Chu Hengyuan weighed the options, then decided against calling for help. He had already boasted to Ranran, and calling someone now would clearly admit his own incompetence. How could he possibly admit to being incapable in front of her?
He picked up a piece of dry wood, shoved it into the stove, rolled up his sleeves, and thrust both arms inside. "It's just starting a fire," he muttered. "What’s so hard about that?" He poked around inside for a long time, but the fire wouldn't catch. Every time a tiny flame flickered to life, it would wither and die the very next second.
Seeing the thick, billowing smoke pouring out of the kitchen, Leng Er and the others dropped their work and rushed inside in a panic. What was the Prince doing? Playing the role of a stoker?
Chapter 51