CHAPTER 446: CHAPTER 446: MADAM, BLAME YOUR IRRESISTIBLE CHARM

Shu’er heard the upward inflection in that "hmm" and knew Tang Zan was contemplating something complex.

She had just spoken in haste, wanting to give Tang Zan a sense of security.

After all, in this regard, Tang Zan truly excelled, so much so that there was nothing to criticize.

When women approached him to confess, they were deterred by his cold demeanor before they could even speak.

To be precise, Tang Zan met all women, except her and his family, with this simple and blunt coldness.

The reason Lin Shiyao was so brazen was because she understood the progression of events in this life, which made her fearless in clinging on.

Yet Tang Zan didn’t show a hint of compassion.

Shu’er felt completely at ease regarding Tang Zan.

Hence, she wanted to provide him with enough sense of security.

Shu’er unsuccessfully resisted and was thoroughly teased by Tang Zan before he finally let her go.

Tang Zan gazed at the woman in his arms; her pretty face slightly flushed, with red-tinted eyes, and those upturned almond eyes glistening.

But she was entirely oblivious to how alluring she looked at the moment and was about to head out.

Tang Zan held her hand and spoke in a low, raspy voice.

"Don’t go out now."

Shu’er was taken aback and blinked.

"But, the barbecue will burn."

Tang Zan replied, "Haven’t you already taught those two cookmaids how to grill? They’ll manage."

Tang Zan leaned closer to Shu’er’s ear.

"Besides, I don’t want anyone else to see you like this."

Shu’er, only just realizing, understood that her current appearance might not be very dignified.

So she took out a small mirror from her pocket.

One look and she realized, this wasn’t just undignified.

If someone else caught this gaze, they’d probably misconstrue it as intentional seduction.

How could she let that happen?

Shu’er gently tapped Tang Zan, a bit embarrassed and annoyed: "It’s all your fault."

Tang Zan laughed and held her hand.

"No, it’s madame’s fault, for being too charming, always attracting those men to like you."

Shu’er blinked: "Really?"

A hint of amusement flickered in Tang Zan’s eyes.

"Yes, truly not."

Given Shu’er’s insensitivity towards feelings, it was best not to tell her these things.

It’s better for Shu’er to forever remain unaware of how others secretly adored her.

Though he didn’t want to be so insecure, whenever he managed to calm himself, he found his affection for Shu’er growing deeper.

That insecurity only increased instead of decreasing.

He knew his situation was precarious, but there was nothing he could do.

He thought, as long as this person was Shu’er, not just a bit of emotional instability, but even dying for her, he would be willing.

Looking at Shu’er, she was utterly at ease with him.

This made him happy, yet a little discouraged.

The ease she felt was, after all, because the feelings weren’t deep enough.

Shu’er picked wild spices while waiting for her face to cool down.

Otherwise, she couldn’t explain why, while grilling barbecue, they suddenly ended up in the small woods.

This really lets one’s thoughts wander.

Tang Zan was quite composed.

Or rather, he wished Xiao Shen would take a hint and back off.

After the two returned, they grilled barbecue with the cookmaids, and Shu’er softly reminded them of how to grill it, and when to apply sauces to maximize flavor.

Xiao Shen stood up and approached Shu’er and Tang Zan.

"I’m here to see how you grill the barbecue."

Shu’er naturally didn’t resist; after all, an extra helping hand reduced her burden.

She instructed Xiao Shen on barbecue tips.

After it was done, she served it to Tang Zan and Prefect Xie to eat first.

Tang Zan smiled: "Let the Imperial Uncle and Prefect Xie eat first; we can wait."

Shu’er nodded.

Xiao Shen said, "It’s fine; I actually love cooking. I can grill barbecue with Shu’er."

Tang Zan smiled: "It’s alright, you are guests; you should eat first."

Xiao Shen looked at Shu’er, who seemed to realize and looked up, then smiled.

"Imperial Uncle, since Tang Zan said so, I support his view. It’s better for you to eat first."

Xiao Shen felt even more disappointed, with a bit of sourness, not knowing where it came from.

Shu’er glanced at Tang Zan and smiled, then focused on grilling meat with a very gentle and virtuous demeanor.

Just as she started grilling, she felt a skewer of meat pushed to her lips.

"It’s fine, we can grill and eat at the same time."

Shu’er’s smile grew even brighter.

"Alright."

Meanwhile, Xiao Shen and Lord Xie started eating skewers too.

As soon as they bit into it, the spicy, numbing, fresh flavors exploded in their mouths. It was a rich taste without being overwhelming, with the aroma of meat wafting everywhere, simply delightful.

This is a feast for the taste buds, where all good flavors burst on the tongue.

They couldn’t stop eating, and before they knew it, the skewers on the grill were finished.

The cookmaids brought out another plate.

The two grilled while eating, quite sweetly.

When they had enough cooked, Shu’er even arranged for Lin Yu, Lin Hong, and a few coachmen to have their own table.

She went to sit by the table too.

Xiao Shen exclaimed: "Your barbecue tastes really good, crispy with a unique aroma. The sauces and dips are distinctively fragrant and spicy."

Shu’er smiled: "If the Imperial Uncle likes it, I can pack some for you later."

Just as she finished speaking, Prefect Xie looked at her expectantly.

Shu’er laughed: "Of course, and there’s some for Lord Xie too."

Prefect Xie was satisfied; generally, he didn’t want to, as being Lord Xie meant having dignity.

But this barbecue was just too good.

The novelty of the eating style was one part, the other was the excellent sauce, and the barbecue wood seemed to be from some fruit tree, adding a hint of fragrance.

The beauty of barbecue is here, a few people sitting together, eating skewers, drinking wine, and chatting heart-to-heart.

Once full, they had almost finished talking and were ready to head home.

Prefect Xie, while eating, kept reminding Shu’er to not forget the promise to him.

Outside Jingzhou City, everyone found the refugees there looking well-fed and resting.

Compared to their previous lethargic, nearly starving looks, they were much improved.

At that moment, Xiao Shen felt that his porridge distribution was worthwhile.

Shu’er felt the same.

As long as it didn’t conflict with their interests, it was okay to help these poor people.

Giving roses, and leaving fragrance on the hands.

Their carriage was blocked ahead, Prefect Xie’s face changed, fearing it was refugees coming to rob them.

Only to find a large group kneeling in front of them.

"Thank you, Manager Pei, thank you, Imperial Uncle for the porridge. Your great kindness will never be forgotten."