Knowing that things were hopeless, Steward Zhao prepared to retreat: "Since the young master is unwilling, we will take our leave."
Shen Qingyao was still unwilling: she had come here using Prince Cheng's name as a shield, how could it not work?
Isn't Prince Cheng more powerful than a mere heir of a marquis's household?!
"Elder sister, my Qi family has extensive business connections, with shipping lines and docks linking all five prefectures of Hengshui. If you were to give me the secret recipe for braised meat, I'm sure it would be able to flourish!"
Shen Qingyu handed the chick in her hand to Xiao Taohua, who came in after her, and instructed her, "Go and kill the chicken."
Then Shen Qingyu looked at Shen Qingyao and said, "Thank you, but no need."
Before Shen Qingyao could speak, Shen Qingyu looked at Qi Yunxiao and said, "I worked up a sweat catching chickens. I'll go tidy myself up and change my clothes. Go see what the children want to eat and tell the kitchen later."
"Okay," Qi Yunxiao replied gently.
Then Shen Qingyu left on her own!
He just... left!?
Are they just going to leave him and the steward of Prince Cheng's mansion here like this?
Shen Qingyao could hardly believe her eyes!
With such an arrogant and disdainful demeanor, how could Prince Qi show no displeasure?!
Moreover, the way he looked at Shen Qingyu as she left was so tender and affectionate!
How...how is this possible?!
Qi Yunxiao is, after all, the heir of a marquis's mansion!
Is the young master so doting on his wife?
If she had known earlier that Qi Yunxiao was actually the heir of a marquis's family, she would have been willing to accept it even if his forehead was blackened...
But who would have thought that the man they initially looked down on and deliberately pushed to the eldest sister would actually have such a distinguished status!
Manager Zhao was about to be driven mad by Shen Qingyao.
This woman seemed greedy, foolish, audacious, and ruthless; I initially thought she would be easy to control.
But who knew that after going out, I would find that my ability to recognize people, read their expressions, and get things done was utterly hopeless!
He couldn't help but tug at Shen Qingyao's sleeve: "Patriarch, it's time to go."
When she met Steward Zhao's disapproving gaze, Shen Qingyao's heart skipped a beat. In the end, she didn't dare to disobey and obediently followed him away.
After everyone left, Qi Yunxiao went to find Da Bao, Xiao Bao, and Wen Jin and asked them what they wanted to eat.
One of the children wanted to eat sweet and sour pork, and the other wanted to eat braised pork ribs.
Wen Jin, who is usually a glutton, has been quiet and reserved these past few days. She just listens to Xue Juzheng and studies hard. She is not picky about food anymore and just says "anything is fine".
Just as Qi Yunxiao was about to ask what was going on, Xue Juzheng glared at Qi Yunxiao and said, "Why don't you ask me what I want to eat?"
That's where things took a turn.
Qi Yunxiao could only smile and ask Xue Juzheng, "What would you like to eat, Teacher?"
Xue Juzheng asked earnestly, "What are we doing today?"
"Spicy chicken. It's made by slicing green chilies and stir-frying young chicken until the chicken is dry and fragrant. It's spicy, flavorful, and chewy..."
Before Qi Yunxiao could finish speaking, Xue Juzheng couldn't help but swallow hard: "Then let's eat this! Hurry up and make it!"
Qi Yunxiao was pushed out of the study before he realized: he hadn't asked Wen Che yet.
However, His Highness the Crown Prince is always humble, and whenever asked, he always replies with just two words: "Whatever."
Never mind, I won't ask anymore.
Qi Yunxiao went to the kitchen to find Shen Qingyu.
Shen Qingyu was rolling up her sleeves and cooking.
What do the children want to eat?
After Qi Yunxiao told Xiao Taohua what dishes the children wanted to eat, she immediately went to prepare meat and ribs.
As the aroma of meat filled the courtyard, dishes were served one by one, and Liu Cuixi invited people to sit down for dinner.
As Xue Juzheng ate, he exclaimed, "This spicy chicken tastes amazing! The ingredients are so simple, how come it tastes so good?"
Shen Qingyu laughed as she ate, "I guess I just happen to have a talent for this. I've been cooking for myself for a long time. My stir-fried green peppers and eggs are also very delicious."
"Stir-fried green peppers and eggs? Make it for me tomorrow!" Xue Juzheng was not polite at all.
"Okay," Shen Qingyu replied with a smile.
Ms. Zhao Yuzhu, who had been taking care of the children and visiting neighbors since returning home, paused for a moment upon hearing this.
Yes, Shen Qingyu was left at home since she was a child, and she unknowingly developed her cooking skills.
It seems she was only nine years old when she first started cooking for herself, right?
It's stir-fried green peppers and eggs.
When I got home after finishing my work, I ate my daughter's first attempt at stir-fried green peppers and eggs, and praised it.
Later, my daughter fell in love with cooking and always tried to find ways to make delicious dishes.
After the meal, everyone dispersed, and Shen Qingyu went to find Zhao Yuzhu.
Towards the end of the meal today, Ms. Zhao Yuzhu became somewhat absent-minded, picking up some green peppers and then just focusing on eating her rice.
After closing the door, Shen Qingyu sat on Zhao Yuzhu's bed: "Mom? What's wrong? Do you miss Dad?"
Thinking about that old man? Zhao Yuzhu paused for a moment, then shook her head and smiled, "I'm fine."
Seeing that Shen Qingyu didn't believe her, she had no choice but to tell the truth and recount the story of stir-fried green peppers and eggs.
Finally, Zhao Yuzhu sighed and apologized, "I was wrong before, I neglected you..."
Upon hearing the sudden apology, Shen Qingyu was first taken aback, and then felt a mix of emotions.
Were you wronged back then?
Feeling wronged.
But after feeling wronged, I remembered the hardships my parents endured in the early stages of starting their business.
When Mom was most tired, she would rush home, eat her meal, and then suddenly stop eating.
When Shen Qingyu noticed this, she peeked over and discovered that her mother had actually fallen asleep while sitting there with a mouthful of food in her mouth.
After waking her mother up, Shen Qingyu learned that in order to rush to deliver a batch of goods, she had been counting, packing, loading, and delivering the goods for two days and two nights without sleep.
“But I thought you’ve been home alone for two days, so I should come back to see you. That’s why I came back.”
At that moment, Ms. Zhao Yuzhu's words suddenly became clear in my memory.
Why didn't I remember saying that before?
It's like... being buried deep in my memory.
Shen Qingyu stepped forward and put her arm around her mother's shoulder: "Mom, I'm sorry, I've neglected you these past few days."
"What nonsense are you talking about? You have your own things to do, so it's normal for you to neglect me. Besides, do you think I'd be bored? Look at me, I'm busy every day these days."
Shen Qingyu knew about this. Ms. Zhao Yuzhu was busy taking care of her child and visiting other people's homes every day.
But Shen Qingyu didn't know that when she had free time, Zhao Yuzhu would also miss her daughter.
I came here at all costs, hoping to spend more time with my daughter, but she has already gotten used to not having me around. Many times, she leaves me aside and goes about her own business.
After the disappointment comes reflection.
Zhao Yuzhu couldn't help but think: When she was busy outside in the past, did Shen Qingyu also think about her mother whenever she had a moment of free time, just like she does now? And wonder: Why hasn't Mom come back yet?
The thought of this made Zhao Yuzhu's nose sting with tears.
Shen Qingyu was still young then, unlike me, she couldn't possibly be free to go out and wander around like that...
Both mother and son felt guilty, and they clasped their hands together. Unconsciously, their hearts drew much closer.
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