Marry First, Love Later With The White Cat Princess - Chapter 65

Despite Xiao Lingyuan’s gentle demeanor, Liu Fenyun remained unskilled at interacting with monarchs. After only a few lines of casual conversation, her palms were sweating from nerves.

Fortunately, they only intended to make an appearance. After achieving a baseline of familiarity, they excused themselves and slipped away to the streets to go shopping.

In addition to snacks, Liu Fenyun wanted to buy some medicinal seeds. Her medicinal garden had only been unlocked upon reaching the Kingdom of Zhuhuang, meaning she could only plant herbs native to that land. If she wanted to turn the garden into a mobile apothecary, obviating the need to trek to dangerous lands or foreign countries for ingredients, these seeds were far from enough.

However, once they hit the streets, Lian Yi pulled her directly into a clothing boutique, insisting she pick out female attire she liked. Now that Liu Fenyun no longer needed to cross-dress as a man to hide her identity, Lian Yi was the happiest of all. She began fulfilling her old joke, intending to buy Liu Fenyun a dedicated wardrobe of women’s clothes so she could wear a different style every day.

Since her transmigration, Liu Fenyun had never actually browsed a clothing store, usually only going to pick up pre-ordered items. Looking at the room filled with all sorts of feminine garments, she didn’t even know where to start.

“The fashion in Qifeng City is very similar to your Hua people,” Lian Yi said, her cat tail swaying. Seeing Liu Fenyun dazed and standing still, she casually picked up a bright red, wide-sleeved gauze robe and thrust it toward her. “Here, put this on and let me see.”

Having no ideas of her own, Liu Fenyun took the garment and went to change. When she emerged and looked in the water mirror, her face flushed with embarrassment. “I… I’m still not used to wearing such bright colors.”

Lian Yi immediately brought over a navy blue long skirt, but Liu Fenyun shook her head after just one glance. “I can’t wear this color.”

Though the color was beautiful, it gave her a strange feeling that she might clash or “match” with someone else’s signature look.

Recalling her usual style, Lian Yi blinked. “I see. You prefer cyan, dark green, and black.”

Liu Fenyun felt that was indeed the case and nodded.

The shop did have female attire in those three colors. Lian Yi had Liu Fenyun pick one of each. When paying the bill, she also bought two of the bright red gauze robes along with many headpieces and pendants. Once outside, she had Liu Fenyun store everything in the medicinal garden, planning to try them on later at home.

Liu Fenyun didn’t understand why she bought the red gauze to her, wearing red felt like returning to the day of her grand wedding.

After picking out clothes, both were hungry. Lian Yi scouted the neighborhood and chose a tavern, requesting the best private room and several of the most expensive specialty dishes.

Liu Fenyun didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She felt Lian Yi was still bothered by Luo Binglun’s words from yesterday and was intentionally throwing money around to prove a point.

“Does Yiyi remember this kind of plot from the storybooks?” Liu Fenyun asked intentionally after they were seated. “A wealthy young lady carries a fortune to go shopping with her sweetheart, flaunting her wealth along the way, only to be targeted by thieves. When it comes time to pay, she finds her purse has vanished.”

Lian Yi tossed the spatial pouch of money in her hand, clearly catching the drift. She narrowed her eyes with a smile. “Does A-Yun think I look like a wealthy lady who can’t protect her own purse?”

Liu Fenyun’s lips twitched. Her thoughts had been exposed; saying ‘yes’ felt wrong, but saying ‘no’ would be contradicting her own warning.

Lian Yi acted as if she didn’t see the awkwardness. She pushed the money bag toward Liu Fenyun, her smile brightening. “I remember now. The wealthy lady in the stories must have a bodyguard by her side. How about this: A-Yun, you keep this purse for me. Don’t let the thieves steal it!”

Liu Fenyun hadn’t expected her warning to dig a hole for herself to fall into. However, she was more than happy to play the bodyguard, as it allowed her to stop the cat from squandering her small treasury. She gladly accepted the bag and tucked it into the medicinal garden space.

Before long, the dishes Lian Yi ordered began to arrive. Their days on the run hadn’t been long, but they had been grueling for Lian Yi, who was accustomed to a pampered life. Last night they had been too tired and only ate some noodles today, she was determined to have a feast.

Neither knew the local specialties of Qifeng City. To give herself a surprise, Lian Yi hadn’t even looked at the menu.

To their surprise, the table was served with an All-Fish Banquet. From clear fish ball soup to fried yellow croaker, pickled fish, and sashimi, there were ten distinct fish dishes. Cold-dressed, stewed, fried, no method was missed, but the ingredient was exclusively fish.

Looking at the table full of fish, Lian Yi fell silent and put down her chopsticks. She called the server. “Aside from fish, do you have any other meat dishes?”

The server smiled. “Of course.”

Lian Yi nodded. “Please bring three meat dishes that aren’t fish, and three light vegetable dishes.”

After the server left, Liu Fenyun said worriedly, “These specialties are expensive. It’s a waste if we don’t eat them…”

“We’ll pack them up,” Lian Yi interrupted. “They are specialties, after all; we should at least taste them. Whatever we can’t finish, we’ll feed to Qi Ran. I remember when she lived in the Saintess’s Palace, she loved fish and roasted poultry.”

Mentioning Qi Ran made Liu Fenyun realize she hadn’t seen her Master today. She subconsciously added, “Master likes fish too.”

