Chapter 21 - A Craving For Her...?

Translator: Artsy

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Once Qian Jiujiu finished her food, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the Xiao Manor. Qian Jiujiu got off the carriage first as she summoned Dong Chen and Nan Feng to carry Mu Yexiao down.

As they walked into the manor, Qian Jiujiu told Mu Yexiao, "Your Highness, I'll go prepare food for you now."

"Wait a second."

Looking at Qian Jiujiu walking toward the direction of the kitchen, Mu Yexiao quickly stopped her. Qian Jiujiu returned a doubtful glance at Mu Yexiao.

"What can I do for you, Your Highness?"

Mu Yexiao touched his nose only to realize it was covered by his mask. He then awkwardly retrieved his hand. "It's better for you to shower first before you start cooking. If not, I'm afraid the smell lingers."

Qian Jiujiu blinked her eyes twice and sniggered before bursting into laughter. "Haha, at your command. I'll shower right away. Your humble concubine thought Your Highness will even perceive the fart as a fragrance when coming into contact with the prettiest lady."

Upon finishing her statement, Qian Jiujiu turned around and left. Anyone could tell that she looked extremely happy but Ye Muxiao, on the other hand, put on a straight face. Even if she is a beauty, her fart won't be aromatic anyway.

This is, whatever. Thinking of the smell, Mu Yexiao let out a sneer. "Dong Chen, get ready for me to take a shower."

"Alright, Your Highness."

Once Dong Chen replied to His Highness, he went off to make preparations. He mumbled under his breath occasionally. "His Highness is too merciful. Ladies who dare to offend His Highness are meant to be beaten to death."

Dong Chen was indeed dissatisfied with the fact that Qian Yuge was able to escape her punishment! After all, Qian Yuge was an extremely detestable person for him because she dared to look down on His Highness.

She even requested someone to marry to His Highness on her behalf. Even though he found Qian Jiujiu not so detestable, he still thought that she did not deserve to be together with His Highness.

At this moment, Qian Jiujiu had finished showering. She then headed toward the kitchen to prepare honey egg tea and salted egg yolk ingot-like shortbread cookies. Once she was done, she brought over the food to Mu Yexiao's place.

When Qian Jiujiu entered, she realized Mu Yexiao had already taken a shower and he was reading a book in his room.

The person who came across Qian Jiujiu was none other than Dong Chen. "Princess Consort is here."

Upon hearing the voice, Mu Yexiao lifted his head to look at Qian Jiujiu. "Here you are."

Qian Jiujiu murmured in agreement. "That's right. I'm afraid that you'll be hungry so I didn't prepare anything too complex. I ordered the servants to make these salted egg yolk ingot-like shortbread cookies before I went out this morning."

"I made a cup of honey egg tea for you and came over immediately. Try it. How's the taste?"

Mu Yexiao grabbed a piece of the salted egg yolk shortbread cookies and took a bite. "This pastry tastes pretty good. I didn't know that you're not only good at herbal cuisine but you're also an expert at this."

Qian Jiujiu blinked her eyes. "I am only good at two things, one is treating patients and another is cooking. The dishes that I cook are mainly related to herbs."

The corner of Mu Yexiao's mouth twitched. As a daughter from a prominent family, you're not good at performing arts and painting, but surprisingly you're good at cooking. Are you preparing yourself to become a cook?

Qian Jiujiu could sense the hint of disapproval by observing Mu Yexiao's expression in the eye. She could not help but express her confusion, "You seem to be dissatisfied with my skills."

Mu Yexiao let out a cough or two before replying, "I don't really care about it. But do you think it's appropriate to not know about performing arts and painting as a princess consort?"

Qian Jiujiu blinked in the direction of Mu Yexiao twice. "I only claimed that I am proficient at these two things but I didn't say that I don't know the rest of the things. How long do you think I can last as Princess Consort?"

"We can all tell that the Emperor has great expectations for you. Besides, you promise to pass me the divorce letter so what's the big deal of not having the knowledge about performing arts and painting?"

"Once I leave Xiao Manor, I will find a small place to open a herbal cuisine restaurant. Then, I can be carefree and enjoy the rest of my life."

"I don't want to stay at a place full of rules and regulations like this one! If it was not for my mother, I would have left long ago."

Upon hearing Qian Jiujiu's remarks, Mu Yexiao felt a surge of unpleasant emotions lingering in his heart. "So you are not heavy-hearted of anything? Wealth and power are things that the surrounding people crave badly."

Qian Jiujiu merely let out a chuckle. "Oh, I suddenly thought of something. I think my silver needles are done. Can I leave the manor to collect them?"

Mu Yexiao mumbled a tone of acknowledgment. "Go ahead, bring Hong Ling along with you. Besides, Dong Chen, go get Hong Chou to serve Princess Consort from today onward."

How can a princess consort only have a servant to serve her! Dong Chen immediately arranged for another servant to serve Princess Consort. Hence, this time when Qian Jiujiu left the manor, she had two 'tails' tagging along behind her.

When Qian Jiujiu left the manor, she seemed to be more carefree compared to the last time where she was extra careful as she lacked the sense of security. As of now, it was more of her curiosity in exploring the ancient era.

Moreover, her foodie potential was once again unleashed. As she walked out, she took a look at Hong Ling. "Hong Li, last time we were in a rush when we came out. Since we have a bit of time today, let's shop around after collecting the items."

Hong Chou subconsciously felt it was inappropriate, hence she chimed in, "This is inappropriate, Princess Consort."

