During dinner, TanTan tried her best to finish eating as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the delicious roast chicken made it difficult for her to achieve that goal. She couldn't resist reaching for one piece after another.
Meanwhile, Prince Li was also enjoying his meal with FangFang. Every now and then, however, he would glance at TanTan, watching how freely she ate.
He recalled that the HuaMuTan of the past had always been extremely concerned about her dignity. She would usually avoid eating dishes like roasted chicken, which were difficult to eat elegantly without making a mess.
The more I observe her, the more I feel that this woman is completely different from her former self... It's almost as if she's no longer HuaMuTan.
A new suspicion began to form in his mind.
Could she actually be someone else?
The thought suddenly occurred to him, but even he found the theory ridiculous.
Why would HuaMuTan—or perhaps the Hua family—send someone to impersonate her? And how could that person look so exactly like her?
Still, the more he thought about it, the more he felt he needed to make sure.
He remembered something important: HuaMuTan had three small birthmarks on her left shoulder.
Perhaps I should find an opportunity to check them later.
While Prince Li was lost in thought, TanTan had finally finished her meal.
"Ahh... I'm so full!"
"Me too, YangMu! I'm so full!"
FangFang rubbed her little belly, which was now noticeably rounder after all the food she had eaten.
TanTan smiled at her.
"Well, we should thank Aunt Tong for preparing such delicious food tonight."
As someone who had taken on the role of FangFang's mother, TanTan felt it was important to teach her to be polite and grateful.
FangFang immediately followed her example.
"Thank you, Aunt Tong!"
"That's right. Thank you, Aunt Tong," TanTan repeated, copying FangFang's cheerful tone.
Aunt Tong, who had just instructed the other servants to clear the dishes, smiled somewhat awkwardly at the two of them.
"It's my duty. I'm glad you both enjoyed the meal. It's getting late now, so FangFang XiaoJie should return to her room and get some sleep."
Prince Li nodded in agreement, and TanTan smiled at FangFang.
"Good night, FangFang."
However, the little girl seemed reluctant to leave.
"Um... Can I sleep with YangMu again tonight?"
TanTan smiled at the request, but then remembered that QingQing was probably waiting for her.
"I'm sorry, FangFang. Not tonight. YangMu still has a guest to look after."
FangFang understood and didn't insist. She politely said good night to both TanTan and Prince Li before allowing Aunt Tong to escort her out of the room.
Now that only Prince Li and TanTan remained, TanTan decided it was time for her to leave as well.
"Well, I should go too..."
She stood up and was about to walk toward the door.
"Wait!"
Prince Li's sudden command made her stop.
TanTan sighed inwardly.
What now?
"I have a guest waiting for me, Prince Li. I need to go."
"And I haven't given you permission to invite guests into my mansion, HuaMuTan!"
TanTan turned toward him, feeling irritated once again. However, she realized that the customs of this era could be rather troublesome.
This time, she admitted her mistake.
"Well, I know it was wrong of me not to ask you first. But do you really have to be such a rude host? I can't exactly throw her out after already promising she could stay!"
Prince Li remained silent for a moment before asking,
"Then tell me first. Why do you want to invite her here?"
It was strange to him that HuaMuTan had suddenly become so close to Lady FengHuang's younger sister. After all, he knew how badly the two women had gotten along in the past. Even at the Law Mansion earlier that day, TanTan had unexpectedly defended Lady FengHuang.
There was clearly something he didn't understand.
"QingQing was the one who helped save me at the gambling house. I simply want to repay her kindness. Is that wrong?"
TanTan tried to sound casual, but she was slightly nervous. She didn't want Prince Li to know that she was still searching for clues about the people who had tried to kill her and the mysterious Silver Mask.
"Hmm..."
Prince Li continued staring at her, seemingly examining her words.
His silence made TanTan increasingly uneasy. After all, he was the master of the mansion and had every right to accept or reject her guest.
And judging from his expression, he clearly didn't trust QingQing either.
TanTan hesitated before finally making another suggestion.
"How... how about we make a deal? What do I have to do to convince you to let QingQing stay?"
Prince Li raised an eyebrow.
A deal? It seems this QingQing is rather important to her...
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
"Does that mean you'll agree to do anything I ask?"
"Just once! And only if it doesn't violate anyone's human rights or my own rights!"
TanTan raised a finger to emphasize her conditions. She certainly wasn't going to let him take advantage of her.
Prince Li continued watching her.
"How can I trust you? You could easily deny making such a promise later."
TanTan sighed. Somehow, it was disappointing to realize that he still didn't trust her.
But then she remembered that every agreement should have clear terms.
"Fine. Just give me a piece of paper to sign."
Even better if it's divorce papers...
"Paper? Why would we waste it?"
Prince Li looked at her strangely. He then turned toward a servant and instructed him to summon Uncle Tong.
TanTan had momentarily forgotten that, in this era, even something as ordinary as paper could be considered valuable.
Before long, Uncle Tong entered the room, wondering why he had been summoned. He greeted Prince Li and TanTan politely and waited for his instructions.
Prince Li immediately explained the situation.
"So, Uncle Tong will serve as our witness. To make things clear, I agree to let QingQing stay here, provided that you promise to do one thing I ask of you. Is that correct?"
"That's... right! But as I said, it must not violate anyone's human rights! Now, tell me. What exactly do you want me to do?"
TanTan narrowed her eyes as she stared at Prince Li.
She couldn't help worrying that she might be digging her own grave with this agreement.
"Don't worry. I won't force you to do anything against the law. But what if you're the one who fails to keep your promise?"
Prince Li asked calmly.
TanTan answered without hesitation.
"Then QingQing and I will leave this mansion. And you can divorce me afterward, if that's what you want."
She was completely serious.
There she goes mentioning divorce again...
Prince Li frowned inwardly.
What exactly is her game?
After considering the terms, he realized that he had little to lose by accepting them.
"Fine. Uncle Tong, you've heard everything, haven't you? Be our witness."
Uncle Tong was rather puzzled by the whole situation.
Why do they have to go to such lengths just to let a guest stay in the mansion?
Nevertheless, he knew it wasn't his place to question his master's decisions. He simply nodded and agreed to be their witness.
"Good! Then it's settled. QingQing can stay, right?"
TanTan wanted to make absolutely sure that their agreement was official.
"Yes, she may stay. Uncle Tong, ask Aunt Tong to prepare a room for Miss QingQing."
Uncle Tong was relieved that he could finally leave. He bowed politely and went out to carry out the order.
"But what about the condition you want me to fulfill?" TanTan asked again.
She was still curious, although she secretly hoped Prince Li would only ask her to do some ordinary household chores or something equally harmless.
Prince Li gave her another mysterious smirk.
"I'll tell you later. Perhaps tomorrow."
He then stood up and left the room, leaving TanTan behind.
Only after he had disappeared did TanTan suddenly realize something.
Wait... Wasn't I supposed to be the one leaving the room first just now?!
She clicked her tongue in annoyance.
How irritating!
But she quickly put her frustration aside when she remembered that QingQing was still waiting for her.
With that, TanTan finally left the room as well.