"Earlier, that was lotus leaf porridge. Then, there was lotus seed porridge and orchid porridge. The taste of lotus leaf porridge needs to be mild, while lotus seed and orchid porridge are better salty. You asked Xian Ge yourself, so how could you blame me? Even the water—I only poured it because you asked," Rongjing looked up, meeting Yun Qianyue's angry face with a sigh.
"A mere bowl of porridge, compared to how much a fish costs? I'm losing out here!" Yun Qianyue turned and shouted outside, "Xian Ge! Tell me, did you do it on purpose?"
"Miss Qianyue, I didn't do it on purpose. There was only one bowl of lotus leaf porridge prepared for you and the Heir. The lotus seed and orchid porridge were for me and the cook. You asked for them, so I could only give you mine. Now, we have nothing left to eat except for the fish," Xian Ge replied from outside, his typically icy tone sounding almost aggrieved.
Only left with that expensive fish, and he's upset? Yun Qianyue clenched her teeth in frustration. "Fine! Go eat the fish and see if you can stuff yourself to bursting!"
"Thank you for your concern, Miss Qianyue. I'll be sure to eat carefully and not overdo it!" Xian Ge quickly retreated from view.
"Like master, like servant!" Yun Qianyue muttered bitterly, turning back to Rongjing with a glare. "You're not getting away with this. If I can't finish the fish today, I'll be back tomorrow."
"Whenever you want it, I'll prepare it—as long as you bring the silver." Rongjing replied with a faint smile.
"Silver? Keep dreaming!" Yun Qianyue scoffed, storming out of the room. She decided to return daily to make him cook her Hibiscus Grilled Fish and eat him out of wealth.
With this thought, she still felt indignant. She slammed open the door and began looking for Xian Ge, figuring that since she couldn't beat Rongjing, she'd start with his attendant. However, after searching, there was no sign of Xian Ge. Noticing a small light in the kitchen, she strode over, curious about the cook who made such a delicious fish.
Rongjing looked outside, and his poetic, refined features softened into a serene smile. Lowering his gaze, he glanced at the half-eaten fish, three empty bowls, and an empty cup across the table and chuckled to himself.
Yun Qianyue found the small kitchen deserted. Not only was it empty, but the stove's cauldron was gone. All that remained was the lingering aroma of fish and porridge, evidence that this was where her meal had been prepared. Inspecting the stove, she noted fresh marks from where the cauldron had been removed, gritting her teeth at Xian Ge's readiness to thwart her search. Even the fish had vanished, let alone the people. Her annoyance simmered as she stepped back out.
Standing in the courtyard, she pursed her lips and used her inner strength to scan the surroundings, only to find the only presence was Rongjing calmly enjoying his meal in the west chamber. Xian Ge must've taken the chef and hidden them far away. Her forehead grew damp with sweat from exerting her power, making her realize Xian Ge was right; using it this way weakened her cultivation.
Through the window, she saw Rongjing dining elegantly, a picture of simplicity and grace. Not wanting to let him enjoy himself at her expense, she stepped back into his room.
"Back again? Have you eaten too much to sleep?" Rongjing looked up at her with a slight smile.
Yun Qianyue brushed aside the curtain and stomped over to him. She glared down at him. "Where did Xian Ge and that cook go? Tell me, and I'll let you off today. If not, you'll regret it."
Rongjing put down his chopsticks and sighed helplessly. "Are you still acting like a child? I kept that chef so you could enjoy more fish in the future. Xian Ge, afraid you'd use him as a sparring partner, has wisely hidden. You probably won't see him for days."
"So, it was all planned!" Yun Qianyue muttered. Leaning closer, she reached out to grab him.
Rongjing remained seated, watching her quietly.
Her hand hovered near his chest before she pulled it back, realizing she couldn't bring herself to reach into a man's pocket for the Tianshan snow lotus. Instead, her gaze fell on a jade pendant hanging from his waist. It was a flawlessly translucent white jade, undoubtedly priceless, especially considering who wore it. Without a second thought, she snatched it up. "I'll take this!"
"You want this?" Rongjing raised an eyebrow.
"Yes! Give it to me!" Yun Qianyue demanded, brimming with confidence.
A hint of something deep and inscrutable flashed through Rongjing's gentle eyes. He looked at her determined expression, then reached up to brush her hand aside. When she held on tight, he chuckled, "How can I hand it over if you're gripping it so tightly?"
Is he really going to give it to me? Yun Qianyue hesitated. Was he really that agreeable?
With a deft flick of his slender fingers, the jade pendant slipped into his hand. He placed it in hers, smiling nonchalantly. "If you like it, then it's yours."
"It's not fake, is it?" She held the pendant up to the light for examination.
"Of course not. I wouldn't carry anything false," Rongjing replied, sipping his tea as though she weren't there.
Yun Qianyue could tell the jade was genuine, not just from its texture but from the look of it under the light. Without hesitation, she tucked it into her pocket and turned to leave.
"Leaving so soon?" Rongjing's voice trailed after her.
What, stay and risk him asking for it back? She shot him a glare.
"Then go rest early. Tomorrow we can go to the southern mountain to see the magnolias," he said.
"Not going!" She lifted the curtain and stepped out the door.
YOU ARE READING
The Dandy's Duchess
ChickLit"The Dandy's Duchess" tells the story of the youngest and most talented general of the National Security Bureau, who sacrifices his life for his country and finds his soul transported to another world, where he is reborn as Yun Qianyue, the only leg...
