When Feng Jiu’er finished making the osmanthus cake and walked back in, Di Wu Ya was standing by the window holding a book.

The food in the room had long since been cleared away; now, all that remained on the table were two lotus flowers kept in water.

Feng Jiu’er glanced at the simply arranged pink lotus flowers, then shifted her gaze to the tall figure.

“Ninth Imperial Uncle, the osmanthus cake you wanted is ready.”

She carried the basket in and stepped inside.

“I went to look at the back garden just now—the scenery is beautiful. Shall we go boating and enjoy the flowers and view?”

“Good!”

Di Wu Ya casually set the book aside and strode forward with his long legs to meet the woman coming in.

He took out a brand-new handkerchief and gently wiped her flushed little cheeks.

“Wife, you’ve worked hard.”

If it weren’t to get her out of the way while he arranged matters, would Di Wu Ya really have let his own girl cook herself?

Feng Jiu’er frowned slightly, grabbed the handkerchief from his hand, and pulled it away.

“It wasn’t hard. Let’s go.”

She handed him the basket and took hold of his other large hand.

“The scenery in the back garden is really lovely—you’ll definitely like it too. I can’t wait to go boating.”

The corner of Di Wu Ya’s mouth lifted slightly as he let the little girl lead him out.

They passed through a long corridor, turned two bends, and the view ahead suddenly opened up.

Rockeries, pavilions, and most striking of all, a lake in full bloom with lotus flowers.

“Your Highness, Miss Jiu’er, you’ve arrived.”

Yu Jingfeng, seated in a small boat, waved toward the people on shore.

Feng Jiu’er led Di Wu Ya along the path through the lotus flowers toward the boat.

By the time the two reached the pavilion, Yu Jingfeng’s boat was already waiting.

“Your Highness, Miss Jiu’er, please!”

Yu Jingfeng bowed deeply.

Di Wu Ya took Feng Jiu’er’s small hand and stepped onto the boat first.

Under his guidance, Feng Jiu’er boarded safely and steadily.

The boat was neither too small nor too large. Yu Jingfeng’s position at the stern was mostly blocked off by a screen.

In the middle of the boat was a sunken area with a low table set right in the center, with seats arranged behind and on both sides.

The seats were draped with blankets in a shade matching the pink lotus flowers all around.

On the table were pastries, both fragrant and delicious-looking, along with vividly colored fruits.

Di Wu Ya stepped down and curved his long arm, pulling Feng Jiu’er into his embrace.

In an instant, the two of them sat down together, pressed close, on the pink blanket.

“Your Highness, Miss Jiu’er, let’s set off.”

Yu Jingfeng pulled the screen shut, sealing himself away.

Yu Jingfeng bent down, picked up the wooden oar, sat down, coughed lightly, and added, “From this moment on, your world has no me in it.”

“Pfft!”

Feng Jiu’er turned and glanced back at him.

“Ninth Imperial Uncle.”

She withdrew her gaze and turned to look at Di Wu Ya.

“Have you noticed? Ever since Yu Jingfeng fell in love, he’s become quite a bit more adorable.”

“This subordinate is simply learning from Your Highness.”

Yu Jingfeng’s cheerful voice drifted over.

Di Wu Ya gave his sleeve a slight flick, and the screen was buffeted fiercely by the sudden gust.

Yu Jingfeng shot up and grabbed hold of it, just barely saving the poor screen from a watery grave.

“Your Highness, this subordinate will shut his mouth! This subordinate is mute, and will never speak again.”

In an instant, there was no more sound from behind them.

Feng Jiu’er covered her mouth and laughed, opened the basket, and took out two plates of pastries.

Thinking about it, the last time they’d properly been in love like this was before her father had gone missing.

In a blink, so much time had passed, yet it still felt as if it were only yesterday.

A human life passes by in just a few decades—every stretch of it is worth remembering.

“Ninth Imperial Uncle, try the osmanthus cake I made—it’s still warm.”