RPAGF Chapter 223 Being a Guest
Chapter 223 Being a Guest
Shi Wanxia knew in her heart that Shen Yanchu's obsession was nothing but a waste of time. She had no ambition to become anyone's concubine, nor did she want to get involved in the complicated disputes of the royal family.
Miss Ye is the rightful Princess Consort of Xiang, betrothed by the Emperor, and she has no desire to get involved in any of the entanglements between them.
“Your Highness, there’s no need. I have no dealings with the Prince of Xiang and have nothing to say to him.” Shi Wanxia gave a slight curtsy, her tone indifferent yet polite.
"Since Your Highness is leaving, how about this, I'll prepare a farewell banquet for you!" She looked up and stared directly at Shen Yunzheng, her gaze frank.
Shen Yunzheng smiled gently, her smile as warm as the spring sun. After a moment of thought, she said, "I have a favor to ask. I've heard from Yan'er that you are a good cook. I wonder if I could have the honor of tasting your cooking?"
Shi Wanxia nodded repeatedly. The princess in front of her was elegant and noble. Her current affability was completely different from the solemnity she had shown when they first met, making it difficult for Shi Wanxia to refuse.
"Even so, it would be my honor. I would like to trouble Your Highness, the Prince Consort, the Prince, and Miss Ye to deign to come to my humble abode for a gathering."
She paused again, then added, "Your Highness, Magistrate Xu is also one of my right-hand men, so why not let him go as well?"
Shen Yunzheng's eyes sharpened as she pictured Xu Mingyi, a figure completely different from the rigid officials she had encountered before. "Let's go over there together!"
When the news reached the Shi residence, Shuyun and the others received a notification from Shuyao early in the morning. Shuyun immediately took decisive action, quickly arranging for people to buy ingredients and pastries, carefully selecting each item in pursuit of perfection.
She then arranged for people to clean the house inside and out until it was spotless. Afterwards, she led Lin Yu and the others to wait outside the mansion early in the morning. Everyone was dressed neatly and eagerly awaiting her arrival.
Shi Wanxia accompanied the princess and her entourage as they slowly arrived. Shen Yanchu's gaze remained fixed on Shi Wanxia, his eyes filled with complex emotions—resentment, longing, and above all, helplessness.
Ye Wenshu lowered her head slightly, a hint of worry occasionally flashing in her eyes. Although she was the Princess Consort of Xiang, she knew that Shen Yanchu's heart belonged to someone else, and she didn't know whether this arranged marriage was a blessing or a curse for her.
Upon entering the Shi residence, the group was ushered into the courtyard. The courtyard was a riot of color, and a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers. Tables and chairs were already set out, with exquisite tea sets laid out on them. Shuyun personally stepped forward to pour tea for everyone, her movements elegant and practiced.
"Your Highness, please have some tea," Shuyun said softly, her voice gentle and pleasant.
Shen Yunzheng picked up the teacup, took a sip, and exclaimed, "This tea is excellent. Magistrate Shi's residence is indeed elegant."
Shi Wanxia smiled and replied, "Your Highness is too kind. These are just ordinary tea leaves, and I hope Your Highness will forgive their crudeness."
After exchanging pleasantries, Shi Wanxia got up and went to the kitchen to prepare the banquet. Shen Yanchu watched her departing figure, and with a sudden thought, he made an excuse to follow her.
In the kitchen, Shi Wanxia was intently preparing the ingredients, her movements swift and focused. Shen Yanchu stood in the doorway and softly called out, "Miss Shi..."
Without pausing her work or turning her head, Shi Wanxia said, "Your Highness, you shouldn't have come here. It's against etiquette."
Shen Yanchu slowly approached, "Miss Shi, why are you so resolute? Don't you know my feelings for you?"
Shi Wanxia stopped what she was doing, turned around, and looked at him with a firm gaze: "Your Highness, you already have a princess, and I also have my own ambitions and principles. I do not want to be anyone's appendage, but only wish to be the master of my own destiny."
Shen Yanchu smiled bitterly: "Just because of that arranged marriage, you want to treat me like a stranger?"
"Your Highness, please stop talking. This is something that cannot be changed." After saying this, Shi Wanxia ignored Shen Yanchu and continued with her work.
Shen Yanchu sighed helplessly and had no choice but to turn and leave the kitchen. Back in the courtyard, everyone was chatting and laughing. Ye Wenshu's gaze fell on Shen Yanchu, as if searching for something. Shen Yanchu forced a smile and sat down.
Before long, one delicious dish after another was served. The dishes, with their perfect color, aroma, and flavor, emitted an enticing fragrance, drawing praise from everyone. Shi Wanxia emerged from the kitchen, having taken off her apron; she looked slightly tired.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Miss Ye, Magistrate Xu, please have a meal," Shi Wanxia said.
The group began their meal, during which Shen Yunzheng praised Shi Wanxia's culinary skills. "Miss Shi, your cooking is truly superb. I have never tasted such delicious food before."
Shi Wanxia humbly replied, "I'm glad Your Highness likes them. They're just some simple home-cooked dishes, nothing fancy."
Shen Yanchu, however, had no appetite, his gaze constantly drifting towards Shi Wanxia. Ye Wenshu noticed this and sighed inwardly. She knew Shen Yanchu's inner turmoil, but she didn't know how to resolve it.
Xu Mingyi silently observed everyone's expressions. He had special feelings for Shi Wanxia, and seeing Shen Yanchu's persistence towards Shi Wanxia, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.
But he also understood that Shi Wanxia had her own opinions and was not someone who would be easily swayed by others.
After the banquet, Shen Yunzheng prepared to take her leave. "Miss Shi, thank you for your hospitality today. I will never forget this delicious food."
Ye Wenshu stood up and bowed, "Your Highness, I wish to stay. Lord Shi is a very interesting person, and I would like to learn from him."
Shen Yunzheng was taken aback when she heard this. Seeing that Yan'er was absent-minded and looked heartbroken, she couldn't bear to look at her and agreed.
"Shu'er, then you may stay! However, you can't stay too long, understand? You are the daughter of the Grand Tutor, the future Princess Consort of Xiang. You must be careful with your words and actions, understand?"
Shen Yunzheng was somewhat worried. She wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do to let Shu'er stay with Miss Shi. However, Shu'er had always been very composed and lacked the liveliness that a young girl should have. It might be good for her to stay with Miss Shi; perhaps she would become more cheerful in the future.
Ye Wenshu was overjoyed to see that the Princess had agreed to her request, and quickly bowed to express her gratitude. Her face was beaming with a bright smile, and her eyes sparkled with gratitude.
Miss Shi stood quietly to the side, watching Ye Wenshu's joy, and couldn't help but feel happy for her. She nodded slightly and said softly, "Miss Ye, you don't need to be so polite. We'll look after each other in the future."
Supported by Granny Liu, Shen Yunzheng was about to leave when a man walking towards her looked strangely familiar. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Lin Yong's eldest son, Lin Yiyu. What was he doing at Miss Shi's residence?
Shen Yunzheng was puzzled, and her steps unconsciously stopped. Lin Yiyu saw her, a look of surprise on his face, then quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This junior nephew greets Your Highness, may Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
Shen Yunzheng nodded slightly in return and asked, "Huai'an, what are you doing here?"
Lin Yiyu smiled and said, "I was saved by Miss Shi, and now I work for her."