Chapter 86: Do You Know That Person Who Just Left?

For the seven-year-old Third Miss Ji, no one would think too much about it. After all, doting on a child hardly seemed strange or out of place. Besides, this Third Miss Ji was truly well-behaved, with rosy lips, pearly teeth, and a fairy-like beauty—a quiet, gentle presence that endeared her to all who saw her.

It was just that… to spoil a child so thoroughly, to the point where even the emperor was set aside… that seemed a bit too outrageous. Yet, when it came to the Little Prince Rong, perhaps it wasn't so inappropriate after all.

After all, the Little Prince Rong was never considered a normal person… was he?

The moment Ji Tianxin caught the scent, she knew immediately, "Ayan made this."

Lin Si bowed his head with a quiet smile and whispered, "You have a keen eye, Miss Ji—it is indeed the prince's handiwork."

A gleam of delight lit up Ji Tianxin's eyes at these words. Ayan’s culinary skills were truly excellent—the best cook she had ever encountered.

If Lin Si had heard Ji Tianxin’s thoughts, he might have coughed up blood at the word "cook."

"If so, please enjoy, Miss Ji. I will take my leave," Lin Si said with a slight nod.

Su Qing glanced at Lin Si. This was perhaps the first time she had heard him refer to himself as a servant. She glanced up at the hall, wondering if it was because of the occasion.

"Very well," Ji Tianxin replied, not even sparing Lin Si a glance.

Lin Si seemed used to this. He turned, bowed to the emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, my task is complete. I beg leave to withdraw."

Just as everyone thought His Majesty might reprimand or even be angered, the emperor frowned, displeased. "Why is Ayan so partial? He doesn’t even bring me a taste of his delicacies."

Lin Si smiled with perfect poise. "I will be sure to convey Your Majesty’s words to the prince."

His tone carried a hint of teasing, a touch of light humor, instantly dissolving what might have been a tense atmosphere.

The way everyone looked at Lin Si changed. In the court, who wasn’t as clever as a monkey, skilled at reading faces and situations? Yet even a servant of the Prince Rong’s household displayed such grace and tact, so adept at easing awkward moments.

Could it be that the Little Prince Rong was truly as the rumors claimed?

Even Duan Yu and Duan Yan exchanged glances, curiosity rising for this sworn brother they had never once met. Indeed, even they had never seen him. They only knew such a person existed in the Prince Rong’s household, but had never laid eyes on him, almost doubting his existence.

Sure enough, Lin Si’s words amused the emperor, who laughed heartily, "Very good, very good! Hahaha…"

With the emperor’s laughter, the atmosphere in the hall became much more relaxed, and everyone’s mood lightened.

The only ones now ill at ease were the Ji family, and Ji Yucheng, who had almost clawed through her skirt in frustration.

Lin Si bowed respectfully and withdrew.

The courtiers could not help but sigh inwardly—truly, the emperor’s favor toward the Prince Rong’s household was exceptional. What abilities did this Little Prince Rong possess, to inspire such forbearance from the emperor himself?

No one understood! It had become one of the great unresolved mysteries of the Yu Kingdom’s court for more than a decade.

Once Lin Si had departed, Ji Tianxin became the focus of the entire great hall. Even the emperor could not contain his curiosity about the pastries within that food box.

The people outside were curious too, but the distance was too great—they craned their necks in vain, unable to see a thing.

Ji Huaili was now on pins and needles. Glancing at Ji Tianxin beside him, he suddenly felt an urge to move to the back of the hall. Pressing his hands on his crossed knees, he lowered his voice and asked, "Do you know that man from just now?"