The residence still showed faint traces of its former grandeur, but the door plaque was covered in thick dust.

The broker stepped forward, opening the door while explaining, “The house’s owner originally left someone to watch the gate, but when the house remained unsold for so long and with those rumors, they left the key with this humble one.”

As the main gate opened, countless tiny dust particles danced in the beams of light, making throats itch.

The broker waved his sleeve. “Please, all three of you, come inside.”

Lin Hao looked around as she walked.

The residence occupied considerable space, with several side courtyards. Everywhere were withered weeds and thick layers of fallen leaves.

“Don’t be put off by the desolation. Once the wild grass is cleared, the green bricks washed, and the roof slightly repaired, it will be livable. A residence this large could comfortably house dozens of people.” The broker tried his utmost to emphasize the residence’s merits.

Lin Hao more or less agreed with the broker’s words.

Though the house looked desolate, it actually wasn’t very dilapidated—with slight repairs it could be lived in. And when the broker said it could house dozens, he was calculating based on refined households. If taking in beggars, housing two or three hundred people would be no problem.

The broker led the three of them through a general tour, then asked Lin Hao with a smile, “What do you think?”

“It’s still—”

Qi Shuo lightly took over. “Still too dilapidated. Why don’t we look at some others?”

Lin Hao glanced at Qi Shuo and calmly nodded. “True. Then let’s look at some others.”

From her multiple dealings with Prince Jing’s heir, Lin Hao could tell he was someone with good judgment. If he said this, there must be a reason.

The broker was extremely disappointed, though he didn’t dare offend them outwardly. “Then let’s look at others. There are quite a few residences for sale—there’s bound to be a suitable one.”

Back at the brokerage, the broker recommended several more residences, all within market price range and meeting the requirements. Lin Hao simply had the steward make the rounds with the broker and purchase the most suitable one.

On the road back to the mansion, there were only Lin Hao and Qi Shuo.

“What did the Heir find inappropriate about that residence?” Lin Hao asked her question.

The corners of Qi Shuo’s lips curved slightly, pleased by Lin Hao’s directness and casualness.

“That residence—whether or not it’s haunted I don’t know, but there are traces of human activity.”

Lin Hao’s steps paused.

Listening to the broker’s introduction, she had focused her attention on the layout and condition of the buildings, not noticing such details.

“The main gate was locked, with accumulated dust on both the door and steps, yet inside there were traces of human activity. This shows people didn’t enter through normal means. To avoid unnecessary trouble, it’s better not to buy it.”

Lin Hao nodded. “The Heir is right.”

She was taking in beggars because of the compassion stirred by A’Xing and his brother. If problems with the residence instead caused something to happen to the beggars, she would find it hard to feel at peace.

“Thank you for the reminder, Heir.”

Qi Shuo clasped his hands behind his back, amusement in his eyes. “How does Second Miss Lin plan to thank me?”

Lin Hao was startled.

So… direct?

On second thought, Prince Jing’s heir had indeed helped quite a bit. Always just thanking him verbally didn’t mean much.

“Then I’ll treat the Heir to a meal. Today happens to be quite convenient for it.” Lin Hao glanced at her men’s clothing and asked Qi Shuo with a smile, “What would the Heir like to eat?”

“I know a restaurant that makes pickled cabbage and pork hotpot with exceptional flavor. Would Second Miss Lin like to try it?”

Lin Hao agreed as soon as she heard.

Eating hot pickled cabbage and pork hotpot in winter—just thinking about it felt wonderful.

Qi Shuo smiled. “Then follow me.”

Lin Hao followed Qi Shuo through two streets to an unremarkable eatery.

The eatery was run by an elderly couple. As soon as they saw Qi Shuo, they greeted him warmly. “Young master came with a friend today! Please, have a seat.”

Qi Shuo sat down and ordered with familiarity. “One pickled cabbage and pork hotpot, and several dishes of refreshing side dishes.”

