The morning meal at the Third Princess’s residence was extravagantly lavish, with over thirty dishes served. There were ten types of porridge alone, each exquisitely presented in a variety of styles. Since Ji Zhaohe had transmigrated into this body, Jiang Deming, the steward, had noticed that Her Highness’s appetite had grown significantly. In the past, she would only eat three or four dishes before stopping, but now she sampled a bit of everything. As a result, he had instructed the kitchen to prepare an even wider array of dishes.

Despite holding a high official position and enjoying a generous salary, Minister Shen had never indulged in such daily extravagance at home, except during festivals. Shen Qingtang was slightly astonished by the display.

After taking her seat, Ji Zhaohe noticed Shen Qingtang still standing there dumbfounded and urged, “Hurry up and sit down to eat.”

Shen Qingtang was taken aback. “Qingtang will first serve Your Highness,” he said, but before he could finish, a pair of large hands settled on his shoulders, forcing him into his seat.

Ji Zhaohe said, “There aren’t so many rules here. Eat quickly, or the food will get cold.” She had a well-planned approach to her meals—each dish would be tasted according to her preferences, and she certainly didn’t need anyone selecting food for her!

Shen Qingtang bit his lower lip, his gaze shifting to the thirty dishes on the table. He lowered his eyes and began eating from the ones nearest to him.

Ji Zhaohe bit into a soup dumpling, and the scalding, savory broth flooded her mouth. She gasped, her tongue dancing frantically inside her mouth from the heat.

Seeing this, Shen Qingtang immediately pulled out a handkerchief, spread it over his palm, and moved it under her chin. “Your Highness, spit it out quickly,” he said with concern.

Ji Zhaohe gave him a strange look, forced herself to swallow the broth, then took the handkerchief to wipe her mouth. “You… don’t need to do this in the future,” she said.

She appreciated the gesture, but it really wasn’t necessary.

Shen Qingtang froze at her words, quickly retracting his hand. He hunched over his bowl, shrinking into himself like a quail.

Noticing that only vegetables remained in his bowl, Ji Zhaohe picked out several meat dishes she found delicious and placed them in his bowl.

Shen Qingtang watched as his bowl quickly piled up into a small mountain. The Third Princess would take a bite herself, then serve him some more, muttering, “This is delicious,” “This one is good too,” “This one seems healthy,” and “This is good for your health.”

He spoke up to stop her: “Your Highness, I won’t be able to finish all this.”

Ji Zhaohe paused, then placed the crystal shrimp dumpling she had been holding back into her own mouth. “Then just finish what’s in your bowl,” she said.

Shen Qingtang thought to himself that he wouldn’t be able to finish even what was in his bowl. What if he overate and made a fool of himself when paying respects at the palace? Nevertheless, he continued eating bit by bit, carefully mindful of table manners.

Ji Zhaohe swept through the table like a whirlwind, devouring everything she found delicious before slumping back in her chair, staring blankly into space.

It wasn’t that she had eaten too much—it was just that the ancient dishes were too small, so there wasn’t actually that much food.

She patted her slightly bulging belly and turned her gaze to Shen Qingtang.

He was truly the capital’s number one beauty. Even the way he ate was elegant—though he ate far too slowly, with an almost restrained approach to food. Ji Zhaohe stood up, took an empty bowl, filled it to the brim with lily and silver ear soup, and placed it before him.

Shen Qingtang shook his head in alarm. “Your Highness, I really can’t eat anymore.”

Was the Third Princess trying to make him gain weight day by day so she would have an excuse to neglect him? After this meal, he wouldn’t be able to eat anything for the rest of the day.

Ji Zhaohe didn’t understand the twists and turns of her little husband’s thoughts. She had simply served him soup because she thought his food looked too dry.

Ji Zhaohe said, “It’s fine. Just drink half.”

The breakfast had put Shen Qingtang on edge as if he were heading into battle. Ji Zhaohe sighed. Dieting easily led to depression—no wonder Shen Qingtang always looked on the verge of tears, eating so little.

The two of them went to the palace to pay respects to the Phoenix Sovereign. After perfunctorily dismissing his daughter with a few words, the Phoenix Sovereign sent her off to find her elder sister while he turned his full attention to Shen Qingtang.

