Mistakenly recognized as a cousin, thousands of pampered

Tao Qingwan, who was invited by the eldest princess to stay for a while, finally set out on the journey home today.

After Tao Jiuxi received the message from the Princess's Mansion, he waited at the door early.

Not long after the message was delivered, a luxurious carriage from the princess's mansion slowly drove over and finally stopped in front of the mansion gate.

Tao Qingwan got off the carriage and saw Tao Jiuxi at a glance.

She walked up quickly and shook Tao Jiuxi's hand tightly, her eyes full of longing and concern. After all, they had been separated for many days, and during her time at the Princess's Mansion, she had been thinking about her sister all the time.

Tao Qingwan asked softly, "How is Jiuxi?"

"It will be fine once we leave the Xie Mansion. Sister, you came back a day late. If you could come back a day earlier, you would be able to see with your own eyes how disgusting the Xie family is." After saying that, Tao Jiuxi affectionately took Tao Qingwan's arm and prepared to go back home together.

Tao Qingwan looked at the words "Tao Mansion" on the door plaque from afar, which had changed owners, and she knew in her heart that Shen Zhiyi was treating her sister better and better.

"Jiuxi, come with me for a walk outside today." Tao Qingwan withdrew her gaze from the door plaque and turned to look at Tao Jiuxi.

"It seems that she has been bored for too long. Our sister who never goes out of the house also wants to go out for a walk." Tao Jiuxi raised the corners of his mouth and said with a bit of joking.

"Well, don't call for the carriage. Let's just walk for a while."

Tao Qingwan nodded slightly. She seemed to want to feel the outside world and enjoy this moment of tranquility and freedom.

Tao Qingwan rarely asks to go out for a walk like this, and today she is in such a rare mood, so Tao Jiuxi is naturally happy to accompany her.

She held Tao Qingwan's arm, and the two walked side by side, with the maids Mu'er and Xing'er following not far behind.

The houses on both sides of the street are arranged in an orderly manner, and bursts of shouting can be heard from the shops. They walked slowly, admiring the scenery of the streets and alleys, and feeling the atmosphere of fireworks in this world. It seemed that time had slowed down at this moment, just for them to enjoy the beautiful time with their sisters.

"Sister, you seem to be in high spirits today. You haven't even complained of being tired after walking for such a long time." Tao Jiuxi's eyes were full of surprise. She only discovered today that Tao Qingwan was so good at shopping.

The two of them strolled along and unknowingly reached East Street, and Tao Qingwan still looked excited.

"Are you tired? Do you want to take a break?" Tao Qingwan looked at Tao Jiuxi with concern.

"I'm not tired. It's almost noon. Let's go shopping and then find a place to eat." Tao Jiuxi didn't want to spoil Tao Qingwan's mood.

At this moment, Tao Jiuxi's attention was suddenly attracted by a figure not far away.

That was the old man who used to sell velvet flowers.

At this moment, the old man's clothes were no longer patched like the last time I saw him. Although they were not luxurious, they were brand new and clean.

He was holding a basket of vegetables in his hand, and his face looked a little tired, perhaps because he had walked a lot to buy vegetables.

"Grandpa, do you still remember me?" Tao Jiu took two quick steps forward, his eyes full of joy.

The old man looked at Tao Jiuxi carefully, and it took him a long time to remember. "It's you, girl. I was thinking that when I see you one day, I will definitely give you a velvet flower."

A happy smile broke out on the old man's face.

"It seems your grandson did well in the science exam this year."

"Finally, his years of hard work paid off." The old man didn't tell Tao Jiuxi exactly where his grandson ranked on the exam, but from his words, one could tell it was a good score. His eyes revealed a sense of relief, as if all his hard work had paid off in that moment.

"That's good. Grandpa doesn't have to go out to set up the stall anymore. Now he can rest at home."

"I have been working all my life. Even at this age, I still can't sit still. Just now, I came out to buy some vegetables. Flour was cheap today, so I bought some more. As a result, I couldn't walk anymore." The old man said with emotion in his voice.

Tao Jiuxi looked at the basket full of vegetables and a bag of flour weighing about ten pounds beside the old man.

She turned her head and glanced at Tao Qingwan who had been waiting quietly beside her. Tao Qingwan instantly understood Tao Jiuxi's thoughts and nodded slightly.

"Grandpa, where do you live? Let me take you back." Tao Jiuxi said enthusiastically.

"Why bother you, young lady? I just need to rest for a while." The old man waved his hand to decline.

"Don't be polite, old man. I'll take you back just in time to get the velvet flower."

"My home is in the alley ahead. Thank you for your help, young lady."

The old man no longer refused.

After saying that, Tao Jiuxi reached out and picked up the flour. Tao Qingwan also hurried forward to help pick up the vegetable basket. Mu'er and Xing'er were already holding the things they had bought earlier. Seeing their master carrying vegetables and noodles, they immediately wanted to step forward to help, but they were politely declined.

