Chapter 388: Prince Qi Comes Knocking

Chapter 388: Prince Qi Comes Calling

Ji Qingfeng frowned slightly. This was the first time Hua Feixue had asked to leave the estate. She was so devoted to him that he naturally didn't think she would take the opportunity to flee the Marquis's mansion.

But the thought of walking beside her—her being a head taller than him—made Ji Qingfeng feel uneasy all over.

Why hadn't he noticed before that a woman being too tall wasn't necessarily a good thing?

Besides that, Ji Qingfeng had two other reasons for not wanting to accompany Hua Feixue shopping.

For one, he didn't want to upset Ji Qingqing, since she was now the Crown Princess-to-be. The future of the Marquis's mansion depended on her, so offending her now wouldn't be wise.

For another, Ji Qingfeng didn't want other women to see him walking with Hua Feixue. He was afraid they might misunderstand their relationship, as he still wanted to maintain his image as a single, unattached man.

With this in mind, Ji Qingfeng said, "Ah Xue, why don't we go another day? I've been too busy lately and can't get away. I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you!"

Hua Feixue hadn't actually wanted Ji Qingfeng to come along anyway. She had been staying at the Marquis's mansion for nearly a month, and Madam Meng didn't allow her to leave the estate.

Afraid that she might ruin Ji Qingfeng's reputation if she went out, her range of movement was limited to the backyard of the Marquis's mansion.

Most people only knew that Ji Qingfeng had brought back a woman of unparalleled beauty from outside, but no one knew what she actually looked like.

This saved Hua Feixue from a lot of trouble.

She naturally knew what Ji Qingfeng was thinking, and a barely perceptible sneer tugged at the corner of her lips.

"It's fine, I'll just have Qiu Zhu accompany me out!"

"Don't worry, I'll wear a veil. No one will recognize me. I'll just take a stroll and come right back."

Although Ji Qingfeng was reluctant, he knew he had no right to restrict Hua Feixue's freedom.

But given the pressure from Madam Meng, he could only take a step back.

"Fine, since you insist on going out, I'll arrange two guards to protect you."

Hua Feixue mocked inwardly. Protect?

She'd call it surveillance, more like!

If she truly wanted to leave, how could a mere two guards possibly stop her?

With this thought, a faint trace of mockery tugged at the corners of Hua Feixue's lips.

"Second Young Master is so thoughtful. You know this humble woman will buy lots of things when she goes out, so you specially arranged two guards to help carry her purchases."

But Ji Qingfeng didn't notice the sarcasm in her eyes, only thinking she was praising his thoughtfulness.

He smiled and said, "You're this young master's woman. If I'm not thoughtful to you, who else would I be thoughtful to?"

In the end, Hua Feixue still went out with Qiu Zhu and the two guards!

This was her first time stepping out of the Yongning Marquis's mansion since she moved in.

Ji Qingfeng said that for her safety, she shouldn't use the main gate but the back gate instead. She didn't mind at all.

To her, as long as she could go out openly, what difference did it make whether it was the front or back gate?

Once seated in the carriage, Qiu Zhu asked Hua Feixue, "Miss Hua, where are we going?"

Hua Feixue didn't answer her directly but asked instead, "Do you know where the liveliest place in the capital is right now?"

Qiu Zhu thought for a moment and actually came up with a place. She said, "The liveliest place in the capital right now has to be the Fireworks Grill Restaurant opened by Princess Ye and Heir Xie!"

"This servant has heard that customers there come in a constant stream. Many people have to queue for several hours just to get a taste of the grilled meat. The flavor is absolutely divine, and many people have to make reservations in advance!"

At the mention of Princess Ye's name, a glint of interest flashed in Hua Feixue's eyes.

She was very curious about Princess Ye right now. She'd heard that this was a remarkable woman.

She wanted to see for herself what kind of extraordinary lady could make the entire Yongning Marquis's mansion grind their teeth in anger.

Having made up her mind, Hua Feixue said, "Then let's go to the Fireworks Grill Restaurant."

