Hua Manman said demurely, "I’m not hungry. Please, enjoy it yourself, Your Highness."
But in her heart, she was wailing—
’I really want to eat it!’
’But I’m so stuffed! Why do people only have one stomach? Why can’t I have a few more?!’
Listening to her inner wails, Li Ji leisurely took a bite of the almond pastry. His long, narrow eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of an amused smile gracing his features.
"It’s quite good."
Hua Manman gulped.
Li Ji continued, "The almonds are crisp, and the milky flavor is very rich. Fragrant, sweet, and delicious."
Hua Manman: "..."
’Shut up, you jerk! Don’t say another word!’
’I don’t want to hear it!’
Li Ji slowly finished the last bite of the almond pastry. Afterward, he even stuck out the tip of his tongue and lightly licked his pale fingertips.
Hearing Hua Manman’s inner thoughts, his smile grew even more amused.
’He just loved seeing her like this—able to see but not eat. How fun!’
The steward, who had left, returned. The mont he entered, he saw the pleased smile on Prince Zhao’s face and couldn’t help but pause.
He had more or less watched Prince Zhao grow up. As a child, Prince Zhao had been well-behaved and sensible, often flashing such happy smiles. But ever since Duke Zhen’s passing, the Prince had not once smiled from the heart.
This was likely the first ti in five years that he had seen Prince Zhao with such a carefree smile.
When Li Ji noticed soone had entered, the smile on his face quickly vanished.
He asked coldly, "Well?"
The steward hurriedly replied, "Her Highness the Commandery Princess is unwell and cannot receive guests. We ask for Your Highness’s understanding."
Even soone as oblivious as Hua Manman could now sense that the relationship between Li Ji and Princess Rouwan seed rather poor.
’It was one thing for a mother not to show up at her son’s wedding. But now, when her son brings his new bride to pay his respects, she still uses illness as an excuse, refusing to even see them.’
’That attitude was indifference with a capital I.’
Li Ji, however, seed unconcerned. "Since Mother is still unwell, she should focus on recuperating. I’ll co visit again when I’m free."
The steward hastily agreed.
Li Ji said to Hua Manman, "Let’s go back."
Hua Manman began to push his wheelchair toward the exit.
The doorways in the State Duke Mansion all had high thresholds, so whenever they ca to one, Chen Wangbei had to help Hua Manman get the wheelchair over it.
Just as they left the main hall, they saw a young man who bore a slight resemblance to Li Ji striding toward them.
The man was dressed in opulent clothing and wore an overly enthusiastic smile. His voice reached them before he did.
"Cousin! I didn’t expect you back today. Forgive for not being here to welco you!"
He cupped his fists in salute to Li Ji, then his gaze shifted to Hua Manman standing behind him, raking over her from head to toe.
"This must be my new cousin-in-law, yes? A true beauty! You’re a lucky man, Cousin!"
Hua Manman was bewildered. ’Who is this guy?’
Chen Wangbei quietly clarified for her.
"He is the son of Duke Zhen’s younger brother. His na is Li Lou."
Hua Manman had a mont of realization. ’Ah, so he’s the late Duke Zhen’s nephew.’
’But Duke Zhen separated his household from his younger brother’s long ago. The two families went their separate ways. So what is Li Lou doing here? And why is he posturing like the man of the house? It’s as if he’s the master here, and Li Ji is just a guest.’
Li Lou was still prattling on animatedly.
"It’s so rare for you to visit, Cousin. You must stay for lunch before you leave.
I’ll have soone tell the kitchen to prepare so more fine dishes, and we brothers can have a few drinks together later!
Oh, right, have you seen Aunt Commandery Princess?
Auntie hasn’t been feeling well lately and needs soone by her side. Luckily, she’s quite fond of and has specially asked to co and keep her company."
Li Ji showed little reaction to this, coldly uttering a single syllable.
"Oh."
...
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