Golden Branch

The ninth day of the fifth month, Lou’s fortress.

Wang Heng, Wang Mian and others asked for leave from the academy and arrived at the fort early.

They want to make a birthday cake for Lou Yu "by hand".

The so-called hands-on work meant that the two little girls sat in the big kitchen of Haitang Courtyard, watching the maids beat eggs, whipped cream, and baked cake bases...

When everything was ready, Wang Heng personally took the piping bag and squeezed out a few small flowers.

Wang Mian wanted to help cut some fruit and spread the cream, but thinking of the little pervert's overbearing temper, Wang Mian held back.

This is the happy play of Jiu Niang and Xiao Biantai, a pair of childhood sweethearts. As an outsider, she should not get involved.

Her only role was to guide Wang Heng.

I worked hard for the whole morning until noon and finally made a birthday cake.

Wang Heng resisted the urge to eat a piece first and ordered someone to store it well.

The banquet officially began after noon.

In addition to the birthday cake that Wang Heng made "herself", she also gave a small scroll.

"Brother, happy birthday!"

Wang Heng handed the scroll to Lou Yu with both hands.

Lou Yu had already guessed what it was, but still happily took it.

He opened the scroll in front of him and gently unfolded it, revealing a portrait of him—

In the spring, when the crabapple blossoms are in full bloom, he sits on a stone bench under the tree, holding a book and reading it attentively.

The pink and white crabapple flowers are beautiful, and the little boy is dressed in white clothes as white as snow.

The whole painting does not have overly bright colors, but it reveals the brightness of spring and the warm atmosphere.

The boy only had a silhouette, but Lou Yu could still tell at a glance that it was himself.

The brushwork is delicate and the colors are just right.

With just a few strokes, the characters come to life on the paper.

...The fat girl's painting skills have improved again.

"Thank you, Jiu Niang!"

Mrs. Lou and other members of the Zheng family were also present at the scene. Lou Yu couldn't be too intimate in front of outsiders.

Because, his intimacy and the tacit understanding between him and the fat girl were seen by some people as his disrespect for the fat girl and the fat girl's lack of self-respect.

The books Lou Yu spent the past two or three years reading were really not in vain.

In addition to learning how to disguise himself, he also understood the world and human nature, and learned to restrain himself and be patient.

He did treat Wang Heng as his own private property, but he would not allow her to be attacked or ridiculed!

"Brother, there's a birthday cake! Amian and I made it together!"

Wang Heng was simple-minded and had no idea that Lou Yu had so many twists and turns in his mind.

She tilted her little face up, which was chubby, pink and tender, and extremely cute.

As a foodie, Wang Heng had long been fascinated by the sweetness and softness of the cake. Naturally, she didn't want to waste time and just wanted to enjoy the cake.

“…Jiu Niang is so thoughtful!”

As for Amian mentioned by Wang Heng, she was glaringly ignored by a little pervert.

Wang Mian: ...Haha, it doesn’t matter, as long as the little overlord is happy!

Wang Mian has become accustomed to being "ignored" and his emotions are very stable.

Madam Lou watched the interaction between the three people coldly, and couldn't help but turn her head and give a look to Zheng Chi beside her.

Zheng Chi: ...

She knew that her grandmother was urging her to give a birthday gift to her cousin.

She doesn't really want to go.

The birthday gift had already been prepared, it was a purse she made by herself.

Well, the so-called "hand-made" thing was done by a maid who was good at embroidery. She took it and symbolically embroidered two stitches.

It's not that she was being perfunctory, but all the aristocratic families are like this.

Who would really let their little girl embroider and do housework every day?

There are special embroiderers for everyone. Even if they cannot afford an embroiderer with superb skills, they will have a maid who is good at it.

Basically, it was made by the servants, and the ladies would just give it a quick touch before it was considered "made by hand".

The purse in Zheng Chi's hand was embroidered with green bamboo in apricot color. The embroidery was excellent and the meaning was also good.

As a little girl in her teens, it is just right to give it to my cousin of the same age.

However, Zheng Chi was still a little hesitant.

She was afraid that her cousin Lou would order someone to bring out a bunch of food and ask her to eat it!

By the way, there’s also that cake that looks bigger than the plate. Will my cousin let her eat it all?

Zheng Chi's stomach started to twitch at the thought of "eating".

She was really afraid of the feeling of eating too much and vomiting, getting sick after vomiting, and then having to cleanse her intestines when she was sick.

During the two days he lay on the couch, Zheng Chi felt fear and despair that he was about to die.

My cousin is very good and my aunt is looking forward to it, but she is really scared!

Even though he clenched his fists tightly, Zheng Chi still couldn't resist his grandmother's sharp gaze.

She stood up, walked forward, and forced a smile, "Cousin, I wish you a happy birthday!"

While saying blessings, Zheng Chi handed over the purse.

