The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

After feeding the animals, Chen Mengyao returned all the water buckets to their original locations and neatly arranged them on both sides of the forest path. Then, she led the emperor and his entourage deeper into the forest. The emperor, empress, and the Grand Tutor's family were utterly astonished when they saw the wide variety of rare medicinal herbs. Even the Grand Tutor, with his extensive knowledge, was unfamiliar with many of the herbs.

After Chen Mengyao explained in detail the effects of the various medicinal herbs and their inexhaustible availability, everyone's eyes widened as if they had discovered a whole new world. This forest was truly a treasure trove; the medicinal herbs were so potent that they would surely save countless lives in the future. A sense of admiration welled up within everyone for Chen Mengyao's willingness to share such precious resources.

Chen Mengyao brought out many more boxes, allowing the Grand Tutor's family to select medicinal herbs that would be useful to them. They carefully selected some practical herbs and packed them into the boxes. Chen Mengyao herself then took out boxes to pick mushrooms, saying that these mushrooms were excellent for cooking and making soup. Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Ouyang Han, Prince Wen, Prince Duan, and others also picked a considerable amount of mushrooms, preparing to pack them into boxes. The Emperor and Empress also humbled themselves, personally picking mushrooms, intending to have the imperial chefs prepare delicious dishes upon returning to the palace. They had never tasted so many different kinds of mushrooms before.

The scene was bustling with activity, with adults and children alike busy picking medicinal herbs and mushrooms. Everyone was full of enthusiasm and anticipation.

Only when everyone's boxes were completely full did they set off on their journey home, satisfied. When they returned to the mysterious well, Chen Mengyao once again generously took many porcelain bottles from the well and distributed them to everyone present, so that they could continue to collect the precious spiritual spring water.

The two daughters-in-law of the Grand Tutor pondered silently, wanting to bring some for their respective families, yet worried that this would reveal Chen Mengyao's secret. Their hearts were filled with conflict and contradiction. Chen Mengyao seemed to have already seen through their thoughts and quickly reassured them, "My dear sisters-in-law, please feel free to take what you need. If anyone from your families asks, just say it's a precious item His Highness Prince An brought back from his travels. Tell them to cherish it and drink it, and absolutely not to let anyone outside their families know about it. Just bring a small amount as a token of your goodwill."

The two sisters-in-law were filled with gratitude upon hearing this, praising Chen Mengyao's thoughtfulness and consideration. They then carefully filled several bottles with the spiritual spring water. After everyone had finished filling their boxes, Chen Mengyao retrieved a shopping cart from the side and had them place the boxes full of items inside. She then pushed the cart and continued to lead the Taifu family on a tour of her magical supermarket.

The moment the Taifu family stepped into the supermarket, they were instantly stunned by what they saw. It was a bright store they had never seen before, with neatly arranged shelves filled with all sorts of goods they had never seen before. Chen Mengyao patiently introduced everything to them, from daily necessities to stationery and books—everything was available. She also thoughtfully prepared extra shopping carts for them, allowing them to freely choose the items they liked.

The Grand Tutor and his family began their excited selection. The Grand Tutor and his wife were first drawn to toiletries and bath products, carefully choosing them in hopes of providing their family with a better living experience. The Grand Tutor's wife also specially selected some skincare products, painting tools, Xuan paper, and brushes, preparing to cultivate her mind and spirit in her leisure time.

The Grand Tutor's eldest son was particularly fond of books on military strategy and tactics; he also selected toiletries, a razor, and writing implements. The second son, besides choosing daily necessities, also selected many pens and notebooks, as well as books of poetry and prose. He was also attracted by some novel musical instruments and board games. Guided by Chen Mengyao, the youngest son first selected daily necessities, then went to the armory, choosing a suitable weapon and some repeating crossbows.

Led by Chen Mengyao, the Grand Tutor's two daughters-in-law selected underwear, sanitary napkins, various skincare products, and daily necessities. They also chose a considerable amount of snacks, pens, notebooks, and other items. Meanwhile, the children, guided by Ouyang Han, selected their favorite toys and stationery. Of course, the daily necessities were also chosen in child-friendly styles.