At the Fireworks Grill Restaurant.

Ji Yuntang had just developed a few new dishes and taught them to the grill chef when she was cornered at the kitchen door by Luo Feizhou.

She narrowed her eyes and said in a low, measured tone, "What is His Highness Prince Qi doing here?"

Luo Feizhou dropped his eyes and curled his lips into a smile, but a chill gleamed in his eyes.

"I smelled it from a long way off while walking down the street. I asked around and found out it was coming from the new grill restaurant opened by Third Imperial Sister-in-Law."

"I've never had grilled meat before, so I thought I'd come and try it. You wouldn't turn me away, would you, Third Imperial Sister-in-Law?"

Ji Yuntang folded her arms across her chest, her face calm and unreadable.

"If Prince Qi wants to try the grilled meat, just go find the manager in front. He'll arrange for your dishes. What do you want from this princess?"

Luo Feizhou shook his head and said, "No, I want to find Third Imperial Sister-in-Law specifically."

"After all, this grill restaurant was opened by you, Third Imperial Sister-in-Law. No one knows the best way to eat this grilled meat better than you."

"I wonder if Third Imperial Sister-in-Law would grant me the courtesy of joining me for a gathering in the private dining room on the second floor?"

Ji Yuntang's eyes darkened. She sensed that Luo Feizhou was up to no good and instinctively moved to refuse.

But before she could say a word, Luo Feizhou cut her off before she could speak.

"If Third Imperial Sister-in-Law doesn't agree, then I'll just station my men right here until she does!"

In other words, if Ji Yuntang didn't agree, the grill restaurant's business might as well shut down!

Ji Yuntang cursed Luo Feizhou for being shameless in her heart. She really wanted to roll up her sleeves and land a couple of punches on him, and tell him to scram!

But considering this was the labor of love between her and Xie Liuzheng, she couldn't ruin the restaurant's business over a piece of trash like him.

Ji Yuntang thought it over and ultimately held back. She wanted to see what Luo Feizhou was really after by coming to find her.

Ji Yuntang agreed without hesitation, "Fine, since Prince Qi has put it that way, how could this princess possibly refuse?"

With that, she clapped her hands and called over a waiter.

"In the private dining room on the second floor, bring Prince Qi a full serving of our house specialty grilled meats. He's got plenty of silver."

"Yes, Princess."

The servant assented and took his leave, while Ji Yuntang then followed Luo Feizhou upstairs.

The door opened, and the two walked in, one after the other. A waiter was the first to come over and serve tea.

Ji Yuntang poured a cup for Luo Feizhou and herself.

She said casually, "As one of the owners of this barbecue restaurant, I naturally serve every customer well. Prince Qi, please have some tea."

Luo Feizhou's gaze was scrutinizing. His eyes lingered on Ji Yuntang for a moment, then he suddenly smiled.

"Third Sister-in-law really knows when to bend and when to stand tall. I admire that."

When he said it, the words carried a hint of derision and sarcasm.

Ji Yuntang took it as a compliment. Without batting an eye, she said, "Prince Qi is a major customer of our restaurant, so of course I must provide attentive service and make sure you're fully satisfied with your meal."

Plates of barbecue were brought out one after another, looking and smelling delicious.

Ji Yuntang reached under the table to light the charcoal, placed a sheet of oil-absorbing paper on the grill, and started grilling the meat herself.

She was grilling a plate of beef. After flipping it over and over, the beef sizzled and dripped with oil.

She picked up a lettuce leaf, wrapped the meat in it, and smiled slightly. "This meat is best eaten wrapped in lettuce. Not only does it avoid being greasy, but it's also tender and juicy."

"If Prince Qi wants to eat, you can wrap it yourself."

Luo Feizhou frowned slightly but didn't make a move. He watched Ji Yuntang stuff the barbecue into her mouth, looking utterly satisfied as she ate.

"Third Sister-in-law, do you truly not know why I've come to see you?"

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