Chapter 80

Chapter 80

"Son-in-law, the Prince's mansion is truly magnificent," Yu Maizi marveled.

"You two need to learn the rules properly, so you can serve me well later on."

"We understand, Guzi and I."

The son-in-law's status was now worlds apart from before. It went without saying which had a brighter future: being a live-in son-in-law's servant from the Yu family versus being a Prince's Son's servant. The son-in-law was now Prince Chu's only son. He would surely be formally named as the heir and inherit the Prince's mansion, and they would rise in status alongside him.

Countless people coveted their positions by the son-in-law's side. Within the Prince's mansion, who knew how many were scheming to usurp their places. If they weren't diligent and failed this trial, that wonderful future would have nothing to do with them.

They were filled with a sense of urgency, especially Yu Maizi. Yu Guzi didn't have to worry as much because of his relationship with Cui Xi; the Young Master would always show him some consideration. He didn't carry as much weight with the Young Master. Guzi was really shrewd, getting close to Cui Xi so early. If he had known, he would have pursued Cui Xi himself.

Yu Guzi was unaware of Yu Maizi's silent grumbling. After Lu Maomao finished washing his face, he asked him what he wanted to do later. Lu Maomao had a habit of morning reading. Having changed locations, Yu Guzi didn't know if he could still concentrate on reading.

"Young Master, perhaps we should go see what's in the chests the Consort sent over."

Besides having people arrange Lu Maomao's quarters yesterday, the Consort had also sent him four chests of treasures. He had returned too late yesterday and hadn't been in the mood to look.

But going to count money first thing in the morning would make people think he was obsessed with money. "Let's go for a walk."

Lu Maomao walked around his entire courtyard: the bedroom, side rooms, storeroom, maid's quarters—the servants' quarters weren't even in this area—altogether, there were over a dozen rooms. Such a large courtyard with only him as the master felt far too empty.

The bluestone-paved ground was very spacious, as if specifically prepared for leisurely strolls.

By the courtyard gate grew a golden osmanthus tree, its trunk winding and thick, having seen many years. Though deep into autumn, a few scattered specks of golden osmanthus blossoms still remained on its branches.

It seemed there was also an osmanthus tree in Xiaoyu's courtyard. Lu Maomao had smelled chrysanthemum fragrance on him before—a slightly intense scent of red osmanthus.

He hadn't seen him last night. He wondered if Xiaoyu was eating well, sleeping well, and if he missed him.

"Out for a walk, Young Master? The Prince and Consort have sent someone to call you to the main courtyard to have breakfast together," Cao Zhong said, appearing out of nowhere to relay the message.

"Is His Highness also at the Consort's quarters?"

"He is. His Highness didn't get to have the reunion dinner with you last night, so he got up early this morning waiting."

Is that so?

Lu Maomao just assumed Cao Zhong was humoring him.

He was about to follow when Chief Steward Cao said to Yu Maizi and Yu Guzi, "You two haven't learned the rules properly yet. Stay in the courtyard. I will accompany the Young Master."

Yu Maizi and Yu Guzi looked at Lu Maomao.

"Young Master, I'm doing this for their own good, worried they might inadvertently offend His Highness."

Yu Maizi and Yu Guzi, being new and unfamiliar with the Prince's mansion's taboos, felt hesitant upon hearing this. "Son-in—Young Master, our manners aren't up to par yet. Let Chief Steward Cao accompany you."

Cao Zhong was very satisfied with them being so sensible and said smugly to Lu Maomao, "Young Master, shall we go now?"

Seeing they had settled it among themselves, Lu Maomao didn't interfere. Fifth Brother had taught him that a good superior should let subordinates come to him on their own. For now, Chief Steward Cao had home-field advantage and had outmaneuvered them. "Let's go then. Maizi, Guzi, hold down the fort."

"Yes, Young Master!" The two replied in unison, loud and clear. Cao Zhong secretly rolled his eyes at them.