After everyone had chosen their items, Chen Mengyao led them to see several warehouses. When they arrived at the armory, the Grand Tutor and his eldest son were stunned. They had never seen such exquisite weapons before, and couldn't help but think to themselves: If Dongling Kingdom possessed such superior weaponry, what fear would they have of an invading nation? Chen Mengyao seemed to sense their thoughts and quickly explained, "Father, elder brother, these weapons are far too lethal and could easily harm innocent people. I wouldn't want to use so many unless absolutely necessary. However, I have already arranged for people to manufacture some more powerful weapons, which are sufficient to deal with any invading nation." The Grand Tutor found this quite reasonable; he knew his daughter was kind-hearted and couldn't bear to see so much suffering.

With a smile, Chen Mengyao led the group slowly through the mysterious and vast space. As they walked, she explained in detail every corner and its hidden wonders. The group stared wide-eyed, marveling repeatedly, as if they were in a dreamlike world.

When they finally concluded their unforgettable tour, Chen Mengyao slowly stopped, gracefully turned around, and faced the Grand Tutor and her family. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her voice was like heavenly music, clear and melodious: "Father, Mother, and all my brothers and sisters-in-law, what you see is only its current form! If we can continuously upgrade and optimize it, it will unlock even more amazing functions! When it reaches its highest level, it might even be able to travel through time and space, leading us back to my world. At that time, I will definitely show you all the wonders and beauty of my world."

Upon hearing this, the Grand Tutor's family found it even more wondrous, and they were genuinely delighted that Chen Mengyao possessed such a magical space. Perhaps this was the reward for her good deeds, a blessing bestowed upon her by Heaven. The Grand Tutor, beaming, said, "Excellent, excellent! Yao'er is truly a clever and obedient child. I long to one day see for myself how advanced and developed your world is, possessing so many convenient things." The group lingered within the space, reluctant to leave until a long time later. Of course, Chen Mengyao then promptly sent out the items they had carefully selected.

After leaving the space, the Grand Tutor solemnly instructed Chen Mengyao, "Yao'er, you must not reveal the existence of such a magical space to anyone else. Just let us, your closest family, know about it. You can't judge a book by its cover, and it's hard to guarantee that outsiders won't covet your treasures." Chen Mengyao nodded solemnly and replied, "Yes, Father, I understand."

By this time, the Emperor and Empress had lingered outside for quite some time, and they voluntarily requested to return to the palace. The Emperor even specially invited Chen Mengyao to the palace to host a buffet for them when she had time. After speaking, he took out a gold token from his robes and personally handed it to Chen Mengyao: "Yao'er, I bestow this token upon you. No matter what difficulties you encounter when entering the palace or outside, as long as you present this token, you will be able to proceed without hindrance, whether entering the palace or handling official business. Officials will also do their utmost to assist you. This token represents me; seeing this token is as if I were here in person."

Chen Mengyao accepted the token with gratitude and thanked him repeatedly, "Thank you, Father. When I have time, I will definitely visit you in the palace and bring you some special delicacies." Upon hearing this, the Emperor said with delight, "Good, good, good, you are truly my good child."

Then, the Emperor turned to Ouyang Han, his gaze deep and earnest, and said, "You're truly blessed, young man. You must treat Yao'er well. If you cause her any sadness or distress, I will not forgive you easily." Ouyang Han immediately nodded in agreement, "Father, rest assured. Yao Yao is the most important person in my life. Even if it costs me my life, I will not let her suffer the slightest harm. I will cherish and protect her with all my heart." The Emperor nodded in satisfaction and then returned to the palace.

After politely expressing their gratitude and reluctance to part, the Crown Prince and his entourage also took their leave. Their steps carried a hint of urgency; as members of the royal family, they bore the weight of the nation's future and many unfinished tasks, each crucial and allowing no room for negligence. As the Crown Prince departed, the once lively scene gradually quieted down, leaving only Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han's group. They seemed in no hurry to leave, instead enjoying this rare moment of peace and tranquility.

Watching the departing figures of everyone, Chen Mengyao smiled gently. Turning to Ouyang Han and the Taifu family, she said, "Tonight, let me prepare a unique dinner for you. I guarantee it will be a feast you've never tasted before, adding a special memory to our gathering." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and confidence, as if she could already foresee the laughter and joy of dinner.

Upon hearing this, the Grand Tutor's face lit up with delight. He stroked his white beard and chuckled, "Yao'er, you always manage to surprise us! What kind of delicacies will you prepare this time? I'm filled with anticipation!" The Grand Tutor's wife and children echoed his sentiments, their eyes brimming with curiosity and anticipation for the upcoming dinner. They sat together in the exquisite courtyard, a gentle evening breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the feast to come.