His wife hesitated and asked, “Will the Xiao family agree?”

The Third Prince laughed. “Why wouldn’t they? We’re not asking for their title.”

His wife paused, feeling uncertain. Although this was similar to what she and her son had thought earlier, she still felt the Xiao family wouldn’t be easily bullied.

While she was thinking, a maid came to report, “Nanny Huang, Madam Xiao’s personal attendant, brought a small gift as an apology for her grandson’s rudeness yesterday.”

The maid presented a food box, adding, “Here is the gift.”

The Third Prince’s wife asked, “Are you sure it was Nanny Huang?”

The maid nodded. “Yes, I wouldn’t mistake her.”

The Third Prince’s wife glanced at her husband.

He appeared puzzled, saying, “It’s just a servant who cooks. Is the Xiao family really so anxious that they fear I’d hold a grudge over a children’s quarrel?”

If that were the case, he thought, the censors might endlessly criticize him.

The Third Prince’s wife was speechless and said, “Your Highness, it’s definitely not the servants who caused this. The one who made Qin’er cry is her own grandson. Even if the Xiao family is tough, they still have to bow their heads here.”

The Third Prince narrowed his eyes slightly, then suddenly smiled and said with some malice, “The Xiao family has become a little more tactful. Could it be that they’re scared after losing too many people?”

“It’s hard to say,” The Third Prince’s wife smiled and replied, “Your Highness, take a look at this.”

At her glance, the palace maid opened the food box, and a pleasant sweet aroma wafted into the air. What caught the eye were two porcelain bowls filled with something that looked like steamed eggs. However, this was pure white and full of a milky flavor without any fishy smell. It had a ball of red bean paste on top.

Additionally, there were two servings of chicken wings, one spicy and one not.

The maid helped bring out the porcelain bowls, placed spoons on the lids, and whispered, “Madame Huang said this is called red bean double-skin milk, and the chicken wings are boneless. You can eat them directly.”

When the Third Prince’s wife saw the double-skin milk, her eyes lit up with curiosity about how it was made, but the Third Prince didn’t think twice and picked it up to start eating. After taking a spoonful, he raised his eyebrows, seeming both satisfied and a little disgusted.

The Third Prince’s wife thought it might look good but taste bad. But the next moment, he brought the whole bowl to his mouth, scooping a large spoonful and eating it. Then he nodded with satisfaction, “The spoon is so delicate.”

The Third Prince’s wife: “…”

She laughed and took a bite, then exclaimed, “This cook is clever. No wonder Qin’er wanted it. It looks nice, tastes good, and is unique.”

The Third Prince quickly finished the food, smacked his lips, and reached for the chicken wings. Just as the servants said, they were boneless, with a thin, crispy coating. They tasted salty, fragrant, and slightly numbing. He liked them more than the double-skin milk.

After finishing, he sighed, “I really want this cook.”

In the academy at the Imperial College.

At the 9th hour, eight children from the enlightenment class arrived at the cafeteria, waiting for their meal. They seemed to have become divided. The larger group eyed the two remaining children warily, like they were on guard.

Occasionally, the two children met eyes, snorted, and turned away.

The tense atmosphere broke when several palace servants entered the cafeteria with identical food boxes. The lead servant smiled at the children and placed snacks in front of them, explaining, “These are snacks sent by Madam Xiao.”

Everyone glanced at Dongdong, who had gathered with Zhou Zhaoheng from the Yellow Class, eagerly awaiting his food. Dongdong looked confused, not knowing what was going on.

Didn’t Sister Shu tell him?

Was his family’s food meant for this annoying prince’s grandson?

Dongdong was about to pout when the palace servant placed small dishes in front of him, including sweet double-skin milk, honey-glazed chicken wings, and crispy popcorn chicken.

Finally, there was a bowl of sour plum soup.

This set meal that had won the hearts of countless children made Dongdong smile before he could show his unhappiness. “Wow! Chicken wings! Popcorn chicken! What’s this?”

“It’s red bean double-skin milk, sweet and eaten with a spoon,” the palace servant explained while handing over a spoon. “Miss Shu made it for you and hopes you’ll share good food in the future so everyone can enjoy it.”

Dongdong pouted secretly. Who wants to share with them? The brat who cries when he can’t eat wants him as a reading partner, and he doesn’t like it!

Despite his complaints, Dongdong happily ate his food, swinging his legs with joy.

He noticed other children watching him, so he calmed down, coughed lightly, and said with a reserved tone, “You all eat, it’s delicious. Our Sister Shu made it, and she doesn’t make chicken wings often. I’ve only eaten them… three times!”

He tried to raise three fingers, feeling very sad.

Sister Shu said not to eat too much fried food. Was today thanks to them?

Zhou Zhaoqin was hesitant at first, but seeing Dongdong’s improved mood, he thought it was a good sign. He reluctantly picked up a chicken wing and took a bite. His eyes lit up, realizing that his family’s cook hadn’t made it this tasty.

No wonder he couldn’t compete with Xiao Pingzhou!

It was the cook’s fault!

Zhou Zhaoqin rolled his eyes and asked, “You always talk about Sister Shu. Who is she? Does she really make delicious food for you every day?”

Dongdong was polite. Even if he didn’t like the person, he would answer nicely if they spoke nicely. “No, she’s our guest. She said she likes to eat, so she likes to cook. We have a big oven at home! It can make lots of delicious dishes. The best was grilled lamb chops, but she wouldn’t let me eat much…”

Dongdong complained about it, but proudly added, “But she made roasted oranges, roasted chestnuts, and roasted corn.”

“Wow!” The other children gasped in amazement. They knew of these foods but hadn’t eaten them in this way, and their mouths watered.

Zhou Zhaoqin eagerly asked, “Can I come and see?”

The other children quickly joined in, “I want to meet Sister Shu, too!”

“And me, can I go?”

Dong Dong hesitated, but when he saw everyone looking at him, he felt that if he didn’t agree, they might cry again. But what if they got addicted and wanted to come over every day? Wouldn’t they eat all the food at home?

After all, Sister Shu only cooked a little every day, and other people’s cooking didn’t taste as good as hers.

Suddenly, an idea came to his mind. He said seriously, “My birthday is in a few days. Last year, grandma invited a lot of people, so I’ll invite you all this year too.”

After saying that, he looked expectantly at his close friend beside him, “Ah Heng, you must come. I’ll ask Sister Ah Shu to make a lot of delicious food for you!”

Zhou Zhaoheng had been eating. When he heard this, his eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly, “Yes! I will definitely come!”