The Phoenix Sovereign was exceptionally well-preserved, looking as though he were in his twenties. His noble demeanor and slender waist showed no signs of having given birth to two children, and every movement exuded grace and dignity.

He had Shen Qingtang sit beside him, holding his soft, delicate hands, and asked gently, “Did Yue-er go too far last night?”

He knew his youngest daughter’s temperament. While usually gentle and playful, she was particularly demanding in matters of the bedchamber, insisting on having her way. Many consorts had suffered greatly because of this, meeting miserable ends.

But the Empress turned a blind eye to such matters, allowing her daughter free rein. There was little he could do except repeatedly advise those in her inner circle to be obedient and well-behaved.

Seeing Shen Qingtang’s flushed cheeks and his hesitant, avoidant gaze, the Phoenix Sovereign sighed inwardly. Clearly, the young man had been badly mistreated the previous night but dared not speak of it. “If Yue-er bullies you, you must tell me,” he said. “I will stand up for you and teach her a lesson.”

Shen Qingtang replied, “Her Highness did not bully me.”

Only then did the Phoenix Sovereign nod in relief. He dismissed the servants, preparing to share some personal words with him.

Meanwhile, Ji Zhaohe had been sent by her father to see Ji Zhaoyi. During this time, based on Jiang Deming’s reactions and descriptions, she felt that her personality was quite similar to the original host’s—though she was less lustful and had slightly better manners, but not by much.

Ji Zhaoyi doted on the original host. Ever since she had moved into her own residence, she often sent her strange trinkets.

If she hadn’t read the original novel, lazing around like this without having to study would have been quite comfortable.

In the original story, it wasn’t until the middle and later stages that the female protagonist gathered her strength to make a bid for the throne. Now, it was likely still the early stages—she could still bide her time.

When Ji Zhaoyi saw her, she set down the memorials she was reviewing and instructed servants to prepare snacks. Teasingly, she asked, “So, how is it? Does the young gentleman Shen suit your tastes?”

Ji Zhaohe felt the underlying question was whether he suited her physically. She poured herself a cup of tea and replied, “He’s quite good, really. It’s just that he’s like a little rabbit, always on the verge of tears.”

Ji Zhaoyi clearly misunderstood her meaning: “Men are made of water, you know. You must cherish him properly—after all, he is your principal consort.” Her implication was that she shouldn’t break him.

Ji Zhaohe hesitated, then nodded to show she understood. Indeed, like attracts like. Seeing the Crown Princess like this, she must be a lustful person too. With the original host setting such a precedent, such behavior was hardly surprising.

Ji Zhaohe waited in the hall for Shen Qingtang, while Ji Zhaoyi continued reviewing memorials, letting her younger sister amuse herself.

Ji Zhaohe casually picked up one of the memorials on the Crown Princess’s desk, intending to open and study it for a while.

“Yue-er…” Ji Zhaoyi’s warning came too late. Ji Zhaohe opened the memorial, and the remaining dozen or so pages slipped out, dangling precariously and nearly brushing the floor. Tiny, densely packed characters filled the pages.

Ji Zhaohe stared in astonishment, slowly gathering the pages one by one. As she collected each page, she read it. Having studied traditional Chinese medicine for so long, she had no trouble with the traditional characters.

The first page or so was full of flattery, praising both the Empress and the Crown Princess—clearly, the author wasn’t sure who would be reviewing the memorial, so they complimented both.

Next, the advantages of water transport were listed in several points, followed by strategies for developing water transport, hinting at the author’s extensive experience. The conclusion was still flattery: “Whenever Your subject reflects on Your Majesty’s diligence, I cannot help but weep bitterly. Your Majesty toils tirelessly for the sake of the people, rising early and retiring late; for the stability of the state, You exhaust all efforts to turn the tide. Your subject wishes to offer my humble services to follow Your Majesty, daring not to refuse even if it means marching through fire and water.”

In summary, it felt like reading an academic paper: the advisors in the official’s residence were the supervisors, and the Empress and Crown Princess were the ones ultimately deciding whether to approve it.

