"It’s just milk with some kind of powder and those little pearls... I’m not entirely sure. It’s what Pangtuan drinks. She doesn’t like water, so I instructed the household to always have it ready." Xiang Minghou loved it too.

Sang Zhi savored it.

"Bring me a cup to try, as well." Since the little girl liked it, Dean Chen was also tempted.

Xiang Minghou ordered a maid to prepare one.

While they were talking, Sang Qi had already finished half a plate of pastries. Feeling thirsty, he picked up a cup from the table and took a large gulp. He swallowed, then stared at the cup in surprise.

He had never tasted any tea this delicious before.

A young maid presented the milk tea to Dean Chen. He lifted the cup and took a tentative sip. It was rich and milky, sweet and tart, with a hint of fruit.

"This is truly delicious. The food and drink at the General’s estate are unparalleled. I’ve enjoyed my stay so much, I don’t want to leave." In his youth, Dean Chen had traveled the four nations and seen a great deal.

At his age, few things sparked his curiosity. Yet in the month since he’d met the little girl, he’d encountered so many novelties that it made him feel as if he hadn’t truly lived before. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"If you like it, Master, you can stay as long as you wish." The words had barely faded when Ye Qianning strode into the hall.

Everyone’s eyes lit up as they looked over at her—everyone except Sang Qi, who just snorted disdainfully and continued eating his pastry.

"Well now, little lass, you look lovely today," Dean Chen complimented.

"It’s pretty, isn’t it? Fourth Granny made it for me." Ye Qianning entered with a smile, bowing first to her father and then to the dean.

Xiang Minghou couldn’t help but laugh at her clumsy movements.

"Alright, that’s enough," Dean Chen said, unable to suppress his own smile.

Ye Qianning giggled and went to sit beside Sang Zhi. "Is the milk tea good?"

"Mm." Sang Zhi nodded.

"There’s also delicious food and juice for lunch, all prepared just for you." Ye Qianning had spent the previous night preparing all sorts of snacks for Sang Zhi.

Sang Zhi said nothing, but a warmth blossomed in his chest.

"Am I invisible to you?" Sang Qi had heard everything. ’Why is everything prepared for Sang Zhi? I’m the Crown Prince!’

"Weren’t you busy eating, Your Highness?" Ye Qianning’s gaze landed on the plate. "Anyone who saw you would think you’d never had pastries before."

"...Hmph." Sang Qi put down the half-eaten pastry in his hand.

Only then did Xiang Minghou and Dean Chen notice that in just that short time, the Crown Prince had eaten an entire plate of pastries, leaving only the half-eaten piece in his hand.

"Pangtuan, you study well with your master. Dad has to go to the posthouse, so I won’t be back for lunch." Xiang Minghou stood up.

"Aren’t the emissaries handling the reception at the posthouse? What are you going there for, Dad?"

"The Great General of Xi Yan... we faced each other on the battlefield. He’s on a diplomatic mission to Beili and heard I was in the Capital City, so he extended a warm invitation. If I refuse, wouldn’t I seem petty?"

"Fine, go. But you can’t drink, Dad. Your wounds haven’t fully healed yet."

Ye Qianning had looked into it. That general was about her father’s age. A few years ago, Beili and Xi Yan had a conflict, and the near-fatal wound her father suffered was inflicted by that very Great General from Xi Yan.

It was the very reason her father could no longer produce an heir.

"I know, I know. Without my daughter’s permission, I won’t even sneak a sip." Xiang Minghou hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol since he was injured.

"Du Ying, go with my father and keep an eye on him. If he drinks, don’t let him back into the estate tonight." Ye Qianning was worried. She was afraid the General from Xi Yan would mock her father over past events.

Her father had a short fuse. A brawl in the Capital City would be a disaster.

"Understood." Du Ying acknowledged the order.

Xiang Minghou shot Du Ying a sideways glance and sighed. The guard he had assigned to his own daughter was now being sent to supervise him.

For the past two weeks, the very sight of Du Ying had given him a headache.