A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1420 - 1418: Probing 2

Along the way, Yue Er felt a bit apprehensive and kept asking Ying Luo.

"Is everything ready?"

"Are we sure Shih Shaoling is coming too?"

Ying Luo nodded firmly.

"Don’t worry, my lady, everyone’s here!"

...

Although this method seems somewhat underhanded, Yue Er had never considered using such a way to test someone.

But... for a certain someone, she seemed willing to take a chance.

Seeing her mistress remain consistently in a state of anxiety and indecision, Ying Luo stepped forward to advise her.

"Mistress, haven’t you always liked reading military books?"

"As they say, all’s fair in war. If General Shi lacks even this level of tolerance, there’s really no need for you to be concerned, right?"

Yue Er was still a bit conflicted.

"But, testing people is not good, is it?"

Ying Luo was beginning to lose patience.

"Alright, my lady, why are you dithering today? The people we arranged are almost here, you better hurry up and go!"

Yue Er wasn’t angry, just a bit amused and exasperated.

"You..."

"Quick, go!"

Ying Luo was truly anxious.

They say a servant resembles their master; Ying Luo’s straightforward and efficient personality is quite similar to Yue Er’s.

Even if she wanted to lose her temper, she couldn’t muster it.

So... she decided to give in!

...

The mistress and servant leisurely strolled along the riverbank, and soon someone approached them.

Yue Er focused her gaze and saw it was the most outstanding among her many suitors, named Pu Yu.

Although the Pu family doesn’t hold much power in the court, they are a literary family with a long heritage.

Pu Yu was exceptionally knowledgeable since childhood and ranked third place in the imperial exams at the age of eighteen, causing a significant stir both in the court and among the people.

The last time someone received this much attention from the exams was Xia Jingfeng, the Empress’s younger brother.

Pu Yu’s scholarship was comparable to, if not exceeding, Xia Jingfeng’s.

Moreover, despite being well-read, he was not mundane.

Mastering the Six Arts and proficient in poetry, painting, and calligraphy, he had a close relationship with the Third Prince Zhao Qiheng and frequently entered the palace.

If Shih Shaoling was the best friend of the Fourth Prince, then Pu Yu should be the most cherished friend of the Third Prince.

Therefore, in terms of family background, appearance, talent, and other aspects,

Pu Yu had ample ability to compete with Shih Shaoling.

Certainly, Yue Er wasn’t interested in him.

The so-called competition was lost from the start.

Pu Yu vaguely understood this, so he simply kept it buried in his heart.

Now he’s willing to come over and help, knowing that she needed him.

He liked Yue Er not because of her status as a princess, but genuinely wished her happiness, nothing more.

...

"Fourth Princess!"

Pu Yu was dressed in an elegant jade-colored robe, his black hair neatly tied at the back with a jade crown. He had a wide forehead and a high-bridged nose, with wisdom glowing in his deep brown eyes and a perceptive smile on his lips.

Despite his scholarly background, spending years with books, he wasn’t frail. With his refined and graceful demeanor, standing firm, he exuded an exceptional charm.

Such a man is always the focal point wherever he goes.

As soon as he appeared, many girls’ eyes immediately glued to him.

"Hey, hey! It’s Young Master Pu!"

"He came here? Does he need to come here?"

"Indeed, although he’s a man, the threshold of his home is practically being trodden down by matchmakers!"

"Today, it’s the daughter of the Grand Secretary who fancies him. Tomorrow, it’s the daughter of the Grand Marshal who likes him. The day after, he caught the eye of a princess, tsk tsk! And he showed up here today!"

Some doubted.

"What if he’s just here for a walk? The scenery here is so nice, isn’t he allowed to come and enjoy it?"

Others immediately countered.

"For a gentle stroll, gentlemen generally come with friends by threes or fives, yet today he came alone!"

Just as they were speaking, someone suddenly squealed.

"Look, look! He’s walking towards a girl!"

"You all better look!"

Everyone’s gazes shifted instantly.

Reluctantly leaving Young Master Pu’s presence, they carefully scrutinized Yue Er.

Unfortunately,

Yue Er was dressed simply today, much like the daughters of many families in the Capital City.

A water-blue coat, a crescent-white skirt, her hairpins are neither luxurious nor rare, just regular styles, so...

For those who haven’t entered the palace to see the princess, it was really difficult to recognize her.

"Judging by her attire, she’s not a princess, not a commandery princess, probably not even a county princess, just like us!"

"Indeed!"

"Could a girl of such status win Young Master Pu’s favor?"

"Why not? Young Master Pu isn’t the type to have his eyes set high and look down on others!"

"That’s true!"

The girls in the audience finished their chatter, fell silent, and focused on admiring the handsome gentleman.

Their gaze filled with admiration, envy, a slight heartbreak, and puzzlement.

If... ordinary girls can attract attention, then why not us?

...

"You came?"

Seeing Pu Yu, Yue Er walked towards him, although she wasn’t very familiar with him.

The Royal Clan’s school only admits its offspring.

Other literary families have their own family schools, so there’s no need to attend other academies.

Of course, those wishing to study at renowned academies are an exception.

Her few encounters with Pu Yu were all at her third brother’s place.

Pu Yu’s character, knowledge, and hobbies are quite similar to her third brother’s, so their good relationship isn’t surprising.

What she never expected was that, even with just a few meetings,he actually... likes her?

Though Yue Er didn’t want to admit it, his gaze towards her was too tender, too unhidden, so...

Standing elegantly before Yue Er, Pu Yu smiled subtly and nodded.

"It’s rare for the Princess to extend an invitation, so naturally I came to serve!"

Yue Er felt uncomfortable seeing him smile.

"Um..."

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to!"

Pu Yu offered a graceful smile.

"What is the Princess saying? On such a splendid day, with the sun shining brightly, if Pu can accompany the Princess to enjoy the scenery, such an opportunity would be rare in this lifetime, I am... deeply honored!"

He swallowed all his inner passion, leaving only a bit of light-heartedness on the surface.

Yue Er was still embarrassed, barely lifting her lips into a smile.

"You’re being modest!"

"You’re knowledgeable and talented, walking with you is an honor for me too!"

"Let’s go, we’ll stroll along the riverbank and then have tea at the nearby Ziyun Pavilion!"

"Alright!"

Pu Yu agreed happily, and the two walked side by side.

The spring breeze was gentle, the sun spread brightly, scenery picturesque, the perfect couple, you answer when I speak, you laugh when I talk.