Seeing this beautiful and cute little cat, Tao Ti was stunned for a moment.

When Zhang said she wanted to give her a gift, all that came to her mind were jewelry or silks and satins. She never imagined it would be a cat.

Zhang turned around and looked at her expression. She saw that she looked more surprised than happy. She paused and asked tentatively in a low voice, "Ati, don't you like it?"

Tao Ti came back to her senses and smiled, "I like it. This cat is very beautiful."

Zhang heaved a sigh of relief, "As long as you like it."

Tao Ti stared at the cat, and suddenly a bunch of past events came to her mind -

That happened when the original owner was eight years old. During the Chinese New Year, the original owner's uncle gave the original owner a Linqing lion cat. The original owner was very happy and took great care of the cat.

Unexpectedly, Tao Sirou, the second cousin, took a fancy to it and went to ask the original owner for it. The original owner refused to give it to her, so Tao Sirou took advantage of the adults being around and asked Zhang for it in a coquettish and silly way.

Zhang was concerned about her reputation and thought it was just a cat, so she gave it to Tao Sirou.

Because of this, the mother and daughter had another big quarrel. One felt that the mother was biased and unreasonable, and the other felt that the daughter was petty.

A few days later, Tao Sirou wanted to try whether the cat could swim, so she threw the kitten into the pond.

In the middle of winter, the cat froze to death.

The original owner was extremely angry. She went up to fight with Tao Sirou, buried the kitten, and locked herself in the house crying for a day and a night.

At this point, the original owner's personality became more and more withdrawn, and he became more and more distant from Zhang.

After many years, Zhang sent a cat again, probably to make up for the regret from many years ago?

Tao Ti looked at this well-behaved cat that was as white as snow, and felt mixed emotions for a moment.

Some damage cannot be repaired.

For example, no matter how much Zhang does now, the original owner is no longer around.

Tao Ti took the kitten. The kitten was very obedient and looked at her with its round eyes.

Unfortunately, Tao Ti was not in the mood to pet the cat at the moment. She touched it twice casually and let Linglong hold it away.

Seeing her reaction, Zhang felt even more nervous. Does Ati like it or not?

Tao Ti did not mention the cat again. She just looked at Zhang and said, "Are you hungry, mother? I'll go get you some snacks."

Zhang was startled, and could see that she was avoiding the topic, so she followed suit and said with a smile, "Okay."

Tao Ti stood up and said, "Then please sit down first, mother."

She walked out, leaving Zhang sitting in the hall.

The afternoon sun was bright and warm. Zhang was full of worry. She said to the maid beside her, "Do you think A-Ti still remembers what happened in the past? She is very angry."

The old woman consoled him, "Don't worry, Madam. I think the Crown Princess likes this cat. And if anyone is to blame for what happened back then, it should be the Fourth Lady of the Second House, not Madam."

Zhang sighed deeply and felt heavy in her heart.

Soon, Tao Ti came back. The palace maid behind her was carrying a tray with a plate of pickled pepper chicken feet, two bowls of shrimp wontons, four pieces of beef stew, and a plate of salted duck wings, full and fragrant.

Zhang took a look and smacked her lips, "Why did you do so much?"

Tao Ti said, "They are all snacks. They look like a lot, but when we eat while chatting, we don't feel that there are too many. The pickled pepper chicken feet and halved duck wings were made this morning, and they are just right for eating now."

She prepared these foods mainly because dry conversations were awkward, and eating and chatting could make them more casual. Secondly, she herself was also greedy, and every afternoon, she had to eat some snacks to satisfy her craving.

After the food was laid out, Tao Ti picked up the spoon and started eating the bowl of shrimp wontons.

The wontons were still steaming, with a layer of green onions on top, which looked very appetizing. The wonton skin was smooth, the meat filling was chewy and delicious, the shrimp was plump and red, and it was a delicacy with the delicious and light soup.

Seeing that she was eating with gusto, Zhang, who was not very greedy to begin with, could not help swallowing her saliva, scooped a wonton with a spoon and put it into her mouth.

When she ate it, she was amazed by the perfect freshness and smoothness. "This wonton is well made, the soup is good, the skin is good, and the filling is also good."

