The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Upon returning to the Prince's Mansion, Chen Mengyao immediately entered her spatial dimension and researched and printed out information about suitable environments for planting vegetable and fruit seeds, as well as how to plant and care for them—dozens of pages in total.

Chen Mengyao carefully bound the dozens of pages into a booklet and neatly wrote "Guide to Vegetable and Fruit Planting" on the cover. Then she called Qingying over and instructed her, "Take this booklet to the Prince and tell him that it is an extremely important document about vegetable and fruit planting." Qingying obeyed and left.

Before long, Ouyang Han rushed over, holding the booklet in his hand, his eyes full of surprise: "Yaoyao, you did a great job. This booklet is really good. It can be used for reference with the information collected from various places."

Chen Mengyao smiled and said, "This is just preliminary data, and it still needs to be adjusted according to the actual climate and soil conditions. But with this, the training of planting instructors will be much more efficient."

Ouyang Han nodded repeatedly: "That's right. I've already instructed the people from Longyuan Pavilion to speed up the integration of information from various regions. People from my father's, elder brother's, and fourth brother's sides have also been sent to investigate. I believe we'll have results soon. Once everything is ready, we can distribute seeds on a large scale and begin planting." The two smiled at each other, as if they could already see the future of Dongling Kingdom, where the air was filled with the fragrance of fruits and vegetables, and the people lived in peace and prosperity.

After taking care of these matters, Chen Mengyao went to take a bath. Afterwards, she reorganized the gifts for the Grand Tutor's family. Since Ouyang Han hadn't mentioned the Grand Tutor's sons and children last time, she decided to prepare some more children's toys. So she took out many children's toys from her spatial storage and packed them into several boxes. She only went to bed after confirming that nothing was missing.

The next morning, after waking up and washing up, Chen Mengyao arranged for the housekeeper to prepare a carriage and asked the servants to help load the gifts she had prepared onto it before she went to have breakfast. After breakfast, she waited in the hall for Ouyang Han to return and take her to visit the Grand Tutor's house.

After Ouyang Han returned and finished breakfast, he went to the Grand Tutor's residence with Chen Mengyao and several maids and guards. Since they had sent an invitation beforehand, the Grand Tutor's steward and servants were already waiting for them at the gate. When they saw the Prince Jing's carriage stop at the gate, the steward quickly led the servants to bow. Seeing the guards unloading things from the carriage, he immediately told the servants to help while he led Prince Jing and his entourage inside.

Upon entering the Grand Tutor's residence, one is greeted by a courtyard arranged in a simple and elegant style. The ground is paved with bluestone slabs, which, though bearing the marks of time, remain clean and tidy. The wood used in the buildings does not appear to be of precious quality, but the structure is sturdy, and the carvings are simple and unpretentious. The flowers, plants, and trees in the garden are all common varieties, trimmed in a pleasing and orderly manner, showing that the owner has taken good care of them without pursuing luxury.

Inside the main hall, the tables, chairs, and benches were of ordinary style, without much decoration. Several calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, presumably the works that the Grand Tutor enjoyed, exuding the refined and upright air of a scholar.

The Grand Tutor and his family were waiting for them in the main hall. Upon seeing Prince Jing enter, they quickly stepped forward to pay their respects and instructed the steward to prepare tea and refreshments. Chen Mengyao carefully observed the servants attending to her; their clothes were simple and neat, and their faces radiated gentle smiles. Although few in number, each servant performed their duties efficiently, without the slightest sign of panic. She immediately felt a sense of admiration for the Grand Tutor. Chen Mengyao secretly thought to herself, "This Grand Tutor, despite his high position, is so frugal and self-disciplined; he is truly a model for the court."

At this moment, after exchanging a few pleasantries, the Grand Tutor began discussing matters of state, to which Ouyang Han responded attentively. Chen Mengyao listened quietly, occasionally interjecting with a few words, her tone full of humility and politeness. Her gaze swept over the crowd, and she increasingly felt that this simple and unpretentious atmosphere was comforting and relaxing.

