The charming widow of the Marquis's mansion: The stable boy carries the flag and raises the dra

Wang Long raised his head slightly and met Murong Hao's gaze.

"Brother, this is Old Man Wang. His cooking is delicious!"

Murong Qing quickly introduced Wang Long to Murong Hao, her smile undiminished.

Murong Hao smiled broadly as he looked at Luo Hanyi.

"Madam Luo, it seems that Wang Long and Qing'er are truly destined for each other."

Luo Hanyi nodded slightly, saying nothing, but she felt uneasy.

Feeling like her beloved toy had been snatched away, Qin Minglan, standing to the side, also pouted, looking unhappy.

Wang Long immediately bowed in greeting.

"This old servant, Wang Long, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Murong Hao nodded slightly and reached out to offer a helping hand.

No need for formalities.

Wang Long straightened up and stood in the center of the main hall with his hands at his sides.

"What are Your Highness's instructions in summoning this old servant?"

Wang Long gleaned something from his conversation with Luo Hanyi.

Murong Hao waved his hand.

He paused, his gaze lingering on Wang Long for a moment, a smile playing on his lips.

"I see, are you very familiar with Qing'er?"

Wang Long bowed deeply, his voice sincere.

"Your Highness, the princess is innocent and carefree. She doesn't mind my rough and unrefined manners and enjoys the food I make."

Murong Hao's fingers paused on the teacup, his gaze falling on Wang Long's face, scrutinizing him for a moment.

Wang Long treated him with magnanimity, remaining neither humble nor arrogant.

Murong Hao was increasingly satisfied with what he saw.

Murong Qing quickly echoed.

"Brother, the old man's beggar's chicken and barbecue are really good. You can try them when you have time."

Murong Hao glanced at Murong Qing.

Murong Qing smiled brightly.

Murong Hao withdrew his gaze and looked at Wang Long again.

"If Your Highness also likes it, this old servant is naturally willing to serve!"

Wang Long smiled and nodded.

Luo Hanyi watched silently from the side without saying a word.

Murong Hao smiled, clearly intrigued.

"Qing'er, is Wang Long's cooking really delicious?"

Murong Qing nodded quickly, her eyes sparkling.

"Delicious! Even better than many imperial dishes!"

Murong Hao raised an eyebrow slightly.

The chefs in the imperial kitchen were all top chefs carefully selected from all over the country.

How can an old horse breeder cook food that tastes better than the imperial kitchen?

He was skeptical, but looking at Murong Qing's greedy expression, she didn't seem to be lying.

This girl has been extremely picky about food since she was little, and there aren't many things that she would say are "delicious".

Murong Hao was somewhat surprised, not expecting Wang Long's cultivation to improve so quickly.

She also cooks excellent dishes, as if they were specially prepared for Murong Qing.

He can protect Murong Qing's safety and cook for her; he takes care of her in every way.

My judgment of people was definitely right!

Murong Hao had already made up his mind: he would make Wang Long the princess's personal bodyguard no matter what!

Since Wang Long cannot go to the palace, he will send Murong Qing to the Zhenbei Marquis's residence!

Thinking of this, Murong Hao picked up his teacup again and took a sip.

"Wang Long, you old servant are quite talented."

Wang Long said modestly.

"Your Highness flatters me. This old servant was just idly pondering some food ideas in the stable. It's nothing to mention."

Murong Hao nodded and did not ask any further questions.

He looked at Luo Hanyi.

"Madam Luo, what have you thought of my suggestion?"

Luo Hanyi said calmly.

"Your Highness, I need to ask Wang Long's opinion."

Murong Hao nodded slightly, without refusing.

"Of course."

Luo Hanyi looked at Wang Long, her voice cold.

"Wang Long, His Highness the Crown Prince wishes to make you His Highness the Princess's personal bodyguard. Would you be willing?"

"I'd like to hear your opinion."

