Chapter 127: The Third Prince Takes Everyone Shopping

Madam Zhou told the Third Prince about the intercepted letter.

The revelation left the Third Prince both shocked and regretful. He brooded for days, wondering who had withheld his letter.

In contrast, Madam Zhou was much calmer. Although she was surprised, so many years had passed that there was little left to feel besides a sense of melancholy.

Now that the truth was out, the Third Prince became even more diligent. Not only did he organize the Zhou family’s land in an orderly manner, but he also crafted an entire water delivery system using bamboo rafts.

The system connected directly to a well in the backyard, channeling water straight into the kitchen’s water tank.

This way, even when the Third Prince wasn’t home, Madam Zhou, Du Wanchun, and the others no longer had to carry water from the well themselves.

Watching the water flow effortlessly into the tank, Madam Zhou was delighted. “I never expected the prince to have such skills.”

Du Wanchun scooped up a bowl of water and smiled. “Mother, the prince is really amazing. We won’t have to fetch water anymore.”

Madam Zhou wiped the sweat off her forehead with a handkerchief, her face filled with joy. When she turned around, she noticed the neatly chopped vegetables on the kitchen counter.

Every morning, before heading to the fields with Zhou Zhao, the Third Prince would prepare breakfast and even pre-cut the ingredients for lunch.

If he returned late, it made cooking much easier for Madam Zhou and Zhou Ruizhen.

Seeing those neatly arranged vegetables, Madam Zhou felt a wave of warmth and appreciation. At the same time, she couldn’t help but sigh.

Two brothers—how could they be so different?

The emperor was ruthless and cruel, while the Third Prince was kind-hearted and considerate.

Madam Zhou shook her head, then went to the stove to cook the rice for the day.

By midday, the Third Prince practically ran back home, eager to prepare lunch for everyone.

However, Madam Zhou had already anticipated this and had everything cooked in advance.

As soon as he entered the kitchen, the Third Prince grumbled, “I told you—I’ll cook, I’ll cook! How could you take my job?”

Madam Zhou placed the bowls of rice on the table. “I can’t let you do everything all the time. Now come eat.”

Hearing this, the Third Prince’s face lit up with a delighted smile. He washed his hands and joined them at the table.

“Where’s Ruizhen? He hasn’t come yet?”

For the past few days, Zhou Ruizhen had been helping Du Wanchun and Madam Zhou in the incense workshop, spending nearly the entire day there.

Du Wanchun smiled. “I’ll go call him now.”

Just as she stood up to leave, Zhou Ruizhen walked in.

The Third Prince immediately spoke up, “Ruizhen, aren’t you preparing for the imperial examination? You shouldn’t be working so much—focus on your studies.”

Zhou Ruizhen washed his hands and sat down. “No need. I already know those books by heart.”

The Third Prince paused mid-motion while picking up a dish, realizing that his previous comment had been unnecessary. Zhou Ruizhen had been taught by the best teachers since childhood—what books hadn’t he read? Passing the upcoming provincial exam would likely be effortless for him.

He picked up a piece of fish from his bowl and placed it in Madam Zhou’s. “Zhou’er, eat more.”

Over the past few days, the Third Prince had been constantly ensuring that Madam Zhou ate well, and as a result, she had gained some weight.

Perhaps because she was being taken care of, not only had she put on some weight, but her complexion had also become fairer, gradually resembling how she used to look.

Watching from the side, Du Wanchun thought to herself—no wonder people said women were like flowers. Only when properly nurtured could they truly bloom.

Just then, a piece of fish appeared in her own bowl as well.

It was a deboned piece.

Du Wanchun took a bite, savoring the rich flavor, and in return, placed a piece of braised pork in Zhou Ruizhen’s bowl.

Each family member had their own favorite dishes, but when they were too poor to afford rice, they hadn’t noticed such preferences.

Later, Du Wanchun realized that Zhou Ruizhen liked eating meat, yet he always refrained from indulging and gave it to her instead.

Fortunately, ever since the Third Prince arrived, their meals had greatly improved.

He spent money lavishly, making frequent trips to the county to buy meat—pork leg, pig trotters, and even lamb and beef.

In Changliu Village, eating beef was rare because cattle were primarily used for farming, and people seldom slaughtered them for food.

Knowing that Madam Zhou liked beef, the Third Prince traveled several miles just to buy a pound of it.

Moreover, he had ensured that no one found out. Instead of sending his servants, he personally handled everything himself.

And sure enough, after finishing lunch, the Third Prince suggested taking the whole family to the market for shopping.

Madam Zhou quickly declined, “There’s no need. We already have everything we need at home.”

The Third Prince stood up. “What do you mean ‘everything you need’? It’s all old and worn-out! Come on, I’ll take you all to buy some better things!”

His voice was always loud and commanding.

Madam Zhou originally wanted to refuse again, but seeing the slight frown on his face, she hesitated. Not wanting to disappoint him, she finally agreed.

Zhou Zhao was thrilled. “That’s great! We can also buy some more vegetable seeds while we’re there.”

Hearing this, the Third Prince frowned again. “Zhao’er, don’t always think about farming. I heard from your mother that you once wanted to join the military outpost beyond the border.”

Zhou Zhao grinned. “Yes, I’ve already discussed it with my uncle. He’ll be returning to the military camp next month and will take me along.”

The Third Prince nodded approvingly. “That works too. Follow Lu Yan in the military camp and build up some connections. It’ll be useful for the future.”