Quick Transmigration: The Green Tea Mistress's Guide to Seduction - A Master's Handbook

King Shen was originally scheduled to be gone for about half a month, but he did not return until almost the end of the year.

When Xie Qingyu first went there, she wasn't too worried, even though there wasn't a single letter.

But as time went on, Prince Shen's letter returned, and Xie Qingyu couldn't help but start to worry.

The first letter was clearly written shortly after arriving in Jiangnan. It simply stated that he had arrived and would return after resolving the situation, reassuring her not to worry. Enclosed with the letter were some small gifts from Jiangnan.

The second letter seemed rather rushed, probably written hastily while on business, simply saying "I'm well, don't worry."

It was already more than ten days later than the originally scheduled return date, but the letter did not say when he would be able to return.

"Even if the prince doesn't come back, we still have to celebrate the New Year." Xinping was unaware of Prince Shen's plans and was much more at ease than Xie Qingyu.

"Yes, the procurement for all the places has been prepared."

Before leaving, Prince Shen held a meeting with the stewards of the mansion and entrusted all internal affairs to Xie Qingyu.

As the year draws to a close, many stewards come to report on the purchases needed for the various estates during the holidays, and even the Prince's mansion needs to purchase some items.

Xie Qingyu also arranged for the New Year's gifts sent from the palace, which were part of the prince's allowance.

"Hmm." Xie Qingyu had work to do, so she didn't have to worry all the time.

It's just that Xinping noticed my worry.

Even if King Shen doesn't return, life will still go on day by day.

New Year's Eve is just around the corner.

"How is this?" Xinping pasted the paper-cut window decoration on the window frame and showed it to Xie Qingyu.

"Move it a little to the left," Xie Qingyu instructed. "That's enough."

"It looks pretty good." Xinping looked at it from a distance.

"Sister Xinping is very skillful; she cuts paper-cuts that are so lifelike."

Hearing Xie Qingyu's praise, Xinping felt a little embarrassed. "It was all just a quick arrangement. Even though the prince hasn't returned, this courtyard still has to look like it's New Year's."

"It looks much more festive," Xie Qingyu affirmed. "I'll let you try my cooking tonight."

On New Year's Eve, Xie Qingyu had already promised Xinping that she would make her a dessert she had never eaten before.

With the master absent on New Year's Eve, Xie Qingyu arranged for a rotating shift in the kitchen to ensure that everyone in the courtyards could eat and drink well tonight and welcome the new year.

As dusk approached, and seeing the expectant look in Xin's eyes that she often gave her, Xie Qingyu reluctantly got up. "I'm going to the kitchen. Do you want to come with me?"

Upon hearing this, Xinping immediately put down what he was doing and said, "Let's go, I'll start the fire for you."

"There are maids in the kitchen who can tend the fire, you're not needed."

"I'll go help out."

Xie Qingyu had already informed the kitchen staff in advance, and since she was on good terms with the head chef, everyone in the kitchen greeted her with friendly smiles when she arrived.

Chef Huang dismissed the others and came to help in the kitchen himself. When he saw Xie Qingyu looking at him, he grinned and said, "I've come to learn from you."

This is because they know Xie Qingyu doesn't hold it against them.

Xie Qingyu didn't really care. Anyway, once Chef Huang learned the skills, they would be the ones to enjoy the food. It was just a pity that Prince Shen wouldn't get to eat it since she rarely cooked.

Xie Qingyu is very focused when she does things. At first, she was able to keep in mind that Xinping was beside her and say a few words to her.

When things started to get challenging, I stopped talking and focused on doing it.

The kitchen wasn't busy yet, and everyone couldn't help but glance over as they worked, hoping to learn a thing or two.

The crackling of the fire and the voices of others in the kitchen became the background noise as Xie Qingyu cooked.

When the kitchen suddenly became quiet, Xie Qingyu quickly noticed it. She looked up with some confusion, only to find that everyone who had been gathered around the cutting board was gone, including Chef Huang, who had been helping out.

Xie Qingyu turned around as if sensing something, only to see the dusty and travel-worn Prince Shen looking at her from behind.

The longing in King Shen's eyes was almost tangible. "I'm back."

Xie Qingyu forgot to put her hands down, and carefully looked Shen Wang up and down to confirm his condition.

“You’re not injured. You’ll see in a moment.” Prince Shen smiled.

"It's good that you're not injured." Xie Qingyu ignored Shen Wang's words and only spoke after seeing that his expression was indeed good.

"What are you making?" King Shen looked at the chopping board.

"Some pastries." Xie Qingyu had already prepared them; the last step was simply arranging them.

"Is it ready? Let me have a taste first."

Xie Qingyu took a small piece and handed it to him.

King Shen smiled helplessly, stretching out his hand that had been pulling the saddle all the way; it was still unwashed and filthy.

"..."

Xie Qingyu fed him the food, and Shen Wang, who was usually not fond of sweets, ate it in one bite, probably because he was starving on the way. His eyes showed that he wanted more.

King Shen only stopped after eating three pieces.

"Since it's already prepared, have them take it over later. You come back with me first; I need to wash up and change before going to the palace," Prince Shen said.

Hearing that he had not yet gone to the palace to reply, Xie Qingyu put down what she was holding, washed her hands, and followed Prince Shen back to the courtyard.

Prince Shen asked Xie Qingyu to come back with him not so that she would serve him, but because he really missed her.

He could only stay in the manor for a short while, and he wanted to talk to Xie Qingyu.

Separated by a screen, Prince Shen was bathing inside, while Xie Qingyu went to the room to bring out the official robes that Prince Shen would be wearing later.

"Wouldn't it be inappropriate for you to return to the Prince's residence first?" Xie Qingyu knew that the first thing an official returning from the capital should do upon arriving in the capital was to go to the palace to report back, but Prince Shen had returned to his residence first.

“It’s alright.” Prince Shen’s voice was accompanied by the sound of rushing water. “It would be impolite not to wear court attire for the New Year’s Eve banquet in the palace. I’ve already sent Changliu to the palace to explain. It’s not too late for me to come back and change my clothes before I go.”

King Shen didn't say it, but actually it would have been better to wear this outfit directly into the palace.

He just wanted to come back first.

If he had known this trip would take so long, he should have brought Xie Qingyu along.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have had to travel for three days and three nights straight without closing their eyes in order to get back before the New Year, and two horses would have died from exhaustion along the way.

"It's good that it doesn't cause any problems." Xie Qingyu's voice came from behind the screen. "I originally thought you wouldn't be able to come back before the New Year, so I asked the steward of the manor. Just like when you weren't at the manor for the New Year before, we had each courtyard take turns on duty. Everyone got to eat something good today, and the people from the estate also sent things over as usual. Except for the things sent from the palace, we didn't accept anything else from the manor..."

As Prince Shen leaned back in the bathtub, listening to the slow, methodical arrangements, he felt his heart was full.

There are people on his side, who are one with him; everyone else is just a nobody.

He hastily wiped his body, then took down Xie Qingyu's clothes that were draped on the screen and put them on.

He stepped out from behind the screen and placed a kiss on Xie Qingyu's lips.