"Meow~"

On the way to the main courtyard, a calico cat watched Lu Maomao for a moment before darting away, chased closely by a young lad.

"Is this a cat the Consort keeps?"

"The Consort doesn't care for keeping cats or dogs. That cat belongs to Zhang Shufei."

Learning it was some consort or concubine's cat, Lu Maomao instantly lost interest.

Seeing Lu Maomao's lack of interest, Cao Zhong didn't continue. Concubines in the mansion without children couldn't amount to much. With Lu Maomao standing here, he was already in an unbeatable position; there was no need to entangle with them. He didn't yet understand this Young Master's temperament. Saying more risked mistakes. When the Young Master needed him in the future, it wouldn't be too late to show his capabilities.

Last night, the news that the Consort had dined with the returned son and rewarded Chef Zhang, who made the roast duck, had spread throughout the mansion. The chef preparing breakfast was exceptionally enthusiastic, making the morning meal extremely lavish. There were three types of congee alone, two kinds of noodles, buns made bite-sized with seven or eight different fillings, five types of flatbreads—including the famous Tongguan-style roujiamo—and over ten dishes like lion's head meatballs, tofu, chicken, and others.

"Feifan, the chefs in the kitchen learned you had returned and prepared many dishes to pay their respects. Come, try them and see what you like."

Lu Maomao genuinely felt the chefs' eagerness to receive rewards.

Lu Maomao chose longan, lotus seed, and peanut congee as his staple and picked up a roujiamo. Seeing this, the Consort asked for the same and sent Hong Ye to reward the chefs who made these items.

Lu Maomao: The Consort is even more off today.

"This roujiamo is so crispy and flaky, no wonder you like it, Feifan," Consort of Chu said, slightly exaggerating.

Actually, it was Xiaoyu who liked crispy things.

After finishing her roujiamo, the Consort picked up a bun for Lu Maomao. "Try this lamb bun. It has cumin inside; it's very flavorful."

Seeing the Consort about to put food in his bowl like last night, Lu Maomao hurriedly picked up a piece of braised tofu for her.

"Consort, this tofu has a nice chew. Try it."

"Not bad. Hong Ye, see to a reward."

Hong Ye made another trip to the kitchen.

Lu Maomao: ...How is this getting worse?

Lu Maomao didn't understand Consort of Chu's joyful mood. Starting from the chefs sending breakfast to curry favor with him, the Consort's happiness was about to overflow. Her child had returned. Everyone knew she had a child. Everyone was coming to please her child. Her child deserved to be the center of attention, showered with love and affection. The Consort was so happy she started scattering money.

While she and Lu Maomao were a picture of maternal kindness and filial piety, Prince Chu's face grew darker and darker.

Watching the mother and son serving each other dishes with their chopsticks, completely ignoring his presence, Prince Chu slammed his bowl heavily on the table.

The noise finally brought the Consort back to her senses. "Your Highness, try this roujiamo."

Prince Chu snorted coldly, glanced at Lu Maomao, and remained unmoved.

Lu Maomao: What's going on? This couple both seem a bit off today.

"Feifan, you serve His Highness a dish too."

Huh???

If Lu Maomao were still a cat at this moment, he'd really want to kick his ear with his foot to make sure he heard correctly.

"His Highness likes that lion's head dish."

Why does he need me to serve him if he likes it? Can't he pick it up himself?

Expecting a cat who never had parents to understand filial piety was somewhat difficult. Ordinary beings—people or cats—who lacked that innate understanding, even if they studied the "Classic of Filial Piety" or the "Analects," were all theory and no practice. Lu Maomao wasn't exactly filial to the Old Master or his father-in-law; respectful was more accurate. He never had to distinguish these things before. Now, his newly recognized parents had emotional needs from him, making Lu Maomao extremely uncomfortable, filled with an impulse to flee immediately.

"Hurry up," Consort of Chu urged him.

Lu Maomao looked at Prince Chu, whose face was so dark it seemed ink could drip from it.