Wang Long was stunned for a moment.

The princess's personal bodyguard?

Wang Long thought he had misheard.

The palace is full of experts, so Murong Qing should have many guards around her, right?

How did he, a mere third-rank stable boy, catch the eye of the Crown Prince?

Moreover, Luo Hanyi wanted to hear his thoughts, and he could hardly believe when his status had become so high.

Wang Long raised his head, looked at Luo Hanyi, then at Murong Hao, and quickly began to calculate in his mind.

Becoming Murong Qing's personal bodyguard meant that he could have the advantage of being close to her.

Wouldn't it be easy to then take advantage of the situation and seduce this cute little girl?

Moreover, the Marquis of Zhenbei's mansion needs a powerful backer.

Wang Long is that link.

Thinking about this, Wang Long felt there were many benefits, and he had no reason to refuse!

He could tell that Luo Hanyi had already agreed to the Crown Prince's proposal.

Wang Long took a deep breath and bowed.

"This old servant will follow the First Madam's arrangements."

Luo Hanyi looked at him with great satisfaction, a slight smile appearing on her lips.

By returning the decision-making power to her, he could demonstrate his loyalty without offending the Crown Prince.

Luo Hanyi remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking.

"Since His Highness thinks highly of you, then you may go."

She paused, her voice lowering slightly.

"Remember, from this moment on, our Zhenbei Marquisate stands shoulder to shoulder with His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Wang Long quickly replied.

"This old servant will remember."

Murong Hao smiled with satisfaction and took out a jet-black token from his sleeve.

"This is my Crown Prince's token. Take it; it can prove your identity."

Murong Qing smiled and took it, then walked up to Wang Long and handed it to him.

He also took out a token and happily gave instructions.

"Old man, this is the token from my princess's residence. Please keep it safe!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Wang Long respectfully accepted the gift with both hands, accidentally touching the back of Murong Qing's hand.

Murong Qing's face flushed instantly. She withdrew her hand and lowered her head shyly.

Murong Hao and Luo Hanyi were chatting and did not notice the two of them.

Qin Minglan saw everything clearly, and was so angry that she could only grind her teeth.

"Your Highness, this old servant did not mean it."

Wang Long was a little embarrassed.

"No...it's alright, sir..."

Murong Qing stammered and shook her head, not paying any attention.

If anyone else had touched Murong Qing even slightly, they would probably have been torn apart by five horses.

Wang Long carefully placed the two tokens close to his body.

"From this day forward, you will be Qing'er's personal bodyguard!"

Murong Hao's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable air of authority.

"If you need any cultivation resources, you can apply directly to the Eastern Palace. As long as it's not excessive, I will approve it."

He paused, his gaze falling on Wang Long.

"I ask nothing more of you than to ensure Qing'er's safety!"

Wang Long quickly put the token away and bowed respectfully.

"This old servant will obey His Highness the Crown Prince's command!"

"This old servant will do everything in his power to protect Her Highness!"

Murong Qing stood aside, feeling secretly pleased.

"That's great! Now we can eat the old man's cooking more often!"

Murong Hao nodded slightly, stood up, and since his goal had been achieved, there was no need to stay any longer.

"In that case, I will not disturb you any longer."

He turned to look at Murong Qing.

"Qing'er, it's time to return to the palace. Give Wang Long some time to prepare."

Murong Qing reluctantly stood up, walked to Murong Hao's side, and glanced back at Wang Long.

"Uncle, I'll come visit you again next time, and then I'll let my brother, the Emperor, try your cooking!"

Her voice carried a hint of reluctance.

Murong Qing thought that from now on, Wang Long would be able to stay close to her.

She was somewhat frustrated.

Wang Long laughed.

"This old servant awaits Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness the Princess."

Murong Qing nodded in satisfaction and followed Murong Hao out the door.

Then, her voice came from outside the door.

"Old man, from now on, my safety is in your hands!"