During a break in the conversation, Chen Mengyao softly said to the Grand Tutor, "Grand Tutor, the simple yet elegant layout of your residence is truly admirable. Every detail reflects your character and refinement. Seeing it today, I understand what true grandeur is." The Grand Tutor smiled slightly and replied, "Miss Mengyao is too kind. I am merely adhering to my principles and unwilling to indulge excessively in material things." Upon hearing this, everyone smiled knowingly, and a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere filled the hall.

Finally, Ouyang Han got down to business. He cleared his throat and said solemnly, "Grand Tutor, I have come here with a request. This Miss Chen Mengyao, though of humble origins, is exceptionally talented and virtuous, gentle and kind. I greatly admire her and intend to take her as my princess consort; my father has already bestowed the marriage upon me. However, I fear the ministers will object to her status. Therefore, I have come to earnestly request that you, Grand Tutor, adopt Miss Mengyao as your goddaughter. In this way, her status will be sufficient to match that of a princess consort, and it will also silence any dissent." Upon hearing this, the Grand Tutor frowned slightly and began to scrutinize Chen Mengyao. Chen Mengyao blushed and lowered her head, remaining silent.

After a moment of contemplation, the Grand Tutor said, "Your Highness, this is no small matter. Although Miss Mengyao is indeed a good girl, I cannot be too hasty in adopting her as a goddaughter." Ouyang Han quickly replied, "Grand Tutor, rest assured, I can vouch for Miss Mengyao's character. Moreover, if she becomes my queen in the future, she will certainly not fail to repay your kindness today." The Grand Tutor stroked his beard and looked at Chen Mengyao, asking, "What does Miss Mengyao think?" Chen Mengyao raised her head, her eyes resolute, and said, "My lord, Mengyao is willing to follow the arrangements of Your Highness and me. If I am fortunate enough to become your goddaughter, I will certainly fulfill my filial duties and live up to your expectations." Seeing this, the Grand Tutor finally nodded slowly, "In that case, I agree to this matter."

So they agreed to choose an auspicious day to hold the family recognition ceremony and invite court officials to witness it. Seeing that the matter was settled, Chen Mengyao quickly said, "Grand Tutor, my daughter has brought some gifts with her this time. Please don't find them too much." After saying that, she asked the servants to help carry the gifts up.

She had the servants open everything, and she introduced each item to the Grand Tutor and his family. When the Grand Tutor saw the numerous writing brushes, inkstones, paper, and inkstones given to him and his wife, along with other unfamiliar types of paper and brushes, the painting tools for his wife, and the gifts prepared according to his sons' preferences, he couldn't help but feel a greater fondness for Chen Mengyao. This girl was indeed clever; no wonder Prince Jing had taken a liking to her. It wouldn't be a bad deal for him to adopt her as his goddaughter. He wasn't the only one who thought this; the Grand Tutor's wife and his sons also felt a surge of affection for Chen Mengyao. Having such a daughter/sister wouldn't be bad at all.

The Grand Tutor's wife then took Chen Mengyao's hand and praised her repeatedly, saying that she was indeed a good girl and that she was very happy to have such a daughter.

As lunchtime approached, the Grand Tutor and his family warmly invited them to stay for lunch. The Grand Tutor's dishes, though simple, were packed with nutrition. The table was laden with exquisitely prepared dishes. First were several chicken dishes, including pan-fried chicken, pan-fried until golden and crispy, with a fragrant, juicy interior and a delicate aroma. One bite, and the chicken's flavor exploded in your mouth, leaving a lingering, delightful aftertaste.

Lotus leaf chicken exudes a unique and delicate fragrance. The chicken meat is tender and juicy, infused with the aroma of lotus leaves, making every bite intoxicating. Roasted chicken, on the other hand, boasts crispy skin and tender meat. The golden-brown skin is roasted to perfection, producing a satisfying "crunch" with every bite, while the meat inside remains tender and juicy, the spices fully infused, leaving a lingering and unforgettable taste.

