Prince Zhao had said it was just a few shops, but in reality, it was far more than that.

By the time Hua Manman had finished touring the properties with him, she discovered he owned a total of nineteen shops, all of which were in prime locations and quite large.

The largest of them had been converted into a restaurant called Yun Ke Lai, one of the most famous establishments in Shangjing City.

The other, smaller shops each had their own purpose as well.

One of them happened to be a grain and oil shop called Wanfeng Grain Store.

Hua Manman thought the Wanfeng Grain Store was perfect. It had everything she needed, so she wouldn’t have to open a separate shop.

She could simply have the peanut oil delivered here for sale.

It would be incredibly easy and save her a lot of trouble.

When he learned that Hua Manman had her eye on Wanfeng Grain Store, Li Ji immediately sent someone to fetch the deed, intending to transfer the shop to her.

Hua Manman quickly waved her hands, refusing.

"I can’t accept a reward I haven’t earned. How could I possibly take such a large shop from you for no reason? I just need a place to sell my goods. This arrangement is perfect as it is."

Li Ji heard her thoughts and knew she was genuinely unwilling to accept, not just being polite. He pushed the deed directly into her hands.

"From now on, you’ll be in charge of all these deeds."

Hua Manman just assumed he couldn’t be bothered with such trivial matters and nodded in agreement.

She carefully put the deed away.

It was already lunchtime, so Hua Manman and Li Ji decided to find a place to eat in the city.

Shangjing City was bustling and prosperous, so naturally, there was no shortage of delicious food.

While Hua Manman was still trying to decide what to have for lunch, Li Ji had already made up his mind.

"I know an eatery in the city with a very skilled chef. Would you like to try it?"

Naturally, Hua Manman nodded and agreed.

She followed Prince Zhao through a series of twists and turns until they arrived at the entrance of a secluded residence.

The courtyard gate was exquisite and rustic. A golden branch of brilliant osmanthus blossoms peeked out from behind the wall, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance. A few of the blossoms were scattered on the steps before the gate.

Stepping on them, one felt as if they, too, had been touched by the sweet osmanthus scent.

Such a serene and elegant place hardly seemed like an eatery.

Hua Manman couldn’t help but ask, "Why doesn’t this place even have a sign?"

Li Ji casually gestured with his folding fan toward two lanterns hanging under the eaves. "That’s the name of the eatery."

Only then did Hua Manman notice the two lanterns hanging on either side of the gate.

The left lantern had the character for "fish," and the right had the character for "lamb."

Combined, they form the character for "savory."

’Now *that* seems more like an eatery,’ she thought.

Li Ji knocked lightly on the door.

The door was opened moments later.

A boy of about seven or eight opened the door. Seeing the couple standing outside, he asked in a clear, bright voice.

"May I ask your surname, esteemed guests?"

Hua Manman was confused. ’They ask for your name before you can even eat?’ It was the first time she’d encountered such a thing.

Li Ji gave his folding fan a slight flick, artfully revealing the white jade pendant that hung from its base.

A perfectly carved character, "Zhao," was engraved on the pendant.

The boy immediately stopped his questioning and respectfully invited the two of them inside.

A moment later, the Shopkeeper of Yu Yang Xian came rushing over.

He bowed deeply to Prince Zhao and his wife.

"Your Highnesses, Prince Zhao and Princess Consort Zhao, I was not aware of your arrival. Please forgive my failure to greet you properly."

Hua Manman gazed around, discovering the courtyard held a world of its own. With its small bridges over flowing streams and a shower of falling blossoms, every corner was exquisitely and elegantly designed. Any random spot was a picturesque scene.

Seeing Princess Consort Zhao looking around with such interest, the Shopkeeper deliberately slowed his pace and asked cautiously.

"Your Highness, will you be taking your usual room?"

Li Ji gave a casual "Mm" in response.

A troubled look appeared on the Shopkeeper’s face, and he seemed to hesitate, as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t.

Li Ji raised an eyebrow. "What is it? Just say what’s on your mind."

"It’s just unfortunate timing today, Your Highness. The private room you usually frequent has already been booked."

After saying this, the Shopkeeper’s heart began to pound.

He knew this Prince Zhao was not a man to be trifled with. Once he lost his temper, he wouldn’t give face to God himself.

He was terrified that Prince Zhao would fly into a rage.

The Shopkeeper was already bracing himself to kneel and beg for mercy, but instead, Prince Zhao just chuckled and said nonchalantly.

"It’s no matter. Just arrange another private room for me."

The Shopkeeper froze for a second before it registered. The notoriously willful and domineering Prince Zhao had just let the matter slide so easily.

’It’s unbelievable!’

Although he didn’t understand why Prince Zhao had suddenly become so accommodating, the Shopkeeper didn’t dare ask a single question.

He nodded hastily in acknowledgement.

The group walked through a long, covered gallery and arrived at a pavilion in the deepest part of the courtyard.

The Shopkeeper led them to a private room on the second floor.

Once the two were seated, the Shopkeeper personally poured them tea.

"Your Highnesses, what would you like to eat?"

Li Ji said casually, "Bring us one of each of your house specialties."

The Shopkeeper was clearly accustomed to Prince Zhao’s unconventional ways. He didn’t seem to think this method of ordering was the least bit wasteful and quickly replied.

"Of course. I’ll go make the arrangements right away. Please wait a moment, you two."

He set down the teapot and withdrew with the waiter.

As soon as the door to the private room closed, Hua Manman could no longer hold back and voiced the question that had been nagging at her.

"What exactly is this place?"

Prince Zhao had called it an eatery, but it didn’t look like any ordinary eatery she’d ever seen.

They hadn’t seen a single other diner on their way in.

It was as if they were the only two patrons in the entire establishment.

It was all very strange.

Hearing her thoughts, Li Ji patiently explained.

This was indeed an eatery, but unlike a typical public one, it was open only to specific clientele and offered a high degree of privacy.

The patrons who could dine here were all either wealthy or noble, people of extraordinary status.

The Shopkeeper had deliberately taken them on a slight detour to avoid the other patrons, which was why Hua Manman hadn’t seen anyone else on their way in.

Hua Manman’s eyes widened in realization.

’So it’s basically a private club!’

Li Ji heard her thoughts but didn’t understand the term "private club."

’Hmm. Another new term for his dictionary.’

Soon, the food was served.

Hua Manman’s attention was instantly captured by the dazzling array of dishes.

She tried a bite of every dish and discovered that Prince Zhao hadn’t been exaggerating. The chef here was truly excellent.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Li Ji said to Hua Manman.

"There’s a spot here with a lovely view. I’ll take you to see it."

Hua Manman was feeling a bit stuffed and wanted to walk around to aid her digestion, so she obediently followed Prince Zhao out.

After leaving the pavilion, they walked a little farther, parting flowers and brushing past willow branches.

Hua Manman noticed another small pavilion up ahead, with guards standing at its entrance.

Suddenly, Li Ji’s arm wrapped around her waist. He pushed off from his toes, using Qinggong to leap with her into a nearby tree. From there, he jumped to another, finally landing in an old locust tree closest to the small pavilion.

Hua Manman was just about to ask a question when Li Ji pressed a finger to her lips.

Li Ji leaned close to her ear and whispered.

"Don’t talk."