The palace had prepared several changing rooms for the banquet guests, one of which required passing by the seating area where Yue Fuguang and the other children were seated.

Yu Chongshan and Zheng Ziling arrived together. Just as they were about to pass Yue Fuguang’s group, Yu Chongshan seemed to suddenly spot his granddaughter and turned to approach them.

"Grandfather!" Yu Ningrou was the first to see Yu Chongshan. Ever since learning she wasn’t a blood descendant of the Yu family, Yu Ningrou had become much more subdued, toning down her once haughty demeanor.

"Hmm." Yu Chongshan nodded without even glancing at her properly.

Even before Yue Fuguang returned to the Yu household, the old master had never been fond of this granddaughter, feeling she had been spoiled by Madame Sun’s influence. He had tried to caution his son, but the third son paid no heed—after all, a granddaughter had her parents to dote on her, and as a grandfather, he couldn’t interfere too much.

"Seventh Child, are the palace dishes to your liking?" Yu Chongshan didn’t particularly want to ask this—it bordered on impropriety. How dare a subject express dissatisfaction with the imperial kitchen’s fare? If the censors caught wind of it, they’d surely accuse him of disrespect!

But Yu Chongshan had the Emperor’s tacit approval. If he didn’t mention food, how else could he steer the conversation toward it?

"Grandfather, the palace cuisine is naturally excellent."

Though her words were polite, everyone could hear her inner thoughts: The presentation is refined, but the food’s gone cold. Out of the 36 cooking methods—frying, deep-frying, braising, stewing, steaming, roasting, and so on—barely a handful are used here.

Thirty-six cooking methods?

Someone silently counted the techniques known in the Great Yan Dynasty—perhaps five or six at most?

"As long as it’s tasty. But since the dishes are cold, you shouldn’t eat too much at your age—it’s bad for digestion. When we return to the estate, I’ll have your grandmother prepare something lighter and more suitable for a child."

"Understood, Grandfather," Yue Fuguang replied obediently.

Inwardly, she remarked to her system, Little Pearl, I thought Grandfather would say, ‘If it’s good, eat more!’

The slogan from that snack commercial was so catchy that Yue Fuguang nearly blurted out the brand name!

[I didn’t expect Lord Yu to be so considerate. Why haven’t they shown more concern since you returned to the Yu family?

Not only did Madame Sun treat a legitimate daughter like an adopted child, but your treatment was worse than that of her personal maids. If not for me, you’d still be stuck eating the scraps they gave you.]

Yes, yes, you’re the best. That’s why Master sent you to accompany me on this mortal trial—because even in the mortal realm, Little Pearl ensures I suffer less and brings me good food and fun.

Yu Chongshan overheard their exchange and coughed awkwardly. "Well then, Seventh Child, enjoy yourself for now. Your grandfather needs to step away to sober up."

As he turned to leave, Zheng Ziling suddenly tugged at his sleeve. There was no way he’d miss this chance to get acquainted with the little immortal.

Zheng Ziling was convinced that first impressions mattered—those who met the young immortal earlier would naturally hold a slightly more favorable place in her heart.

With a kindly smile, he said, "Lord Yu, is this the granddaughter recently welcomed back to your family?"

Yu Chongshan knew exactly what he was up to but played along. "You flatter me, Lord Zheng. This is indeed my seventh child. Little Seven, this is Lord Zheng from the Ministry of Revenue."

Yue Fuguang curtsied. "Greetings, Lord Zheng."

Zheng Ziling waved his hand. "No need for formalities, Seventh Miss. Your grandfather and I are old friends—just call me Grandfather Zheng."

While "Grandfather" was a more common term among commoners, it carried a warmer, more intimate tone than the formal "grandfather" used in noble families.

"Grandfather Zheng," Yue Fuguang readily complied, switching effortlessly.

[Master, how can you call a mortal ‘grandfather’ so easily?] the system remarked.

In this life, I’m just an ordinary mortal girl, unloved by her parents. One must act according to their station.

When I return to Lingxu Mountain, I’ll resume my place as an immortal. But while in the mortal realm, we follow mortal customs. Well… unless I choose not to. No one can force me either way.

Besides, mortals live less than a century—to us, it’s but a fleeting moment, like morning dew or a mayfly’s life. Consider this a game, a chance to truly experience mortal life and its simple joys.

[Is this what the Divine Lord meant by ‘following nature’s course’?]

More or less. At Lingxu Mountain, we cultivate the Path of Freedom—following one’s heart, ensuring clarity of Dao. My first few millennia were too smooth.

Perhaps Master sent me to the mortal realm to temper my character. Let’s savor the true flavors of this world.

[What if someone bullies you?]

Anyone who dares disrupt my Dao heart, I’ll obliterate with a wave of my hand. You’re a divine artifact—who could possibly make me suffer?

[Don’t worry, Master. Anyone who harms you, Little Pearl will mark their souls, ensuring they suffer for lifetimes to come.]

The system clenched its tiny fists, its round form making even anger look adorable.

Zheng Ziling ignored the chilling undertones in the girl’s words and forced a compliment. "Lord Yu, you’re truly blessed. This granddaughter of yours looks like a little celestial being—unlike my own brood.

Ah, old friend, I can’t help but envy your good fortune!"

His envy was genuine. Anyone could see that, regardless of the Yu family’s past missteps, the higher-ups would now show them favor—all thanks to this girl.

Unless she openly denounced the Yu family, their rise was inevitable.

[My master isn’t some ‘little celestial being’—she’s a young immortal lord! Celestial beings are only fit to serve her tea, like Qingzhu and Cuizhu.]

The system referred to the two maids assigned to Yue Fuguang by the Yu matriarch. Cuizhu stood nearby, attending to her closely.

Zheng Ziling’s smile stiffened at the system’s words, silently praying he hadn’t offended the divine artifact with his phrasing.

Quick to recover, he said, "Since Seventh Miss calls me Grandfather Zheng, here—a small gift for you. Take it as a token of our meeting."

He presented an eighteen-bead jade bracelet, each bead flawless and translucent, a masterpiece of emerald-green jade.

Yue Fuguang didn’t immediately accept it. Instead, she glanced at Yu Chongshan for approval, only taking it after his nod.

Yu Chongshan’s earlier gloom vanished, replaced by quiet delight. The fact that Little Seven still deferred to him meant she hadn’t entirely rejected the family.

As for his third son… A long-held idea solidified in his mind. The eldest son would surely agree.

Whether the third son consented or not was irrelevant. If necessary, he’d split the third branch off entirely.

After strolling a while longer, the two men returned to report.

"Well, gentlemen? Any discoveries?" The Emperor was eager to know—had they witnessed any immortal techniques?

Zheng Ziling reported, "Your Majesty, although the food on Seventh Miss's table appears no different from the others, I detected at least three distinct fragrances—fresh, sweet, and unlike any scent I've encountered before."

Yu Chongshan added, "I also noticed them, and I detected two additional aromas beyond what Lord Zheng described."