When Yinreng and Shi Xiuzhu collide, they are destined to fight like two cockfighting roosters.
Even picking apricots becomes a competition to see who picks the prettiest one and which is the sweetest.
In terms of sharp wit, even though Yinreng was full of knowledge, he could not match Shi Xiuzhu's erudition and sharp tongue. Shi Xiuzhu could even use classical allusions to insult people in a very refined way.
Seeing how pitifully Yinreng was being bullied, Tong Wanyan could only try to comfort him. She couldn't let her man get so upset.
Tong Wanyan had to appease this person one minute and that person the next, managing to please everyone, before she finally got some peace and quiet.
Xia Zhu, carrying a small basket, followed behind, and was once again amazed by what she saw.
Women as capable as her mistress are truly rare in this world.
The purpose of going out to play is to relax. After Yinreng and Shi Xiuzhu found enjoyment in picking apricots, they stopped targeting each other.
Thanks to the village head's reminder, there was also a peach orchard next to the apricot grove. We could walk over there and pick some peaches to put in our baskets, which would give us a change of pace.
It wasn't until noon, when the farmhouse had prepared lunch, that the three of them ate their meal, carefully served by the farmhouse manager.
The farmhouse-style cooking wasn't particularly good; it was worlds apart from the skills of the imperial chefs.
However, after getting used to delicacies, I occasionally crave something fresh and simple.
The head steward knew that Yinreng and his group didn't come here to eat lavish meals.
Therefore, there was little meat on the table; most of the dishes were just freshly picked vegetables stir-fried.
Shi Xiuzhu rolled up his sleeves and, without having anyone serve him, ate by himself, holding his bowl.
"There are too many rules in the palace. It's so boring to be waited on when I finally get to go out and have fun." Shi Xiuzhu was really bored with being cooped up in the palace.
She glanced at the two of them huddled together like conjoined twins and couldn't help but say, "You two are just having a meal, aren't you sitting a little too close?"
Yinreng didn't even look up, and put some food in Tong Wanyan's bowl: "Are you jealous?"
"What am I jealous of!" Shi Xiuzhu glared angrily.
Yinreng revealed a smug yet annoying smile: "Jealous that I am Xiaoyan's husband, so I can rightfully be all lovey-dovey with Xiaoyan."
If it weren't for years of self-cultivation that had suppressed his temper, Shi Xiuzhu could have easily overturned the table with one hand and poured all the dishes onto Yinreng's face.
Shi Xiuzhu took a deep breath, suddenly thought of something, and said calmly, "Your Highness is busy with important matters, and you only have a few days off throughout the year. On the other hand, I am busy in the harem, so I can often spend time with my sister."
"What else can you boast about besides this? Although I am busy, I never forget Xiao Yan. And there are still decades to go, while what about you?" Yinreng clicked his tongue in disdain.
Shi Xiuzhu fell silent again; she truly did not want to be bound by the deep palace for too long.
"Eat your food." Shi Xiuzhu had no more complaints.
"I told you long ago that your position is illegitimate. Neither Orondai nor Tong Qinian dared to cause trouble in front of me, but you're the one who loves to stir things up." Yinreng said disdainfully, "With your temper and brains, do you really think you can get along with anyone else?"
Tong Wanyan took a spoon and scooped a fried wild vegetable dumpling for each of them.
“We have to rush back to the palace later. If you two keep arguing like this, it will get dark soon,” Tong Wanyan said.
Shi Xiuzhu took a bite of the vegetable ball; it was small, but indeed refreshing and fragrant.
“I didn’t want to either, but every time he sees me, he always says something sarcastic. I’m a broad-minded person, and I don’t like to argue with people,” Shi Xiuzhu said.
Yinreng sneered and leaned his head on Tong Wanyan's shoulder.
"I am happy to do so!" Yinreng said.
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