It was truly a grand academic scene. Ji Zhaohe closed the memorial and neatly returned it to its original place.

Noticing her sudden interest in serious matters and that she had picked the water transport memorial, Ji Zhaoyi asked, “What do you think?”

Ji Zhaohe was all too familiar with this tone of “since you’ve read it, let me test you.” She stiffened and replied vaguely, “It seems alright, I guess.”

What did “seems alright” mean? Was it good or not?

Ji Zhaoyi said, “In that case, this matter requires someone to oversee the inspection. You should go along.”

“Ah?” Ji Zhaohe’s mouth fell open. “Elder Sister, I don’t understand any of this!”

Ji Zhaoyi waved her hand. “It’s fine. I’ll have my trusted aides accompany you.”

Ji Zhaohe protested further, “But I just got married. Wouldn’t it be improper to be away for several months?”

Ji Zhaoyi replied, “It’s fine. Have Principal Consort Shen accompany you.”

Ji Zhaohe tried to object again: “But—”

Ji Zhaoyi cut her off: “The Jiangnan region is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, and the courtesans there are exceptional—each one delicate and lovely.”

“Have you been?” Ji Zhaohe asked curiously. She didn’t want to go, and it wasn’t because of such matters! She just wanted to laze around at home like a salted fish, occasionally going out to listen to songs. She had no desire to get involved in political affairs!

Who could stand being reborn as a good-for-nothing only to end up as a workhorse?!

Ji Zhaoyi averted her eyes, focusing on the memorials to avoid her sister’s piercing gaze. “I… previously visited incognito.”

Incognito to a brothel? Ji Zhaohe pursed her lips, clearly unconvinced, but she didn’t press further. A servant had just arrived to inform her that Shen Qingtang was already waiting for her outside the hall.

She stood up. “Well then, Elder Sister, focus on your work. I’ll take your brother-in-law out for some fun.”

When they returned to the residence, Ji Zhaohe informed Shen Qingtang about the matter, telling him to prepare his luggage properly. Once Her Majesty approved the plan, the two of them would go on their honeymoon while also inspecting the water transport work.

“Master, should we pack all these clothes?” Fu Jiu asked, holding a thick winter cloak.

Shen Qingtang wasn’t sure how long they would be staying there. Ji Zhaohe had only mentioned inspecting water transport but hadn’t said how long it would take. “No need. We can buy more when the time comes.”

If he brought too much luggage, Her Highness might find him burdensome.

As Fu Jiu tidied the wardrobe, he suddenly noticed a faint pink hue peeking out from under a stack of white inner garments. He pulled it out, his face instantly flushing red, and hurriedly stuffed it back in.

If he wasn’t mistaken, it was a light pink undergarment with a crabapple pattern, as thin as cicada wings. His master had always been ascetic and never touched such licentious items. How could this be here?

Could it have been planted by the Third Princess?

After some thought, Fu Jiu stole a glance at his master, then quickly tucked the garment into the deepest part of the luggage. He then looked out the window at the crabapple tree. He had noticed many crabapple trees planted around the residence since he arrived. It was currently the crabapple blooming season, and the delicate flowers, gilded by sunlight, shimmered beautifully. Fallen petals carpeted the courtyard in pink, and Steward Jiang had not ordered anyone to sweep them away, allowing them to scatter naturally.

“Master, the Third Princess is truly thoughtful. She planted crabapple trees everywhere inside and outside the residence. If you were to play your masterpiece, ‘The Phoenix Seeks His Mate,’ for her under a crabapple tree, she would surely be moved!”

Shen Qingtang looked out the window. The crabapple flowers were dazzlingly beautiful, almost stinging his eyes. He lowered his head to continue reading but couldn’t take in a single word. After a long while, he remarked with slight sarcasm, “The Third Princess is occupied with countless affairs of state. How would she have time to concern herself with the residence’s decorations? Most likely, the servants planted them to curry favor.”

There had also been a massive crabapple tree in his courtyard back at the Shen residence. In his childhood, he often spent time swinging under it, watching the seasons change. Later, his father said he had grown up and shouldn’t indulge in play so much, so he had the swing removed.