I started as a concubine, and I made the crown prince cry with my delicious food.

The incident at the state banquet quickly ended with the Yuezhi prince kneeling down in fear and trepidation to apologize.

Although Xiao Yuanzheng also felt that the prince was arrogant and ignorant, in order to demonstrate the demeanor of a great nation, he ultimately did not make things too difficult for him. He simply gave him a few mild reprimands and then dismissed him.

But after this incident, everyone clearly realized one fact.

Ye An'an, the Crown Prince's concubine, holds a position in His Highness's heart that no one can shake or replace.

She is the Crown Prince's Achilles' heel.

Whoever touches it dies.

The Crown Prince's domineering declaration, "What can you offer in exchange for my concubine?" quickly spread throughout the capital.

For a time, Ye An'an was the most popular person in the world.

Everyone envied her for receiving such unique favor and protection from His Highness the Crown Prince.

But Ye An'an herself felt a little... embarrassed.

After that day, she didn't dare to look Xiao Jingshi in the eye for several days.

Whenever she saw him, she would recall the focused and affectionate look in his eyes when he spoke those words in the main hall.

Then, her face would uncontrollably turn red, and her heart would skip a beat.

She felt as if she had truly fallen into a sweet vortex called "Xiao Jingshi".

Xiao Jingshi seemed to have noticed her unease as well.

He didn't do anything intimate with her like he had before.

He would simply appear at Tinglan Waterside Pavilion on time every day to have three meals with her.

He would quietly watch her prepare all sorts of delicious food.

When she encounters difficulties while researching new recipes, he will quietly help her find all sorts of strange and unusual ingredients that she needs.

He will remember all her taste preferences.

I know she loves spicy food, but can't handle too much spice. I know she likes sweets, but is afraid of gaining weight.

He would silently transfer the best piece of meat from his bowl to hers.

He would also scold her with a frown when she felt unwell due to indigestion from overeating, and then personally go to the Imperial Hospital to find a good remedy for her indigestion.

This kind of gentle, everyday warmth and companionship, which is subtle and pervasive, makes Ye An'an feel more at ease and... captivated than any fancy words or expensive gifts.

She felt that she was becoming more and more dependent on him.

That day, Ye An'an was in the small kitchen, researching "Wenxianglai's" new winter product—cumin lamb soup.

She had someone bring over the freshest lamb bones and meat, ready to show off her culinary skills.

Xiao Jingshi suddenly walked in from outside.

"An'an," he said, "change your clothes, I'll take you out of the palace."

"Leaving the palace?" Ye An'an was taken aback. She wiped the oil off her hands. "Where are you going? I'm just about to start simmering this soup."

"Let's go somewhere you'll definitely like," Xiao Jingshi said with a mysterious smile, refusing to elaborate.

Ye An'an's curiosity was piqued by him.

She changed into casual clothes for easy travel, and then followed Xiao Jingshi into the ordinary-looking carriage.

The carriage drove out of the palace.

Ye An'an lifted the car curtain and looked outside at the familiar, bustling streets and the crowds. Her mood soared.

She hasn't left the palace for a very long time.

The carriage stopped at the intersection of Zhuque Avenue.

"We've arrived." Xiao Jingshi got out of the car first, and then, very naturally, extended his hand to her.

Ye An'an looked at his large, well-defined hand, her cheeks flushed slightly, and then she placed her small hand on it.

He took her hand and gently helped her down from the carriage.

"Where is this...?" Ye An'an looked at the street in front of her, which was so bustling that it was almost excessive, and was somewhat confused.

Zhuque Avenue is the most prosperous and valuable area in Beijing.

The streets were lined with all sorts of upscale shops: restaurants, teahouses, silk shops, jewelry stores... you name it.

"What are we doing here?" she asked curiously.

Xiao Jingshi didn't answer, but simply took her hand and led her forward.

Ye An'an stopped after walking a short distance.

Because she saw a sign that was all too familiar to her.

—"Attracted by the fragrance".

Her own shop is located here.

"Why did you bring me here?" she asked, somewhat surprised.

"Don't rush," Xiao Jingshi said to her with a mysterious smile, "Come with me."

Instead of taking her into the "Fragrance Shop," he led her into a larger shop next to it, which looked like a brokerage firm.

A middle-aged man who looked like the shopkeeper immediately greeted them with a big smile as soon as he saw them.

"Your Highness, you've arrived." The shopkeeper bowed to Xiao Jingshi, then respectfully looked at Ye An'an, "This must be the Consort, right?"

"Mm." Xiao Jingshi nodded.

The shopkeeper immediately brought out a heavy sandalwood box from behind the counter.

"Your Highness, everything you requested has been prepared."

He opened the box.

Ye An'an curiously leaned over to take a look.

What was inside the box was not gold or silver jewelry, but a thick stack of... land deeds.

"What is this?" she asked, looking at Xiao Jingshi in confusion.

Xiao Jingshi picked up the top land deed and handed it to her.

Ye An'an looked down and saw that the address of the "Wenxianglai" restaurant was clearly written on the land deed.

"This..." She was stunned.

"Take another look at these." Xiao Jingshi then stuffed the remaining thick stack of land deeds into her hands.

Ye An'an flipped through the pages one by one.

"Following the fragrance to the east, there's Wang's Silk Shop..."

"Following the fragrance to the west, Li's Jewelry Shop..."

"Fragrance wafts from across the street, to the Yue Lai Inn..."

The more she looked, the more shocked she became.

She discovered that the land deeds she possessed actually covered all the shops on the entire street where "Wenxianglai" was located!

She suddenly raised her head and looked at Xiao Jingshi in disbelief.

"You..." Her voice trembled, "You bought...this whole street?"

"Hmm." Xiao Jingshi nodded, his expression calm and collected, as if he had only bought a cabbage.

"Last time, during my trip to Jiangnan, Father Emperor bestowed upon me a great deal of gold and silver." He looked at her, his eyes so tender they could melt water. "I've thought about it, and those things are of no use to me. I might as well give them to you in return."

"An'an," he grasped her hand, pressing the land deeds firmly into her palm, "haven't you always wanted to expand and strengthen your 'culinary business'?"

"Now, this street is all yours."

"This is your kingdom."

"Do whatever you want. Open as many branches as you want. Sell whatever you want."

"You just need to be happy, be yourself, and do what you love."

"Everything else, I'll take care of."

His voice was very soft and gentle.

But every word was like the heaviest, hottest pebble, crashing down on Ye An'an's heart.

At this moment, her heart, which she thought was strong enough, crumbled completely.

Tears welled up uncontrollably.

She always thought that what she wanted was money, freedom, and the confidence to do whatever she wanted and realize her culinary dreams.

But it wasn't until this moment that she realized it.

It turns out that what she wanted most was simply someone who could unconditionally support her, understand her, pamper her, and allow her to "act recklessly" without restraint.

And this man in front of her, he gave her everything.

What he gave her was not a street, nor a fortune.

What he gave her was the most precious respect and...love in the world.

She looked at him, at his eyes filled with tenderness and doting affection, and couldn't utter a single word.

She could only nod vigorously, then throw herself into his arms and bury her face deeply in his chest.