Xiu Yue safely walked out of Yuhua Palace.

The moment she saw the vast world outside the palace, only then did she realize her back was already soaked with cold sweat. When the wind blew, waves of coolness transmitted through.

But the early summer wind was ultimately warm, just like Xiu Yue’s mood at this moment.

Success! At least the first step of the plan had succeeded!

She had to quickly tell the Princess this good news.

As previously arranged, Xiu Yue headed straight for Youjian Tavern.

Luo Sheng was waiting at the tavern. Beneath her composed exterior was an anxious mood.

No matter how thorough and perfect the plan, there were always accidents in all matters. Only when the result came could one’s heart settle.

“Miss, Xiu Gu has returned.” Hong Dou walked in from outside.

Luo Sheng immediately stood up.

Xiu Yue walked quickly into the main hall, her brows carrying joy: “Miss, I’ve returned.”

Luo Sheng nodded slightly: “Let’s talk in the back.”

Hong Dou watched eagerly as Luo Sheng and Xiu Yue walked toward the doorway leading to the rear courtyard, pouting at Xiu Yue’s retreating back.

Xiu Gu wasn’t honest—at her age, still seizing every opportunity to compete for favor, even more annoying than that little minx Kou’er. Hmph, if not for her cooking being so delicious, she would have taught her a lesson long ago.

To the side, Kou’er looked askance at Hong Dou.

From experience, whenever Hong Dou made that expression, she was badmouthing her in her heart.

Heh, she was now Commander Kou’er of the Intelligence Division—she wouldn’t bother with such a barbarian.

Hong Dou glanced at Kou’er: “Kou’er, are you badmouthing me in your heart?”

There wasn’t just one person with experience.

Kou’er raised her hand to adjust the fresh begonia flower by her temple and said in gentle tones: “I’m so busy every day—where would I have idle time to badmouth you? Hong Dou, always judging a gentleman’s heart with a petty person’s mind won’t do.”

Hong Dou rolled her eyes: “Look at you being so smug. Still busy—you’re just a beggar gang leader.”

Beggar—gang—leader?

Kou’er’s face darkened as she glared at Hong Dou.

If not for being unable to beat her, she really wanted to tear apart that little minx’s mouth!

Hong Dou achieved complete victory and left Kou’er with a magnificent turn.

Once Xiu Yue entered the room, she couldn’t wait to say: “Miss, it’s done!”

No matter how many hardships she had endured or what age she had grown to, before the Princess she remained that clumsy maid.

That was a past she absolutely never wanted to forget.

“Don’t rush. Speak slowly.” Luo Sheng poured a cup of tea and handed it over.

After hearing Xiu Yue finish recounting her experience at Yuhua Palace, Luo Sheng said softly: “You worked hard today.”

“I didn’t fail your trust. This servant is very happy…” Xiu Yue’s eyes grew moist. She hurriedly raised her hand to wipe the corners of her eyes.

Luo Sheng gently patted her arm: “Things will get better and better in the future.”

Hong Dou’s voice rang out from outside the door: “Miss, Prince Kaiyang has arrived.”

Prince Kaiyang was coming at this time?

Luo Sheng set down her teacup and walked out with some puzzlement.

In the courtyard, the persimmon tree had blossomed.

Pale yellow flowers quietly bloomed among the green leaves—without charming, alluring grace, plain and low-key, enjoying the beauty of summer.

By the persimmon tree stood a tall figure in scarlet.

Hearing light footsteps, Wei Han turned around.

“Your Highness has come quite early today.”

Usually when Prince Kaiyang came early, it was still afternoon, but now it wasn’t even time for lunch.

Wei Han looked at the smiling young woman approaching, his heart stirring slightly.

Miss Luo seemed to be in quite good spirits today.

His own mood wasn’t so wonderful though.

“Miss Luo, I must leave the capital on business.”

Leaving the capital meant he couldn’t eat the food and wine from Youjian Tavern—thinking of this, how could he be happy?

Luo Sheng understood.

