Chapter 28.4

He stiffened his neck, his eyes involuntarily reddening. Feeling a mixture of embarrassment and self-reproach, he hung his head and said, “I-I know I was wrong.”

Tao Ti raised her hand and gently patted his small shoulder, offering a faint smile. “Recognising one’s mistakes and making amends is a great virtue. I haven’t misjudged your character.” Then, she added, “Young men shouldn’t shed tears so easily.”

The Fifth Prince sniffed and gave a small nod in response.

Not too far away, Pei Yan observed the scene in the corner, his dark eyes slightly shifting as if lost in thought.

Once the Fifth Prince and the Sixth Princess had left, he turned his gaze toward Tao Ti. Out of the blue, he voiced a question, “Do you like children?”

Tao Ti was momentarily taken aback, then tilted her head as she pondered the question. After a brief pause, she replied, “Well, I like children who are good-looking, intelligent, and well-mannered.”

As for those unruly and mischievous rascals, the mere thought of them sent shivers down her spine. It was best to steer clear.

Upon hearing her response, Pei Yan lowered his eyes slightly.

Good-looking—his appearance wasn’t bad, and she herself was also charming and lovely; this criterion could be met.

Intelligent—that should also not be an issue.

As for manners, the saying goes, “If the child is not taught, it’s the father’s fault; if the teaching is not strict, it’s the teacher’s laziness.” If he were to become a father, he would naturally educate his child properly. As the child grew older, he could seek out several virtuous and wise mentors to cultivate them carefully…

“Y-Your Highness?”

“Hm?” Pei Yan’s lashes moved slightly, and he slowly lifted his head.

Tao Ti leaned slightly towards him, and there was some concern in her clear and beautiful eyes. “What were you thinking just now? I called you several times, but you didn’t seem to hear.”

“Apologies, I was lost in thought. What were you saying to me?”

“Oh, it’s nothing much. I was just asking if you’d like to have Cold Noodles with Shredded Chicken ¹ . Since it’s the Cold Food Festival, if we have to eat cold food, Cold Noodles with Shredded Chicken is rather good,” said Tao Ti.

“Cold Noodles with Shredded Chicken?” Pei Yan raised an eyebrow.

“That’s right. When Chief Steward Sun delivered the fresh bamboo shoots over today, he also brought a basket of termite mushrooms. They look pretty good. We can fry some termite mushrooms and mix them with the cold noodles. It’ll be absolutely delicious!” Tao Ti’s mouth watered at the thought of the spicy and flavourful cold noodles with shredded chicken.

Seeing her sparkling eyes, Pei Yan knew that was what she was craving. He smiled and said, “Sure. Whatever you make, I’ll eat.”

Tao Ti looked at him appreciatively. Men who aren’t picky eaters are the cutest!

———————

On the way back, the Fifth Prince was in a twist. In the end, he couldn’t hold back, and when they were about to part ways, he called out to the Sixth Princess, “Xiao Liu.”

Upon suddenly being called, the Sixth Princess instinctively remembered how her food got snatched away last time, and her shoulders tensed involuntarily. There was a trace of wariness and nervousness in her eyes, “F-Fifth Brother?”

The Fifth Prince had a serious expression on his face; he walked up to her and stood still, his lips tightly pursed.

The Sixth Princess discreetly squeezed her fingers, her large, bright eyes unconsciously glistening with moisture. Was her food going to be snatched away again…?

Suddenly, the Fifth Prince raised both hands and placed them on her shoulders, then lowered his head with an air of utmost seriousness, “Xiao Liu, I’m sorry!”

The Sixth Princess was dumbfounded.

Even the eunuchs and palace maids around them were stunned. My goodness, had the sun risen from the west or had scarlet rain fallen from the sky? The little tyrant Fifth Prince had actually apologized, and to the Sixth Princess of all people?!

The Fifth Prince’s childish face was full of seriousness. “Crown Princess Sister-in-law told me that I shouldn’t do to others what I wouldn’t want done to me. I was wrong to snatch your salted egg yolk pastries last time. I won’t take your things anymore. I hope you can forgive me.”

The Sixth Princess took a while to come back to her senses, but was still somewhat incredulous. “O-Okay…”

“So, are you not mad at me anymore?”

“Mhm…”

“That’s great! Xiao Liu, from now on, I’ve got your back. If anyone bullies you, just tell your big brother, and I’ll make sure justice is served!” The Fifth Prince patted his little chest and reverted to his usual imposing and domineering demeanor.

The Sixth Princess thought to herself, Aside from you bullying me, there aren’t many people who would do so. But since he said that, she replied obediently, “Thank you, Fifth Brother.”

The siblings chatted amicably for a while, then went their separate ways.

The nursemaid sighed, “The Fifth Prince has suddenly changed for the better. It’s a bit hard to get used to. But at least he won’t trouble you anymore, Princess. Thank heavens for that!”

The Sixth Princess’s long lashes drooped slightly, and she said in a calm and gentle voice, “What use is it thanking the heavens? We should be thanking Sister-in-law instead.”

The nursemaid didn’t quite catch her, “Princess, what did you say?”

The Sixth Princess took out a pork and bamboo shoot Qingtuan, took a bite, and mumbled, “Nothing.”

———————

Footnotes:

¹ Cold Noodles with Shredded Chicken: (鸡丝凉面) A Sichuan dish, that’s extremely popular across China as a tasty and cooling street food during hot summer months. In general, cold noodles are prepared with a slightly tangy sauce consisting of aromatic sesame paste and raw garlic and scallion.

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