“Even better,” Lian Yi said, pointing at several fish dishes. “Let’s not touch these. We’ll take them back whole to honor the elder.”

Even though Yu Qingyue’s memory was currently a mess, Lian Yi didn’t miss the chance to earn points. After all, this was her wife’s master, and Yu Qingyue had always treated her well.

Once the new dishes arrived, Liu Fenyun found that half of them suited her palate perfectly.

Lian Yi poured a small dish of vinegar and dipped the sashimi into it. As she ate, she asked, “What do people in your hometown dip sashimi in?”

“Many things, it depends on personal taste,” Liu Fenyun said, picking up her chopsticks. “Those who like strong flavors use wasabi. For something refreshing, there’s vinegar or lemon juice, and sushi soy sauce.”

“Is that the sushi made of rice wrapped in seaweed?” Lian Yi asked.

The two chatted as they ate. During the meal, the server brought a bottle of sweet rice wine that Lian Yi had ordered.

Lian Yi hadn’t touched alcohol in a long time or rather, since taking over the body of the Seventh Princess, she hadn’t dared touch it to protect her frail health. Now that her body was recovered, she naturally wanted to satisfy her craving.

“I heard the sweet rice wine in Qifeng City tastes like sugar water and won’t make you dizzy.” Lian Yi opened the stopper, poured the warm liquid into a cup, and poured one for Liu Fenyun. “Want a taste?”

Liu Fenyun had actually had sweet rice wine before, brewed by Yu Qingyue herself. However, that was mostly used as a medicinal catalyst. Back then, she wasn’t of age and was only allowed a tiny sip.

She took the cup and took a sip. It was indeed very sweet, but as it slid down her throat, it felt mellow and fragrant with a lingering aftertaste.

“It really is good wine!” Liu Fenyun praised.

Lian Yi laughed. “Didn’t I tell you? If you like it, we can have the court lady prepare some when we go back.”

Unlike Liu Fenyun, Lian Yi drank her entire cup in one go, enjoying the warmth spreading through her body.

Liu Fenyun was startled by such bold drinking. She quickly snatched the bottle. Facing Lian Yi’s startled gaze, she forced herself to advise, “Drinking like this is too hard on the body. The Seventh Princess’s health can’t handle this much at once!”

Lian Yi was a bit displeased, but knowing Liu Fenyun meant well, she held out her cup. “Then you pour it for me.”

Liu Fenyun would only give her half a cup at most. Lian Yi took it and still downed it in one go, arguing, “I’m testing the extent of my recovery. If I can drink like this without issues, it proves the Seventh Princess’s body is fully mended.”

Knowing she couldn’t win the argument, Liu Fenyun decided to let it go. When she poured the second cup, she filled it almost to the brim.

She had already prepared plenty of medicine for hangovers and stomach protection, enough to let this cat run wild for a bit.

Lian Yi didn’t know she was being calculated for. She only thought A-Yun had suddenly become very understanding of a cat’s needs and felt extremely happy. Despite the enjoyment, she didn’t forget to eat her food, avoiding a truly upset stomach.

Truth be told, their stay in Qifeng City wasn’t exactly stable. Even though Qi Ran, the leader of the assassins, was under their control, the Kingdom of Gehua had dared to cause trouble at a Great Power’s ceremony, they clearly didn’t respect this small city.

After eating their fill and packing up the fish banquet, they paid and left the tavern. Liu Fenyun supported the alcohol scented Lian Yi as they slowly walked back.

Sweet rice wine has a strong delayed kick. Because Lian Yi drank so much, the intoxication was starting to take hold. Her steps were wobbly, and she let out the occasional hiccup.

Fearing she would fall, Liu Fenyun suggested she turn back into a cat and stay in her arms, but Lian Yi refused.

The cat-demon’s pale face was flushed bright red. She pushed Liu Fenyun’s hand away. “I’m not drunk! Don’t look down on a cat’s tolerance!”

Liu Fenyun: “…Yes, yes, you’re not drunk.”

The moment she finished speaking, Lian Yi’s head leaned over, resting on her shoulder. Sweet alcoholic breath and warm sighs brushed against the crook of her neck. Behind her, the cat tail twisted and curled, somehow winding itself around Liu Fenyun’s hand.

The tickling sensation made Liu Fenyun shrink her neck. She looked down at the furry “accessory” on her wrist and couldn’t help but offer a wry smile.

“I think I’m going to fall,” Lian Yi said suddenly after walking a bit further. “This road is so hard to walk. Why are there such difficult roads in the city? All twisty and annoying…”

Hardly had she spoken when her left foot tripped over her right. If Liu Fenyun hadn’t caught her in time, she would have collapsed in the middle of the street.

“You’re tired,” Liu Fenyun said, choosing a gentler word than ‘drunk’.

The cat-demon in her arms let out another soft hiccup and gave a faint “Mm,” before declaring firmly, “You’re right. I’m a little tired, but I can still walk! I slept enough yesterday!”

Before Liu Fenyun could respond, Lian Yi threw off her hand and marched forward with giant strides.

Liu Fenyun sighed helplessly. She caught up in a few steps, leaned down, and scooped her up. Ignoring the cat flailing her limbs and mumbling incoherent nonsense, she carried her toward the Phoenix Tree Pavilion.