuring no one would notice their meeting.

Seeing Xie Qingya pressing his temples, Mei Xuezheng couldn't help but frown, "Still not feeling great?"

Xie Qingya had been forced to drink a lot tonight.

Although he had taken a sobering medicine beforehand, being continuously pressured to drink like this still made him uncomfortable.

"...It's manageable."

Even his voice sounded hoarse from drinking.

"Who was that guy next to you, pushing drinks on me? Didn't recognize him."

Mei Xuezheng rolled his eyes, grumbling, "Who else could it be? Li Wengao, your lady's devoted follower."

Xie Qingya was probably really drunk, as his brain was reacting much slower.

Hearing Mei Xuezheng say "your lady," he didn't react much, just slightly frowned.

Mei Xuezheng, however, had more to say.

"You too, didn't we agree? Acting is acting, it's not like you haven't done it before. How dare you embarrass her in front of so many people?"

"Fortunately, the eldest son of the Xiao family had some restraint, otherwise tonight, it wouldn't have just been Li Wengao forcing you to drink!"

He was genuinely curious and baffled.

"Xie Qingya, what exactly were you thinking?"

"Not much, just... kinda annoyed." Xie Qingya also knew he hadn't handled things well tonight.

He had suddenly felt irritable and didn't want to keep up the act.

Tonight, if it had been anyone else.

As long as it wasn't Xu Duanyi, he could have played his part well.

But of course, it had to be Xu Duanyi...

Now he was kicking himself.

No matter what, he shouldn't have embarrassed her like that.

But these thoughts, he couldn't share with anyone, not even Mei Xuezheng.

He pursed his lips and remained silent.

Mei Xuezheng, of course, didn't know what he was thinking. Seeing him like this, he just assumed Xie Qingya was really bothered by this marriage, which was why he had lost his composure earlier.

Sighing.

Mei Xuezheng patted his shoulder.

As for words of comfort, he was at a loss.

"Now that everyone has entered the prince's residence, be extra cautious in your daily dealings. If nothing comes up during this time, I won't be coming over anymore."

"If anything comes up, have Changfeng or the others let me know."

"Alright."

I can't stay out for too long.

Afraid of arousing suspicion, Mei Xuezheng decided to leave first.

After he left, Xie Qingya remained standing in the garden within the prince's residence.

Gazing in the direction of the Linfeng Pavilion, a scenic spot in the garden, he heard Changfeng calling out to him from behind. After a brief pause, he asked, "What is she up to now?"