Liu Xu’s question left Ji Mingzhu at a loss whether to cry or laugh.

"Drinking milk should count as having a meal."

Only then did Liu Xu realize that Ji Mingzhu’s twin babies were still infants and couldn’t eat the same food as adults.

With an unnatural expression, she coughed once, "Are they still sleeping?"

Ji Mingzhu nodded, "Don’t worry about them. They’re under the care of the wet nurse."

Out of politeness, Liu Xu asked, "Your Lord isn’t coming back for the meal?"

Ji Mingzhu wasn’t sure either.

"The small kitchen always has food prepared, so whenever he returns, there’s a meal ready."

As she finished speaking, she heard the approaching sound of the maid’s greetings.

Xi Yu followed Xie Yunzhen inside from outside, teasingly saying, "Why is no one concerned about whether I’ve eaten?"

This year, although Xi Yu stayed at the General Mansion, his movements were unpredictable.

Sometimes when he went out, he wouldn’t return for ten days or half a month, which was quite common.

Ji Mingzhu considered Xi Yu an esteemed guest. Initially, she’d worry whether he was well-fed, afraid of neglecting him.

After getting used to Xi Yu’s unpredictable whereabouts, Ji Mingzhu stopped fretting over it.

Sometimes, when she cared too much, it put pressure on the guests instead.

She would simply instruct Uncle Wu to take good care of Xi Yu while he was at the mansion.

No matter what Xi Yu instructed, Uncle Wu was to do his best to fulfill the guest’s requests.

After that, Ji Mingzhu left him unattended.

Unexpectedly, he arrived home with Xie Yunzhen, prompting Ji Mingzhu to quickly have extra tableware and seats prepared.

She asked Xi Yu, "Is there anything special you’d like to eat? If so, I’ll have them make a couple more dishes."

Xi Yu teased, "We won’t make extra unless there’s something you especially want to eat?"

Ji Mingzhu nodded.

Xi Yu: "..."

Today was a reception to welcome Liu Xu, and the food spread was lavish, filling the table completely.

There were famous dishes from the capital and distinctive gourmet food from Yanzhou, all looking and smelling delicious, clearly prepared with care.

Xi Yu said, "I’m not picky about food, so today I’m benefiting from Madam Liu’s presence."

Liu Xu had heard of Xi Yu’s reputation and knew he was a close friend of Xie Yunzhen, but she had never interacted with him.

Seeing him now, Liu Xu found Xi Yu quite approachable, not as aloof as she had imagined.

She bowed slightly, "I’ve long admired you, Doctor Xi."

Xi Yu accompanied Xie Yunzhen to the central court, intending to discover what kind of person Liu Xu was. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Wondering if Ji Mingzhu was being taken advantage of in their business dealings?

Or if the young Yun Ling was being bullied by others behind the scenes?

Xi Yu was quite concerned.

Despite receiving several sidelong looks from Xie Yunzhen, he shamelessly followed to the central court.

Observing Liu Xu’s graceful and amiable demeanor, Xi Yu suddenly felt his assumptions were misplaced.

Her ability to earn money was a skill.

She shouldn’t be judged as cunning, as that was prejudiced.

Luckily he hadn’t said anything he shouldn’t, and Xi Yu felt relief.

He nodded, "I often hear Mingzhu mention you, saying you’re adept at making money. Upon meeting you today, I see wealth radiates from you, just as she claimed."

Liu Xu maintained a subtle smile, "Are you sure it’s not the stench of money?"

Xi Yu chuckled, "If you feel the stench of money is unpleasant, you could donate the money to me."

Liu Xu: "..."

Merchants held low status, and though her business had grown significantly over the years, only she knew the hardships involved.

Even though she had enough Silver Coin to live extravagantly.

In the eyes of others, she was still a humble merchant.

Liu Xu never belittled herself.

Yet in this era, many people viewed merchants this way.

She hoped to leverage her connection with the Xie family to expand her market at the border, but didn’t expect Ji Mingzhu to be so straightforward and willing to do business together.

