"Let's wait a little longer. He is the God of War of the Great Zhao Dynasty, so he must have some self-control. The longer the medicine is boiled, the more flavorful it becomes for a man." Chu Ling seemed aloof and innocent, but her words were incredibly frivolous.

The maids were already used to this, and they all bowed their heads in agreement.

"What about the bandits?" Chu Ling suddenly asked again.

"It seems like they're still strolling around the garden," Xianglan replied.

"Give the order to have someone keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn't wander onto the island and ruin my plans," Chu Ling lazily commanded, enjoying the service of Xiang Guan and Xiang Fen.

"Yes," Xianglan replied, and went out again.

Ji Fengyao was taken by Shang Beiyu to a secluded and cold palace. If the palace hadn't been so clean and elegantly decorated, she would have thought she had come to the legendary Cold Palace.

"Is this your residence?" Ji Fengyao quickly guessed.

"Hmm, it's a bit rudimentary," Shang Beiyu said, as he boiled water and made tea himself.

"Let the servants do these things. Your injury is sensitive to heat. Doesn't it hurt when you're near a fire?" Ji Fengyao advised, seeing the firelight from the stove scorching the wound on the back of his hand.

"It's just me and Xiao Jianzi here. He was temporarily transferred out to help with the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet today because we're busy," Shang Beiyu said calmly.

Ji Fengyao: "..."

This prince's life is truly pitiful.

Not only did he have only one eunuch by his side, but he was also constantly being temporarily transferred away.

There are at least several thousand, if not ten thousand, palace maids and eunuchs in the palace, so they're just missing one here.

Those people were clearly trying to humiliate him!

Such an outstanding person as him, yet those people still had the heart to mistreat him, which shows that the people in this palace are all heartless.

Ji Fengyao sighed inwardly and snatched the tea set from his hand: "Stop doing that. I have to go to a banquet and won't be here for long. What have you eaten these past few days? Is there anything left? Let me see."

"Are you... are you hungry? I didn't know you were coming. I don't have any good food here." Shang Beiyu finally became a little flustered.

Seeing him like this, Ji Fengyao felt even more heartbroken: "Whatever you have, just something to eat will do. We didn't live a luxurious life back in Vulture Village, so I won't be picky."

Shang Beiyu hesitated for a moment, then got up and went out, bringing back a bowl of vegetable porridge and a dish of pickled vegetables to accompany it.

Ji Fengyao: "..."

A prince like him, this is what he eats?

She scooped up a spoonful of porridge and put it in her mouth. Even though Ji Fengyao wasn't a picky eater, she almost threw up: What kind of bitter stuff is this?

Take another bite of pickled vegetables...

Ji Fengyao, died.

He silently put down his chopsticks, tears streaming down his face.

It's truly a miracle that such a gifted individual as Shang Beiyu could be raised from these very things.

"It's getting late, I have to go. Otherwise, if my two maids can't find me, they might turn the whole palace upside down." Ji Fengyao stood up to take her leave.

"I...I'll see you off," Shang Beiyu hesitated, but ultimately did not try to stop her.

Even after walking a long way and turning back, Ji Fengyao could still see Shang Beiyu standing at the palace gate, quietly watching her go.

A wisp of white figure, like a lonely, forgotten soul.

Once Ji Fengyao was out of sight, Xiao Jianzi emerged from the hidden corner: "Your Highness, why did you have to personally test the Ninth Princess Consort?"

"I did not test her," Shang Beiyu replied calmly, turning back.

Little Cocoon was completely confused: Was there no probing?

If there was no test, then why did His Highness dismiss everyone in the palace and deliberately serve the Ninth Princess Consort the vegetable porridge meant for lowly palace servants?