A look of surprise flashed in Zheng Yishu's eyes. Serving the princess was not the same as serving the court. The princess had already offered him a way out, and if he didn't take the opportunity to climb up the ladder...

That's called being tactless.

He bowed deeply, his tone solemn.

"Princess, as long as you don't despise me, from this day forward, I will go through fire and water for you, devote myself to the utmost, and die for you!"

Sheng Lingwei smiled and praised her sincerely.

"Very good, very good! This is the same spirited and talented young man you were back then! Your Majesty, I have high hopes for you!"

Zheng Yishu couldn't help but smile. "Thank you for your appreciation, Princess. I will certainly not let you down."

Jing Qingyun stepped forward, patted Zheng Yishu on the shoulder, and then gave him a big hug.

"Uncle Zheng, it's been so long! I've missed you terribly!"

Zheng Yishu's eyes reddened, and he hugged Jing Qingyun tightly, his voice choked with emotion: "Good boy, I thought you weren't going to acknowledge me as your uncle anymore."

Jing Qingyun gently patted Zheng Yishu's back and said sincerely, "Uncle Zheng, you are the uncle I respect the most. How could I not acknowledge you?"

"Then why didn't you recognize me just now?" Zheng Yishu looked extremely aggrieved, like a child.

Jing Qingyun chuckled twice, "Uncle! I'm only doing this for your sake. My father once said that you care a lot about your reputation, especially in front of the younger generation."

Tears welled up in Zheng Yishu's eyes instantly. The older he got, the more he missed the past, especially his only good brother.

“Your father does understand me, and he still has a conscience. But after all these years of hard work, I’ve long since thrown away all pride and face. I’m sure your father will scold me for being useless.”

"No, my dad will only say you did a great job and that you should live shamelessly."

"Pfft..."

Zheng Yishu was both crying and laughing, his face quickly covered in tears and snot.

Sheng Lingwei quickly took out a towel and handed it to Zheng Yishu, "Come, come, Lord Zheng, quickly wipe away your tears. You are now my person, you can't be too sloppy."

Jing Qingyun chimed in, "Yes, Uncle Zheng, you're the face of my Weiwei, so you have to be mindful of your image at all times. Most importantly, don't get my clothes dirty."

"Hey, how dare you talk like that?"

Distracted by the two of them, Zheng Yishu could no longer dwell on the past or feel sentimental. He grabbed a towel and quickly wiped his face haphazardly.

Anyway, it's already in such a mess, no matter how much you wipe it, it won't get really clean unless you wash it from head to toe.

Damn, he almost forgot that he was filthy from head to toe, his body already steeped in the stench.

Zheng Yishu's expression changed, and he quickly moved away from Sheng Lingwei and Jing Qingyun, saying rather apologetically, "Princess, Qingyun, I'm so sorry to have tainted you."

Jing Qingyun pretended to be unhappy.

"Uncle Zheng, why bring up those things? Weiwei and I are easygoing and won't care about these things. After all, we can hold our breath, so even if you stink to the heavens, we won't be able to smell it."

Zheng Yishu's lips twitched violently. The Jing family boy was good in every way, but the key was that his mouth was too unpleasant. Hmph!

Sheng Lingwei reached out and tugged at Jing Qingyun's sleeve, giving him a coquettish glare.

"Xiao Yunzi, are you letting yourself go? Although I like it, you still need to be careful, especially to know when to stop."

If I say too much, I might hurt Zheng Yishu's fragile heart; but if I don't say anything, he might start overthinking.

It's important to maintain a good sense of proportion.

Jing Qingyun understood immediately and nodded obediently, "Okay, Weiwei, I'll be careful from now on."

Zheng Yishu felt relieved. At crucial moments, he still had to rely on the princess. He glared at Jing Qingyun triumphantly, then gave her a thumbs-up in praise.

"Your Highness is so domineering! Your Highness is so mighty!"

Sheng Lingwei smiled and waved her hand.

"Lord Zheng, from now on, the people in the mine will be under your management."

The wooden houses to the east are full of supplies. You can handle them as you see fit. If you need anything, just let me know, and I will arrange it immediately.

Zheng Yishu put away his smile and respectfully replied, "Yes, Princess, I guarantee to complete the mission."

...

The next morning, in the dining hall of the Prince of Wu'an's residence.

Prince Shengkun and Princess Wu'an sat at the dining table, watching as plate after plate of breakfast was laid out, quickly filling the large table to the brim. They immediately frowned.

Princess Wu'an looked at Steward Wang, who was waiting to the side, her well-maintained face dark, and questioned him sharply.

"Steward Wang, what's going on? I didn't order the kitchen to make so much breakfast."

Sheng Kun also looked displeased and snorted coldly, "Although the Prince's Mansion is wealthy, it cannot be wasted like this."

Butler Wang's heart skipped a beat. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and hurriedly bowed, replying:

"Replying to Your Highness and Your Highness, these breakfast ingredients were sent back by the Crown Prince. He said that these are ingredients he specially searched for to promote longevity. Your Highness and Your Highness must enjoy them and not disappoint his good intentions."

He also said that the ingredients must be eaten while they are fresh, otherwise the medicinal effect will be greatly reduced.

Therefore, he specifically instructed his servants to arrange for someone to prepare the ingredients into a medicinal dish as soon as possible, so as not to waste the ingredients he had gone to great lengths to find.

The Crown Prince also meticulously prepared a menu, which included: winter melon and heart soup, four-happiness meatballs, braised pork hock, stir-fried kidneys, scallion and pepper liver, dry pot fatty tripe, pan-fried pork ribs, stir-fried shredded pork, cold mixed ears, and spicy chicken...

I see!

The Sheng couple immediately beamed with joy. Although the menu names were strange, they accepted them well.

After all, we often eat these special ingredients, so it doesn't seem strange to us.

Over the years of their marriage, the couple had six children, but only one son, Sheng Haochang.

Therefore, he was treated like a precious treasure from a young age. He was given whatever he wanted and was spoiled rotten. They wanted to hold him in their hands at all times.

Unexpectedly, their usually unreliable son suddenly grew up and even managed to find ingredients for immortality to support his parents.

I'm so happy!

Princess Wu'an was moved to tears, gently wiping them away with her handkerchief. "Your Highness, sob sob, our Chang'er has finally grown up."

With a smile in his eyes, Sheng Kun patted Princess Wu'an's shoulder reassuringly, looking proud and smug, before bursting into hearty laughter.

"Hmm, not bad. Chang'er truly lives up to his reputation as my good son. He has really surprised me this time. If he continues to maintain this level, I can let him manage the family business without any restrictions."

Princess Wu'an was overjoyed. With the prince's words, she no longer had to worry about those illegitimate sons competing with Chang'er for the position of heir.

Oh dear, my son has finally made something of himself! As his mother, I'm so happy!

Princess Wu'an's face was practically wrinkled from smiling as she picked up her chopsticks and served food to Sheng Kun, her gesture gentle and considerate.

"Your Highness, come, come, quickly try these dishes. We can't let down Chang'er's filial piety."