There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 344 Flattery

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang eagerly walked over to Grape and said, "Miss Grape, please bring some of the inn's signature dishes. I have plenty of money, don't hesitate to spend."

"Yes, Young Master Ruan."

Grape went downstairs, and the four of them sat down at the octagonal table.

Ruan Jingshang glanced at the teapot and began pouring tea, handing the first cup directly to Princess Changning.

"Princess Changning, are you thirsty? Please have some tea."

Princess Changning, slightly displeased, said, "Young Master Ruan has come to thank Li Lingxiao for saving his life, so he should be the first to receive tea."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang quickly nodded in agreement: "Yes, yes, Princess Changning is right. I will pour tea for Brother Li right away. Princess Changning, please feel free to drink. I'm sure the magnanimous Brother Li won't mind."

Since he had already said that, what could Li Lingxiao say? She could only reply, "I don't mind, just give it to Princess Changning first."

"Look, Brother Li is so magnanimous. Here, Brother Li, this cup of tea is for you."

Ruan Jingshang poured a second glass and handed it to Li Lingxiao.

"Brother Li, please have some tea."

Thank you, Brother Ruan.

After Li Lingxiao finished speaking, she handed the teacup to Li Shuchen: "Sister, you drink mine first."

Seeing this, Ruan Jingshang quickly poured a third cup of tea and handed it to Li Lingxiao.

"Brother Li, please enjoy."

He then poured himself a glass, sat down, and savored it.

"This tea is refreshing, thirst-quenching, and invigorating, making it perfect for early autumn. A fine tea."

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen explained, "This tea is called Apricot and Pear Tea. It is made by stewing pears and almonds. It has the effects of moisturizing the lungs, relieving coughs, and promoting the production of body fluids to relieve dryness."

It can also provide some relief for discomforts such as dry throat and cough caused by the dryness and heat of autumn. Young Master Ruan may drink more of it.

Ruan Jingshang: "This tea is so good, may I buy some from Miss Li to take away?"

Li Shuchen: "Of course."

After finishing his tea, Ruan Jingshang put down the cup and said, "It is my great fortune to have met Miss Li and Brother Li, such noble people, in this life. And to have met the intelligent and beautiful Princess Changning is my greatest fortune."

Hearing this, Li Shuchen lowered his head and sipped his tea. Listen to this, Ruan Jingshang has started flattering Princess Changning.

"People say that Princess Changning is devoted to the court and the people, risking her life to relieve disaster victims and generously donating money when there is no silver for war."

Not only that, Princess Changning is also very kind-hearted. She built an orphanage to give homeless children a home. I am fortunate to meet her today, and she is indeed as rumored. I, Ruan, toast Princess Changning.”

Ruan Jingshang picked up his wine glass, tilted his head back, and downed it in one gulp.

"Young Master Ruan, you flatter me."

Princess Changning raised her cup and took a small sip.

Ruan Jingshang continued, "Princess Changning possesses such extraordinary beauty, yet she is not aloof or arrogant. Such courage is truly admirable. I would like to offer another toast to Princess Changning."

He tilted his head back and drank it all.

Princess Changning took another small sip.

That wasn't all. Ruan Jingshang refilled his glass and began again: "Princess Changning... I, Ruan... offer a toast to Princess Changning."

Princess Changning then took a small sip.

Repeat this process multiple times.

Throughout the conversation, Li Shuchen listened attentively to Ruan Jingshang's praise of Princess Changning. To be honest, his flattery skills were somewhat lacking compared to hers.

He also had a poor eye for detail; didn't he see that Princess Changning didn't want to drink with him?

It's also possible that the excitement in one's heart clouded one's judgment.

After all, people are often irrational when it comes to love.

Seeing Princess Changning frown, Li Shuchen said, "Changning, the tea is getting cold. Have some tea."

Princess Changning's brows relaxed slightly upon hearing this: "Alright."

"Miss, the food is here."

Grape and several others took turns serving dishes, filling the table to the brim.

