Fu Zhen was just joking. She had never truly disdained street food.
At present, the court was faintly in turmoil. Some people had already put forward the theory that the truly reclusive sages hide in the marketplace. Sometimes, it was these ordinary street folk who possessed great wisdom.
Fu Zhen took a bite of the yuanxiao. These were wrapped and then boiled in clear water. The sesame filling inside was already sugared, so there was no need to add extra sweetness to the soup. One bite filled her mouth with fragrance without being overly cloying. It was truly delicious.
The carriage started moving slowly again. Fu Zhen had just had some pastries and tea, so she wasn't very hungry. After taking a couple of bites, she put the bowl aside.
Yuan Bao had already paid for this bowl, so there was no need to go back and return it.
She chatted with Chen Tingfeng casually, "Judging from how familiar you seem, you must have eaten this quite a lot before, cousin?"
Chen Tingfeng let out a soft laugh, "Back then when I was out fooling around with Ruo Gu, when we got hungry at night and all the restaurants were closed, only these street stalls were still open to make some extra money. I ate there a few times and found it had a unique flavor."
This kind of food naturally couldn't compare with what was served in the mansion. The ingredients were coarser, but it was precisely this coarseness that sometimes had a special taste.
After eating too much of the delicacies from land and sea, one might also crave some simple porridge and pickles.
Fu Zhen didn't really believe that he had been out fooling around. It was probably just that he and his classmates had been having fun and lost track of time. She knew that Chen Tingfeng would never go to places like brothels.
It wasn't that she was praising his virtue. It was just that he had a lot of quirks and was very particular. He always thought those places were dirty and would pollute his pure body.
Yuanxiao were usually eaten during the Lantern Festival, but since the New Year was approaching, there were already some being sold early. It wasn't considered improper.
"Time flies so fast. Another New Year is coming up," Fu Zhen sighed softly.
The scene when she returned to the capital last year was still vivid in her mind. At that time, she was so nervous. She never would have expected things to turn out like this.
Not to mention getting involved with the only son of the Marquis Mansion.
She stole a glance at Chen Tingfeng through the crack in the curtain.
He was riding on a tall horse. Even when traveling, his back was still ramrod straight. Such etiquette seemed to be engraved in his bones, exuding an indescribable air of nobility and handsomeness from within.
Just as Fu Zhen was in a daze, he suddenly turned his head and met her gaze. A hint of a smile appeared in his eyes, "Why are you looking at me like this? Are you smitten with me?"
Fu Zhen: "..."
How shameless.
When she was at a distance from him before, she couldn't tell. But now that they were suddenly closer, the liveliness hidden beneath his cold exterior couldn't be hidden anymore.
Yes, he was only in his early twenties. No matter how mature and steady he was, he still had a bit of the playfulness of a young man.
This was a bit similar to Xie Yan.
Thinking like this, she suddenly realized that time seemed to pass slowly in winter, and she hadn't heard any news about Xie Yan for a long time.
As she was thinking this, she unconsciously murmured it out.
Chen Tingfeng had been in a good mood just now. But when he suddenly heard the name of the rival in love he had eliminated from her mouth, even though he knew there was no longer any possibility between them, he still couldn't help but frown.
He fell silent. Only then did Fu Zhen wake up from her thoughts. Remembering what she had just said, she thought to herself that it was bad. When she looked up, oh dear.
He had such a dark face.
She tried to hold back, but finally couldn't help laughing. She covered her face with a handkerchief, but her eyes still darted towards him. She lifted the curtain with her right hand and said with a smile, "So jealous. Did someone eat dumplings or what?"
Chen Tingfeng stared at her intently. After a while, he let out a cold snort but didn't say a word. He just withdrew his gaze, spurred his horse forward a few steps, and rode side by side with the horse pulling the carriage.
Fu Zhen looked at him with amusement and thought leisurely that since he was so jealous, they should really eat dumplings tonight.
Their relationship had taken a step further. Although it seemed not very different from before, anyone with a discerning eye could see the intimacy between them.
After returning to the Marquis Mansion, Fu Zhen originally wanted to go to the main courtyard. But who would have thought that Yuanyang, a little maid from the main courtyard, came out and said with a smile, "The Marquis and the Lady have gone to the Bai family. They might not be back until evening."
Fu Zhen understood, "In that case, I'll go back first."
Yuanyang nodded slightly. Her attitude was respectful but not overly familiar, "Take care, Second Miss."
Fu Zhen sized her up with a smile and then turned to leave.
Chen Tingfeng was waiting for her around the corner. When he saw her coming, he let out a cold snort and didn't say a word. He was waiting for Fu Zhen to speak first.
If it weren't for his good looks, Fu Zhen would have left long ago with this childish temper of his.
She raised her eyebrows and didn't say anything to him. Instead, she said to Biyu behind her, "It's been a long time since I've eaten the dumplings made by Granny Zhou. Since the day is right, you go and tell the small kitchen to let her make some celery and pork dumplings. Make a lot. We'll all have a taste."
Biyu covered her mouth and laughed, "Yes, Miss."
Chen Tingfeng could tell her mischief right away. He let out another cold snort. Considering that there were maids and servants around, he ignored her.
But Fu Zhen deliberately leaned over and said, "Granny Zhou is good at making pastries, and her dumpling-making skills are also excellent. When she's done making them, I'll send some to you, cousin. How about that?"
Chen Tingfeng stared at her for two seconds. His eyes were full of mystery. Just when Fu Zhen was wondering if he was really angry, she saw the corner of his lips curl up, "Sure."
Baiqu Courtyard was right in front of them. Fu Zhen was stunned. In a blink of an eye, she saw him enter the courtyard without saying anything else.
Fu Zhen couldn't figure out his thoughts. She narrowed her eyes slightly, stood at the door and thought for a moment, then waved to Biyu and whispered a few words in her ear.
Yuan Bao was waiting at the door. He watched them leave and then went back into the courtyard.
Qian Tong was still standing under the corridor with his sword in his arms, eyes closed. He was also someone who didn't like to move around in winter. He seemed to be sleepy all day long, and his eyes were rarely open for long.
Yuan Bao originally wanted to whisper a few words to him, but seeing him looking like a wooden stake, all his enthusiasm for chatting disappeared. He gave him a disdainful look and then leaned against the corridor to play on his own.
The days were short in winter. After taking a nap in the afternoon, it was already getting dark before they knew it.
Since Fu Zhen said she wanted to eat dumplings, she was determined to have them.
When Granny Zhou saw that she rarely took the initiative to want something to eat, she put all her enthusiasm into making these dumplings. She made a huge pot and distributed them to all the servants in Zhuqing Courtyard.
Fu Zhen looked at the steaming dumplings on the table and raised her eyebrows at Biyu. Biyu understood immediately and said, "Don't worry, Miss. Everything is ready."
Fu Zhen gave a meaningful smile, "Good. Then you take this plate of dumplings to Baiqu Courtyard. Remember to say that it was my order."
Biyu understood and couldn't help chuckling, "Yes, I'll definitely convey your words."