“How many pots of wine?”

Qi Shuo looked toward Lin Hao.

Lin Hao quickly said, “I can drink.”

Qi Shuo turned his head to the proprietor. “No wine. Bring a pot of hot tea.”

Lin Hao: “…”

Soon the steaming hot pot was brought up. In the moderately sized copper pot, large slices of pork belly soaked in broth rolled and tumbled as the fragrance of pickled cabbage wafted over.

Besides the pork and pickled cabbage, the pot also held white tofu, radish slices, fresh mushrooms, and other ingredients. A few segments of bright red chili peppers surged with the broth, further whetting one’s appetite.

Lin Hao gently inhaled the food’s aroma.

“Try it and see if it suits your taste.”

Lin Hao picked up a slice of meat, rolled it in the dipping sauce, and put it in her mouth. Her eyes lit up.

The thinly sliced meat truly achieved being fatty but not greasy, melting in the mouth.

“Delicious.” She praised sincerely.

Good food really could heal everything.

“You can also eat it this way.” Qi Shuo picked up a slice of pork and dipped it in a dish of chili powder. The pork coated in chili powder looked even more appetizing. “Their chili powder is specially made—it’s not very spicy.”

Lin Hao also dipped her meat slice in the chili powder. Compared to the sauce mixed with fermented tofu juice and Chinese chive flowers, this was another kind of deliciousness.

Before long, she was eating until sweat beaded on the tip of her nose, every pore feeling utterly satisfied.

“How did the Heir discover this small shop?”

Qi Shuo poured her a cup of water and said with a smile, “I’ve been to many such little-known shops with excellent flavors. One small shop makes roast chicken particularly well—crispy skin, tender meat falling off the bone, fresh and delicious flavor…”

Lin Hao silently swallowed.

She suspected he was deliberately making her crave it!

“When Second Miss Lin has free time, I’ll take you to try it.” The youth extended an invitation without changing expression.

“All right.” Before Lin Hao could react, her mouth had already answered on her behalf.

Lin Hao took a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, secretly regretting it.

She wasn’t such a gluttonous person!

Glancing at the smiling youth, Lin Hao sighed.

It was all because Prince Jing’s heir was too good at describing things, making her feel that not tasting those delicacies would be a tremendous loss.

After the two finished eating, they walked the same road before going to their respective homes.

The young princess went to see Princess Jing and encountered her elder brother on the way.

“Elder Brother just returned from outside?”

“Mm.”

Qi Qiong suddenly drew close and twitched her nose.

Qi Shuo stepped back. “What is it?”

Qi Qiong looked up, her eyes full of accusation. “Elder Brother, you ate pickled cabbage and pork hotpot!”

Qi Shuo didn’t deny it. “It’s precisely the right season to eat this.”

Qi Qiong pursed her lips and asked, “Is it that small shop at the mouth of Tongqian Alley that Elder Brother mentioned in summer—the one that seems ordinary but is actually astounding?”

“It is.”

“Elder Brother, have you forgotten? At the time you said when the weather turned cold, you’d take me to eat there.”

A voice came. “Go eat what?”

As soon as Qi Qiong saw Qi Huan, she immediately complained. “When the weather was hot, Elder Brother mentioned there was a small shop that made particularly good pickled cabbage and pork hotpot, saying when winter came he’d take me to try it. Who would have thought—today Elder Brother went to eat it with someone else!”

Qi Shuo asked with a smile, “How do you know I ate it together with someone else?”

“Do you even need to ask? Eating hotpot requires having someone to share it with.”

Listening to the exchange between his elder brother and younger sister, Qi Huan sensed something was off. “Wait.”

The two looked over.

Qi Huan frowned at Qi Qiong. “When did Elder Brother say he’d take us to eat pickled cabbage and pork hotpot? How come I don’t know about this?”

Qi Qiong blinked, suddenly no longer feeling aggrieved.

Qi Huan: ?