The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

After a sumptuous and delicious lunch, Chen Mengyao gently put down her delicate bowl and chopsticks, elegantly wiped her mouth with a napkin, then turned to look at Ouyang Han beside her, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation, and said softly, "Yichen, I want to go to the farm to see how those high-yield grains are doing now. Will you come with me?"

Ouyang Han smiled and nodded in agreement. He knew Chen Mengyao's concern and enthusiasm for agricultural development, so he naturally wouldn't refuse her small request.

Then, Chen Mengyao added, "Let's take some delicious pastries and fresh fruit with us to reward those who work so hard. I'm also curious to know if the vegetable and fruit seeds I asked the Emperor to take back yesterday were planted in time and if they understand my planting methods."

Ouyang Han thought the idea was good, so he summoned Ling Feng and instructed him, "Ling Feng, quickly prepare a comfortable carriage." Ling Feng obeyed and left. In no time, a beautifully decorated carriage was ready and parked at the entrance of the courtyard.

Chen Mengyao, accompanied by two obedient and clever maids, slowly walked towards the carriage and gracefully boarded. Ouyang Han followed closely behind, boarding the carriage with equally elegant movements. Once both were seated, Ling Feng sat at the front, skillfully cracking the whip and urging the carriage to move smoothly towards the farm. Along the way, a gentle breeze stirred the curtains, bringing with it the fresh scent of the fields. Inside the carriage, Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han chatted quietly, their cheerful laughter occasionally breaking the silence.

Before long, the beautifully decorated carriage arrived smoothly at the farm gate. Ling Feng skillfully drove the horses, slowly leading the carriage into the farm's courtyard, and finally brought it to a stop.

At this moment, the busy steward saw the Prince Jing's carriage arrive and hurriedly stopped what he was doing, leading several subordinates to rush over to greet it. The carriage door was gently opened, and the first to step out was the imposing Ouyang Han. After he stepped down from the carriage with his upright posture, he turned around and reached out to carefully help the delicate and beautiful Chen Mengyao down with him.

Those who came to greet them dared not be negligent in the slightest, and quickly stepped forward to respectfully greet Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao. Chen Mengyao smiled and said kindly to everyone, "Thank you all for your trouble. Please take the fruit and pastries from the carriage and distribute them to those who are working hard." Hearing this, the manager nodded repeatedly in agreement, and then quickly directed his subordinates to unload the fruit and pastries from the carriage one by one and deliver them to the various work sites.

After arranging these things, Chen Mengyao didn't stop there. Instead, she enthusiastically followed the team distributing food, wanting to check on the crops' growth firsthand. Along the way, she carefully observed each plant, her eyes filled with joy. To her delight, all the crops presented a vibrant and thriving scene.

Just then, the steward strode into the crowd and called out loudly to everyone busy in the fields, "The Princess has come to visit you all! She's also brought delicious pastries and fresh, sweet fruit especially for you all. Come and have a taste!" Hearing this, the people who had been working diligently put down their tasks, washed their hands, and excitedly gathered around. When they saw the beautiful and dignified Chen Mengyao, they were even more thrilled, spontaneously kneeling down to express their gratitude for the Princess's care and thoughtfulness.

Faced with a variety of unfamiliar fruits and pastries, the group looked at each other, unsure of where to begin. Just then, the gentle and kind Chen Mengyao gracefully approached, smiling, and patiently explained how to eat each delicacy.

"This golden-yellow, crescent-shaped pastry is called banana pastry. You can take a small bite and feel its crispy outer crust and sweet, soft filling..." Chen Mengyao explained softly, pointing to different pastries and fruits from time to time.

After listening to Chen Mengyao's detailed explanation, people cautiously picked up the food and began to taste it. When the first delicious bite entered their mouths, everyone's eyes lit up, and they showed expressions of surprise.

"Wow! This pastry is so delicious! It's so sweet and fragrant!" someone couldn't help but exclaim.

"And this fruit, so juicy and sweet, it's simply divine!" another person chimed in.

As everyone enjoyed the delicious food, they all marveled at the princess's thoughtfulness. Their gratitude deepened as they thanked her for providing such precious and delicious treats.