Many respectable ladies were unwilling to associate with merchants.

This made Liu Xu appreciate Ji Mingzhu even more.

Also understanding the saying, "Birds of a feather flock together."

Yun Ling was a good girl, and Ji Mingzhu, who cared for her, was naturally a good person too.

Ji Mingzhu invited them to sit, "Let’s eat and chat."

Xi Yu was very familiar with Ji Mingzhu and her husband but was meeting Liu Xu for the first time and refrained from joking further.

He sat across from Ji Mingzhu.

At the square table, Liu Xu sat to his left and Xie Yunzhen to his right.

Looking at the dishes on the table, he asked Liu Xu, "Boss Liu, when will the Ruyi Residence be opened in Yanzhou? I want to satisfy my cravings and try all the dishes once it opens."

These words were spoken sincerely.

Yanzhou and the capital were far apart, with distinct culinary tastes, and Xi Yu indeed missed the food from the capital.

The delicacies at Ruyi Residence were quite popular in the capital.

Xi Yu had dined there before, and some dishes were unforgettable.

Seeing Liu Xu reminded him of those delightful and novel foods.

Liu Xu’s visit this time to Yanzhou was already planned with the intention of opening a branch.

However, she hadn’t fully prepared, and the opening would have to wait.

She raised her cup to offer tea in place of wine, toasting Xi Yu, "If all goes well, it’ll definitely open this year. By then, Doctor Xi must come to honor us. I’ll save you the best seat and send you a few signature dishes."

With such enthusiasm, if he didn’t go, wouldn’t it be disappointing to refuse such good intentions?

Xi Yu laughed, "That would be splendid. Once Ruyi Residence opens, if I’m still in Yanzhou, I’ll definitely visit."

Xie Yunzhen glanced at him indifferently, "You’re planning to settle down in Yanzhou?"

As a close friend, Xi Yu understood the irony in Xie Yunzhen’s words instantly.

He clicked his tongue, "Are you planning to dispose of me once I’ve been used?"

Xie Yunzhen confidently replied, "I’ve paid Silver."

Most of the herbs the Emperor bestowed upon him had been taken by Xi Yu.

Saying he paid Silver was also accurate.

Xi Yu found himself unable to refute and could only start eating.

Liu Xu glanced at his expression, finding him composed, clearly unaffected by Xie Yunzhen’s words.

She thought, no wonder it was said their friendship was extraordinary.

Back when the Lord was young, he went to battle, and Doctor Xi accompanied him on campaigns for several years.

Seeing it now, their bond was truly profound.

Even siblings may not be as close.

If Xie Yunzhen hadn’t already married and his complicated love story with Ji Mingzhu hadn’t spread throughout the capital long ago.

Liu Xu felt she might have misunderstood Xie Yunzhen and Xi Yu...

Under the table, Ji Mingzhu kicked Xie Yunzhen gently, reminding him to restrain himself as there were guests present.

Unexpectedly, as she extended her leg, Xie Yunzhen trapped her with his long leg.

Despite the square table, they weren’t seated directly opposite each other.

His abrupt move almost made Ji Mingzhu fall off her chair.

While the guests were unaware, she glared at Xie Yunzhen fiercely.

The man remained composed, leisurely placing a crispy fish in her bowl.

Not letting go of Ji Mingzhu’s small leg, he tightened around it even more, rubbing against her.

"Just enjoy the meal."

Fearing others might notice something odd, Ji Mingzhu did her best to keep her expression under control.

She took a strong bite of the crispy fish while shooting a meaningful look at Xie Yunzhen.

Xie Yunzhen’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and he obediently released her.

If he continued teasing, he’d have to sleep on the floor tonight...

The small fish was fried to a crispy texture, golden in hue, and those with good teeth could even chew up the bones.

Ji Mingzhu indeed enjoyed them.

However, eating too much could lead to inflammation, so even though she liked them, she only ate them occasionally.