My cultivation disguise has been exposed by Xiao Sizi.

result.

Her heartfelt gratitude and affection were met with His Highness's merciless dismissal and disdain.

"You don't need anyone to serve you," "Go back now"...

These words were like tiny knives, stabbing into the girl's sensitive and fragile self-esteem.

"Did Wan'er do something wrong to upset His Highness?"

Qin Wan'er bit her bloodless lower lip tightly, tears finally welling up in her eyes, ready to fall like beads from a broken string at any moment.

Her voice choked with emotion, filled with deep grievance and pleading: "Although Wan'er is clumsy, Wan'er can learn! Your Highness, please don't send Wan'er away, okay?"

Looking at the stunningly beautiful girl in front of him, her face streaked with tears, looking so wronged she was about to cry.

Li Chen suddenly felt his head was about to explode.

He feared nothing in his life, even daring to curse the heavens themselves when faced with divine tribulation. But his greatest fear was a woman crying! Especially a beautiful, demure girl crying her eyes out!

"Hey, hey, hey! Don't cry! I can't stand seeing tears!"

Li Chen quickly crawled out of bed, hastily threw on a coat, and walked barefoot to Qin Wan'er without even putting on shoes.

He frantically tried to wipe away her tears, but halfway through his outstretched hand, he realized it was inappropriate and could only awkwardly hang in mid-air.

"Stop! Stop! Stop! I surrender! I take back what I just said!"

Li Chen looked utterly hopeless and helplessly raised his hands.

"I swear, I absolutely did not mean to drive you away, nor did I look down on you!"

Li Chen explained earnestly, "I just feel that it's really too much of a waste for you, the daughter of the Duke of Yi, a noble lady of high birth, to come to my manor to do servant's work, serving water and tea!"

"If your father hears this, he'll think I'm abusing you!"

Hearing Li Chen's urgent explanation...

Qin Wan'er's tears finally stopped.

She raised her head, her large, watery eyes looking at Li Chen, a hint of undisguised joy and determination flashing in them.

"I'm glad Your Highness doesn't dislike Wan'er."

Qin Wan'er burst into laughter through her tears, her face as beautiful as a begonia after the rain, which made Li Chen stare blankly for half a second.

She stepped back and gave a very serious curtsy.

"My father always taught us that we should repay even the smallest kindness tenfold. Your Highness saved my father's life; you are the greatest benefactor of the Qin family!"

"In the Prince of Qin's residence, there are no daughters of dukes. Wan'er only wishes to be Your Highness's personal maid, serving tea and water, sweeping the bed and grinding ink. As long as Your Highness doesn't find Wan'er foolish, Wan'er will be content!"

The girl's eyes were clear and firm, revealing the stubbornness unique to the daughter of a military family.

Faced with such a profound and pure heart of gratitude.

What else could Li Chen say? If he refused again, the girl would probably cry herself to death in her room.

"Fine, fine, you win."

Li Chen let out a long sigh and reluctantly rubbed his temples.

"Since you insist on doing these chores, then so be it. But we need to agree on three rules."

Li Chen held up three fingers and said seriously, "First, from now on, you must knock before entering my room! Second, you are not allowed to touch my personal belongings without permission! Third, and most importantly, stop crying so easily!"

"Pfft."

Hearing Li Chen's somewhat comical "three rules," Qin Wan'er couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.

"Wan'er understands! Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!"

Her face flushed, she quickly turned around, wrung out the towel from the basin, and respectfully handed it to Li Chen.

"Your Highness, the water is getting cold. Please wash up. Wan'er will go prepare breakfast for you."

After saying that, the girl, like a cheerful little deer, lightly left the master bedroom, leaving behind only a faint, delicate fragrance.

Li Chen took a warm towel and wiped his face.

Looking at the empty doorway, he shook his head helplessly.

"What kind of mess is this?"

"I originally wanted to live a quiet, unambitious life cultivating immortality, but now I not only have a father and son pair of door gods as henchmen, but I've also gained a beautiful young lady as my personal maid. This wicked feudal society is truly corrupting my heart for cultivating immortality!"

That's true.

But a faint smile involuntarily crept onto Li Chen's lips.

After washing up, Li Chen changed into a clean, moon-white robe and strolled to the backyard.

On the stone table, Qin Wan'er had already deftly set out an exquisite breakfast.

There was soft and sticky millet porridge, freshly baked layered pancakes, and several plates of refreshing and delicate side dishes. Although it couldn't compare to the luxury of the imperial kitchen, it exuded a strong sense of homey warmth.

Li Chen had just sat down and taken a couple of sips of porridge.

Outside the gates of the Qin Prince's mansion, the familiar and noisy sounds of carriages and horses could be heard.

It's no surprise that the most shameless "freeloader emperor" of the Tang Dynasty has once again brought his entire family to the battlefield.

After a while.

Li Shimin, dressed in casual clothes and beaming, walked into the backyard.

Beside him was the dignified and elegant Empress Zhangsun. In the Empress's arms, she still held the little girl, whose hair was tied in two small buns and who was holding half a piece of osmanthus cake.

"Hahaha! Chen'er! What delicious food are you having for breakfast?"

Before Li Shimin even arrived, his booming voice had already echoed throughout the entire courtyard.

He strode over to the stone table, just about to grab a piece of mille-feuille.

Suddenly, Li Shimin stopped moving.

His gaze passed over Li Chen and landed on Qin Wan'er, who was standing quietly behind Li Chen, holding a teapot in her hand, ready to pour water at any time.

Empress Zhangsun also came over carrying the baby and saw the same scene.

The two most esteemed emperors and empresses of the Tang Dynasty exchanged a glance.

A strange, gossipy, and meaningful glint flashed in their eyes at the same time!

"Cough cough."

Li Shimin withdrew his hand from the cake and coughed twice.

He put his hands behind his back, circled half of the stone table, and glanced back and forth between Li Chen and Qin Wan'er.