Best friends dressed up in ancient times to become mistresses? You run, I run too!

An autumn breeze suddenly rose, bringing a touch of coolness that swept over them, brushing against their faces and clothes, making them feel a chill gradually spread.

Song Hanchuan stopped, helped Liu Zhiyi adjust her collar, and then instructed the maid to quickly fetch a cloak.

Liu Zhiyi shook her head.

"It's alright, no need to go get it."

The two stood side by side, hand in hand, slowly making their way through the covered walkway. The sunlight cast long shadows of them, creating a scene of exceptional warmth and harmony in the quiet courtyard.

After leaving Jianjia Garden, the two chose a winding bluestone path and walked towards the main courtyard.

Few people walk that path.

By now, a thick layer of fallen leaves had covered the ground, golden and shimmering. Walking on it produced a crisp rustling sound, and it looked like a graceful dragon stretching into the distance.

As she walked, Liu Zhiyi suddenly noticed that the flower beds in the mansion, which were originally filled with other flowers, had been completely transformed and replaced by colorful chrysanthemums.

These chrysanthemums sway gracefully in the biting autumn wind, vying for beauty and creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Among them is an extremely precious ten-zhang (approximately 33 meters) hanging curtain, whose petals are as fine and soft as silk, resembling a magnificent waterfall cascading down from the sky.

Like a curtain, it spreads out in all directions.

There are also flying birds and beautiful women.

The petals are very special, and the flowers are light and graceful, like fairies dancing in the air.

Even more rare are the black chrysanthemums, which are entirely black like ink and exude a mysterious and noble aura;

The Green Peony is eye-catching with its unique green petals, as if it were carved from jade; the Golden Queen shines with golden light, as dazzling as a crown.

The petals of Yuhuchun are as white as jade, mixed with some pink, warm and delicate. The flower lives up to its name, deserving of the phrase "a pure heart in a jade pot".

The petals of the phoenix flapping its wings resemble a phoenix soaring into the sky, creating a magnificent and imposing sight.

There's also the West Lake Reflecting the Moon, whose petals, shaped like the moon's reflection, are mirrored on the lake's surface, creating a unique and dreamlike scene.

These chrysanthemums are all extremely rare varieties, some even worth a fortune, which is astonishing.

Some of them are even rare treasures, difficult to buy even with money. Looking at these jars of such precious chrysanthemums casually placed here, Liu Zhiyi couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement:

"What an extravagant waste!"

My mind finally clicked.

No wonder they wouldn't take the main road and insisted on dragging her along this narrow, deserted path; it turns out they wanted her to admire these beautiful flowers.

He should have just said so earlier. Why did he have to let her find out with her own eyes? This repressed guy, really.

Liu Zhiyi was internally complaining, but she couldn't suppress the urge to smile.

A hint of smugness flashed in Song Hanchuan's eyes, but he only smiled faintly on his face, appearing indifferent.

"What's all this talk about extravagance? They're just inanimate objects. It's their good fortune to bring a smile to your face."

"Alright, we've already enjoyed the flowers, and it's still early. Why don't you go back inside and handle your business? I'd like to go to the backyard to check on the herb garden."

Having said that, she prepared to release Song Hanchuan's tightly clenched hand and leave in different directions.

But he gripped it tightly.

Ever since Liu Zhiyi entered the mansion, Song Hanchuan moved his study to his bedroom, saying that this way he could work while spending time with Liu Zhiyi.

Song Hanchuan shook his head.

"I don't have much to do, I'll keep you company."

Liu Zhiyi didn't object, and the two leisurely made their way to the backyard. Several plots of land there were planted with different medicinal herbs that Liu Zhiyi had personally cultivated and grafted.

She does all the fertilizing and weeding herself every day, never asking anyone else to do it.

Song Hanchuan knew her rules.

Therefore, when Liu Zhiyi was weeding the medicinal herbs, he didn't follow along. Instead, he picked up a wooden bucket and went to the well not far away to draw two full buckets of water and brought them back.

They carefully watered the medicinal herbs.

Before long, the weeds in the herb garden were cleared and the water was poured. Liu Zhiyi washed her hands with the water in the wooden bucket, and Song Hanchuan promptly took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.

Seeing that she had finished wiping her hands, he took it back and put it in his pocket.

At this moment, the sun was high in the sky, its rays shining down, hot and dazzling, just at noon.

The two then headed straight for the dining hall.

Before long, we arrived at our destination.

Today's lunch was snail rice noodles, and the two of them went to their respective seats and sat down.

The maids came forward one after another, placing a steaming bowl of snail rice noodles in front of each person, instantly filling the air with an enticing aroma.

Between the two of them was a plate of small, delicate, white and soft steamed buns, about ten or so in total.

In the center of the table were twelve different side dishes, a dazzling array.

Red oil pickled bamboo shoots with a bright red color and a rich sour aroma; crispy and golden tofu skin with a satisfying crunch; and pickled cowpeas and wood ear mushrooms with a sour and spicy flavor that whets the appetite.

There are also spicy snails, bright red and fragrant chili oil, and other delicious options that are perfect to pair with snail rice noodles.

All the side dishes are served in elegant bowls and plates, and you can add them freely according to your personal preferences and tastes.

Liu Zhiyi especially loved the sour and crisp red oil pickled bamboo shoots. Without hesitation, she picked up her chopsticks and put two large mouthfuls of the sauce into her bowl.

Seeing this, Song Hanchuan imitated her actions and added two mouthfuls of pickled bamboo shoots in chili oil to his own bowl.

Immediately afterwards, the two stopped talking, lowered their heads, and began to slurp up their noodles.

For a moment, the only sound in the entire dining hall was the slurping of rice noodles.

The maids waiting to serve them watched the two of them eat so deliciously that they couldn't help but swallow hard.

There were a few young maids who had only recently entered the mansion and had never eaten snail rice noodles before.

At this moment, his eyes were fixed on the bowl of snail rice noodles in front of Shen Ningzhu, his eyes practically popping out of his head from drooling.

This scene was caught by Liu Zhiyi when she inadvertently looked up, and she couldn't help but find it amusing.

He simply waved his hand.

"Give the order that the entire household will eat snail rice noodles today. Have the kitchen prepare another large pot so that everyone who wants to eat can have their fill."

Yun'er stiffened, her eyes lit up, and she exclaimed that the madam was wise. Then she ran out of the dining hall in a flash.

Liu Zhiyi smiled helplessly.

"This girl is getting more and more unsteady. She and the others have eaten snail rice noodles many times since they came with me. Why is she still so fond of it?"

Song Hanchuan's bowl was already empty.

Upon hearing this, he scooped up the last few rice noodles, slurped them into his mouth, and savored the soft, chewy texture. He squinted his eyes in satisfaction, remaining noncommittal.

"This snail rice noodle is indeed extremely delicious. Not to mention those girls, even I, as their husband, can't help but yearn for it."

Liu Zhiyi smiled slightly upon hearing this.