While Yan Wujiu and his fellow disciple were fleeing in panic on the border of the Western Regions, the Sixth Princess's residence in Fengjing City presented a completely different scene.

Qin Zhaoyue lay lazily on the velvet-covered couch in the corridor, the warm autumn sun casting dappled shadows through the sparse branches and leaves, as she casually pondered the dishes for lunch.

Seeing this, Suimo, who was standing to the side, smiled and suggested:

"Your Highness, why don't you try the cooking of the two chefs at Chengyuan?"

I've heard they have several signature dishes that are considered top-notch in Fengjing.

"Hmm?" Qin Zhaoyue's previously unfocused eyes suddenly lit up. "You actually brought him back to the manor?"

Sui Mo chuckled lightly, a hint of smugness in his eyes:

"Of course. Our household has taken on such a huge problem as Chengyuan, what's a couple of cooks to us?"

Of course, the main reason for this is that her Highness's current title as the Commander of the Xuanji Guard is impressive enough.

Such a prestigious official position, which inspires fear, requires two cooks. How could the new owner of Chengyuan dare to refuse?

However, there is no need to report these minor details to His Highness.

Qin Zhaoyue indeed revealed a very pleased and satisfied smile, glancing approvingly at Suimo:

"You're not so bad, you're quite perceptive and sensible! You don't need to deduct this month's pay."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Qin Zhaoyue then turned her head to look at Yin Zhe, who was quietly leaning to the side, and extended an invitation:

"Auntie, why don't you stay for lunch? You can try the cooking of the chef at Chengyuan."

Yin Zhe put down his milk tea and nodded slightly.

"Great! I've long heard of the exquisite food at Chengyuan. Today, thanks to Xiao Liu, I'm in for a treat."

Qin Zhaoyue seemed to suddenly remember something and asked curiously:

"Hey Auntie, is your job as deputy commander really that easy? Shouldn't you have mountains of official business to handle?"

Mentioning this, Yin Zhe's originally peaceful eyes narrowed instantly, and his tone carried a hint of resentment:

"Otherwise, Commander, what do you think I was doing all day while His Majesty and you were traveling and leisurely returning north?"

Military intelligence in the north, pacification of the south, the old case of the former crown prince, Yan Wujiu's whereabouts, local government affairs supervision, subtle changes in the movements of officials in the court... all these myriad matters ultimately weighed on her, the deputy commander.

They were so busy every day that their feet barely touched the ground, with endless secret reports to read, countless documents and files to sign, and countless decisions to make.

She had no idea that the daily operations of the Xuanji Guard involved such a complex and meticulous amount of intelligence and paperwork.

Managing even a single Xuanji Guard is so exhausting; imagine how much more difficult it would be to truly rule the entire Great Gan Empire...

Thinking about this, she understood even more why Xiao Liu was so eager to avoid that position.

Even she found it hard to bear the monotony and pressure, let alone Xiao Liu, who was naturally free-spirited and loved freedom.

I'm afraid they'll have to quit after sitting for half a day.

Upon hearing this, Qin Zhaoyue showed no embarrassment whatsoever; instead, she clapped her hands with a cheerful smile.

"Oh dear, Deputy Commander, you've really worked hard!"

The stability and peace we enjoy today owes a great deal to you, Auntie.

Therefore, I will immediately submit a memorial to the Empress Dowager, formally resigning from this position of commander, and rightfully placing my aunt in the position!

"Get out!"

Yin Zhe glared at her irritably, instantly reverting to her usual grumpy auntie persona.

Amidst the laughter and chatter, it was noon, and the kitchen had prepared a sumptuous feast.

Knowing that His Highness the Sixth Prince had specifically requested to taste their cooking, the two chefs who had been invited from Chengyuan Garden naturally did their utmost and showed off their best skills.

Qin Zhaoyue also specially invited Jiang Wuyai and Chu Xinglan to dine together, and held a brief ceremony before the meal began.

She estimated the time; given the speed of a second-grade Grandmaster, if they had truly set out from Fengjing to pursue them, they should be approaching the White Tiger West Road by now.

Thus, with the cooperation of Jiang Wuyai and Chu Xinglan, a brief deduction lasting about three breaths was quietly carried out.

Just as she had expected, Yan Wujiu's aura had already entered the Western Regions.

"Perfect!"

Qin Zhaoyue clapped her hands and laughed, her worries vanishing completely.

"Come, everyone, take your seats and enjoy your meal!"

Maids filed in, placing a variety of delicious dishes, each with its own unique color, aroma, and flavor, onto the table.

Just hearing the names of the dishes is enough to make one's mouth water.

Dishes such as Golden Minced Fish, Grilled Shrimp, Spring Rice with Chopsticks, White Dragon Shine, Sheepskin Flower Flakes, Snow Baby, Immortal's Meatballs, Scallion and Vinegar Chicken, and Tangyu Embroidered Meatballs... are all prepared by two top chefs and can be called the ultimate private banquet in the neighborhood.

The meal was filled with clinking glasses and constant laughter, and everyone praised the lunch highly.

Qin Zhaoyue ate to her heart's content, touching her slightly protruding belly, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

This is the life she's always dreamed of!

Aside from being forced to get up too early this morning... I suppose that unless something major happens, I won't need to go to the palace so often anymore.

After a hearty meal, it's easy to feel sleepy, especially since Qin Zhaoyue had been sleep-deprived this morning.

However, when Yin Zhe inadvertently mentioned a small matter during a casual conversation, all of Qin Zhaoyue's drowsiness instantly vanished.

She sprang up from her seat, waved her hand dramatically, and exuded confidence:

"Shattered Ink! Gather everyone in our Ink Group, let's get to work!"

Two incense sticks later, Qin Zhaoyue, leading a large and imposing Mo group, appeared in front of the residence of the Third Princess, Qin Zhaowan.

She had thought that her third sister and the others would be busy handing over government affairs today, but unexpectedly, Yin Zhe said that the Empress Dowager was considerate of their hard work overseeing the country and had specially granted them permission to leave the palace and return home today.

I was granted two days off to relax and unwind.

What are we waiting for? Qin Zhaoyue immediately charged over with renewed vigor.

Upon seeing that it was the Sixth Princess, the gatekeeper dared not delay and immediately informed her.

The head steward of the manor was invited, and he personally bowed and led the distinguished guest to the inner courtyard.

Qin Zhaoyue strolled along, taking in her third sister's residence in a cursory manner.

In her memory, she had hardly ever visited since her older sisters established their own households, since their relationship had only been so-so before.

Soon, I saw my third sister in the study, browsing through some books.

When Qin Zhaowan saw her, a clear look of surprise appeared on her face:

"Sixth Sister? Didn't we just see her this morning? Why are you here at this hour?"