After being jilted, the entire neighboring village was filled with deep regret.

Seeing that Shen Yuean had disappeared in an instant, Shen Yuezhang could only apologize and express his remorse.

Princess Huai'an, however, was used to it and said, "Since Miss Shen knows how to play chess, why don't you play a game with me?"

"Yes!"

Chunxing, who was next to Shen Yuezhang, immediately brought over a set of chess pieces.

After the chessboard was set up, Amber opened the chess box for Princess Huai'an, her gaze slightly surprised, "These chess pieces are quite unique!"

Shen Yuezhang nodded with a smile and explained gently, "These chess pieces are made from polished seashells, while the black pieces are made from the shells of a plant. My mother made this set of chess pieces especially for us when we were learning chess."

You know, kids love these novelties. When we received this chess set, we all fought over it. My mother told us to learn how to play it well, and whoever won the game in a competition would get the set.

"So you've won!" Princess Huai'an smiled, her eyes crinkling.

Shen Yuezhang smiled shyly and shook his head. "The competition didn't start because my younger brother and sister didn't even know the rules of chess at that time. Later, they learned the basics, but my older brother went to the capital and hasn't returned for two years. So, I had to keep the things for them temporarily."

This chess set holds special meaning for my four siblings and me. Now that I live in the county town, I brought it with me. I usually only play chess at the Lu residence; this is the only chess set we have at home. Please don't find it inconvenient, Madam.

Princess Huai'an made the first move, and said with a calm smile, "How could that be! It seems that your household has many novel and interesting things!"

After the two had been playing for half their game, Shen Yuean finally found her portrait.

"Auntie, look! This is it!"

Princess Huai'an was about to offer praise as usual when she caught a glimpse of the little figure in the portrait and was immediately astonished, "How was this drawn?"

The little figure in the portrait is a miniature version of Shen Yue'an, so lifelike that the artist's skill is truly amazing!
She stared at the little figure in the portrait, her eyes lingering, before finally looking at Shen Yuezhang with a more serious expression. "Was this painting done by you?"

Shen Yuezhang nodded reservedly and explained softly, "I like painting, so my mother sought out many painting techniques and also took me to consult some teachers. However, strictly speaking, my mentors should be Lord You Kang and Lord Tian Ziyan."

When they came to Zhaohua County to help my father build a pontoon bridge, the two gentlemen were extremely meticulous in their work. The drawings they made were so lifelike that I couldn't take my eyes off them.

Seeing that I liked it, the two gentlemen taught me to paint whenever they had free time. With some additional practice, I painted a picture of my mother. When my younger sister saw it, she insisted that I paint one for her too.

Princess Huai'an suddenly realized, "If I remember correctly, these two officials should be from the Ministry of Works. They are in charge of water conservancy and bridge construction and are meticulous in their work. If you were to learn from them, it would make sense. However, a master can only lead you to the door; the cultivation is up to you. In the end, it is because you have good comprehension that you could create such a masterpiece. Tsk tsk tsk. This painting is truly excellent!"

When Su Tai finished cooking and came over, she found Princess Huai'an and her two daughters admiring the flowers. Seeing how much Princess Huai'an liked them, she said, "If Madam Xue stays in Zhaohua County for a longer period of time, I can ask my daughter to paint one for you as well."

Princess Huai'an's eyes lit up. "Wouldn't that be too much trouble for Miss Shen?"

Shen Yuezhang shook his head. "Before the New Year, I will indeed be busy with accounting and attending various banquets. After the New Year, I will have more time. Starting from the third day of the Lunar New Year, I will have time to paint for you if you are still in Zhaohua County."

Princess Huai'an was all smiles; she would have been willing to stay here for another month just for the sake of this painting.

"Yes! Absolutely! Then I'll come and bother you again on the third day of the Lunar New Year!"

Su Tai hurriedly said, "If Madam Xue comes on the third day of the month, she will have to go to Shen Family Village, and we won't be back in the county town by then!"

Princess Huai'an nodded understandingly, "I heard that the pontoon bridge is right next to Shenjiazhuang?"

“Yes!” “That’s perfect, I’ll go see the longest bridge in Langya Kingdom too.”

After the matter was settled, Su Tai hurriedly asked the maid to serve the dishes.

This time, I made all seafood, from large yellow croaker to turbot, grouper, blue crab, lobster, and a whole plate of garlic oysters, stir-fried squid, and so on.

A whole table full of food.

Princess Huai'an was surprised to find that many of the seafood dishes were ones she had never seen before.

As the eldest princess, she received a share of almost everything the Empress Dowager had. Logically, there shouldn't be any food in the world that could interest her.

Today, she came to the Shen family's house, and everything from tea and snacks to the main course was completely refreshing her understanding.

The lobster was incredibly tender and chewy, and exceptionally delicious. The steamed mud crab with vermicelli was so fresh it was almost unbelievable. The garlic-roasted oysters were a bit fishy, ​​but the seaweed was handled very well, so the slight fishiness was tolerable.

These dishes were particularly to Princess Huai'an's liking, so much so that she ate much more than usual.

Amber, watching from the side, was worried but dared not spoil her master's mood.

A meal where both guest and host enjoy themselves.

Princess Huai'an returned with Shen Yue'an, constantly inquiring about Shen Yuezhang along the way.

Shen Yue'an assumed that Princess Huai'an was so concerned about her elder sister because she had asked Shen Yuezhang to paint for her, so she answered all her questions without hiding anything.

The carriage returned to the garrison camp, and Princess Huai'an had already learned quite a bit about Shen Yuezhang.

Upon receiving the news, Murong Jue immediately went to see Princess Huai'an.

"Mother, were you satisfied with your visit to the Shen family today?"

As he spoke, he helped Princess Huai'an remove her cloak.

Amber blinked frequently at his attentive manner.

Princess Huai'an raised an eyebrow with amusement and sat down slowly. "What do you mean by 'satisfied'? Madam Shen is indeed a remarkable person. I don't know how her brain works! Her ideas are so different from others. Take those pastries, those seafood, and those chess pieces, for example. Tsk tsk tsk. Back in the capital, I never thought I had a problem with my vision. But after visiting the Shen family, it really hit me hard!"

Murong Jue's heart tightened, and the corners of his mouth gradually pursed into a line. "It was my oversight. If I see anything new or interesting in the future, I will definitely send it to my mother."

Princess Huai'an only wanted to tease her son, but seeing that he was serious, she couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright! I was just saying it offhand, and you actually took it seriously! To be honest, my son has a really good eye! I never thought that such a remote little place could produce any decent young ladies from prominent families."

"I never expected there to be so many wonderful people! Not to mention Madam Shen, Miss Shen's manners and etiquette are quite good! Most importantly, this girl is intelligent and multi-talented; as the daughter of an official, she understands business acumen, surpassing many other young ladies."

Although Langya Kingdom did not have such a clear distinction between scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, the families of officials were always considered superior. Most daughters of officials were instilled with the Confucian virtues of obedience, submission, and chastity from a young age, and aside from keeping an eye on domestic affairs, they rarely took the initiative to study buying and selling. (End of Chapter)