Lou Yu glanced at him, a gentle smile spreading across his lips, "Thank you, Achi!"

"Achi, today is my birthday. The kitchen has prepared a lot of food. You must eat more later."

"Don't worry, there are no new dishes, they are all signature dishes of our Lou family..."

Novel food = birthday cake = exclusive for fat girls.

Lou Yu was very good at distinguishing between relatives and strangers.

Lou Yu would not share the birthday cake with anyone except the fat girl, not even the so-called elder, Mrs. Lou.

Not to mention bean sprouts.

Zheng Chi was not too happy to hear that he would not be forced to eat the cake.

Because Lou Yu would let her eat the so-called "Lou family's signature dishes".

My stomach began to twitch uncontrollably.

Zheng Chi could vaguely feel the sour water coming out.

No!

Must refuse!

I can't eat anymore!

Zheng Chi's face turned pale and beads of sweat appeared on the tip of his small nose.

Suddenly, Zheng Chi thought of what Zheng Shisan had secretly told her. Although she knew that Shisan Niang, that bitch, must have some intentions, Zheng Chi could tolerate it as long as it could help her get out of her predicament.

"Well, cousin, my sister also prepared a birthday gift for you."

"Sister! Thirteenth Lady! Come quickly!"

Zheng Chi did not respond to Lou Yu's words, but turned around and waved vigorously at the women of the Zheng family.

Madam Lou's eyes narrowed slightly.

All the young men and women of the Zheng family looked at Zheng Shisan who was being greeted by Zheng Chi.

Zheng Shisan's thin cheeks turned red instantly and he felt very nervous.

She didn't even dare to turn around and look at Madam Lou.

She knew that if her grandmother found out that she had secretly gone to Zheng Chi and expressed her willingness to "share" the burden for her, she would definitely not let her off easily.

But she also knew that this was her only and best chance!

Zheng Chi was afraid of Lou Yu, worried that he would be fed into a fat man.

She, Zheng Shisan, is not afraid.

Compared to being treated like a slave in the Zheng family, and being married off to a widower and an old man by her calculating eldest mother under the name of Zheng's daughter after she grew up, just to seek benefits for the Zheng family, she would rather be a fat person.

Growing up in such a complicated environment as the Zheng family, Zheng Shisan Niang is more mature and insightful than Zheng Chi.

She was at the bottom of society, and she saw the true inner courtyard of the Zheng family, and heard too many tragic stories of concubines' daughters.

She doesn't want to become a victim of the Zheng family!

The Lou family is her hope to break the deadlock.

Even if she would be punished by her grandmother afterwards, she would still give it a try.

What if, it succeeds?

She replaced Zheng Chi, stayed at the Lou family, went to study at the academy, and got to know more young students...

These thoughts flashed through her mind quickly, and Zheng Shisan Niang finally stood up firmly.

She walked straight ahead without looking around.

"Cousin, I wish you a happy birthday!"

She copied Zheng Chi's blessing, holding a small box in both hands, "This is a rice dumpling I made myself, it has a unique southern flavor. It's not worth much, but it's novel!"

Lou Yu raised his eyebrows. Oh, this Zheng Shisan is quite interesting.

She said she was giving him a birthday gift, but actually she gave him food.

Everyone in the Lou family knew that Lou Yu was not a person who indulged in food.

He can eat delicacies.

He can eat simple meals.

The favorite food is the fat girl.

The famous chefs from the north and south of the Lou family prepare mostly food for the fat girl.

Although the Zheng family were outsiders, they had been in the fort for nearly half a month.

As long as you pay some attention, you can find out these things.

Zheng Shisanniang looks smart and should have found out about it long ago.

But she still served the "delicious food"... She is a smart person.

She was actually able to see the essence of the matter more clearly than Madam Lou, who claimed to be her elder - it is better to please Wang Heng than to please Lou Yu!

"Rice dumplings?"

Wang Mian was shocked. Oh my god, there are rice dumplings so early?

As expected, my charming ancestors really understood the art of delicious food.

The country is a big foodie with a long history.

Wang Mian once again deeply realized that we must never underestimate the wisdom of the ancients.

Fortunately, Wang Mian did not copy any rice dumplings during this Dragon Boat Festival. Tsk, it would have been like "copying others' ideas".

"Meat dumplings?!"

Wang Heng was a little tempted, as she had never eaten it before.

However, although Wang Heng is a foodie who is addicted to delicious food, she also knows the limits and rules.

This is a gift from Zheng Shisan Niang to her brother. Her brother has not decided whether to accept it or not, so she cannot interfere.

It would be fine if it happened in private, but the two of them have a close relationship and are inseparable.

However, now they were in public, and there were Madam Lou and Zheng Chi who were very unkind to her... Wang Heng had no choice but to suppress the gluttony in her stomach and continue to act polite and well-behaved.

Lou Yu caught a glimpse of the fat girl's "forbearance" from the corner of his eye, and the smile at the corner of his mouth extended to the bottom of his eyes.