At that moment, everyone silently vowed in their hearts: they must do their utmost to take good care of the crops and not let down the princess's kindness. Only in this way could they repay the princess for her love and grace.

With a smile, Chen Mengyao said to the steward, "Please take us to see the place where high-yield grain seeds are grown." The steward bowed slightly and replied, "Yes, Your Highness, please follow me." So the group set off on their journey. Along the way, Chen Mengyao chatted with the steward with great interest, asking with concern, "Did the Minister of Agriculture come to plant vegetables and fruits yesterday?" The steward respectfully replied, "Your Highness, the Minister of Agriculture did indeed come." In this back-and-forth exchange, the group unknowingly arrived at the area specifically for growing high-yield grain seeds.

From afar, the head of the Ministry of Agriculture could be seen hurrying to greet them. Upon approaching, he quickly bowed to Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao. Ouyang Han slightly raised his hand to signal them to rise, and then began to inquire about the growth of the high-yield grain varieties one by one. Faced with Ouyang Han's questions, those responsible for planting dared not be negligent in the slightest, answering in detail. Afterwards, they led Ouyang Han and the others to inspect the growth of these grain varieties in person. Sure enough, the scene before them was delightful—the seedlings were lush and vibrant, clearly growing extremely well.

At this moment, Chen Mengyao shifted her focus to the matters concerning the vegetable and fruit seeds. She asked softly, "Have you encountered any difficulties in planting these seeds?" The officials from the Ministry of Agriculture responded in unison, "Your Highness, there have been no problems. The information in the records is detailed and clear, and we have already planted all the seeds." Chen Mengyao nodded in satisfaction and smiled encouragingly, "Excellent! I hope you will take good care of these crops, and when the harvest is plentiful, you will be rewarded accordingly." After speaking, she instructed the steward to bring some exquisite pastries and fresh fruit for these hardworking people to enjoy. Furthermore, Chen Mengyao personally demonstrated how to enjoy these delicacies to express her care and concern for them.

After strolling around the fields, Ouyang Han and Chen Mengyao finally set off on their return journey, completely satisfied. A gentle breeze blew along the way, carrying the fragrance of earth and the fresh scent of crops, making them feel refreshed and relaxed.

They walked back to where the carriages were parked in the courtyard, deciding to visit the villa again and stay overnight. Ouyang Han, of course, readily agreed. Afterward, he bid farewell to the steward and other relevant personnel, and then set off with Chen Mengyao for the villa.

When Chen Mengyao arrived at the villa, the sun was just beginning to set in the late afternoon. She walked slowly along the path, her steps light and leisurely, as if she had become one with the tranquil atmosphere. Along the way, she fully appreciated the breathtaking scenery around her; every place her eyes could see was a captivating sight.

Remembering how her foot injury had prevented her from exploring many places last time, Chen Mengyao felt a pang of regret. But now, she was determined to make up for it and continue exploring the sights she hadn't yet seen. As she ventured deeper into the courtyard, one breathtaking scene after another unfolded before her eyes.

Every scene here is unique and charming. In some corners, flowers bloom in profusion, their vibrant colors vying for attention and releasing a fragrant aroma; in other places, lush trees provide shade, their leaves rustling in the breeze like a beautiful symphony played by nature; and in still other areas, streams flow gently, their crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, adding life and vitality to the entire scene.

Chen Mengyao would sometimes pause to gaze at the vibrant flowers, unable to look away; sometimes she would stroll closer to the stream, feeling the coolness of the water; sometimes she would wander through the dense woods, listening to the birds' cheerful songs. She was so engrossed in the moment that she forgot the passage of time.

As night fell, after enjoying a sumptuous dinner in the elegant restaurant of the villa, Chen Mengyao gently took Ouyang Han's arm, and the two strolled side by side through the villa. The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the path, as if covering the ground with a layer of silver frost.

Chen Mengyao looked around curiously, trying to find out what the difference was between the villa at night and during the day. Her bright eyes sparkled in the moonlight, like the brilliant stars in the night sky.

Under the cover of night, the flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard appeared exceptionally tranquil and mysterious. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, as if whispering ancient stories. The flowers, which had been so vibrant and beautiful during the day, had now closed their petals and drifted into a sweet slumber.

