14. His face was so rough that it rubbed people's hands raw.
◎Socially-anxious people have money power◎
Feng Ran was truly hungry; during her trip to the Prime Minister's residence, she had consumed all the food she had eaten that morning.
Xiong Qi was also quick-witted. Before Feng Ran could give any instructions, he took the initiative to have the small kitchen prepare lunch, while he went to report to Lord Duan.
If you were to ask what Feng Ran would like most if she were to travel to a strange era, it would undoubtedly be food.
Looking at this table full of seafood—scallion and ginger crab, clam stewed with eggs, sashimi porridge, pan-fried shrimp cakes, Dongpo pork, and chopped chili fish head—Feng Ran was overwhelmed by the sight. But what amazed her most was the bowl of white fungus soup in front of her.
Upon lifting the lid, a rich, sweet aroma burst forth, instantly masking any lingering fishy smell. A few goji berries were sprinkled into the white lotus-shaped container, their translucent surface glistening with gelatinous substance in the sunlight.
Without thinking, Feng Ran was drawn in by the sweet aroma in the air and couldn't resist trying it. Her first reaction was that it was a little hot on her tongue. Before she could even gasp, the sweet aroma filled her mouth and nose.
The white fungus soup was stewed until it was exceptionally soft and tender. It only required a slight touch of the tongue and palate to slide into her stomach. As she ate, Feng Ran's eyes were filled with stars, completely erasing the unpleasantness she had experienced at the Prime Minister's residence.
Nothing heals the soul better than delicious food. Another bite of Dongpo pork, stewed to perfection, is incredibly flavorful and not greasy at all.
Duan Jingchuan discreetly observed Feng Ran's expression, only feeling relieved when he saw that she was eating with great satisfaction.
The menu was just changed today. After observing her for the past few days, he discovered that Feng Ran preferred seafood. Fortunately, the Dingbei Prince's Mansion was large enough that seafood was still affordable.
Recalling how the Prime Minister treated Feng Ran mercilessly and harshly, and considering Feng Ran's current eating habits, Duan Jingchuan felt his heartache was about to overflow.
Unexpectedly, he was not the only one in the world to suffer such a tragic fate. His newlywed wife seemed to share the same destiny. He could only try his best to treat her well and hope that she could live a peaceful and smooth life in the future, unlike him, who was like a piece of rotten wood, prematurely aged and living aimlessly.
Seeing how much Feng Ran was enjoying her food, Duan Jingchuan couldn't help but add three more portions.
The two put down their bowls and chopsticks and then realized that only a few dishes remained on the bottom of the plates.
They glanced at each other's bellies instinctively, found no bulge, and then simultaneously looked away, their thoughts echoing in unison, "I didn't expect him/her to be such a big eater."
After eating her fill, Feng Ran's mind became active again. Suddenly remembering something, she quickly stretched out her somewhat withered and shriveled hands to Duan Jingchuan, "Husband, look."
Duan Jingchuan was puzzled. What happened to his hand? Was it injured?
Duan Jingchuan disregarded his shyness and carefully examined the hands, finding them somewhat thin but otherwise without any other issues.
His nails were neither too long nor too short, requiring no trimming, and his fingertips were full and strong. No wonder he was so strong. He glanced at Feng Ran's cheek without leaving a trace, thinking to himself, "Madam's face must also have firm muscles."
Don't you see that Wu Fengqing's hands are swollen like pig's hooves?
Seeing that Duan Jingchuan remained silent for a long time, Feng Ran became a little anxious. Could it be that the little socially anxious had not understood her meaning?
I moved my chair around and sat down next to the socially anxious girl, this time offering her face instead of my hands.
Duan Jingchuan, who was still pondering, was suddenly stunned by the lady's face. He wanted to step back but was held back by the backrest. Although he felt a little flustered, he surprisingly did not feel any discomfort.
He couldn't decipher the meaning in his wife's eyes, so he could only avoid Feng Ran's gaze and quickly and carefully examine his wife's cheeks. Indeed, there was no redness or swelling or injury.
Seeing that his wife seemed angry, he had no choice but to ask, "What's wrong?"
Feng Ran pouted, then feigned a frown, her expression as fake as could be. She said in a coquettish tone, "Husband, look how rough my face is! Look at my hands, they're so rough they could be used to scrub wallpaper! Even when Wu Fengqing hit me, her hand swelled up. That shows how much I neglect skincare. Could you prepare some rouge and powder for me?"
Duan Jingchuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought something was wrong, but it turned out he had been negligent and had forgotten to give his wife some pocket money. In fact, his wife had been doing nothing but eating and sleeping these past few days, or sitting in a rocking chair to sunbathe. His mother wasn't in charge of things, so she naturally overlooked this matter.
Feng Ran stared in disbelief as Duan Jingchuan took out a box of silver notes, each with a face value of one thousand taels.
Her socially awkward husband is so rich, could it be that the Marquis of Dingbei is a powerful and domineering general on the surface, but in reality a greedy and corrupt official who hides his wealth?
She was naive and had never seen so many silver notes in her life. She carefully held the box in her arms and asked softly, "Husband, are all of these mine?" She seemed to imply that she didn't need to give me so much, but the box she held tightly in her hands seemed to say that no one could take it from her.
Duan Jingchuan didn't care about any of that, he just nodded, then, as if he had thought of something, he added, "For a month."