Tao Ti had already finished half a bowl and smiled at her, "If you like it, eat more."

As she spoke, Taoti picked up another piece of crispy and golden beef guokuei and took a bite. The guokuei was so crispy that it was falling apart. The crust was salty and crispy, and the beef filling was still a little hot. The meaty aroma was tempting. If you chewed it carefully, you could taste the finely chopped lotus root and shiitake mushrooms inside. The addition of these two ingredients made the guokuei taste richer.

Seeing her finish a cake in just two or three bites, Zhang asked softly, "Is this also the way you eat in front of His Highness?"

Tao Ti had just picked up the second pot helmet when she heard Zhang's question. She was stunned for a moment, then nodded honestly, "Yeah."

Zhang said angrily, "This... Although the prince is gentle and won't care about these things, a girl still needs to be reserved and polite."

Taoti blinked, "But His Highness said that he likes to watch me eat, and if I eat a lot, he will eat a lot too."

Zhang was stunned.

Tao Ti smiled and said, "Don't worry, mother. His Highness is very kind to me."

After hearing this, Zhang realized that her daughter was completely different from before. She was optimistic, lively, and positive, with a warm smile always between her eyebrows.

Is it because of her relationship with the prince? If so, it shows that the prince is really good to A-ti.

After finishing the wontons and hotpot, Tao Ti started to eat halved duck wings and soaked phoenix feet.

Seeing her eating one after another and unable to stop, Zhang wondered in her heart, "Is it really that delicious?"

After hesitating for a moment, she also picked up a duck wing.

The halved duck wings exude an alluring aroma. Once you bring them to your nose, you can smell the spicy and unique aroma of the halides. When the tip of your tongue touches the duck wings, your taste buds are instantly ignited by the spicy and fresh taste, and your mouth can't help but secrete saliva. Every piece of duck wing meat fully absorbs the aroma of the halides, and it is tender and delicious. The more you chew it, the more you like it.

The pickled peppered phoenix claws, which are comparable to the halved duck wings, are also inconspicuous at first glance, but once you have tasted them, you can't stop eating them. The white and tender phoenix claws are sour and spicy, the skin on the claws is tender and smooth, and the little meat in the palm is bouncy and chewy.

Before she knew it, Zhang had eaten several. When she came to her senses and looked down, she saw a pile of bones in front of her.

She was a little embarrassed, pursed her lips, and secretly glanced up at Tao Ti opposite her. Seeing that she was completely immersed in eating and didn't pay any attention to her at all, Zhang breathed a sigh of relief.

While he breathed a sigh of relief, he couldn't help but laugh at himself in his heart: When having a meal with his own daughter, he still cares about the rules and the image, but the prince doesn't care about these things... Alas, when did he become such a conservative person?

Many years ago, she ate whatever she wanted, drank whatever she wanted, and lived a free and lively life.

"Mother, why don't you eat anymore? Are you full?" Tao Ti asked curiously, with some chili on the corner of her mouth.

"Well, I've almost finished eating." Zhang forced a smile, "If you haven't eaten enough, keep eating and don't bother me."

Tao Ti nodded and quickly ate the remaining chicken feet.

Zhang watched Tao Ti eat, and her mind flashed back to how she looked when she was young. How wonderful it was back then, free and happy.

Suddenly, an idea hidden deep in my heart gradually emerged, like a green bud that has just broken through the soil, growing vigorously upwards.

After drinking another cup of tea, the sky gradually darkened.

Zhang also stood up to say goodbye, and Tao Ti personally saw her off to the door.

When the palace maids were loading the gifts onto the carriage, Zhang suddenly grabbed Tao Ti's hand and said earnestly, "A Ti, remember, no matter what happens in the future, I will always stand by you."

Tao Ti was stunned. She didn't expect Zhang to say such emotional words.

Zhang smiled at her gently, and seeing that the carriage was also loaded, she said, "Okay, I'll go back first. You stay in the East Palace."

Tao Ti nodded, "Take care, mother."

As the carriage gradually drove away, Tao Ti frowned. Why did she feel that there was a deeper meaning to what Zhang had just said?

Is it just a simple expression of emotion? It doesn't fit her personality.