After a while, they sent the old man back home.

The two originally planned to leave after sending the old man home, but the old man warmly invited them to stay for dinner.

Tao Jiuxi felt really embarrassed, so he just said he would take two velvet flowers and leave.

Tao Jiuxi looked around the old man's house. Although the house was small, it was very clean and tidy. At this moment, someone in the house heard a noise outside and came out. It was a young girl who was carefully supporting an old lady.

"Madam, this is the kind girl I mentioned to you before." The old man introduced her to the old lady with a smile.

When the old lady heard this, a kind smile immediately broke out on her face and she walked forward quickly: "Thank you for your kindness before the New Year. If it weren't for you, my family would not have been able to celebrate the New Year in peace."

Indeed, if it weren't for Tao Jiuxi's clever plan to let Zhao Muer buy up all the items on the old man's stall, the old man would probably have a tight life if he went out to set up the stall every day.

"You're welcome. Your craftsmanship is still the best."

Tao Jiuxi smiled at Tao Qingwan, her eyes sparkling with joy. Her heart was filled with happiness because she was able to help the two people in front of her.

"Wait a minute, girl. I'll get you some velvet flowers." The old lady said as she turned and went into the house. After a while, she brought out a plate of exquisite velvet flowers.

"Then I'll pick two."

Tao Jiuxi looked at the plate of velvet flowers and thought they were extremely beautiful. She immediately picked one and turned to ask, "Sister, which one do you like?"

Tao Qingwan pointed to the light blue velvet flower and said, "This one is very good."

Tao Jiuxi handed one to Tao Qingwan, then took out his purse and prepared to pay the old man some money.

"How can you accept money from a girl?" the old man said, waving his hands quickly.

"This velvet flower is really beautiful. If you take some, I'll feel at ease."

Tao Jiuxi insisted on giving money, as she felt it was a sign of respect for the old man's family's work.

A few people were still politely refusing when they heard a voice: "Please don't be so polite, young lady. You don't have to pay."

Tao Jiuxi and Tao Qingwan turned around and saw a young man standing there. He had a handsome face and was well-mannered. He exuded the elegant temperament of a scholar and seemed polite and courteous.

The old man hurriedly introduced, "This is my grandson. Mingxiu."

"I hope the two Miss Taos are doing well. I am Fang Mingxiu, the third place winner of the imperial examination." The man was humble and polite, and bowed respectfully to the two people in front of him.

"Do you know us?" Tao Jiuxi asked doubtfully.

"I met the girl at the elegant gathering behind Wangyue Tower a long time ago." Fang Mingxiu said slowly. That was the only time he had been to the elegant gathering, and it was because of the invitation of a good friend that he was able to step into such a high-end occasion.

After Fang Mingxiu finished speaking, he looked past Tao Jiuxi and looked at Tao Qingwan behind her. At just one glance, his eyes lit up, as if he was attracted by something and couldn't take his eyes away.

Tao Qingwan was also looking at Fang Mingxiu at this time. Suddenly, their eyes met, and they both quickly looked away.

"Then you have a good memory. It happened so long ago." Tao Jiuxi said with a smile, with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"I didn't realize you were the one who helped my grandfather last year. I want to thank you." After hearing Tao Jiuxi's words, Fang Mingxiu finally came to his senses and hurriedly thanked her. His face was full of gratitude, and his eyes were sincere.

Tao Jiuxi thought that since the old man's grandson had won the third place in the imperial examination, he should no longer live a poor life like before, so Tao Jiuxi did not insist on giving him money.

"In that case, I won't bother you anymore." Tao Jiuxi said and prepared to leave.

However, she found that Fang Mingxiu's eyes were always on Tao Qingwan.

Tao Jiuxi gently tugged at Tao Qingwan's sleeve, signaling her to leave. Tao Qingwan seemed to have noticed Fang Mingxiu's gaze, a blush appeared on her face, she lowered her head slightly, and followed Tao Jiuxi to the door.

After they had a simple meal outside, they headed back.

Tao Jiuxi was already panting with exhaustion, and her legs were extremely sore. Every step she took was difficult, as if her legs no longer belonged to her.

But Tao Qingwan was still full of energy, as if she had endless energy.

"Sister, are you going to the Princess's Mansion for physical training? How come you're not tired at all?" Tao Jiuxi complained as he collapsed directly on the soft couch in Tao Qingwan's room. He was like a puddle of mud and didn't want to move at all.

"Jiuxi, I have something to tell you." Tao Qingwan slowly sat down on the small stool opposite Tao Jiuxi. Her expression was a little serious, and her eyes revealed a hint of complicated emotions.

"Well, go ahead." Tao Jiuxi responded weakly, her eyes half-closed, as if she might fall asleep at any time.

"I'm going to the palace."