Next is "Beef Soup," a dish made primarily with beef, along with tofu, mushrooms, and other seasonings. The beef is tender, the tofu is smooth, and the mushrooms have an unforgettable umami flavor.

Next came several duck dishes. First was "Crispy Fried Duck," with its golden-brown, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat; one bite released an irresistible aroma. Then came "Braised Duck Pieces," a rich, reddish-brown color and flavorful stew, each piece succulent and irresistible. Finally, there was "Steamed Duck Breast," tender and delicate with a light flavor, preserving the original taste of the duck and showcasing its deliciousness.

Stuffed tofu is a dish with a rich flavor. The tenderness of the tofu and the savory taste of the meat filling blend together, melting in your mouth. The aroma of beans and meat spreads in your mouth, making it irresistible.

Stir-fried seasonal vegetables, their tender green leaves glistening under the light, exuded a delicate fragrance. The final dish was a chicken and vegetable soup, where chicken and various vegetables were simmered together to create a light and flavorful broth. The savory chicken and the fresh vegetables blended perfectly, creating a nutritious and nourishing soup that instantly soothed both body and soul.

Although the dishes were simple, each one reflected the Grand Tutor's care and attention. Despite their simplicity, the Grand Tutor emphasized the selection and combination of ingredients, meticulously preparing each dish to ensure nutritional balance. He then mentioned that the vegetables in the stir-fried vegetables and chicken and vegetable soup were grown in his own backyard. The Grand Tutor's wife even said she would take her to see them after the meal.

The meal was a great success, and the Grand Tutor's family grew even more fond of Chen Mengyao. After a short rest, the Grand Tutor's wife took Chen Mengyao to tour the backyard. Ouyang Han remained in the main hall to discuss national affairs with the Grand Tutor and his three sons. Ouyang Han also told the Grand Tutor about Chen Mengyao's recent plans to establish a special forces unit, showing them the video and mentioning Chen Mengyao's provision of high-yield grain seeds and the recent promotion of vegetable and fruit seeds. This further enhanced the Grand Tutor's and his family's appreciation and admiration for Chen Mengyao. They were amazed that a woman possessed such patriotism; this adopted daughter/sister was truly worthy of their respect.

Chen Mengyao and the Grand Tutor's wife went to the backyard, where there was a small vegetable garden growing seasonal vegetables. It was evident that the Grand Tutor's family also valued self-sufficiency in their daily diet and avoided extravagance. In the distance, there was a study with its windows open, and one could vaguely see that it was filled with books. This was probably the Grand Tutor's most cherished place and the best reflection of his honest and frugal lifestyle.

Then he took her to visit the courtyards of his sons one by one. His eldest son liked military books and the like, and there was a large sand table placed in the center of his courtyard. He liked to play with this sand table all the time.

As Chen Mengyao approached, she saw that the sand table meticulously depicted mountains, rivers, cities, and roads, as if the entire world had been shrunk into this small space.

The sand table is surrounded by an exquisite wooden frame, carved with various patterns and symbols, adding a touch of antiquity. The bottom of the sand table is a layer of fine sand, the color and texture of which resemble real soil, making the viewer feel as if they are on a real battlefield.

The mountains and rivers on the sand table are undulating and graceful, with towering peaks reaching into the clouds and deep, precipitous valleys. The rivers meander and flow, their waters shimmering, as if the water were truly flowing. Cities and passes are scattered across the sand table in a well-organized manner, with tall, thick city walls and tightly closed gates, exuding an aura of majesty and inviolability.

On one side of the sand table, there are some small models, including soldiers, warhorses, and chariots. These models are exquisitely made and lifelike, making one feel as if they are witnessing scenes of ancient warfare.

The second son loved martial arts, so his yard had a special training ground. The training ground was spacious and quiet, surrounded by tall trees that provided shade for practitioners. The ground was paved with smooth stone slabs, hard and stable, suitable for performing various martial arts movements.

