The Prince's New "Favorite" and the Young General Return to the Capital

After Qin Shuhua got married, Qin Yuti seemed to transfer some of her affection for her sister to the Persian cat, giving it an extremely elegant name—"Snowball." This little creature was also very intelligent and affectionate, clinging to Qin Yuti and often snuggling on her lap. Its soft and adorable appearance made Zhao Jingyi's heart flutter with envy.

That day, Zhao Jingyi returned from court and made a special detour to buy Qin Yuti's favorite hibiscus cake, eager to please his wife. However, upon entering the courtyard, he saw Qin Yuti sitting in the pavilion, reading a book while idly stroking Xuetuan, who was lying on her lap. Sunlight bathed the two, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

Zhao Jingyi suddenly lost interest in the hibiscus cake in his hand. He leaned closer and said sourly, "Oh, this little kitten knows how to find a place, even better than me."

Qin Yuti didn't even look up: "Your Highness has finished court? Aren't you busy with state affairs today?"

Zhao Jingyi put the pastries on the stone table and reached out to pick up Xue Tuan'er: "Go away, go play somewhere else, don't take up my spot."

Startled, Snowball let out a disgruntled "meow," nimbly leaping away. It even turned back to bare its teeth at Zhao Jingyi before gracefully jumping onto the nearby artificial hill, looking down at him with a hint of... disdain in its azure eyes.

Zhao Jingyi was furious. Pointing at the cat, he complained to Qin Yuti, "Wife, look! It's glaring at me! It dares to glare at me!"

Qin Yuti finally looked up from her book and looked at him helplessly: "Your Highness, how old are you? Why are you still arguing with a cat?" She picked up a piece of hibiscus cake, gently broke off a small piece, and softly called to the snowball on the artificial hill: "Snowball, come, eat cake."

Snowball immediately meowed and jumped down happily, rubbing against Qin Yuti's hand and eating the pastries in small bites. Its obedient appearance was completely different from its attitude towards Zhao Jingyi just now.

Zhao Jingyi stared in disbelief, filled with grief and indignation: "Qin Yuti! You've never fed me so gently before!"

Qin Yuti was amused by his childish accusation. She picked up another piece of pastry and held it to his lips, deliberately mimicking his usual tone: "Alright, alright, I'll feed you too, Your Highness, be good, open your mouth, ah—"

Zhao Jingyi instinctively opened his mouth to catch it, chewed it a couple of times before realizing what was happening, and immediately became furious and embarrassed. He pulled Qin Yuti into his arms, lowered his head to nibble at her lips, and mumbled, "You're making fun of me! I'm going to punish you!"

"Zhao Jingyi! You scoundrel! Let me go! There are crumbs on my face!"

The two were laughing and joking in the pavilion when the steward Zhao Zhong rushed in to report: "Your Highness, Your Highness, there is a military officer outside requesting an audience. He says he is from the Zhenbei General's Mansion. General Lu has returned to the capital and has come to deliver his visiting card."

"Lu Beichen is back?" Zhao Jingyi was taken aback and released Qin Yuti. Lu Beichen was Shen Anci's childhood sweetheart and had been stationed in the northern frontier for many years. This time, his return to the capital would likely bring him further rewards.

Qin Yuti straightened her slightly disheveled clothes, her eyes lighting up: "Does Anci know?" She was well aware of her confidante's feelings for General Lu.

Zhao Zhong replied, "This old servant has already sent someone to the general's residence to deliver the message."

Zhao Jingyi stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming with anticipation: "Hey, that tigress Shen Anci... no, Miss Shen, she'll be ecstatic to know her 'Brother Beichen' is back, won't she? This is going to be interesting!"

Qin Yuti playfully slapped him, "Don't talk nonsense! Anci and General Lu have a legitimate relationship." She was happy for Shen Anci, but a trace of worry flashed through her mind at the same time. Lu Beichen's military achievements were now outstanding, and his status was different from before. Their marriage would probably not be so simple.

As expected, news of Lu Beichen's return to the capital spread like wildfire throughout the city. This young general, who had achieved fame at a young age and had distinguished himself in battle, immediately became the focus of attention from all sides. His Majesty would surely reward him handsomely, and his marriage naturally became a coveted prize in the eyes of many.

Inside Prince Yi's mansion, the drama of "competing for favor" between humans and cats has temporarily come to an end.

However, the deep waters of the capital are about to be stirred up by Lu Beichen's return.

The story of Shen Anci and Lu Beichen, these two sworn enemies who became friends after a fight, is just beginning to enter its most exciting chapter.

Meanwhile, Prince Yi, who loves a good show, had already pulled up his stool and was ready to watch from the front row.