Rebirth and Rewriting Fate

Ye Xingchen was currently lying on the bed chatting with Zhu Ling and Nan Rao.

"Let me ask you guys, a friend of mine asked me if a man saved you many times, and then sent people to protect you secretly, and even worried about you, do you think this man is interested in the woman?" Ye Xingchen said with a flicker in his eyes.

"Miss, don't make things up!" Zhu Ling gossiped, exposing her.

“I don’t know if the man is interested or not, but the woman who asked that question must be moved.” After saying that, Nan Rao glanced at Ye Xingchen.

Ye Xingchen quickly covered her face with the blanket. Zhu Ling and Nan Rao exchanged a glance and smiled.

Zhu Ling said, "Your Highness is a handsome and talented man, and he is now twenty-one years old. How come I've never heard of any beautiful woman by his side?"

"I didn't say it was a prince," Ye Xingchen said anxiously.

Nan Rao chuckled.

Realizing she had been tricked, Ye Xingchen was so angry that she picked up a pillow and threw it at them.

Nan Rao reached out and took the money. "Let's get down to business. Miss, I think the Prince is a good person, and he treats you differently. As the saying goes, 'Those near the water get the moon first.' Besides you, the only other person the Prince is close to is Miss Shangguan Wan'er."

"So what if it's Miss Shangguan Wan'er? My young lady is the best." Zhu Ling retorted venomously. Then, she moved next to Ye Xingchen, "Miss, I've heard that the first to strike wins, and the last to strike suffers. We shouldn't let such a good person slip through our fingers."

"But, would he be interested in me?" Ye Xingchen hesitated.

“Miss, when did you become so cowardly? Back when you liked the Fourth Prince, weren’t you so brave that you planned to announce it to the whole capital?” Zhu Ling said righteously.

Upon hearing this, Nan Rao quickly covered Zhu Ling's mouth, and Zhu Ling, realizing she had spoken out of turn, immediately fell silent.

Seeing the two of them like this, Ye Xingchen quickly laughed it off, "It's nothing, it's nothing."

Nan Rao said solemnly, "No matter who you like or what decision you make, I will support you."

“Me too, me too,” Zhu Ling hurriedly replied.

"By the way, I heard from Aunt Liu in the kitchen today that the Prayer Festival is coming soon," Zhu Ling said while embroidering flowers.

"A prayer festival?" Ye Xingchen couldn't help but ask curiously.

"The Prayer Festival is an important festival in our area. On this day, relatives and friends gather together to celebrate and pray for blessings. It's a little less lively than the Lunar New Year!" Nan Rao explained.

“I also know,” Zhu Ling blinked, “that if lovers make a wish to the moon together on this day, they will receive the blessing of the Moon Goddess!”

"There is such a rumor," Nan Rao said with a smile.

"Miss, didn't you want to know the Prince's intentions? Why don't you try to probe him these next few days?" Zhu Ling suggested.

"Testing?" Ye Xingchen leaned forward.

“Yes!” Zhu Ling suddenly adopted a haughty demeanor, shaking her head like a storyteller, “Since ancient times, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Miss, I think your pastries are absolutely first-rate!” After saying that, she started winking and making faces.

"The words may be rough, but the principle is sound. Although I don't know if it will work out, if Your Highness doesn't object, it should be a good start," Nan Rao encouraged.

"Then let's try it?"

They both nodded.

“Miss, your birthday is on the Prayer Festival. Is there anything you would like?” Nan Rao asked.

"What Miss desires most is to enjoy the flowers and the moon with her beloved!"

"Zhu Ling! I'll beat you to death!"

And so, another pillow fight broke out in the room.

"Here, bring me the flour. And yes, crack the eggs into the bowl for me." Ye Xingchen was busy in the kitchen, preparing to test Gu Ruoxiao under the guise of a thank-you gift.

"Miss, since you've already made it, why don't you make another one? I'd like to eat some too." Zhu Ling craned her neck to watch from the side.

"Okay, you glutton."

When she was alone in the villa, Ye Xingchen learned to cook for herself, reminding herself that she needed to be well-fed to have the strength to live. While in Xiyan Mountain, she was also taught cooking skills by her third aunt. No wonder her third uncle, who had taught her for several days, said, "Well, at least I have something to show for myself."

The study door was pushed open. "Master, this is food sent by Miss Ye to thank you for saving my life." Chiwu came in carrying a tray.

"What is this? I don't think I've ever seen it before," Chengfeng asked curiously from the side.

"I think it's called glutinous rice pancake."

"And what's that red thing?" Chengfeng pointed to the contents of the small dish.

"They said it was tomato sauce, and that the pancake should be dipped in this sauce," Chiwu recalled Nanrao's instructions.

"What has she been doing these past few days?" Gu Ruoxiao closed the memorial she had just finished writing.

“Since returning, she has been resting in the manor and has not been seen going out,” Chiwu replied.

"Master, if you don't want to eat it, can I test for poison for you first?" Chengfeng asked curiously.

Gu Ruoxiao glanced at him, then lowered her head to continue reading the letter.

The next second, Chengfeng grabbed a piece of bread, dipped it in sauce, and threw it into his mouth. He then tossed one to Chiwu as well, saying as he ate, "Good brother, we share the hardships." Back in the capital, most of the things sent from the palace ended up in Chengfeng's stomach.

"It tastes pretty good," Chengfeng said as he continued eating.

Seeing that there was hardly any glutinous rice left in the plate, Chiwu hurriedly dragged Chengfeng out.

After finishing his reply, Gu Ruoxiao looked up and found himself alone. He walked to the table, looked at the few remaining dishes on the plate, picked up a piece, and tasted it carefully. It was indeed a snack he had never tried before.

The next day, when Zhu Ling came to collect the plates, she saw the empty plates and hurriedly ran back to report the good news.

So Ye Xingchen continued to work hard on making food. Today she made mugwort dumplings, and the three of them were busy in the kitchen.

“Miss, I met Lord Chengfeng in the front yard today. He was asking how to make glutinous rice fritters,” Zhu Ling said while stirring the flour.

"I forgot about them. Okay, make two more portions today." Ye Xingchen immediately understood the implication.

Chengfeng brought in the food. "Grandpa, this is called mugwort dumplings. The one with the flower on top is sweet, and it's said to be filled with red bean paste. The other one is savory, filled with dried bamboo shoots, diced beans, and chopped mushrooms," Chengfeng introduced in a stiff manner.

Seeing that Gu Ruoxiao did not speak, Chengfeng prepared to slip away. "Then Your Highness, please go ahead and eat. I will take my leave now."

"Why didn't you say you would test the poison for me today?" Gu Ruoxiao looked at Chengfeng.

Chengfeng scratched his head sheepishly and said, "Miss Ye also prepared a portion for me and Chiwu. I'll be going now." He then disappeared in a flash.

Gu Ruoxiao smiled and picked up the mugwort dumpling.

Day after day, there are surprises every day.

"Master, today's meal has arrived." Chiwu carried the food into the study.

"Hmm." Gu Ruoxiao nodded. After a while, noticing that Chiwu hadn't left, she asked, "Is there something you want to say?"

"Master, these past few days, Miss Ye has been bringing you food every day. Miss Ye wouldn't be...?" Chi Wu's words trailed off, but Gu Ruoxiao already understood.

After a moment of silence, he said, "Instead of letting her focus on Xiao Ba, it's better for her to waste her attention on these foods."

"Your subordinate understands." Chiwu lowered his head.