The next day, the Fourth Prince went to inspect all the preparations early in the morning. Lanqin said that special people had been assigned to take charge, but the Fourth Prince was still not at ease and insisted on inspecting everything himself before he would feel at ease.

Historically, the Fourth Prince died from overwork. He finally managed to defeat eight brothers before ascending the throne, how could he have worked himself to death? No way! Now that I've transmigrated and become his favored concubine, I can't become a widow so soon. I must change the Fourth Prince's lifespan!!

Lanqin listened to the chimes of the quartz clock; it wasn't time yet. But perhaps something was on her mind, she couldn't fall asleep. She tossed and turned in bed a few times before waking up.

"Is breakfast ready? Have them personally deliver it to everyone at the appointed time, so as not to delay." Lanqin, served by Nianxue and Xicha, changed into a "riding outfit." Lanqin was quite impressed with how well-made the riding outfit was; it was essentially a modified tube skirt with wide-legged trousers, and a long, slit-front jacket that covered the trousers. It wasn't really a Western riding outfit. However, as a prince's wife and concubine, she certainly wouldn't wear this style of clothing. Lanqin pondered the evolution of Qing Dynasty clothing; it seemed this style of clothing became increasingly common after the Kangxi era. Could it have evolved from that?

“My lady, this set is orange-red. The one you gave to Princess Xinyi is pink, and the one for Princess Xiuzhu is grass-green,” Nianxue said.

"Hmm. Let's keep the hairstyle simple. I don't want to wear a head full of jingling ornaments while being jostled around on horseback, only to find they're missing," Lanqin said.

“But our mistress is the lady of the house, she can’t be even more celibate than Princess Xiuzhu and the others, can she?” Xicha said.

"Shh, I'm not the mistress of this place. The real mistress is still in the capital!" Lanqin corrected, but she didn't seem angry at all. Both of these maids were her confidantes, so she could speak more casually.

Cough cough cough!!!

A cough came from the outer room, startling the three of them. Lanqin thought to herself: The Fourth Master is back!

"Master, you're back? Perfect timing for us to have breakfast together." Lanqin called out immediately, then gestured for Nianxue and Xicha to leave for the time being. She then went out with her beautiful hair flowing down her back and wearing soft-soled embroidered cotton shoes.

Sure enough, the Fourth Prince had returned. He was wearing an indigo brocade robe with gold trim. The four-clawed golden dragon on his chest was not as ostentatious as the one embroidered on the Third Prince's chest. Instead, it was embroidered with simpler gold thread in a hidden style, not ostentatious at all, but exuding nobility.

Lanqin glanced at Sihua, who was standing with her head down in the corner of the room. Judging from her expression, it seemed that the Fourth Master had already come in and heard what had just happened.

Lanqin walked up to Fourth Master with a smile and said coquettishly, "What's wrong, Master? Have you prepared everything?"

Fourth Master looked at it intently for a few moments, his breath chilling. "Everything's ready. It's a bit cold outside. Are you sure you want to come with me?"

Lanqin felt relieved when she saw that he still asked about her health first. She said, "It's alright. I'm wearing a cotton coat underneath. Besides, riding a horse is a full-body activity, so how could I be cold?"

Fourth Master still looked unhappy, grunted an "Mmm," and said he was hungry.

Lanqin hurriedly instructed Sihua and the others to prepare breakfast. The breakfast served was millet porridge that was stewed until the butter was oozing out, two baskets of steamed dumplings, a plate of milk buns, two dishes of pickles, and two boiled eggs.

"Hunting is very physically demanding. If you eat this, you'll get hungry very quickly later," Fourth Master said after glancing at the food.

The servants in the room were all taken aback; this was the first time the Fourth Master had questioned the meals his master had prepared.

“Your spleen and stomach are weak this morning, so eating something light is good for them. We’re going hunting today, and we’re expected to eat game. There will be too much oil and meat, and your stomach might not be able to handle it. Let’s soothe your stomach first. As for whether these things will keep you full, Your Highness, don’t worry. I’ve already had the kitchen prepare roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), huoshao (baked flatbread), caigan roubing (dried vegetable and meat pies), and rougan (dried meat), etc. The servants accompanying you have them in their backpacks so you can eat whenever you’re hungry. Your Highness will probably be hunting all day, so you’ll be eating these.” Lanqin said methodically.

Fourth Master thought it made some sense, but he became curious about the names Lanqin mentioned: "What roujiamo and huoshao? I've never heard of them before?"

Lanqin glanced slyly at Fourth Master and said, "These are dishes that Lanqin devised herself. They used to be served with steamed buns, pancakes, and dried meat, which was too monotonous. So, Master Niu and I came up with a few new dishes. Would you like to try them, Your Highness?"

Fourth Master nodded and began to drink the porridge. Once he started, he couldn't stop, drinking two bowls in one go, and also eating a whole basket of dumplings. Lanqin took the opportunity to peel an egg for Fourth Master and handed it to him.

Fourth Master's expression gradually softened, and he said, "What do you mean you're not the mistress of this place?"

Lanqin was drinking porridge when she heard this and her heart skipped a beat: This cunning man likes to hide his unhappiness and make you guess until you coax him before he will reveal it.

"Master, I was just saying it casually," Lanqin stammered softly.

"I built this Lanchun Courtyard especially for you, and you still say you're not the mistress of this place?" Fourth Master still refused to let Lanqin off easily.

"I know, I was wrong, I won't say that again next time." Lanqin continued to plead, knowing that in this situation, she had been caught out for her slip of the tongue and could only beg for forgiveness by pleading.

"There will be a next time?" Fourth Master glared at him. When he heard Lanqin say outside, "The real mistress is in Kyoto," he felt a strange discomfort in his heart.

"No, but there won't be a next time. You love me the most, Master." Lanqin stuck out her little tongue coquettishly, finally making the Fourth Master stop having a dark face.

"Your clothes look good, and they'll be more convenient for riding later. Make more clothes like these in the future; they're very practical." Fourth Master finally stopped worrying and changed the subject.

"Right? I also think this dress is beautifully made. Wearing a robe every day makes walking very restrictive," Lanqin said with a smile.

The two quickly regained their good mood, much to the relief of the servants who were attending to them.

After Fourth Master and Lanqin finished their breakfast, Lanqin had time to quickly comb Nianxue's hair. Following Lanqin's wishes, she was only given a few jade beaded flowers and a few silk flowers, and simple jade teardrop earrings.

Fourth Master led Lanqin towards the front gate. Nianxue and Lanqi followed Lanqin, while Xicha and Sihua, being more timid, stayed in the large tent set up outside the woods.

They walked to the main gate and saw that everyone had already arrived, including the three girls. Xinyi and Xiuzhu had changed into the same style of clothes as Lanqin, and their hair was styled in a simple double bun.