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Xiao Jinyan finished dealing with the account book and came out looking for Shen Chuwei. He saw her standing there, watching others welcome the new bride.

The air outside was filled with the sounds of drums and gongs, and firecrackers exploded in unison.

Shen Chuwei’s inner thoughts, he still heard them.

Chun Xi watched her master with joy and noticed she kept staring at the wedding procession. She hooked her arm, saying, "Young mistress, do you also wish to ride in a bridal sedan?"

Shen Chuwei turned her head to look at Chun Xi, responding indifferently, "What do you think?"

"This servant thinks the young mistress must be thinking so. All girls dream of riding in a bridal sedan on their wedding day. However, as Your Highness’s woman, you’re already what many women long for in their dreams, so we don’t need to envy them," Chun Xi said as she chuckled again.

Shen Chuwei regarded Chun Xi’s smiling face without feeling anything amiss; such are the differences between ancient and modern times.

She gazed at a group of children scrambling for wedding candy, feeling envious that she could not openly grab candy like them.

Xiao Jinyan’s gaze turned towards the children, each holding several pieces of wedding candy, their faces lit up with innocent joy.

"Young mistress, His Highness dotes on you, and I benefit from it, too. Otherwise, I might never leave the palace in my life," Chun Xi couldn’t help but express her feelings. Then she caught sight of Xiao Jinyan standing behind her and quickly performed a courtesy, saying, "Your Highness."

Her heart couldn’t help but wail. The Highness must not have heard what she just said, right?!

Upon hearing this, Shen Chuwei turned around and saw Xiao Jinyan standing less than two meters away from herself. She stepped forward and curtseyed, "Your Highness."

Xiao Jinyan moved a few steps closer, standing beside Shen Chuwei. His gaze shifted toward the bridal procession, of which only shadows were now visible.

"Indeed, weddings among the common folk are lively," he remarked.

Shen Chuwei smiled, "They can throw wedding candy."

Xiao Jinyan nodded, "Mhm."

"Once we finish dealing with the situation here, we can return to the palace," Xiao Jinyan thought the case would be very tricky before he arrived, but to his surprise, it was resolved so swiftly, which was somewhat beyond his expectations.

Upon hearing they could immediately return to the palace, Shen Chuwei felt disappointed; she hadn’t visited the snack street yet.

Luozhi County was just one of the involved parties, with several officials implicated, and the Capital City might also be connected.

This time Xiao Jinyan only dealt with a few officials from Yongqian City, and the higher-ups would make further appointments.

As to whether the court was involved, that needed to be scrutinized back home.

Xiao Jinyan went out, and by dinner time, he returned, though his expression was somewhat sullen, probably aggravated by those officials.

Chun Xi had already arranged the dishes on the dining table, setting up the bowls and chopsticks before retreating to one side.

Shen Chuwei picked some of Xiao Jinyan’s favorite dishes and placed them in the bowl before him, reminding him, "Your Highness, Chun Xi prepared tonight’s meal, so please eat a bit more."

"Mhm," Xiao Jinyan could tell from the aroma of the food that it wasn’t the work of the mansion’s chefs. He picked up his chopsticks, took food from the bowl, and chewed slowly and deliberately.

Shen Chuwei picked up her chopsticks and began to eat.

Xiao Jinyan lifted his gaze to Shen Chuwei, pondered for a moment, then lowered his head to continue eating.

When it was time for bed, Shen Chuwei was the first to get into bed, only to see Xiao Jinyan, after his bath, walking over to a chair, bending down to pick up Xuetuan and bring her over.

Shen Chuwei watched him bring the cat to bed, filled with puzzlement, "Your Highness, didn’t you say we shouldn’t hold the cat while sleeping?"

Xuetuan also gave Xiao Jinyan a look of confusion.

"Xuetuan has been very well-behaved lately and can stay on the bed for a while," Xiao Jinyan calmly placed Xuetuan into her arms, "Hold her for a bit."

Shen Chuwei lowered her gaze to Xuetuan in her lap, a bit dumbfounded. Does Xiao Jinyan also have moments of inconsistency in what he says?

Xuetuan looked even more baffled; she had never seen such generosity even when she behaved well before.

Xiao Jinyan lifted the blanket and got into bed.

Shen Chuwei wondered, is Xiao Jinyan not planning on sleeping?

After Xiao Jinyan was seated, he turned to look at the still confused pair, cleared his throat, and said, "It’s still early to sleep tonight. How about we chat for a bit?"

Shen Chuwei offered a forced smile. Do I dare to say no?

If you don’t sleep, I don’t dare to sleep either!

Xiao Jinyan: "..." So, you should cooperate with my conversation.

In haste, Shen Chuwei blurted out, "Your Highness, what topic are you interested in discussing?"

Xiao Jinyan: "What?"

Shen Chuwei realized she had used modern speech and quickly changed her words, "Whatever Your Highness wishes to discuss, this concubine will fully cooperate."

Xiao Jinyan thought for a moment and decided to start with a general question, "What kind of life do you like?"

"Of course it’s a life without worries about food and clothing, carefree every day, planting vegetables, raising chickens and ducks, and having a small fish pond.

Having a pigsty would be perfect," Shen Chuwei did not forget to hint to Xiao Jinyan, a little piglet for me would be even more wonderful.

Xiao Jinyan: "..." Raising chickens and ducks is one thing, but wanting to raise pigs?

Do you intend to turn the East Palace into a breeding farm?

He tried to calm his excitement, rest assured, I won’t be giving you a piglet.

"You are now a Lady, you can’t only think about these things. You should aim higher, think bigger," Xiao Jinyan subtly hinted.

Shen Chuwei suddenly realized, "This concubine understands, I was shortsighted."

Xiao Jinyan sighed in relief, "That’s more like it!"

After Xiao Jinyan’s reminder, Shen Chuwei said, "Your Highness, it’s best to raise two pigs."

A male and a female, for breeding. Otherwise, there won’t be any piglets.

Xiao Jinyan: "..." Still thinking of breeding? How could you be so "bold" as a girl!

Xiao Jinyan regretted bringing up this topic with Shen Chuwei. He thought for a moment and asked, "I see you know quite a bit. Where are you from, and do you have to ride in a bridal sedan when you get married?"

"Of course, how could a girl not ride in a bridal sedan on her wedding day?"

Shen Chuwei had to affirm on the surface, otherwise, she might be suspected.

Where I’m from, we use Sedans. The more luxurious it is, the richer the groom’s family is.

Sedan?

Xiao Jinyan heard this for the first time and didn’t know what it was. It wasn’t easy to ask directly.

"Is that so? I thought customs varied from place to place, and welcoming a bride would be different as well," he mused.

Shen Chuwei casually asked, "Since when did Your Highness become interested in these matters?"

Xiao Jinyan casually replied, "I am having a conversation with you, just asking."

"Your Highness is quite cultured." Discussing such topics late at night and not sleeping does not match your disposition.

Xiao Jinyan explained, "You are my Lady; of course, I need to learn some things."

"..." Shen Chuwei: "This concubine understands."

I’m not from here; what’s there to understand?

Your Royal Highness, you are too thoughtful!

Xuetuan was staring blankly at Xiao Jinyan as if she too, found Xiao Jinyan very abnormal tonight.

Xiao Jinyan ignored Xuetuan’s blank gaze and continued to ask, "So, what do you think about a man having three wives and four concubines?"

"Why would Your Highness suddenly ask this concubine such a question?"

Xiao Jinyan cleared his throat, "Just asking casually."

Shen Chuwei acted as if a thought struck her, "Is Your Highness considering taking another concubine?"