A spring outing underway

Shen Shixu looked at Xiao Lie and Bai Lixi, momentarily dazed. He raised his hands to salute, but Xiao Lie waved him off. "No need for formalities. You and Jinyi are good friends, so I regard you as one of the younger members of my own family. You can dispense with those empty courtesies."

Hearing this, Shen Shixu straightened from the bow he had just begun. "Since Your Highness says so, I'll take you at your word."

The four of them boarded the carriage. Shen Shixu sat beside Xiao Jinyi, with Xiao Lie and Bai Lixi opposite them.

Xiao Jinyi reached out and felt around beside him. With a snap, a sturdy wooden board sprang out, forming a table between the four of them.

Xiao Jinyi opened another hidden compartment and took out a food box. Sprigs of red plum blossoms adorned its black lacquered surface, adding a touch of charm to the otherwise plain box.

He took three plates of pastries out of the box, then Xiao Jin Yi set a plate of peanut-coated pastries directly in front of Shen Shixu.

Xiao Lie couldn't help raising his eyebrows at the sight and deliberately teased him. "It's been a while, and you've certainly grown up, boy. You even know how to look after someone now. Aren't you going a little overboard, though? It feels as if you're looking after your wife."

Shen Shixu had been about to pick up a peanut pastry, but at those words, he withdrew his hand. The tips of his ears reddened, and he turned his gaze toward the blue-green carriage curtain, staring fixedly at its pattern.

Xiao Jinyi gave Xiao Lie a displeased look. Xiao Lie avoided his eyes and pulled the other two plates of pastries over to Bai Lixi.

Bai Lixi had a