He did hate the Zheng family, but Zheng Shisan's strategy was indeed effective.

Since the fat girl likes it, just accept it.

Lou Yu stretched out a hand and picked up the box, "Thank you, Thirteenth Lady!"

Although his attitude was not as good as towards Zheng Chishi, the fact that he was willing to accept it was a kind of attitude.

He didn't care about Zheng Shisan Niang's unscrupulous attempt to get close to him!

Zheng Shisanniang's heart was relieved a little.

Her tense little face relaxed, and she quickly said, "Cousin, you're too polite! Thirteen doesn't deserve it!"

I'm flattered.

This man is the young master of the Lou family, a noble man that the eldest mother wants to win over.

She was just a concubine's daughter of the Zheng family. Not to mention Zheng Chi, even those respectable housekeepers and maids did not take her seriously.

I was so rash as to call Lou Langjun "cousin", but instead of getting angry or scolding me, Lou Langjun accepted the gift.

This shows that Mr. Lou acknowledged her as his cousin of humble origin!

Lou Yu ignored Zheng Shisan and accepted his birthday gift with his own hands. He was already giving it a decent gift for the sake of the fat girl.

No more, there will be none!

He took the box, opened it, and took a look. Sure enough, there were two small dumplings inside.

He leaned in closer and smelled it. There was no strange smell, only the fragrance of the rice dumplings leaves, the sweet fragrance of the glutinous rice, and the faint salty aroma of the meat.

The taste is slightly novel.

I think the fat girl will like it.

Lou Yu inspected the rice dumpling and confirmed it was fine before handing it to Wang Heng, saying, "Keep it!"

I'll ask the chef to heat it up later and check it carefully.

Food sent by outsiders must be handled with extreme caution.

Lou Yu was sure that Zheng Shisan would not dare to do anything bad, but he would never let the fat girl take risks easily.

"Ok!"

Wang Heng held the box in her hands. She could also smell the fragrance of the rice dumplings. Her round eyes were filled with anticipation and joy for the delicious food.

Seeing Wang Heng like this, Lou Yu felt even more satisfied with Zheng Shisan for "giving the right gift".

It is indeed smart. If Old Lady Lou insisted on forcing a granddaughter into the Lou family, Lou Yu would rather choose Zheng Shisan.

"Shisanniang, just follow Ah Chi."

Lou Yu said lightly.

He was giving Zheng Shisan Niang a chance to follow him, so that she wouldn't have to go back to her sisters and become a background figure.

Zheng Chi breathed a sigh of relief. That was great. With Zheng Shisan by his side, he could push her in front of him even if he was forced to eat.

Mrs. Lou's face changed slightly. She was not only angry at Shisan Niang for being "lowly but ambitious", but also angry at Zheng Chi for "taking the initiative".

If there is anything, can't you report it to her as the eldest mother first?

Do you have to do some tricks secretly with these lowly bastards?

But in front of Lou Yu, Madam Lou couldn't lose her temper and could only look at her two granddaughters coldly.

Zheng Chi received his grandmother's gaze and shrank back a little.

Zheng Shisan also felt his grandmother's anger and was afraid in his heart, but he also had the courage to risk everything.

What has been done has been done. If the eldest mother really does not want to give up the marriage with the Lou family, she should know what to do.

There was nothing she could do. Her most doted and precious granddaughter refused to accept her favoritism.

It can only be replaced by her, a lowly concubine's daughter!

If the eldest mother wants to blame someone, she can only blame Zheng Chi for being "unmotivated" rather than her, Zheng Shisan, being "restless".

After all, it was Zheng Chi who gave her the opportunity, and she really got the recognition of her cousin Lou.

Even if the eldest mother was angry and wanted to punish him, she would first consider the attitude of Cousin Lou.

This time, the eldest grandmother brought seven illegitimate granddaughters with her. Others were unable to give birthday gifts in person, but she was the only one who not only gave them in person, but also had them gladly accept them.

This is particularly important. My grandmother is so smart, she must know how to choose!

……

After accepting Zheng Shisan's birthday gift, Lou Yu personally accepted gifts from his two legitimate cousins.

The gifts from the other illegitimate sons and daughters of the Zheng family were received and registered by the stewards.

The birthday banquet officially began, but before everyone could take their seats, a servant came running over to announce:

"My dear, we have a distinguished guest! Here is a visiting card!"

"Dignified guest?"

Lou Yu frowned slightly. In the Hedong area, there were almost no people who could be called "distinguished guests" in front of him.

Could it be the noble person from Yizhou?

Yizhou?

King of Qi?!

Lou Yu was indeed smart. Before he even saw the content of the visiting card, he had already guessed the truth from the servants' few words.

He took the visiting card, unfolded it, and took a closer look. It was indeed someone from the Prince Qi's Mansion.

Prince of Qi, Yang Rui!