The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 142: I’m Willing, It’s None of Your Business

Chapter 142: Chapter 142: I’m Willing, It’s None of Your Business

Xie Yunzhen thought it was easy to make food.

Yet, after messing around in the kitchen for an hour, he still couldn’t make anything edible.

He had already wasted several fish, even though he was following the cook’s instructions.

Either they were burnt.

Or too salty.

After much effort, the appearance was passable, but the fishy smell was still present.

Even the rice with gold flakes ended up burnt.

Looking at the burns on his hands, Xie Yunzhen was lost in thought.

Mingzhu had a tough childhood, yet lived a life of luxury.

She learned to cook, suffering injuries more severe than his.

Such a delicate girl was willing to cook for him.

Yet he ignored her efforts.

Even casually giving her heartfelt sushi to someone else.

Endless regret surged in, threatening to drown Xie Yunzhen.

The cook comforted, "Young Master, regardless of how it tastes, it’s your intention that matters, and Madam will surely be happy eating it."

Xie Yunzhen curled his fingers, "Dump it."

Wanting to be good to Mingzhu was his own affair.

There’s no reason to use intentions as a pretext, forcing Mingzhu to eat these inedible things.

Other food was prepared in the kitchen, including a dish of gold soup fish slices.

Ji Mingzhu wanted the rice with gold flakes, a fresh serving only took half a cup of tea’s time.

Xie Yunzhen left the kitchen, forlorn.

Failing even such a trivial thing, when could he ever repay Mingzhu?

Though Ji Mingzhu hadn’t left her room, what Xie Yunzhen was doing had already reached her ears through Gold’s mouth.

Cooking to please others was something she’d done before.

Her heart stirred, but wasn’t touched.

"Apparently, Young Master has wasted five fish."

Ji Mingzhu replied calmly, "There is no shortage of cooks here; if one can’t cook, there’s no need to struggle."

Gold held his tongue.

After bowing to the person entering, withdrew.

Xie Yunzhen’s heart ached slightly.

But not lacking cooks was something he had said in his past life; he had no right to complain.

He pressed his thumb to the burn.

Ultimately, not showing the wound to Mingzhu, asking her for mercy.

Xie Yunzhen adjusted his mood, "Would you like to eat here or in the dining hall?"

Ji Mingzhu’s gaze was exploratory.

"What are you looking at?"

Xie Yunzhen’s expression was normal, touching his face, "I don’t think there’s any grime on it?"

This action exposed the burn marks on the back of his hand.

Stars of scars left by hot oil splashing.

Ji Mingzhu suddenly felt a sadness in her heart, the reason eluding her.

She lowered her eyes, "Let’s eat in the dining hall."

Xie Yunzhen had no objections.

Kneeling in front of the couch, he helped Ji Mingzhu put on her embroidered shoes.

The humbling posture made Ji Mingzhu feel suffocated.

Bluntly stating, "You don’t have to do this."

Xie Yunzhen made a sound, but then said, "But I’m willing, you can’t control me."

The gloomy mood instantly returned to normal, Ji Mingzhu glared at him.

She stepped ahead to the dining hall.

The food on the table was colorful, fragrant, and tempting—the work of a cook.

Xie Yunzhen awkwardly said, "I’ll cook for you next time there’s an opportunity."

Ji Mingzhu didn’t respond.

But her gaze kept drifting towards the back of his hand.

Xie Yunzhen was apprehensive, unsure of her thoughts.

Was it concern for him?

Or did she find the burn marks ugly?

Even after lunch, he hadn’t found a definite answer.

On this side, Ji Mingzhu was busy writing the banquet itinerary.

Meanwhile, in the palace, the Noble Consort received Du Peifang’s letter.

The Noble Consort had lost hope in this niece.

What could Du Peifang accomplish under Princess An He’s watch?

Yet upon hearing that she had skillfully claimed Duke Xie’s favor, the Noble Consort suddenly found Du Peifang valuable.

High-born marriages allied themselves with underlying powers.

No matter if Du Peifang married old or young.

As long as they could ally with Duke Mansion, bringing aid to her and her son.

Sending letters to the palace risked interception.

In the letter, Du Peifang only mentioned missing the Noble Consort, wishing to enter the palace for a visit.

Imperial concubines couldn’t leave the palace walls.

Neither could outsiders enter freely.

Fortunately, the Noble Consort was favored by the Emperor, allowing Du Peifang a palace visit wasn’t difficult.

...

As time approached, Ji Mingzhu submitted the agenda to the Eastern Palace.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, the government would organize dragon boat races, attended by court officials and their families.

But palace members couldn’t attend, so Consort Xu assigned Ji Mingzhu the task of coming up with a way for those inside the palace to partake in the festival atmosphere.

Ji Mingzhu suggested hosting a battle of grasses in the Imperial Garden.

It allowed for flower viewing, music, and dance appreciation.

A romantic affair as well.

Consort Xu found the proposal feasible, but uncertain, she consulted the Empress.

Empress Zheng agreed.

Not only agreed but ordered invitations for eligible females from noble families, intending to select consorts for the unmarried princes.

Including the Crown Prince.

She also requested Ji Mingzhu personally enter the palace to handle affairs.

If handled well, there would be rich rewards.

Regardless of the outcome, Ji Mingzhu caught the Empress’s attention.

Suddenly, numerous wives from noble families sought to befriend Ji Mingzhu. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Sending many invitations to Duke Mansion.

Among them was the Xu Family.

And Xiao Feixue.

According to what Xie Yunzhen discovered, his father’s death was tied to the Xiao Family, Xu Family.

She wanted to meet these people, see if there were useful clues to be found.

But due to busyness recently, she had to postpone.

Ji Mingzhu personally replied to their invitations, after the Dragon Boat banquet, inviting them for an outing outside the city.

Xie Yunzhen understood Ji Mingzhu’s intentions and supported her.

He loved the drive in Mingzhu.

Though her strength might be minor, she never shrunk away in fear.

In the whirlpool of power, sometimes trouble found them, even if they didn’t seek it.

Mingzhu believed in using her means, and he was glad to see it!

The Dragon Boat Festival drew nearer, Ji Mingzhu entered the palace more frequently.

On this day, she encountered Du Peifang as she was leaving the mansion.

Dressed elaborately, Du Peifang wore bright purple garments, adorned with gold and jade.

Sumptuous, magnificent.

Surpassing many heads of households.

Du Peifang extended her hand, "Isn’t it splendid? It’s personally chosen by Lord."

Upon hearing this, Ji Mingzhu closely scrutinized Du Peifang.

Du Peifang initially wanted to show off, even as a concubine, she wasn’t deprived of luxury in attire.

But when Ji Mingzhu genuinely fixed her gaze, she felt uneasy.

Ji Mingzhu nodded, "Lord’s taste is excellent, Aunt Du appears seasoned by ten to twenty years."

"I’ve heard Lord loves gifting jade hairpins to favored concubines; seeing your head full of them, you’re evidently cherished."

"And this jade bracelet, surely Lord’s favorite, Aunt Lin seems to have one too."

After surveying Du Peifang, Ji Mingzhu decisively boarded the carriage.

Gold was exuberant with laughter.

Whoever initiated, was the offensive one.

Du Peifang deserved it!

Left standing alone, Du Peifang’s face turned livid with rage.

She spat, "Once it’s accomplished, see how arrogant you can still be!"