Chapter 601: Chapter 601: Won’t Get Drunk

Under the bright moonlight, waves of laughter and joyous chatter echoed from the Wen Family’s residence.

Shen Ningning stood at the kitchen entrance, watching Manager Wen bustle back and forth inside, wearing an apron as he stir-fried dishes.

The family of four was beside him, helping out.

Manager Wen was preparing a ten-course meal to welcome Shen Ningning and Mo Lingwei. Seeing how busy he was, Shen Ningning felt embarrassed to just wait for the food.

She took the initiative to ask, "Shopkeeper, do you need my help?"

Mo Lingwei, who was behind her, also asked nonchalantly, trying to look the part, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Manager Wen waved his hands frantically. "No, no, please, you two go sit out front. The food will be ready soon."

Shen Ningning and Mo Lingwei were his benefactors; how could he let them help? Besides, given their statuses, Manager Wen wouldn’t dare ask them to do menial tasks.

Wen Xiaoman walked over, holding her rabbit, and smilingly invited Shen Ningning to go to the front hall with her.

"Princess, you don’t have to worry. My father is an excellent cook. Back when the inn didn’t have a permanent chef, he did all the cooking himself—acting as the accountant, the chef, and even the waiter."

Shen Ningning walked alongside her under the covered walkway, with Mo Lingwei following behind them.

The young princess was surprised. "Manager Wen is truly capable, handling so many jobs all by himself?"

"Yes, my father is very hardworking. Actually, my grandmother told me he’s also very learned. If we hadn’t held him back back then, he might have already passed the imperial examinations."

At this, Wen Xiaoman’s voice was tinged with a faint sense of loss and self-blame.

Shen Ningning gave her a comforting smile. "You’re gradually recovering now, and even your grandparents are getting better. Once life settles down here, Manager Wen can absolutely find an opportunity to go to the Capital City for the examinations."

As she spoke, she turned to look back at Mo Lingwei. "Right?"

Mo Lingwei pursed his lips. ’This girl. She finally remembered I was following her.’

His expression softened slightly as he gave a faint nod. "That’s correct. According to the laws of our dynasty, one can take the imperial examinations even at eighty years old. If he wants to go, it’s never too late."

"That’s wonderful!" Wen Xiaoman was exceptionally happy.

Shen Ningning sat down with her in the hall and said with a smile, "However, I’m guessing Manager Wen is very satisfied with his current life. Even after you all are settled, I don’t think he’ll go take the examinations."

Wen Xiaoman was curious. "Princess, why do you say that?"

"I’m just guessing based on his attitude toward life. Look, his inn has done decent business over the years. He must know that if he just grit his teeth and opened a bigger establishment, he could earn more silver. But he chose to run a small inn to ensure the business is stable. Then look at your name, Xiao Man. They say that a little contentment in life is better than having it all. I think your name carries that meaning as well."

"When you were born, Manager Wen probably felt that as long as you were alive and well, that was his greatest joy. Perhaps you see yourself as his burden, but what if that’s not what Manager Wen thinks at all? Having family by your side is a very happy thing."

As Shen Ningning spoke, she thought of her own childhood.

’Even though I hadn’t found my parents back then, having Grandma Qin and the Black Wolf King made me feel very happy already.’

Her words sent Wen Xiaoman into a daze of deep thought.

Laughter came from the entrance of the main hall. It was Manager Wen. "The Princess is truly perceptive, and everything you said is spot on. My life is stable and happy now. I no longer wish to pursue fame and fortune in the Imperial Court. The examinations are certainly a good path, but not better than the peaceful life I have now."

As he spoke, he placed the two dishes in his hands on the table. The family of four followed behind him, all carrying sumptuous dishes.

The two twin boys ran circles around Shen Ningning and Mo Lingwei.

"Go call your grandfather and grandmother over! It’s time to eat!"

The Wen Family treated Shen Ningning and Mo Lingwei as honored guests. The two of them were seated next to each other.

The table was filled with delicacies, and the candlelight in the hall cast a warm glow. Manager Wen chuckled. "Your Highnesses, our home-cooked food is simple, and we’ve prepared some humble wine. We hope you won’t mind."

Mo Lingwei nonchalantly moved the wine bowl from in front of Shen Ningning to in front of himself.

"These dishes are wonderfully homey, exactly to my liking," Mo Lingwei said lightly, his attitude very approachable.

Shen Ningning glanced at the wine in front of him and said to Manager Wen, "I won’t be drinking. I have to leave by waterway early tomorrow morning. I’ll let him drink with you all."

Hearing this, Mo Lingwei’s long eyebrows suddenly furrowed in hesitation.

He thought for a moment, then pushed the wine bowl aside as well.

"Then I won’t drink either. Since we have to travel, I’m afraid drinking might cause delays."

Doudou, being young, asked without thinking, "Are you afraid the Princess will run away, and you won’t be able to catch her if you drink too much?"

Shen Ningning’s cheeks instantly turned pink. Mo Lingwei feigned a light cough. "That’s not the only reason."

Doudou blinked his big, round eyes and said in his childish voice, "On the way back just now, I saw you holding the Princess’s hand, telling her not to run away anymore. You also said you’ll follow her from now on so she can’t shake you off. So, you really can’t drink!"

Doudou’s mother, terrified, quickly covered his mouth. The couple apologized to Mo Lingwei with looks of pure panic.

"Crown Prince, please forgive us! The child is ignorant and speaks nonsense. We’ll discipline him in a moment."

Mo Lingwei’s expression had already darkened, but just then, a soft laugh came from Shen Ningning beside him.

He turned to look at her. He saw the young woman’s charming face, flushed a lovely pink, her crystalline black eyes fixed on him without blinking.

Mo Lingwei immediately pressed his lips together, then let out a helpless laugh of his own.

"Out of the mouths of babes. I will not blame him. Besides, he’s not wrong."

Under the table, he suddenly grabbed Shen Ningning’s hand and said to everyone, "Not only will I chase her this time, but from now on, no matter where she goes, I will follow."

Shen Ningning’s smile froze on her face, which began to burn as if on fire. She tried to pull her hand back but couldn’t get it free.

So she could only glare at Mo Lingwei secretly and scold him in a whisper, "How can you be so blunt in front of so many people!"

Mo Lingwei chuckled. "Why should I be embarrassed about speaking my true feelings?"

Manager Wen and the others, after a moment of shock, came to their senses and couldn’t help but laugh.

"The Crown Prince and the Princess are a perfect match, truly made for each other. We wish you good news soon!"

These words went straight to Mo Lingwei’s heart. He had originally said he wouldn’t drink, but he was so happy that he picked up the wine bowl and downed it in one gulp.

Shen Ningning’s eyes went wide. "Don’t drink so much!"

They had to travel early tomorrow morning.

Mo Lingwei’s dark, slender eyes held a hint of a smile. "Don’t worry, I won’t get drunk."

Just as the group was happily eating, a knocking sound came from the direction of the outer gate—a loud, insistent banging.

Manager Wen put down his chopsticks. "Strange. Who could that be at this hour?"

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