Chapter 17: Oh! Oh? Oh! Oh!

“Oh, so that’s the kind of flavor they like!” Sinousang remarked, continuing to watch. Even from behind, their beauty was almost unreal. Her skin was as white as snow. No wonder that man disliked her darker complexion.

Damn it, she wasn’t dark! It was a healthy tan, and it looked beautiful, didn’t it? Too bad not a single man could appreciate it. In this era, there truly wasn’t anyone who could value such beauty.

Suddenly, the musician turned her face to the side. She was as lovely as a painting. Compared to her, Sinousang felt rather unattractive. She hurriedly looked away and picked up the wine on the table.

“Young master, what’s wrong? Aren’t you watching anymore?”

“I’m not in the mood. What’s the point? It’s just a woman, isn’t it? Who would have thought men would be drawn to such ‘green tea’ types.”

“What green tea? There’s no green tea here!”

“No, it’s not about that. Let’s drink instead! Don’t mind those people. We’ve come here to have a good drink. The wine’s not bad, but it’s nothing compared to what I brew.”

“Young master, you know how to brew wine?” Yiyi’s eyes widened.

“There’s plenty I can do. I can make drunken grape wine.”

“Really? Should we get some grapes? It’s grape season now.” Yiyi looked at the princess, now actively encouraging Sinousang to try new things out of curiosity, and even more, a growing fondness.

“Alright! Let’s make grape wine. You’ll be the first to taste it when it’s ready.”

“Good. Shall we go now? It’s uncomfortable here anyway.” Yiyi glanced at Her Highness, sensing her jealousy. She wanted to lead her away before she witnessed the prince acting overly familiar with that woman—it would break her heart.

So the two settled their bill and left. This scene was noticed by Xuan Yuan Jue Si.

He watched as the two women descended the stairs, chatting and laughing as they walked down the street.

“Your Highness, what’s the matter?” The musician asked, seeing the prince lost in thought. She’d always held affection for Xuan Yuan Jue Si and liked him immensely.

“Second Brother, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just thought I saw someone. Let’s keep drinking.”

Xuan Yuan Jue Si refrained from meddling further and continued chatting with his brothers, though his mind wandered. Why was that woman here? It puzzled him.

Sinousang had no idea the man had noticed her, nor did she care.

They arrived at the fruit stall.

“Pick the ripest ones, alright?” she told Yiyi, who nodded.

Actually, in the modern age—2550—technology was highly advanced, but Sinousang still preferred to do things by hand.

Grape wine was delicious, so she’d tried making it a few times. The results were quite good.

They selected plenty of ripe grapes. After paying, they carried them home and found two ceramic jars, presumably meant for storing wine.

“I’m not that skilled at it, but we can give it a try,” she said, mostly a dabbler.

“I believe in you, Your Highness. You’ll succeed. Then we can sneak a drink together.”

“Haha, Yiyi, you’re getting bolder!”

“It’s because you’re such a wonderful person, Your Highness. That’s why I am like this.”

“It’s alright—I like you this way. One should live authentically, not be trapped. Understand?”

“Yes, I will.”

Yiyi was developing toward the direction the princess hoped for, but in the end, it would become an irreversible situation. Yiyi’s feelings for Sinousang grew deeper; at this rate, things might turn extreme.

The grapes here were free from pesticides, so a gentle rinse was enough. The two crushed the grapes, placed them in the jars, sealed them with yellow wine clay, and buried them in a chosen spot.

“How long will it take?” Yiyi asked Sinousang.

“A month or so. Two jars should last us quite a while.”

“Aren’t you planning to sell it, Your Highness? That could make money.”

“You’re becoming quite business-savvy, Yiyi. But let’s just keep it for ourselves. We don’t lack money. Maybe we can make other useful household items—something ordinary people can afford.”

Sinousang replied, though she hadn’t thought of anything specific yet.

“Okay.”

“I plan to open a shop to sell our soap and other items.”

“Oh, so you went out today to look for a storefront? Did you see many places?”

“Of course. What do you think about the one by the river?”

Sinousang asked Yiyi, who pondered.

“Isn’t it a bit too quiet there?” There weren’t many passersby, but that was exactly what Sinousang wanted.

“That’s right. Tomorrow, you go pay for it. In a couple of days, we’ll start renovations. Let’s make extra stock today. How much do we have left?”

“About a hundred pieces.”

“That’s a bit low! A reserve is always good. Let’s make two hundred pieces today, though it’ll be exhausting.”

“It’s alright—I’m strong, Your Highness.”

“Fine, then go fetch the green tea, rose, mint, and chrysanthemum. We’ll make fifty of each today.”

There was plenty of brine prepared, so things could be done quickly now. Heating and stirring just required labor and time, but that wasn’t an issue—Yiyi worked astonishingly fast.

Sometimes, Xuan Yuan Jue Si would come by to help. But tonight, he probably wouldn’t—there was a beauty at his side, so why would he come?

But she was mistaken. Xuan Yuan Jue Si soon arrived.

“Your Highness, you’re back so early!” she said, deliberately sarcastic, noting how dark it was already.

“Early? I don’t think it’s early at all,” Xuan Yuan Jue Si replied, utterly uncooperative.

“Fine, not early then. May I ask what brings you here? If there’s nothing urgent, don’t get in my way—I have to earn money.”

“You should address yourself as princess.”

“I do in front of others. But when it’s just you and me, why pretend?”

Sinousang looked at him, showing no intention of being pleasant.

“Are you making a lot today?” he asked, seeing all the ingredients laid out.

“Yes. I’ve found a shop, and I plan to sell my products there.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?” Sinousang stared at Xuan Yuan Jue Si, feeling something was off about him.

“Oh,” he confirmed again.