Chapter 1133: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (8)

Upon arriving at the kitchen, Shangguan Jing saw a side of the woman entirely different from the one who had sat opposite him at the chessboard earlier.

Watching those familiar dishes being arranged onto plates and smelling the enticing aroma rising from them, he forgot what he had intended to ask.

“Your Highness, what brings you here?”

“This prince merely came to take a look. I didn't expect the Princess Consort's culinary skills to be so excellent.”

“I have learned since childhood. Mother always said that women should know these things.”

Unable to help himself, Shangguan Jing asked, “And so you simply learned them?”

“Yes.”

Tang Guo turned back with a smile. It was still that flawless smile—neither flamboyant nor uninhibited, merely faint and gentle, like a spring breeze brushing softly past.

Once the dishes were finished and carried out by the servants, Tang Guo followed beside Shangguan Jing.

Suddenly, he stopped and turned around, his eyes fixed on hers.

“Princess Consort, this prince is very curious. What exactly is your purpose in doing all this? Do you really think that by doing so, this prince will like you a little more?”

His words were cold and heartless.

The system sneered inwardly.

Of course it's to play you to death. What else could it be?

“Because Your Highness is my husband,” Tang Guo answered with her head slightly lowered. “Doing these things is only proper. As Your Highness's wife, it is naturally my duty to prepare everything for you properly.”

“Just that?” Shangguan Jing didn't believe her. “You have no other intentions? Don't you want to gain this prince's favor?”

“This concubine only needs to fulfill her duties. As for how Your Highness regards me, such things cannot be forced.”

Shangguan Jing found no trace of deceit in those eyes.

So she was telling the truth.

Turning around, he continued walking toward the dining hall and laughed softly.

“You truly are a proper noble lady, worthy of being called virtuous and gentle.”

“But this prince doesn't like it.”

“If this is what you enjoy doing, then continue. Your cooking, however, this prince quite likes. Rank and wealth—I can give you those. As for anything else, don't even think about it.”

There was only one person in his heart—Jiao'er.

No one could replace her.

As for this noble lady, he would send her away sooner or later.

Hearing the footsteps behind him pause for a brief moment, Shangguan Jing inexplicably felt delighted.

After all, noble ladies were still human.

They could be hurt.

When he stepped into the dining hall and glanced back, he noticed that her complexion had gone slightly pale. She seemed to want to say something, but swallowed the words.

Forget it.

Why should he bother saying these things to someone whose mind was as rigid as a block of wood?

Even if she was heartbroken, she would never defy him.

In her life, her husband was probably heaven itself.

Women like that were unbearably dull.

How could he possibly like one?

“Let's eat.”

After dinner, Shangguan Jing glanced at Tang Guo, who had already risen to her feet.

“This prince is leaving first.”

After a brief pause, he added, “Be obedient. This prince won't treat you unfairly. But stop entertaining other thoughts.”

He left the rest unsaid.

Because he intended to send this woman away eventually.

He only hoped that during this time, she would remain obedient and not provoke his anger.

“Yes, this concubine understands.”

Looking at her well-behaved and dutiful appearance, completely devoid of spirit and vitality, he found her truly boring.

His Jiao'er was different.

Every smile and every expression of hers could stir his heart.

Jiao'er...

One day, he would bring Jiao'er back to Prince Jing's Manor.

That night, as Shangguan Jing prepared to sleep, he suddenly discovered that his quilt felt lighter and warmer than before.

Frowning slightly, he asked, “What's this?”

“Replying to Your Highness, it is a silk quilt. It was specially prepared for Your Highness by the Princess Consort.”