Chapter 50 Jackfruit from the Royal Family

As dusk falls, weary birds return to their nests.

The blood-red sunset gradually disappeared into the mountains, taking away the daytime heat and leaving behind a touch of coolness.

Old Madam Shi went to a banquet and wouldn't be back until evening.

Finding the room stuffy and hot, Daiyu and the others went to the small pavilion to cool off and practice their calligraphy.

Because of the heat and dryness during the day, I was too lazy to write, and it wasn't until the cool evening that I remembered I hadn't written anything for the day.

A large desk was placed in the small pavilion, and several large candles were lit on the windproof candlesticks on it, making the place as bright as day.

At dinner time, an old woman came over and fumigated the area to kill mosquitoes. Several mosquito-repelling sachets were also hanging up, so there were no mosquitoes to bother us.

Since it was cool here, there was no need for the maids to fan them. The group let the maids go and play around on their own, and they would go back together after they finished writing.

Because Wang Xifeng went to the Wang family today, things at home were a bit delayed.

After returning, I dealt with a few urgent matters; the rest I'll leave for tomorrow.

After everyone who came to reply left, she packed her things and, with Ping'er in tow, headed towards Rongyue Courtyard.

"Grandma, are you going to learn to read with Granny Yuan today? It's so late, it's okay if you miss it for a day, right?" Ping'er was worried that Wang Xifeng was working too hard, so she quickly persuaded her.

Ping'er had never seen her grandmother so diligent before. However, after learning from Granny Yuan for a while, and with her grandmother being very smart, she could understand the account books and receipts on her own.

Those people below no longer dared to easily fool Grandma on this matter.

"Ping'er, you probably don't know, but your grandma has become addicted to learning to read! Who knows, she might even take the imperial examination and come back as the top scholar tomorrow!"

As Wang Xifeng spoke and laughed, she wanted to perfectly conceal the fact that she was literate, so she naturally had to put on an act of diligent study.

As for whether Yuan Hongqu was reading and writing or chatting idly, who cares?

Whenever she studied with Yuan Hongqu, she would always dismiss those around her. She explained why: she was afraid that if the servants saw her being reprimanded by the teacher, she would lose her dignity and face.

Ping'er wholeheartedly agreed. Their second mistress was a person who cared a lot about her reputation. The only thing she was not as good at was literacy. It was perfectly normal for her not to let people see her shortcomings.

When the two arrived at Rongyue Courtyard, Wang Xifeng glanced at the small pavilion and saw several people holding their breath and writing. She did not go over to disturb them, but told Ping'er to go and play with some familiar people. She herself went straight to find Yuan Hongqu.

In the past, when she came, Yuan Hongqu was either in the courtyard, the kitchen, or the dining room, but she didn't see her in any of those three places today.

Wang Xifeng was about to call someone over to ask when she heard Yuan Hongqu's voice.

"I was thinking you weren't coming today."

Wang Xifeng looked in the direction of the sound and saw Yuan Hongqu enjoying the cool air under the eaves.

A rocking chair was placed under the eaves, and Yuan Hongqu was holding a fan, fanning herself idly.

Wang Xifeng was a little stunned when she saw this scene.

She had seen this scene before, but the original Hongqu in that scene was not as vibrant as she is now.

Seeing her standing there somewhat dazed, Yuan Hongqu also stood up and smiled.

"I've saved something good for you."

Wang Xifeng came to her senses.

"Sister Yuan is going to favor me again. It just so happens that I brought you something rare too."

She waved the box in her hand.

"That's rare indeed. Besides antiques, what other rare things do you have that I haven't seen before?" Yuan Hongqu joked.

Wang Xifeng chuckled.

"Sister Yuan, we used to see this all the time, but it's really rare now!"

Yuan Hongqu's curiosity was piqued by a single sentence from Wang Xifeng.

Wang Xifeng walked closer and opened the box she was carrying.

Yuan Hongqu first smelled a familiar scent and immediately guessed what was going on.

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed so.

The box contained several pieces of jackfruit pulp, neatly arranged, clean and tidy.

"Sister, are you surprised? Unexpected?"

Like Wang Xifeng presenting a treasure, she held the jackfruit up to Yuan Hongqu.

Yuan Hongqu's expression became complicated for a moment, wondering if this was something she had sold in her shop.

She quickly returned to normal, reached out and took a piece of fruit, which she ate.

"Yes, it's perfectly cooked."

Upon hearing Yuan Hongqu's words, Wang Xifeng's mouth seemed to have been turned on, and she recounted the entire process of obtaining the jackfruit:

"Sister Yuan, I really didn't expect that there would be jackfruit in the capital. You have no idea how much my eyes widened when I saw jackfruit at the Wang family's house. My aunt said that it was a gift from the palace today, and only a few families received this reward. My aunt gave me half to take back and try. I think that others who don't know about it or have never eaten it before probably wouldn't even be able to taste it with just a few pieces. I should give it to you. Jackfruit is rare here, and you might want to try it... Once you taste the flavor of home, you won't miss home..."

Only the two of them could understand Wang Xifeng's last words.

Yuan Hongqu was somewhat moved by these words; so this is what it feels like to be cared for.

She took care of Daiyu willingly and at any cost, providing meticulous care for her.

As for Wang Xifeng, she was just an afterthought.

Even knowing that Wang Xifeng's soul is the same as his own, she is still someone who recognizes him.

She never intended to entrust her heart to anyone, nor did she ever think of becoming best friends with her.

Yuan Hongqu felt that she would never have any friends.

But this naive and innocent girl, she herself is a time traveler, yet she only thinks that her original sister will miss the taste of her hometown. Doesn't she miss it herself?

"I've tried it. You can keep the rest. It's been a bit hot these past few days, and I'm feeling a bit feverish, so I don't dare eat too much."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xifeng raised an eyebrow.

"Sister, don't you need ice? We have a whole freezer full of ice at home! I'll have someone bring it to you."

"It's inside!" Yuan Hongqu stopped her.

"Thank you for thinking of me, but I got a sore throat because I ate too much chili sauce. The Hunan chef in the main kitchen of the mansion is only so-so at cooking other dishes, but his chili sauce is top-notch."

Yuan Hongqu made up a random excuse, but what she said was true. She did give money to the cook and asked him to make some chili sauce for Rongyue Courtyard separately.

Wang Xifeng was intrigued by this and decided to try the chili sauce the next day. A chili sauce that even Sister Yuan praised must taste extraordinary!

Yuan Hongqu was actually thinking about the jackfruit tree in her own space, and couldn't bear to share the few pieces with Wang Xifeng. She really couldn't bear it.

Fortunately, Wang Xifeng believed her and did not refuse her anymore.

"Sister, what good things did you leave for me?"