Chapter 85: How Much Must Third Miss Ji Be Favored

Rumors about the ministers’ private discussions soon reached the ears of the Ji family. Ji Yuanruo glanced at his younger sister and asked in a low voice, “Do you know anyone from the Prince Rong’s household?”

Ji Yucheng had never been the center of such attention before; she couldn’t help but feel a touch of pride. She quickly wiped her face, straightening her posture to appear more dignified, a hint of bashfulness coloring her features.

“I may not know him, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know me,” she replied deliberately.

Just moments ago she had looked fierce enough to devour someone; now she wore the bearing of a refined young lady. Yet, having practiced martial arts since childhood, she had a touch more spirit than most noble girls.

Only the red mark on her face felt a bit out of place...

Even the Emperor’s gaze drifted to Ji Yucheng, seated behind Ji Huaili.

On the continent of Tianwu, girls could discuss marriage as early as thirteen.

Could it be that A’Yan had taken a liking to the Ji family’s second daughter?

But this second daughter, while undeniably lovely, didn’t seem like someone A’Yan would fancy...

“Elder brother, do you think that young Prince Rong has set his sights on the second young lady? I wonder what he brought with him?” Duan Yu mused.

But Duan Yu did not answer Duan Yan. His gaze slipped away from Ji Yucheng and landed instead on Ji Tianxin, who was enjoying melon seeds and nuts with serene composure.

This young Prince Rong must have poor eyesight...

Little Tianxin was far more endearing.

Just like that time he’d given her a rabbit—just as adorable.

The Emperor voiced the question on everyone’s mind. “Oh? Which young lady of the Ji family? And what is it that he’s brought?”

Duan Qing’s interest was piqued as well. Since whatever was brought was allowed into the main hall, it couldn’t be anything too private, or else he wouldn’t have asked.

Lin Si smiled faintly, and then turned to walk toward the Ji family’s seats.

At that moment, all of Ji Tianxin’s attention was on a grape that Su Qing had peeled for her. She slipped her small hand from her sleeve, pinched the plump fruit between her fingers, and her little nose twitched as her pale face blossomed into a smile as lovely as a white flower.

She turned her head, looking at Lin Si as he approached—not at the man himself, but at the food box he carried.

She raised her hand and popped the juicy grape into her mouth, chewing twice before swallowing.

“Young Lady Ji, my lord sent me especially to you. He was worried you might be hungry, so he asked that I bring you some pastries to tide you over,” Lin Si said with a smile. As he spoke, he placed the food box on Ji Tianxin’s table, glanced at Su Qing, and nodded.

Su Qing, after a moment’s hesitation, understood and took the box.

“My lord also said that if you’re hungry later, after the banquet ends, he’ll have something prepared for you as a late-night snack. There’s no need to worry,” Lin Si continued.

As soon as he spoke, a hush fell over the hall, and then the place erupted in whispers.

So—the box was actually for the Ji family’s third young lady? And it was a food box! In other words, the young Prince Rong had simply brought her some snacks to nibble on for fun.

Wasn’t this just spoiling a child?

He was worried she might go hungry even at a palace banquet—just how concerned was he for this young lady?

Was the palace food not good enough?

Just how finicky was this young lady’s palate?

But in the end, all the whispers boiled down to one sentiment: just how much did this young Prince Rong dote on the Ji family’s third young lady?