As she was thinking, she walked back. Linglong came up to her holding the lion cat and asked, "Crown Princess, are you going to keep this cat, or...?"

Compared to raising pets, Taoti prefers to beat the drum for food.

She looked up at the cat and wanted to say, "I'll make a nest for it outside and you guys can take care of it," but the cat suddenly meowed in a soft tone, as if it was acting coquettishly.

Those beautiful little eyes were still staring at her, so cute.

Taoti, "..."

Okay, for your cuteness' sake.

Taoti walked forward, took the cat from Linglong's arms, walked around the hall, and finally chose a corner and said, "Build a cat bed here. Um, prepare a soft mat and two small basins, one for drinking water and one for eating food... Oh, and also prepare a bathing basin. Its hair is so long that it will easily get lice if it is not cleaned thoroughly."

Linglong agreed to all the requests and suggested, "Crown Princess, since you plan to keep this cat for a long time, why don't I go to the court and find an eunuch who can take care of cats and dogs? The eunuch will take care of these trivial matters, and when you have time to play with the cat, just ask him to bring it to you."

Tao Ti was delighted when she heard this, "That's great, I can pet the cat without having to shovel its poop."

Linglong did not delay and went to Siyuan immediately.

Tao Ti carried the cat back to the hall and sat down. The cat was extremely obedient in her arms, not aloof at all, and allowed her to pet it in any way she wanted.

The man and the cat played for a long time. Suddenly, the cat meowed twice in a wronged tone.

Tao Ti was just wondering when Linglong came back, bringing with her a little eunuch in blue clothes, about fifteen or sixteen years old.

Linglong pointed at the eunuch and introduced him, "Crown Princess, this is the eunuch given to us by the Siyuan. When they heard that you had a cat, they immediately picked someone who was nimble and quick-witted."

The eunuch was handsome and clever, "Your servant Taisheng greets the Crown Princess. May the Crown Princess be blessed with good health... Crown Princess, this cat is hungry."

"You can tell at a glance that it's hungry. It looks like you're really capable." Tao Ti smiled at Tai Sheng, "Then I'll trouble you to take care of this cat from now on."

Tai Sheng was flattered and said, "It is my honor to work for the Crown Princess. I can't afford to cause any trouble to the Crown Princess."

Taoti didn't say much, she lowered her head and gently patted the lion cat's head, "Are you hungry? Then stay here and I'll go fry some dried fish for you."

The kitten seemed to understand what she meant and meowed a few times.

Tao Ti asked Linglong to hold the cat and asked Taisheng to make the cat bed, while she went to the kitchen to fry dried fish.

The food in the Yu kitchen is all fresh big fish, there are no dried small fish for cats; the dried small fish fried for the cats were brought from Siyuan when Taisheng came.

From this small detail, Tao Ti could tell that this young eunuch was smart enough and could be used.

You don’t need to be too meticulous when cooking for cats. Just do it simply, heat the oil over high heat and drop the small silver fish as thin as bamboo leaves into the oil. You will hear the hot oil bubbling and the aroma of fried fish will immediately come out.

The little cat in Linglong's arms smelled the fragrance and meowed excitedly.

Linglong hugged it and said with a smile, "Don't worry, you will have food later."

Taisheng sniffed and sighed, "Not to mention the cat, even I am tempted by the smell. This fried fish is so delicious."

Linglong pursed her lips and smiled, "That's just the beginning. Our Crown Princess is an excellent cook. If she really cooks, the aroma will be so delicious! Just wait and remember to find a handkerchief to hold your saliva."

Taisheng didn't quite believe it in his heart, but he agreed with Linglong on the surface.

Soon, Tao Ti came over with a small bowl of dried fish. The dried fish was fried until crispy and golden, and it looked very appetizing.

"Come here, little kitty, it's time for dinner."

Tao Ti put the bowl on the ground, and the kitten immediately ran over on its two short legs and started eating.

The sun sets in the west, and the afterglow of the setting sun fills the sky.

Under the orange and wine red glow, a girl in a magnolia-colored dress squatted, her profile gentle and pretty, with a faint smile on her lips. Her black eyes drooped, quietly watching the snow-white kitten eating dried fish.