As they walked, they came to a pond. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the bright moon and stars in the sky. Occasionally, a fish would leap out of the water, splashing ripples and breaking the tranquility. Chen Mengyao gazed quietly at the moon's reflection in the water, a strange feeling welling up inside her.

Ouyang Han looked tenderly at Chen Mengyao beside him, sensing her delight in the beautiful night view. The two stood together silently, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

After pausing for a while, she continued walking forward, passing through a lush bamboo forest, where a quaint and antique study came into view. Inside, neat bookshelves displayed various books. Chen Mengyao strolled into the study, picked up a book at random, and began to read. The words seemed to possess a magical power, drawing her into their pages.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and Chen Mengyao had explored almost every corner of the villa, appreciating its captivating scenery. At this moment, she had completely forgotten all her troubles, utterly immersed in this beautiful world. It wasn't until Ouyang Han reminded her that it was late and she should go back to rest that she reluctantly left.

The next morning, sunlight bathed every corner of the villa. Chen Mengyao woke up early, ate breakfast, and was filled with anticipation for the daytime scenery of the villa. She stepped out of her room and strolled slowly along the path.

I hadn't noticed it yesterday, but today I discovered many colorful butterflies fluttering among the roadside flowers, adding a touch of lively decoration. Further on, there was a lake, its water crystal clear, with fish swimming happily within. Willows swayed gently along the lakeshore, their slender branches resting on the water's surface, swaying lightly in the breeze as if caressing the water. In the distance, the mountains were even more clearly defined in the morning light, their slopes shaded by lush green trees, and occasionally, the clear chirping of birds could be heard.

The architecture of the villa was also unique, with its carved beams and painted rafters appearing even more exquisite and magnificent under the sunlight. The pavilions and towers were arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, their vermilion pillars exuding an ancient charm. Chen Mengyao strolled through it, feeling as if she were in a breathtaking painting, her heart filled with joy. She couldn't help but marvel at how the villa possessed a captivating beauty during the day, so different from its nighttime charm. The two walked side by side, conversing softly.

Chen Mengyao stood in the pavilion, her eyes slightly closed, letting the gentle breeze caress her face. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers mixed with the fresh scent of earth. "This place is truly beautiful. It would be incredibly joyful to invite the Crown Princess, the other princesses, and the other princesses to dine here. We could set out fine food and wine by the lake, enjoying the scenery and chatting."

Ouyang Han chuckled lightly, "You certainly know how to enjoy yourself."

Chen Mengyao opened her eyes, her gaze filled with longing. "Such a beautiful view, wouldn't it be a pity to enjoy it all by myself? Besides, those princesses are all interesting people. If we all get together, chat about everyday things, share interesting stories, and admire the flowers, birds, fish, and insects in this courtyard, there will surely be endless laughter."

As she spoke, she walked to a stone bench by the lake and sat down, her fingers gently tracing the stone table, feeling the texture of the stone. "Here, it's as if the hustle and bustle of the world has faded away, leaving only tranquility and beauty."

Ouyang Han sat down opposite her, looking at her tenderly. "You can arrange a party like this anytime you like." Upon hearing this, Chen Mengyao's face blossomed into a radiant smile, a smile even more dazzling than the flowers in the garden.

Chen Mengyao blinked her big, bright eyes and asked curiously, "When will Fifth Brother and Second Sister be able to return? I wonder if they have received the good news of our marriage? Will they be able to make it back to the capital in time for our grand wedding?"

Ouyang Han smiled slightly and replied gently, "Yaoyao, don't worry. I have already sent someone to inform them. As far as I know, they are on their way back. Just two days ago, I received a letter from them saying that they should arrive in the capital in the next few days! When they return, I will gather them and the rest of my brothers and sisters here at the villa for a reunion."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mengyao couldn't help but smile, her heart filled with joy and anticipation. She secretly wondered what kind of people her fifth brother and second sister were. Especially since they were people who often acted as chivalrous heroes, their attire must be quite unique and distinctive.

The two chatted idly, one sentence after another, and quite some time passed without them realizing it. Finally, they reluctantly ended their pleasant conversation, got up, and set off slowly towards the city.