Third Master knew perfectly well that anything that could be solved with money wasn't a big deal.
However, when the Third Master heard the Fourth Master instruct someone to send the meal back to the mansion, the playful smile on his lips deepened.
However, his smile didn't last long, as the Fourth Master soon turned around and looked at him.
"My younger brother neglected and offended me today—"
Third Master dared not accept such a remark and quickly waved his hand, saying no.
Fourth Master's words clearly had a follow-up: "But if I may say something I shouldn't, Third Brother, you should think things through before you speak in the future. You understand better than I do the saying that trouble comes from the mouth."
Third Master looked embarrassed and it took him a long time to speak: "Yes, Fourth Brother, you are right."
Since the fourth brother is willing to explain himself now, it at least proves that he won't deliberately hold a grudge.
Fourth Master hummed in agreement, then said, "My fifth brother invited me to the horse farm at noon, so I'll take my leave now."
Third Master moved his lips, but in the end he didn't say he wanted to follow. He didn't want to go for a ride on the horse farm and come back covered in dust.
The horse ranch was dusty, and there were also the Eighth and Ninth brothers there. The Third Master had never gotten along with the Eighth Brother, while the Ninth Brother was somewhat more agreeable, but—
It was only because the Ninth Prince's wedding was approaching that the Third Prince, as an elder brother, tried to persuade him a few times. However, the Ninth Prince, that simpleton, ridiculed him, saying that he and his wife were not loving.
Third Master was furious.
So what if he and his wife weren't loving? That's why he tried to persuade him, but the Ninth Prince didn't appreciate it.
If Fourth Master knew what Third Master was thinking, he would probably give Third Master a cold look again.
Whether or not Third Master truly intended to advise or remind Ninth Master, Ninth Master's wedding was imminent, and Third Master was simply trying to annoy him.
Moreover, this wasn't just the first or second time Third Master had done it; it had happened three or four times in a row. The fact that Ninth Master didn't show any displeasure and only said a few words was already considered giving Third Master face.
However, since Fourth Master left without inviting Third Master, he couldn't help but feel somewhat displeased.
After all, it's not like Third Master has just started talking without thinking or knowing his limits.
——
Inside the manor, Li Chenjiao had only been back at home for a short time when she heard Qiu Hu outside say that Su Peisheng had sent over a meal.
Li Chenjiao found it strange, and as she brought in the autumn pot, she muttered, "This is odd. I've never seen Fourth Master send me meals here before."
Qiu Hu came in carrying a food box, followed by a green chrysanthemum.
Two maids were carrying a large food box, which looked like it contained a lot of food.
Li Chenjiao glanced at it and was stunned for half a second. She felt even more puzzled and couldn't help but scold her.
"We've just had lunch, Master, this is far too extravagant—by the way, did Su Peisheng say anything?"
After asking her master's opinion with her eyes, Qiu Hu opened the food box and replied to her master's question, "Eunuch Su didn't say much, only that Fourth Master specially ordered it for the master."
As she spoke, she took the meals out of the food box.
Knowing that it was past mealtime, the food boxes were thoughtfully filled with cakes, pastries, or cold dishes that could be stored away.
It looks like a lot, but the actual portion is not much.
It was actually made to Li Chenjiao's liking.
Li Chenjiao couldn't eat right now, but it would be perfect to have it as a snack later.
It must be said that the Fourth Prince's thinking was just right.
But Li Chenjiao felt that something was not quite right.
For example, why would Fourth Master suddenly appear at that restaurant? Li Chenjiao didn't know anything else, but she did know that Fourth Master had been by the Emperor's side these days.
However, in front of the Emperor, the Fourth Prince would never make such a move.
Fourth Master would never break any rules when he was out.
Then it's probably not beside the Emperor.
Moreover, if the Fourth Prince were by His Majesty's side, Li Chenjiao probably wouldn't be able to stay in the restaurant.
I just don't know who Fourth Master was with.
Li Chenjiao didn't think that Fourth Master was the kind of person who would have the leisure to sit alone in a restaurant, drink, and listen to music.
As for why the Fourth Master appeared at that restaurant, we'll probably only know when he returns from outside.
That night, after returning home at noon, Li Chenjiao took a nap and, upon waking, tasted the snacks that Fourth Master had brought back.
Li Chenjiao indeed had little appetite for dinner, and in the end she only ate a bowl of vegetarian noodles to fill her stomach. Afterwards, she sat in the courtyard to cool off and watched the maids release river lanterns into the winding stream.
The river lanterns in the winding stream have various shapes, with lotus flowers being the most common, followed by koi carp and crabs made by an unknown person.
Li Chenjiao liked the koi-shaped river lantern, which was made by the skillful maid Lüju. Li Chenjiao herself was the one who released the lantern.
Throughout this time, Qiu Hu stayed by her master's side, never leaving him when he bent down to release the river lanterns. She even prayed silently as her master released the lanterns.
The weather was fine tonight, and Li Chenjiao sat on the veranda beside the winding stream.
The owner of this house was probably a wealthy man with good taste, as the ingenuity of the design can be seen everywhere in the house.
For example, at this moment, Li Chenjiao was sitting under the veranda admiring the flowers, but she could see the figure that could be seen through the diamond-shaped window outside the winding stream.
Li Chenjiao didn't rush to stand up. She waved the round fan in her hand and called out with a smile, "Master is back?"
Her voice was sweet and soft, and her dark eyelashes trembled as she spoke, sounding almost joyful.
The Fourth Prince, who had already reached the latticed window, turned around upon hearing the sound and tilted his head slightly.
The night was hazy, and the water of the winding stream rippled, making it even harder to see the Fourth Master's face; all that could be seen was his tall and elegant figure.
Li Chenjiao couldn't tell whether the Fourth Master had seen her or not, so she just silently waited for his figure to disappear through the latticed window and enter through the main gate of the courtyard.
After Fourth Master entered, Li Chenjiao stood up and walked towards him at a leisurely pace.
The two gradually drew closer.
When Li Chenjiao and the other person were only three or four meters apart, she called out "Master" again.
Bathed in the glow of the lanterns in the winding stream, her jade-like face, gazing up at the Fourth Prince, appeared even more serene and beautiful.
Fourth Master stopped and gave a very soft "hmm".
He stared straight at Li Chenjiao, seemingly trying to discern something.
Li Chenjiao felt a chill run down her spine from being stared at, but she didn't dare to move.
After a while, Fourth Master suddenly raised his hand and pinched Li Chenjiao's chin, holding her plump and delicate bones.
Her long, flowing black hair made her skin appear even more radiant and fair, and the Fourth Master's strength lessened accordingly.
The maids and servants around immediately lowered their eyes.
Li Chenjiao blinked and called out "Master" again.
Fourth Master remained silent, simply watching her.
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