When Pei Yan stepped into the Yaoguang Palace, he saw a peaceful and harmonious scene, and his steps unconsciously slowed down.

Tao Ti was so engrossed in watching the cat eat that she heard a voice as cold as gold and jade above her head, "A Ti, where did the cat come from?"

She was startled and raised her head. When she saw it was Pei Yan, she felt slightly relieved.

Looking at Pei Yan from this angle, his jawline becomes clearer and clearer. He really has a 360-degree, divine face value.

After secretly sighing like this, Tao Ti finally remembered to answer, "My mother came to see me this afternoon, and she gave this to me."

Pei Yan raised his eyebrows and said lightly, "So..."

After waiting for a while, seeing that Tao Ti had no intention of standing up, he pursed his lips.

In the past, when she saw him, she would always come forward to greet him cheerfully, but now that they were talking, she had no intention of getting up to welcome him into the hall...

Is it because you don't have time to pay attention to him and let him stay in the house by himself?

After a moment's hesitation, he took the initiative to say, "Ati, let the cat eat slowly, shall we go in?"

Taoti: "...Well, okay."

After a pause, she looked at him with her big watery eyes, a look of embarrassment on her face.

Pei Yan, "What's wrong?"

Are you still reluctant to part with this cat?

Tao Ti, "My legs seem to be numb from squatting."

Pei Yan, “…………”

After a moment, he laughed softly and his chest trembled.

Tao Ti felt embarrassed and aggrieved, "...you're still laughing."

"Okay, stop laughing, I'll help you."

Pei Yan bent down and stretched out his hands to her.

Tao Ti thought he was going to pull her up, but unexpectedly he held her legs with one hand and her back with the other hand, and then lifted her up horizontally.

Taoti was suddenly carried by a princess, "???"

Just...crazy heartbeat!

She stared at the man's handsome and delicate profile, and the corners of her lips couldn't help but curl up wildly, and her cheeks became hot again.

When she regained her senses, she was already being carried to the couch.

Pei Yan sat down beside her, and gently pinched her calf with his slender hands. His long eyelashes drooped slightly, and he asked, "Is it still numb? Let me rub it for you."

Tao Ti blushed and whispered, "Not bad."

Pei Yan massaged her legs, and the two chatted for a while, and the topic returned to cats.

When Pei Yan heard that Tao Ti had decided to keep a cat, he had no objection and asked her, "Have you decided what to name the cat?"

Tao Ti shook her head and said, "I'm waiting for you to come back and think about it together."

So, the two of them started to think seriously about the cat's name.

Linglong and Fu Xirui stood on one side, and seeing their masters seriously discussing the cat's name, they couldn't help but look at each other -

He is so enthusiastic that if you don't know, you might think he is naming the little grandson of the emperor.

Finally, Tao Ti thought about the pastry shop she was about to open, slapped her thigh, and made a decision, "For a good omen, why not call it Yuanbao?"

Pei Yan smiled casually, "Okay."

After naming the cat, it was getting dark outside. Tao Ti thought of the pickled ingredients in the kitchen, so she stood up and said, "Your Highness, please sit down first. I'll go to the small kitchen to make two dishes, and we'll be ready to eat soon."

After she left, Pei Yan planned to go to the study to practice calligraphy. When he was about to get up, his hand accidentally touched the pillow.

He lowered his eyes nonchalantly and saw a book under the soft pillow.

Pei Yan thought, why did that confused little bug put the storybook under his pillow? He would be worried if he couldn't find it.

He bent down, reached out and pulled out the book.

"'Flower Appreciation Guide'...?"

Pei Yan narrowed his eyes slightly and turned directly to the page with fold marks. He saw the following words written on the chapter:

"In the sixth chapter, Chu Niang has an affair in the incense shop. When Cui Shusheng sees Chu Niang, his heart blossoms. He goes forward and hugs her slender waist, presses against her delicate face, and calls out, "Dear, dear, what a wonderful person you are." Chu Niang is also a tactful person. She glances at him seductively, her face flushed, and she touches him with her hand..."

Pei Yan slammed the book shut, his temples throbbing and his eyes darkened.