So Prince Kaiyang had come so early to bid her farewell.

“Then I wish Your Highness a smooth journey.”

Wei Han was silent for a moment, then said: “I’m leaving today.”

“Then I must wish Your Highness an even smoother journey. Has Your Highness packed all your luggage properly?” Luo Sheng asked politely.

Wei Han’s lips pressed together slightly.

Packing luggage was such a trivial matter—who cared about that? He had spoken so obviously—did Miss Luo still not understand his meaning?

Wei Han looked at the young woman and sighed inwardly.

Luo Sheng wondered: having already bid farewell, why hadn’t Prince Kaiyang left yet?

“Your Highness (Miss Luo)—” After a moment of silence, the two spoke simultaneously.

Luo Sheng smiled: “Your Highness, please speak first.”

“No, Miss Luo should speak first.” Wei Han felt some joy in his heart.

Miss Luo had finally thought to keep him for lunch.

Luo Sheng smiled: “If Your Highness is leaving today, then you should depart early—otherwise after traveling for only a short while, it will already be evening.”

If traveling far, properly speaking one should choose to set out early in the morning. Prince Kaiyang’s approach didn’t look like someone seriously departing.

Wei Han’s expression stiffened slightly. Realizing that relying on indirect hints wouldn’t work, he spoke frankly: “Leaving today, I don’t know when I’ll return. I’m afraid I won’t be able to eat the tavern’s food and wine for quite a long time…”

Shi Yan, eavesdropping by the door curtain, nearly choked.

Could his master争 show some backbone?

You’re someone who has already understood your own heart—why don’t you know to say proper words like “I’m afraid I won’t see Miss Luo for quite a long time”? You only need to change a few words!

Wei Han couldn’t sense his young guard’s feeling of disappointment at his failure to meet expectations. He coughed lightly and said: “Miss Luo, may I have lunch at the tavern?”

When the tavern wasn’t operating, sharing delicious food with Miss Luo as a friend could be considered consolation for this distant journey.

Luo Sheng’s lips twitched slightly.

No wonder he hadn’t left yet near noon—so he wanted to eat a meal before going.

Speaking of it, Prince Kaiyang could be considered the most supportive patron since the tavern opened. She even owed him no small favor. Of course she could satisfy this small request.

“Of course. It’s perfect timing to see Your Highness off. However, some main dishes are still being prepared—lunch can only be simple.”

Seeing him off?

The corners of Wei Han’s lips curved upward.

If it was especially to see him off, it seemed he could make one more small request.

“I’d like to eat noodles with minced meat sauce.” Wei Han looked at the calm-expressioned young woman and tentatively suggested.

On the road to the capital last spring, it was precisely that bowl of noodles with minced meat sauce that made him deeply remember Miss Luo.

Luo Sheng was slightly startled, then smiled: “Noodles with minced meat sauce are easy to make. I’ll go tell Xiu Gu.”

Seeing Luo Sheng about to walk toward the kitchen, Wei Han called her back: “Miss Luo.”

Luo Sheng looked at him.

“I want to eat noodles with minced meat sauce made by you.”

Luo Sheng raised her eyebrows.

This was getting a bit pushy.

Wei Han looked at the young woman, his eyes showing expectation.

It was just a slight increase from the small request just now—surely Miss Luo wouldn’t refuse heartlessly?

Watching the other party looking at her eagerly for a bowl of noodles with minced meat sauce, Luo Sheng helplessly curved her lips: “Your Highness, please wait a moment.”

Seeing Luo Sheng turn and walk toward the kitchen, Wei Han lifted his foot to follow and provided an explanation: “Watching the persimmon tree alone isn’t as interesting as watching Miss Luo make noodles with minced meat sauce.”

Shi Yan watched the two figures disappear at the kitchen doorway and stroked his chin thoughtfully.

His master didn’t seem as hopeless as he had thought—just wanting to eat noodles with minced meat sauce and he could eat it?

Made by Miss Luo’s own hands at that!