Qian Jiujiu gave Hong Chou a glare before replying, "Don't call me that outside. Are you eager to let others find out our real identity?"

Hong Ling rolled her eyes. His Highness approved of their trip this time. Besides, this was different from the one previously so it was alright to do anything openly.

However, she was curious as to why Princess Consort was unwilling to reveal her identity. Hong Chou shot a glance at Qian Jiujiu. "I'm sorry, Madam. Are we returning home after collecting the items?"

This time it was Qian Jiujiu's turn to roll her eyes. "Of course not. I want to savor some good food first. Alright, I am the boss. Listen to me."

Hong Chou looked a little worried and seemed to have the urge to say something but she was stopped by Hong Ling who shook her head toward her. Hong Chou frowned and kept silent.

As for Qian Jiujiu, she could not be bothered much about these two servants. In an instant, she reached the blacksmith shop she came last time. "Shopkeeper, have you done my stuff already?"

"Here you are, Madam! The things that you need are done. You can check and see." 

Qian Jiujiu nodded in satisfaction after looking at the items. Just then, she kept the items and looked toward Hong Ling. "Hong Ling, make payment."

Once Hong Ling made the payment, Qian Jiujiu turned around and left. Since the customized silver needles were done, then she could help Mu Yexiao undergo detoxification.

After she had done detoxifying for him, she would then proceed to cure his leg. Once Mu Yexiao was healthy, she would leave this place.

Whenever Qian Jiujiu thought of leaving, she felt a surge of excitement.

Yes, this is a good opening. "Hong Ling, quick, lead me the way to buy some delicious food."

Anyway, even though Qian Jiujiu was adept at cooking, she was only skilled at making herbal cuisine because she had a special gift for medicine. As for other food, she could not do anything about it.

Hong Ling fixed her gaze at Qian Jiujiu. "What do you feel like eating?"

Qian Jiujiu fell into deep thoughts. "Which restaurant serves the best chicken? Okay, let's buy chicken back to eat."

Qian Jiujiu suddenly recalled that it was time for her to care for her body. Her body condition was so weak until she was not strong enough to protect herself. Thinking of this, she felt upset.

Hong Ling started to consider it seriously. Which restaurant serves the best chicken? "I know it! A restaurant along Dongda Street sells stewed chicken, it tastes pretty good."

Qian Jiujiu immediately clapped her hands. "Let's go and buy then."

Three of them went over to purchase three pieces of chicken and then walked back to the Xiao Manor. Once they reached home, it was already evening. Qian Jiujiu finally had the time to sit down and rest for a bit.

Just then, she saw Nan Feng striding toward her courtyard and Hong Ling was already out to welcome him. "Bodyguard Nan, what brings you here at this time?"

Nan Feng made eye contact with Qian Jiujiu and paid his respect. "Greetings to Princess Consort. His Highness invites you over to have a meal with him."

Qian Jiujiu blinked her eyes. "Alright, I'll be there in a while."

Upon finishing her sentence, Qian Jiujiu reminded Hong Ling, "Hong Ling, remember to send the chicken over as well."

Of course, Hong Ling would not forget it. Qian Jiujiu went over to Mu Yexiao's courtyard swiftly. She found that Ye Muxiao was already seated at the table waiting for her arrival.

Qian Jiujiu walked toward him. "Greetings to Your Highness. What good food have you prepared for tonight? How come you thought of eating with me today?"

Mu Yexiao frowned. "Eating?"

Qian Jiujiu chuckled. "It means to have a meal. It's just that my way of saying it is more straightforward. You haven't told me what we are having for tonight."

Mu Yexiao drew a glance at Qian Jiujiu. "My dishes are all herbal cuisine prepared by you. What else can I consume?"

Qian Jiujiu finally recalled that she had made changes to Mu Yexiao's menu. "I thought you had good food to share with me. Why do you summon me then?"

"Oh, now I know! You must have known that I had bought some chickens back. Are you trying to snatch them from me? Actually you don't have to do this. You're His Highness. If you feel like eating chicken, you can order someone to buy for you."

"I am just a poor, humble individual with little money. What is that for you to crave for?"

Mu Yexiao pulled a long face after being told off by Qian Jiujiu. He felt that after Qian Jiujiu was here, they had meals together every day so that was why he summoned someone to call for her.

How has this turned into a craving for her chickens? I am the prominent Lord Xiao, do I really need to steal a bite of the chicken? This is too much. Just as Mu Yexiao wanted to say something, Hong Ling arrived at the place.

"Princess Consort, I have heated your chickens. Let me serve you the food now."

Counting the number of pieces, Qian Jiujiu felt overjoyed. She then looked fixedly at Mu Yexiao. "I have only bought three pieces of chicken. Initially, I thought of sharing these with Hong Ling and Hong Chou but now they are willing to contribute one for you."

"Let me share it with you then."

The corner of Hong Ling's mouth twitched. My dear Princess Consort, do you have to care so much about a piece of chicken? Hong Chou and I will be done for if His Highness were to settle accounts with use afterward.

However, Princess Consort did it out of kindness so Hong Ling could only pretend as if she had heard it and forcefully ignored the glare of His Highness in her direction.

As Mu Yexiao looked at Qian Jiujiu who was trying to show off her generosity, this had almost resulted in His Highness to have internal injuries somewhere in his body.

He immediately reached out his chopsticks to pick a piece of chicken and place it into his bowl. The surrounding people exchanged glances with each other upon witnessing the scene. Is His Highness driven crazy by Princess Consort already?