He looked kinda pitiful.

Pfft, what's to pity? A high-and-mighty prince doesn't need some cat feeling sorry for him. He took back his useless pity.

Since the consort had given him so much stuff, it was best not to start a conflict with anyone this morning.

"Here you go, Your Highness." Lu Maomao struggled to pick up a lion's head meatball and placed it in Prince Chu's bowl.

"You make such a fuss just to put food in my bowl. How am I supposed to count on you to take care of me when I'm old?" Prince Chu cried foul after getting his way. The consort couldn't even look. The child isn't causing trouble anymore, yet you're picking fights.

Already planning for retirement so soon after returning?

He's really getting ahead of himself.

Cat had no clue about the whole 'serving your parents' routine. Even his brothers-in-law didn't do such things, so how could he possibly have that awareness? So, he got the wrong idea, mistaking Prince Chu's gruff act for planning his retirement.

"Your Highness, you're in your prime, you've got a good twenty years of work left in you. No need to worry about retirement so early."

"Work for twenty years for you, is that it?!"

Lu Maomao played innocent. "You could work for others too!"

"Are you trying to get me killed from anger?"

"I wouldn't dare. How about you eat something sweet to cool your temper?"

"Bring me a bowl of longan, lotus seed, and peanut porridge too!" The servants had the sense not to step forward. Prince Chu stared at Lu Maomao.

Lu Maomao: !!!

What's wrong with this couple? They *have* to eat whatever I'm eating? Is my food exceptionally delicious?

"Give me a lamb bun!"

"Give me a piece of braised tofu!"

"Give me some shredded chicken."

Lu Maomao was pissed off by Prince Chu's lack of courtesy. They'd just met! They were practically strangers. Would it kill you to be polite? He was on the verge of slamming his chopsticks down when Consort of Chu quickly intervened, "Your Highness, let Feifan eat in peace. He's got things to do later."

Seeing Lu Maomao's expression, Prince Chu realized he had pushed him to the limit and stopped. Just serving a dish and he already gives me that look. This son I got for free really doesn't understand propriety. How did Elder Lord and that Yu Changan teach him filial piety and brotherly respect? If Lu Maomao knew Prince Chu's thoughts, he'd be like, 'seriously?' For a cat, learning about filial piety was just about passing tests and reading people. That was enough. Who'd think to go find a cat dad to wait on? Following human methods would be too much for a cat to handle. Besides, in the five cardinal relationships, as long as you respect the other party, you can usually get by.

Heaven probably couldn't stand him learning to muddle through like a human, so it arranged a pair of parents for him.

"I understand."

At this moment, fear of the emperor made the cautious, timid part of Lu Maomao's feline nature take over. "You're *absolutely* sure I'm your son? I don't wanna accidentally commit treason by deceiving the emperor."

"Is that all the courage you have? How spineless!"

"That's the emperor. It's perfectly normal for me to be spineless." When encountering people of great fortune, spirits like them had to retreat, let alone the Son of Heaven who held the Mandate of Heaven. Regardless of whether he was a wise, foolish, or tyrannical ruler, Lu Maomao couldn't afford to provoke him.

"With me here, what are you afraid of?!"

"Can you protect me?"

"I haven't been working all these years for nothing!"

"That's because you didn't have a child!" Lu Maomao thought Prince Chu gained the emperor's trust and command over part of the capital's military because he had no heir.

"You're looking for death!"

Prince Chu chased Lu Maomao around the courtyard, trying to hit him. Consort of Chu didn't know whom to stop. Why were both father and son so sharp-tongued?

On his second day back at the manor, Lu Maomao gave everyone a spectacle.

Prince Chu's concubines and the manor stewards initially speculated whether the prince liked this newly found young master, but after a few discussions, they lost interest. Regardless of whether the prince liked him or not, with only this one heir, they had to flatter and coax him.

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Author's note: Cat: Don't understand love, leave me alone.

Prince & Consort: …