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Yan Xinyao could tell from Cook's expression that her words had made an impact, which lifted her spirits considerably. With a smile, she casually pinched a piece of Spring Roll and brought it to her lips. Just as she took a bite, savoring the flavor, Lian Cheng'an suddenly leaned in close and bit down on the other end of the Spring Roll. Their noses touched, so close that she could see the fine hairs on his face clearly. This unexpected intimacy startled Yan Xinyao, and in her moment of surprise, Lian Cheng'an seized the opportunity to swallow the entire Spring Roll.
"The taste isn't bad. Come on, feed me another one," he said nonchalantly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as if the servants in the room didn’t exist. His eyes sparkled with mischief and affection.
Yan Xinyao's mind raced; although she was puzzled about why he had appeared in the kitchen at such a convenient moment, she couldn’t help but wonder if he had come to her rescue after hearing some news.
With a bright smile, she picked up another piece and obediently held it to his mouth, softly saying, "As long as you like it, my lord."
" Duan'er, bring the dishes. Let's go back to our room and enjoy them slowly," Lian Cheng'an commanded, his large hand boldly moving to her slender waist as he led Yan Xinyao toward Xi Yuan, his posture seemingly declaring something to everyone around them.
As soon as they stepped out of the kitchen, Yan Xinyao forcefully pulled away from Lian Cheng'an's grasp, her expression slightly displeased. "Then consider that Spring Roll as my gratitude for your earlier kindness. I’m feeling a bit tired and will take my leave now."
She turned to walk away but felt a twinge of regret. She should have been indifferent to his neglect; after all, he wasn’t solely hers.
Yet for some reason, seeing him stirred up feelings of anger within her—like a small stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples across its surface.
"Are you angry?" Lian Cheng'an asked with amusement as he approached her, curiosity shining in his eyes.
The emperor had summoned him frequently these past few days to discuss further campaigns against Goguryeo. He hadn’t had the chance to talk with her properly; returning late at night to find her room dark made him reluctant to wake her.
Upon returning from the palace, he heard that the kitchen staff had deliberately neglected her. He worried she might be taken advantage of but was relieved to find that she was more capable than he had anticipated.
"I wouldn’t dare," Yan Xinyao mumbled, lowering her head and absentmindedly twisting a strand of her hair around her finger. She looked like a wounded fawn, evoking sympathy from anyone who glanced her way.
Suddenly, Lian Cheng'an pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly as he whispered in her ear, "I am starting to believe what you said back then."
"What?" Yan Xinyao looked up at him in confusion, her heart filled with uncertainty.
"Isn't it true that you're acting like a lovesick maiden just because I haven't come to see you for a few days? At this moment, if a young and handsome gentleman were to appear..." He said with a mischievous smile, leaning closer to her ear and blowing softly, "Tell me, would you fall for him?"
Yan Xinyao's face instantly flushed crimson, but the next second, her hand that had been playing with her hair suddenly dropped. Then, with a heavy thud, she slapped Lian Cheng'an's backside hard.
Lian Cheng'an froze in shock, staring at her. Yet he saw her smiling innocently, radiating a charming naivety. "Your backside is indeed firmer and fuller than those top courtesans at Green Robe Pavilion. After all, it has been jostled on horseback," she teased. "Lowly Concubine should take back what she said about underestimating you." With that, she turned gracefully and walked away, her back to Lian Cheng'an, a bright and clear smile on her face that hinted at mischief and pride.
The news of Yan Xinyao and Lian Cheng'an feeding each other in the kitchen spread throughout the general's residence like a stone thrown into water, causing quite a stir. The ladies of the East Courtyard and the Secondary Wife residing in the South Garden could hardly sit still.
One day, Yan Xinyao was leisurely sitting in her courtyard, sipping fragrant tea and flipping through a book when she noticed a woman dressed in a crab-green wide-sleeved high-waisted gown approaching her gracefully. This woman was notably plump, even rounder than Fang Min'er, as she strutted confidently towards Yan Xinyao.
The visitor was none other than the Secondary Wife Qiu. Previously a favored maidservant of the old matriarch of the Lian Family, she had been assigned to Lian Cheng'an after Fang Min'er married in but failed to bear children for a long time. Unfortunately for her, luck was not on her side; she had given birth to daughters for two consecutive years. The old matriarch passed away half a year ago without ever seeing a grandson.
Since then, she had lost her support but had grown accustomed to being arrogant under the old matriarch's protection and found it hard to change.
"Your courtyard is truly delightful, sister. The sun is so warm; no wonder you spend your days here enjoying tea and leisure. I hardly want to leave my place," she remarked in a tone that was neither high nor low, casting a condescending glance at Yan Xinyao.
As both were secondary wives, they were theoretically equals; thus, Yan Xinyao did not feel the need for excessive politeness. She simply nodded while sitting on the swing and instructed Duan'er, "Go bring a stool for Concubine Qiu."
Duan'er complied and went inside to fetch a round stool. However, just as she placed it down carefully, one of Qiu's maidservants stepped forward and kicked the stool over with force while scolding harshly, "You shameless servant! Are you blind? By seniority, your mistress should still call my mistress 'sister.' What do you mean by offering such a low stool? Do you want my mistress to look up at Secondary Concubine while speaking?"
"What are you getting angry at the stool for?" Duan'er, having followed Yan Xinyao for a long time, had grown accustomed to her casual demeanor. Without thinking, she shot back, "Even if the general comes to see my lady, he would only sit on a stool like this. If you find it too low, why not go to the madam's place? Her rosewood chair is tall and grand; I guarantee that once you sit in it, you won't even need to eat dinner."
The Qiu had intended to take the opportunity to put Yan Xinyao in her place, but before she could make her move, a maid had already mocked her. Instantly furious, her face turned pale as she raised her hand and delivered a resounding slap to Duan'er.
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