An eight-year-old kid emptied his scumbag father's warehouse and followed his grandparents into

The afternoon sun shines through the carved window lattices, casting warm spots of light on the corridor of "Xichun Gui".

The two of them stepped into the back door one after the other. Thinking that they were exploring the secret together again but on their own territory, there was a tacit light in their eyes.

Chuntao, who had been waiting in the corridor, hurried forward, her face showing just the right amount of anxiety. "Your Highness, Princess, you two are finally back. Qingfeng was just so anxious, saying that the carefully prepared dishes required meticulous cooking, and he was worried that the freshness would be wasted if they weren't cooked properly."

As she spoke, she bowed, stepped aside to lead the way, and cast her gaze towards the small building beside her. "This servant has presumed to be presumptuous. Seeing that the weather is pleasant and there is a gentle breeze today, I have set up the banquet in the attic. The view there is wide and the scenery is beautiful. Please move on, my two masters."

Jing Chunxi's eyes suddenly lit up, and she turned her head and exchanged a quick glance with Xu Zize - the high place in the attic was just right for taking in the scenery in front, behind, left and right. She had never experienced eating and drinking tea in that way before.

He nodded slightly, almost imperceptibly, and called out "Qingfeng".

"Qingfeng will listen to your instructions." Qingfeng's voice came from outside the yard, and he must be listening to your instructions at any time.

Xu Zize's tone was gentle but carried an unquestionable tone. "The craftsmen have been working hard these days. This afternoon, everyone will have a half-day off. Let them disperse immediately and have a good rest. Then..."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "We'll temporarily seal the Moon Gate with a sturdy barrier, claiming it's in preparation for tomorrow's inspection. This will prevent anyone from accidentally entering and damaging the materials."

Qingfeng bowed his head outside and replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness, I will do it immediately and make sure to give clear instructions."

Seeing this, Chuntao and Hongfen went up to help the princess set the table. Chuntao paused and said, "I will tell the people in the courtyard to stay quietly in their rooms this afternoon and not to disturb the courtyard."

Jing Chunxi nodded, admiring Chuntao's cleverness.

"You don't have to go upstairs!" Xu Zize used his hand to block Hongfen who was already moving forward, preventing her from going upstairs to serve him.

The two men saw the princess nodded, then bowed and left.

***

The windows on the rooftop are open, and the autumn afternoon sun makes the room warm. The breeze blows, bringing the sweet fragrance of osmanthus in the courtyard.

Looking out the window, you can see the shimmering water in the distance, which contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery, pavilions and towers nearby.

"It's the light flavor that I like." Jing Chunxi sat down as soon as he saw the food on the table. His eyes never left the food in front of him. His greedy look made Xu Zize shake his head lovingly.

The steaming chicken minced golden bamboo shoots are golden and attractive, the pocket tofu is plump and fragrant, the steamed sea bass is white and drizzled with clear sauce, the sweet and sour spare ribs are bright red and very appetizing, and the celery and lily are green and white, refreshing and de-greasy.

A few delicate snacks were served on the side: smooth steamed sugar-coated yogurt and refreshing pea yellow tea. A pot of perfectly warmed jasmine tea was also served, along with a rich aroma.

The two sat down opposite each other. Chunxi's eyes curved as he looked at the table full of delicious food, his tone filled with obvious joy: "Xi'er can finish all these dishes! Brother Xiaokang is really thoughtful."

Picking up the teapot, he poured her half a cup of tea. A smile crossed his lips. "I know you're thinking about this, so I'll have them prepare it. It's a bit dry in the autumn, so drink some tea first to moisten your skin."

As he spoke, he very naturally picked up a piece of plump pocket tofu with his chopsticks and placed it on the small plate in front of her. "Be careful, it's hot. The broth inside is the most delicious."

She followed his instructions, blowing on it gently and tasting the tofu. It was indeed fragrant and delicious, and she narrowed her eyes in satisfaction. "Last time, there were too many people and I couldn't taste it. Today's is even better!" She didn't know if it was because the scenery was better today, or if she was only in front of this person she cared about, but she actually felt that it was even more delicious than the dish she had been served directly at Zuixianlou last time.

Without even stopping, the person opposite her was busy serving her food. He first picked up a tender steamed sea bass with his chopsticks, removed the bones, and then placed it on her plate. "Eat, this fish looks tender."

The daylight outside the window was just right, and the occasional chirping of a bird or two from the corridor made the attic even more quiet and cozy.

He ate in a very polite manner, and his demeanor exuded the grace and elegance of a son of a royal family.

Seeing that Jing Chunxi seemed to particularly like the plate of sweet and sour pork ribs, he calmly pushed the plate closer to her.

"Eat slowly," he said with an indulgence that he himself was not aware of. "Eat more if you like. It will help you digest the food later. Drink some soup to smooth it over." As he said that, he personally served her half a bowl of chicken and golden bamboo shoot soup. The golden soup was dotted with tender bamboo shoots and it was fragrant. It was her favorite.

Jing Chunxi swallowed the food in her mouth and winked slyly: "When Qiyue was asked to go out, Xi'er was waiting with an empty stomach." She lowered her voice, leaned forward slightly, and her eyes were full of light, "I knew that Brother Xiaokang would not come empty-handed."

Xu Zize tapped her forehead lightly, and she shrank back, sat upright, and poured him half a cup of tea.

His voice was gentle and neither slow nor hurried, and against the backdrop of the quiet and warm scene, it had a reassuring power.

Jing Chunxi picked up the small silver spoon, scooped a spoonful of yogurt into his mouth. It had a rich milky flavor and was sweet but not greasy.

She just felt that this ordinary lunch became particularly warm and affectionate because of the person sitting opposite her, because of the table full of her favorite dishes, and because of the little secrets that they knew each other.

The scenery is just right, the food is fragrant and the tea is warm. For a moment, all you can hear is the clinking of cups and the murmur of whispers, isolating the slight chill of early autumn and possible disturbances from the outside world in this warm halo.

After the meal, two maids came up quietly to clear away the leftover food and brought back some hot tea.

The aroma of tea wafted through the attic. Zhao Ning couldn't wait to get up and walk to the west window facing the moon gate again, looking out from the railing.

The autumn sun illuminated the area with incredible clarity. One could see that the craftsmen had long since dispersed, and a tall wooden fence had been erected at the Moon Gate, sealing it tightly. There was silence and no one around.

Xu Zize also walked to her side, gently put his arm around her waist, and looked down with her.

The sunlight outlined his clear profile, and he spoke in a steady tone, "Everything has been arranged. We'll sit for a while, then we can go down and investigate."