Feng Ran saw that Duan Jingchuan seemed to be glowing. Her socially awkward husband had money! At this moment, social awkwardness was nothing, good looks were nothing, her husband was real! A box full of money every month, she decided that she would stick to Duan Jingchuan's side for the rest of her life. Where could she find such a good thing?
She happily took the money box to her room and hid it. After thinking for a long time, she finally put it under the bed. From then on, she slept with the silver notes under her pillow and felt extremely at ease.
Then he drew another one—oh, still two! He rushed out of the Marquis's mansion, ready to go on a shopping spree.
Feng Ran had never left the house before, nor had the original owner. She thought she would need a coachman to lead the way, but as soon as she pushed open the gate of the Dingbei Marquis's mansion, her arms and legs seemed to have an automatic tracking system installed. Her mind was blank and she didn't need to care about anything. She naturally walked into the market.
Raising an eyebrow, why did this place feel so familiar? She was certain she had traveled through time.
Never mind all that, shopping is the most important thing. Looking at the dazzling array of goods on the street, it's overwhelming.
Xiuer was suffering terribly behind Fengran's back.
After returning to the Marquis's residence, she removed the hair ornaments from the Crown Princess's head. Now that the Crown Princess was living freely and walking lightly, she was finding it quite difficult to keep up.
Feng Ran skipped and hopped around aimlessly, and Xiu'er, disregarding her manners, had no choice but to hurry after her, afraid of accidentally losing the Crown Princess.
The weather is now pleasantly mild, and the streets are bustling with activity.
Feng Ran, carrying a large sum of money, first went to a snack shop.
"Shopkeeper, what kind of delicious snacks do you have here? Please pack me one of each." Feng Ran slammed a thousand taels of silver on the table with an air of wealth, showing no intention of hiding her riches.
The shopkeeper was overjoyed when he saw the silver notes of this denomination. This was a fat sheep that had fallen from the sky; he might as well take advantage of it.
"Madam, you've made a wise choice in selecting us. Our pastries are among the best in the world, and every high-ranking official and nobleman would covet them. I'll pack one for you right away."
The shopkeeper was secretly thinking, "Just wait and see how I rip you off. He's a complete stranger, not one of those powerful families. He's probably just a nouveau riche. Looks like a big fish."
Just as she was about to accept the thousand taels of silver, Xiu'er, who was standing to the side, finally couldn't help but speak up. She never expected that the Crown Princess would actually use a thousand taels to buy pastries. The most expensive pastries were only a few dozen taels. Her foolishness and extravagance were actually quite adorable.
Fortunately, she had some small-denomination silver notes with her, and then instructed the shopkeeper to send the pastries directly to the Marquis of Dingbei's residence.
Upon hearing the name "Marquis of Dingbei," the shopkeeper was immediately filled with respect. He had never imagined that this young lady was from the Marquis of Dingbei's household. The Marquis of Dingbei was a hero of the Jing Dynasty. It would be worth it to send him more than just some pastries. He felt ashamed of his earlier thoughts and quickly said, "Don't worry, Madam, I will definitely send you the most delicious snacks from our shop."
Feng Ran responded, surprised that the shopkeeper was quite savvy. Sure enough, a thousand taels of silver was very useful, enough to get the highest level of service.
What was she doing outside the manor? Right, buying rouge and face powder.
"Xiuer, where is the best cosmetics shop around here?"
"Princess Consort, it's just one street ahead, called Baihua Tower."
The manager of Baihualou was surnamed Sun. As soon as Feng Ran entered, Manager Sun's eyes lit up. He raised his hand in greeting, "Greetings, Your Highness. May I ask what Your Highness would like to buy? Our shop has rouge and face powder, ready-made clothes and jewelry. Your Highness is welcome to choose whatever you like."
Feng Ran was somewhat surprised and paused in her steps. She couldn't find any memories of leaving the house in the original owner's memories. This shopkeeper in front of her must be incredibly resourceful to recognize her. Thinking this, Feng Ran naturally asked, "How did you know I was the Crown Prince's Consort?"
It's important to know that many uninformed people believe that Wu Fengqing married Duan Jingchuan, and very few people know that she was married in place of another.
Although Feng Ran didn't like to think, she still understood such a simple principle.
Manager Sun smiled and said, "Princess Consort, you may not know, but Baihua Pavilion is the property of the Prince."
Feng Ran was very surprised. If she remembered correctly, when she first entered, she saw that the Hundred Flowers Pavilion was the most magnificent building among the three streets in front and behind. It originally had four floors and occupied a huge area.
Fang Tingxiu'er said that this was the largest cosmetics, clothing and jewelry shop in the city, but she didn't expect it to be run by a socially anxious person. No wonder he was so rich.
But isn't being socially anxious the same as her? Her eyes lit up immediately.
"So that means I can take whatever I want without paying?"
Manager Sun was both amused and exasperated by Feng Ran's expectant gaze. He thought to himself, "Who told you to be the Crown Prince's consort? The Crown Prince sent word early this morning, along with his portrait, that she could freely use all the family's assets. Such favor is rare indeed. I wonder what kind of magic this person possesses."
After receiving confirmation from Manager Sun, Feng Ran sighed again, realizing she had indeed struck gold and found a great caretaker. She enthusiastically picked out cosmetics, but decided against jewelry; the hairpin wouldn't hurt, but it was embarrassing.
A note from the author:
Duan Jingchuan: Social anxiety doesn't mean stupidity. How can you support your wife if you don't have money?
Feng Ran: Yes, yes, you're right. You'll be my golden husband from now on.
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