I have suffered enough in my previous life, my cousin will never marry me

Chapter 145 Father-in-law Teaches Son-in-Law
Xingtao, always quick-witted, knew that the young lady's heart and eyes were now filled with His Highness. Pretending not to see, she deliberately raised her voice: "Miss, you can know a person's face but not their heart. Don't be fooled by His Highness. After all, that Miss Zhao is His Highness's childhood sweetheart."

Chunhong, not understanding what was going on, also started to complain: "That's right, Miss, you've been waiting for His Highness all this time, but His Highness is only concerned with having dinner with Miss Zhao. He clearly doesn't care about you at all."

Ye Wanshu felt that her two maids had become increasingly unruly lately, almost catching up with the Zhao family's daughter.

Ye Wanshu glared at Chunhong and Xingtao, then said irritably, "You two brats, why are you complaining so much? Miss Zhao is His Highness's cousin. She has come all this way, so His Highness, as her brother, should naturally show her more concern."

Although she disliked Zhao Yingying, she wasn't so petty as to ruin the siblings' relationship over something as trivial as this.

"I believe His Highness, just as he believes me. From now on, you must not gossip anymore."

Just as Ye Wanshu finished speaking solemnly, she suddenly heard Xingtao and Chunhong call out "Your Highness" in unison.

She looked up and saw two maids bowing respectfully, while Fu Mingchi slowly walked in.

"Your Highness."

Ye Wanshu quickly stood up and curtsied, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes. Embarrassed, she quickly avoided his gaze.

Seeing her suddenly shy appearance, Fu Mingchi's heart couldn't help but stir, and he began to quietly observe her with great interest.

He had always felt that she was distant from him and that he couldn't see any sincerity in her. But after this incident, he realized that Wan'er had always valued him very much. She was not only willing to live and die with him, but also trusted him so much.

"Wan'er, thank you for waiting for me for so long," Fu Mingchi said apologetically.

Ye Wanshu shook her head: "Is Miss Zhao alright?"

"It's alright." Fu Mingchi had no intention of mentioning his cousin again. He had just heard from the two maids that she hadn't eaten yet, so he quickly said, "Are you hungry? I'll go find you something to eat."

After saying that, he headed straight for the kitchen.

It was already quite late at night, but the kitchen was still lit. Fu Mingchi walked in with some surprise and saw Ji Yuan busy at the stove, while Ting Feng sat by the woodpile, slowly adding firewood to the stove.

Upon seeing Fu Mingchi, the master and servant were visibly stunned for a moment.

"Your Highness, what's going on?" Tingfeng asked, looking at him curiously.

Ji Yuan's eyes darkened: "Shouldn't Your Highness be having dinner with Miss Zhao? Why did you come to the kitchen yourself?"

Sensing the accusatory tone in his words, Fu Mingchi could only patiently explain, "I apologize for making a fool of myself, Your Excellency."

This was not a big deal, and Ji Yuan didn't want to make a fuss about it, but he felt sorry for his daughter.

That little rascal from the Zhao family has been causing trouble again and again since he arrived in Qizhou. If I don't act petty and unapproachable, Wanwan will likely be ridiculed and neglected after she marries into the family.

"Your Highness should know that Wanwan is my only legitimate son. Although there was some discord between us in the past, my glory in the second half of my life depends entirely on Wanwan. I will never let her suffer the slightest grievance."

Ji Yuan sighed coldly: "Before leaving today, she was overjoyed and told me not to prepare dinner, but Your Highness has failed to handle your own family affairs, leaving her hungry now. I am starting to doubt whether Your Highness can truly provide her with a peaceful life."

"I will not allow Wan'er to suffer any injustice," Fu Mingchi replied solemnly.

Although he felt that Ji Yuan was being a bit nitpicky, Fu Mingchi was genuinely happy that he cared about Wan'er so much.

"Let me do it."

Fu Mingchi took the kitchen knife from Ji Yuan and began chopping vegetables on his own.

Seeing his clumsy movements, it was clear he had never done this kind of work before. Ji Yuan was slightly taken aback: "Your Highness, are you going to cook yourself?" "What the Grand Secretary can do, I can do as well," Fu Mingchi said calmly.

Ji Yuan nodded with satisfaction, but then deliberately poured cold water on the idea: "The passion between husband and wife is not about a day or two, but about the constant support and companionship. Even if Your Highness had the urge to cook a meal for Wanwan today, I would still have some reservations."

"I don't need the Grand Secretary's guidance on this."

Fu Mingchi curled his lips: "Although I dare not claim that my feelings for Wan'er are deep, I am confident that I can do better than the Grand Secretary."

Ji Yuan choked on his words.

Thinking about how he had neglected his daughter all these years, he really didn't dare to boast to Fu Mingchi.

Silently watching him skillfully tinker with the pots and pans, a bowl of fragrant plain noodles was soon made.

"Your Excellency should go back and rest early."

Fu Mingchi gave him a faint smile, then left with the bowl of plain noodles.

Watching his departing figure, Ji Yuan couldn't help but frown: "Is the food my son-in-law makes edible?"

Tingfeng took some of the remaining soup from the bowl, tasted it, and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Master, it's not bad."

Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan quickly took a bite and then smiled with satisfaction: "He is indeed a good husband who can go to the battlefield and cook in the kitchen."

After saying that, she pouted in dissatisfaction: "It's just that this kid is too dull. He only cares about pleasing his wife and doesn't even know to cook an extra bowl to honor his father-in-law."

Seeing Ji Yuan's jealous expression, Ting Feng coughed awkwardly, "How about I make a bowl for you while the soup is still warm?"

"roll."

Ji Yuan glared at Ting Feng, rolled up his sleeves, and slowly walked out of the kitchen.

The thought that the dignified Prince Yongning would personally cook for his daughter brought a smile back to his face, and his pride could not be concealed even by the endless night.

As soon as Fu Mingchi led Zhu Wencai back to Ye Wanshu's room, Ye Wanshu was attracted by a rich fragrance.

Taking the noodles from Zhu Wencai, Fu Mingchi carefully placed them on the table and softly gestured, "You must be starving. This is a new dish I've learned. Wan'er, give me your opinion."

"Your Highness made this yourself?"

Seeing his expectant gaze, Ye Wanshu was taken aback, but quickly picked up her chopsticks and tentatively took a bite.

Although it was just a simple bowl of plain noodles, it contained river shrimp and some shellfish, making it incredibly delicious. Ye Wanshu couldn't help but nod and say, "Delicious."

"Then eat more." Fu Mingchi sat down with satisfaction and gazed at her quietly.

Seeing her eating with relish, and recalling what Ji Yuan had just said, Fu Mingchi felt a pang of guilt and said in a deep voice, "Wan'er, I'm sorry you suffered today. From now on, I will never leave you alone again."

Upon hearing this, Ye Wanshu paused slightly, wondering why he suddenly said such a thing, as if a young wife who had made a mistake was repenting.

Thinking of Chunhong and Xingtao's complaints earlier, Ye Wanshu felt that he was holding a grudge because of this, so she quickly said, "Chunhong and Xingtao are used to gossiping, Your Highness, please don't take it to heart."

Fu Mingchi shook his head: "Every matter concerning Wan'er must naturally be to my liking."