When Li Shuchen looked at the whole roasted lamb in the middle of the table, he couldn't help but praise Grape with his eyes.

Good grapes, they've learned the essence of her rip-off tactics.

Grape, pleased with the praise, smiled and stepped aside to stand properly.

Li Shuchen: "I suppose Young Master Ruan has not yet tasted the whole roasted lamb in my shop. Please try it and see if it suits your taste?"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang stood up, picked up a piece of meat, and placed it in Princess Changning's bowl.

"Princess Changning, please enjoy."

Li Shuchen couldn't help but complain, "This guy is being way too attentive. I wonder if Changning has figured out Ruan Jingshang's intentions."

Ruan Jingshang served meat to Princess Changning, then to Li Shuchen and Li Lingxiao, and finally to himself.

After taking a bite, he said, "Everyone says that the roasted whole lamb at Happiness Inn is the best in the entire capital. I've been waiting in line for days without getting a turn, but thanks to Princess Changning, I've finally had the chance to taste it today. The meat is fragrant but not greasy; the rumors are true."

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen smiled slightly: "Young Master Ruan, you flatter me."

Ruan Jingshang: "Princess Changning must eat more; it's good for a young lady's health to eat more meat."

Princess Changning smiled politely upon hearing this, and remained silent.

Li Lingxiao said, "Sister, I heard from Brother Xiao that mutton is warm in nature and sweet in taste, and has the effect of nourishing blood and warming the meridians. Sister has been planting flowers at Baihua Manor these past few days, and her face is a little pale from exhaustion. Please eat more to nourish yourself."

Hearing this, Li Shuchen felt a warmth in her heart: "Thank you, Xiao'er, your older sister will eat more."

Princess Changning placed a lamb leg directly on Li Shuchen's plate: "Eat this whole lamb leg, you've gotten so thin."

"it is good"

After finishing his sentence, Li Shuchen buried himself in his work, gnawing on a leg of lamb.

He heard Ruan Jingshang's voice in his ear, "This leg of lamb is for Princess Changning. May Princess Changning always have abundant energy and good health."

Princess Changning politely replied, "Thank you."

The meal was quite enjoyable for everyone, with Ruan Jingshang being the happiest, his beautiful smile never fading.

Having eaten and drunk his fill, Li Shuchen was eating grapes and making do with his food.

Ruan Jingshang diligently peeled grapes for Princess Changning, even though she didn't eat them.

Li Lingxiao felt that Ruan Jingshang had been staying a bit too long and was worried that it would affect her older sister's reputation, so she spoke up.

"Brother Ruan, let me see you off."

"what?"

Ruan Jingshang paused in peeling grapes, then belatedly came to his senses.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Li."

Li Shuchen: "Grape, take Young Master Ruan to buy apricot and pear tea."

"Yes, miss"

Li Lingxiao and Ruan Jingshang had just come downstairs

Princess Changning then complained, "This Ruan Jingshang is no good man. Li Shuchen, you should avoid contact with him, or he might lead you astray."

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen forgot to chew the grapes in his mouth and used his tongue to pick them up and move them to his right cheek.

"Didn't you notice anything during the entire lunch?"

Princess Changning: "I've noticed. Ruan Jingshang is all talk and no action, a smooth talker and flatterer. Don't believe everything he says; just listen to him."

Li Shuchen was stunned upon hearing this. She thought Changning had figured out that Ruan Jingshang liked her, but she hadn't expected her to think this way.

"Changning, I also love to be glib and flattering."

Princess Changning replied seriously, "You're different. I love listening to your glib tongue. You're extremely good to me, even willing to risk your life for me, and you have no ulterior motives towards me."

But Ruan Jingshang is different. He treats me like this because he's after my status. He keeps calling me "Princess," and who knows, he might ask me for a big favor in the future. I don't believe him at all."

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen twitched the corner of his mouth again. What a perfect misunderstanding.

Ruan Jingshang made such a bad impression on Changning right from the start, it will be difficult for him to pursue her in the future.

Let us silently mourn for him for three minutes.