Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 513 - 511

Chapter 513: Chapter 511

Xiao’er glanced at Du Yijin, seeing anticipation and sincerity in her eyes. She also looked at Jingrui and Shangguan Xuanyi.

Shangguan Xuanyi nodded and said, "In that case, we appreciate it, Miss Du."

Since there was hot food available, they obviously couldn’t settle for simple snacks.

Upon hearing these words, Du Yijin burst into happy laughter: "Then I will go and instruct the cook to prepare."

She disliked taking advantage of others. Since the ruler of Rui’an County gifted her with lotus seeds, she would repay the gesture by inviting them to have a meal.

"Miss Du, it’s hot weather, just prepare a couple of light dishes. There’s no need for variety, none of us are picky," suggested Xiao’er, noticing Du’s enthusiasm.

The three then went to survey the terrain of the future resort and zoo.

They rode horses for this survey due to the vastness of the land.

By the time they returned to Du Yijin’s villa, lunch was ready.

They washed their hands and sat down to eat.

Xiao’er invited Du Yijin to join them: "Miss Du, why don’t you join us? It’s just us here, we don’t need separate tables. The more, the merrier."

Separate tables for men and women? Shangguan Xuanyi would not wish to sit separately from Xiao’er. If he had to face Jingrui, whom he did not find visually appealing, during the meal, he’d lose his appetite.

He held Xiaor’s hand, implying that he would not want to sit at a different table.

"Let’s eat together, food tastes better with company," Jingrui also suggested.

If he had to watch Shangguan Xuanyi and Xiao’er eat, wouldn’t he be the odd one out? Shangguan Xuanyi was too affectionate regardless of the occasion! Watching Shangguan work tirelessly, with the intention to woo his sister, upset not just his heart, but his stomach too.

Xiao’er pulled Du Yijin’s hand closer, "Let’s eat together. Otherwise, I can’t eat while facing them."

Shangguan Xuanyi: It must be Jingrui’s fault. Just one touch of Xiao’er’s hand darkened his face. When they rode a horse together just now, he looked as though the world owed him something.

Jingrui: It must be Xiao’er’s fault. Normally at home, Xiao’er eats fine in front of me.

Du Yijin was escorted by Xiao’er to the dining table and was made to sit down.

In her heart, she smiled bitterly: she never thought the day would come when she would share a meal with a prince.

The meal was eaten in silence.

Shangguan Xuanyi was picky and hardly ate a few bites. These dishes couldn’t compare to the sweet pastries prepared by Xiao’er!

Seeing Xiao’er enjoying her meal, he specifically served her more of her favorite dishes.

"Brother Shangguan, that’s enough, I can’t eat anymore. You should eat it!" Xiao’er saw how her bowl was piling up, so she quickly stopped the overly enthusiastic person.

"I’m full." Shangguan Xuanyi only stopped when he saw that the bowl could not hold any more.

Jingrui: See, see! This is why they’re ruining the meal!

Du Yijin: Rumors say that the sixth prince dotes on the ruler of Rui’an County and this proves it is true.

Ultimately, Xiao’er was stuffed.

"Miss Du, the cook in this villa is really good, especially this duck, it’s been very well prepared, very flavorful. And these pancakes are also delicious," Xiao’er praised sincerely.

"I’m glad you like it, ruler of Rui’an County."

Xiao’er suddenly thought of something and said, "Miss Du, if you want to earn more silver, you could open a snack and beverage store in the zoo once it opens. I’m certain the business would be great. Such a store has low costs and though the profit margins might be low, the cumulative earnings over the day would be significant, like many a mickle makes a muckle!"

"Really?" Du Yijin’s eyes lit up when she heard this.

"I’ll set up a few shops and stands in the zoo for tired, hungry, and thirsty tourists to buy food and drinks. If you’re interested, I can reserve one for you," Xiao’er promised.

"I’ll have to think about it, can I get back to you later?" Du Yijin considered before replying.

"Sure, there’s plenty of time. I’d be thrilled if the zoo could open next year." Xiao’er, recalling the survey results, felt a bit of a headache.

"Thank you, County Master of Rui’an."

"No need to be courteous."

After dinner, they had to return to the Imperial City.

"Miss Du, would you like a ride back to the city in my carriage?" Xiao’er asked politely.

"No need, I came here in our family’s carriage." Du Yijin glanced at the Sixth Prince, whose face had instantly darkened, and shook her hand, indicating her refusal.

Xiao’er, hearing this, didn’t insist. He bid her farewell and left.

After returning to the Marquis Shengping Mansion and having dinner, Shangguan Xuanyi left as well.

Then, for several days, apart from going to the Zhixin Academy for her classes, Xiao’er spent the rest of her time at home, sketching the construction and effect plans for the hot spring resort and zoo.

Despite numerous adjustments, Xiao’er was unsatisfied.

Just as she was contemplating going out for inspiration, she received an invitation from the residence of Prince An.

It was the birthday of Shangguan Wanru, Prince An’s daughter, and many noble daughters had been invited to the Prince’s mansion for a celebration.

At the same time, the Prince’s son was hosting a poetry conference for young noblemen.

In short, the true intention wasn’t about the poetry or the wine, but matchmaking!

Princess Wanru, the daughter of the emperor’s full brother, was a bona fide princess.

Fu Ranhui, the daughter of the Eldest Princess, was conferred the title of princess because her father, the son-in-law of the Eldest Princess, had been seriously injured on the battlefield. His leg tendon was broken, and he could no longer walk normally. The Emperor gave her the title out of respect and pity.

Princess Ling’er, the daughter of the Emperor’s half-sister, was granted her title because her father had died saving the former Emperor. The Emperor had granted her the title when she was less than a month old.

"In two days, Yang Mei, do you know what Princess Wanru usually likes?" Xiao’er took the invitation from Yang Mei, glanced at it, and asked.

"I’ve heard that Princess Wanru likes Western things," answered Yang Mei after some thought.

She likes Western things? Thanks to the sea voyage to find Shangguan Xuanyi, Xiao’er has collected a lot of Western items.

But considering that Prince An has his own cargo ships sailing in the south, ordinary Western novelties might not be something Princess Wanru lacks.

What should she give as a gift?

Unable to think of anything at the moment, she decided to go to the Rare Treasure Pavilion to see if there were any new items from overseas.

With the decision made, and her needing some inspiration, Xiao’er had Yang Liu arrange for a carriage.

Without much delay, Xiao’er entered the Rare Treasure Pavilion.

Over the past two years, the Rare Treasure Pavilion began selling many items from overseas.

The shop, which had experienced a downturn in business due to the opening of Xiao’er’s Pohli Jewelry, once again flourished due to these Western items.

Seeing Xiao’er walk in, the shopkeeper greeted her with a complex emotion.

Despite greeting and bidding farewell to customers daily, he would never show his true feelings. Instead, he offered a broad smile and enthusiastically said, "I wasn’t aware that County Master Rui’an was coming. I apologize for any disrespect caused by my lack of a proper welcome."

"Shopkeeper, you need not be so courteous. I wonder if you have any new and interesting Western items in the shop recently?"