On one side of the training ground were various weapon racks displaying knives, spears, swords, halberds, and other weapons, each gleaming with a cold light, displaying its sharpness and toughness. On the other side was a row of stone blocks, used for training strength and endurance.

In the center of the training ground stood a circular platform, engraved with various martial arts symbols and markings, representing the aspirations and goals of martial arts practitioners. Around the platform were cushions for practitioners to rest and regulate their breathing. Nearby were several archery targets, which the second young master used specifically for practicing archery.

Entering the courtyard of the Grand Tutor's third son, the first thing that catches the eye is a small and exquisite artificial hill, with strangely shaped rocks on it. At the foot of the artificial hill is a crystal-clear pond, where fish swim happily, adding a touch of life and vitality to the entire courtyard.

Walking along the cobblestone path, you arrive at the center of the courtyard. It's a spacious courtyard with smooth marble slabs on the ground. Stone benches and tables are placed around the perimeter for people to rest and enjoy tea. In the very center of the courtyard is a flower bed filled with a variety of flowers, including peonies, roses, and chrysanthemums. These flowers bloom in vibrant colors, emitting a fragrant aroma that is truly enchanting.

The courtyard is surrounded by a covered corridor, adorned with exquisite carvings of poems and prose by ancient literati, creating a rich cultural atmosphere. Along one side of the corridor is a row of studies, their doors and windows decorated with fine wood carvings, exuding elegance. Inside the studies are books and writing implements, providing space for reading and writing.

Passing through the corridor, you arrive at the backyard. This is a quiet little garden, filled with various trees and flowers, including osmanthus, plum, and cherry trees. These trees and flowers complement each other, creating a beautiful picture. On one side of the garden is a small pond, filled with lotus flowers. The lotus leaves are crowded together, like large, round, emerald-green plates. Lotus flowers emerge from among these plates; some have only opened two or three petals, some are fully open, revealing tender yellow seed pods, and some are still buds, looking so full they seem about to burst open.

In a corner of the garden, there are stone tables and benches for people to rest and enjoy the scenery. Here, people can enjoy delicious tea while admiring the beautiful scenery and feeling the charm of nature.

The entire courtyard is exquisitely decorated, with every detail handled perfectly. It is not only a beautiful courtyard, but also an art palace full of cultural atmosphere, allowing people to feel the elegant taste and profound cultural heritage of ancient literati.

Chen Mengyao was immediately drawn to the surroundings; the layout of this courtyard was remarkably similar to that of the princess's residence. It seemed that people who loved poetry and literature generally shared similar tastes.

After the tour, they returned to the main hall to continue drinking tea and chatting. Little did she know that she had already gained a very high reputation among the Grand Tutor and his sons; everyone was exceptionally enthusiastic towards her, vying to present her with their finest jewelry, leaving Chen Mengyao somewhat bewildered. Finally, the Grand Tutor explained that their reason for doing so was because she had performed several great deeds that benefited the country and its people. The Grand Tutor's wife also instructed her personal maid to retrieve her dowry jewelry from the storeroom and gave it to her, adding that she would prepare even better gifts for her when they were formally recognized as relatives.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao had lingered at the Grand Tutor's residence for quite some time, until the sun began to set and late afternoon had arrived. Ouyang Han secretly pondered that if he stayed any longer, the hospitable Grand Tutor would likely invite him to stay for dinner. Thinking this, a thought struck him, and he quickly devised a seemingly reasonable excuse, saying softly to Chen Mengyao beside him, "Yaoyao, I suddenly remembered I have some important matters to attend to at home. We've already troubled you for so long, so perhaps we should take our leave now." Chen Mengyao nodded slightly in agreement. The two then walked together to the Grand Tutor, respectfully bowed in farewell, and politely declined his invitation to stay for dinner. Afterwards, Ouyang Han took Chen Mengyao's hand and hurriedly left the Grand Tutor's residence, as if afraid that if they lingered any longer, the Grand Tutor would try to stop them again.