Border Cook

Xia Mingyue thought about it and turned to go to the kitchen, "Then I'll prepare some snacks."

At least, be polite enough.

"Madam Xia, there is no need to rush. I am here just to ask for some tea." The voice floated into the yard first, and then Feng Maocai and a young man walked in together.

The young man's face was full of smiles. When he saw Madam Xia, he first bowed and saluted, "Next, I am here to reminisce with Madam Xia."

Reminiscing about the past...

With her?

Could this person in front of me be an old friend?
Xia Mingyue was extremely surprised. After bowing in return, she looked up at the person who came. After a careful identification, the face of the person in front of her gradually overlapped with the one in her memory.

"Mr. Fan?" Xia Mingyue exclaimed in surprise.

The person in front of her was none other than Fan Pingyang, the student from the county school who used to always come to Xia Ji’s food stall to eat and had helped her write documents!
"It's me." Fan Pingyang smiled even brighter than the sun in the sky at that moment. "Madam Xia still remembers me. It's really an honor for me."

"But..." Fan Pingyang was a little sad again, "Madam Xia took such a long time to recognize me. Does it mean that the impression of me in Madam Xia's eyes is still not that deep..."

"I have a very deep impression of you, but it's hard to believe that we met suddenly now." Xia Mingyue explained with a smile, "Besides, it's been a long time since we last met, and your appearance, clothes and demeanor have changed a lot. I can't recognize you."

Hearing Xia Mingyue say this, Fan Pingyang couldn't help but touch his nose and joked, "Men change a lot when they grow up, not to mention that I'm already over 20 years old, so it's natural that I'll change a little. As for this temperament, people will become more famous if they are around!"

After all, during the time he had been working in the Hanlin Academy, everything he did every day and the people he came into contact with were all related to the emperor, so he had to be cautious in what he said and did, as if treading on thin ice.

As for those people outside who want to inquire about some affairs in the Hanlin Academy, they need to maintain a certain attitude, speak well, speak cleverly, and speak with discretion.

For a long time, even Fan Pingyang himself felt that with his ability to dance with many people and be versatile, he had become more calm and steady, which was a far cry from the young boy who studied in Jinqiu County.

Now that even Madam Xia didn't recognize him at once, does that mean that he has grown a lot?
"So, Lord Fan didn't want to reveal his identity in order to give us all a surprise?" Pei Chenghe raised his eyebrows slightly.

When Fan Pingyang was studying in the county school, he achieved remarkable results and Pei Chenghe was deeply impressed. If he had reported his name at the beginning, he would definitely have known his previous identity.

"That's right." Fan Pingyang chuckled, "So I went to the county government quietly just now, but Lord Pei was not there. After asking, I learned that he was visiting Madam Xia's home, so Lord Feng and I rushed here to give Madam Xia a surprise."

"This is indeed a shock, but it's hard to say whether it is a joy." Pei Chenghe said quietly.

"Why?" Fan Pingyang was puzzled.

"If you come, I'm afraid all the food on the table will be eaten up. How can we be happy?"

It was common knowledge that Fan Pingyang and other students were greedy in the county school and had to be strictly disciplined by the teacher and the headmaster. Even the county magistrate Pei Chenghe was no exception, and he knew that Fan Pingyang's appetite and greed were definitely no less than his own.

If Fan Pingyang hadn't come, all the tea and snacks on the table would have belonged to Pei Chenghe alone. Now that he's here, not only do he have to share the food equally, but he also has to be more considerate and courteous to Fan Pingyang because he's the new county magistrate. How can he accept this?
Pei Chenghe's tone was full of resentment, and Fan Pingyang narrowed his eyes, "If we are not mistaken, Lord Pei has already eaten a whole table of food just now. If he eats a little more now, I am afraid he will eat more than us. We are not saying anything bad about Lord Pei, but Lord Pei is complaining about us first."

All his thoughts and actions were exposed. Pei Chenghe smiled awkwardly and said, "Whatever, whatever, let's not talk about this!"

When it comes to things that are disadvantageous to you, you don't mention this matter. Are you an adult like this?

The resentment in Fan Pingyang and Feng Maocai's eyes was so full that it almost overflowed, but they couldn't hold on to it forever, so they just glared at Pei Chenghe fiercely.

Pei Chenghe pretended not to see it, just picked up the teacup and drank the tea slowly, and even changed the subject with a smile, "Madam Xia, this tea is really fragrant."

The face is so big that the entire Jinqiu County cannot contain it.

No wonder he was transferred!

"Yes, Madam Xia has good tea at home, but such good tea cannot be drunk for free."

Fan Pingyang chuckled, and like a magic trick, he held a brocade box in his hand and handed it to Xia Mingyue, "I haven't seen you for a long time, Madam Xia. I got this by chance when I was in the capital. Madam Xia should be able to use it in the future. I hope you won't dislike it."

"Thank you, Lord Fan, for your concern." Xia Mingyue did not refuse. She took the brocade box and opened it to look at it.

Read the error-free version at 69shuba! 6=9+shu_ba is the first to publish this novel.

Inside the brocade box is a small bundle of incense sticks. At first glance, it doesn't look like anything special, but once you open the box, the aroma of the incense sticks hits your nose. It's refreshing, not sweet or greasy, and has an ethereal feeling that makes people feel comfortable and happy.

"What kind of fragrance is this? It smells so good?" Xia Mingyue asked.

"This incense is misty and hazy, and is made of bamboo leaves, cloves, agarwood, green plum and other spices. After burning, the fragrance is fresh and elegant, and it can relax your body and mind." Fan Pingyang smiled and said, "Madam Xia, you can burn some when you are busy, and drink tea and read books. It is very suitable."

"Indeed." Xia Mingyue took the brocade box and said, "Thank you, Master Fan."

"Madam Xia, you're welcome." Fan Pingyang smiled until his eyes narrowed into slits. "As long as Madam Xia likes it."

After saying that, he glanced at Pei Chenghe deliberately.

Pei Chenghe, who was chewing the yam cake, suddenly froze.

Good boy, is this what you are pointing at him?
Do you think that he came here today just to eat and drink for free, and didn't prepare anything?
Then you underestimate Pei Chenghe!
Pei Chenghe stuffed the rest of the yam cake into his mouth, chuckled, and straightened his body. Then, in an instant, he took out a palm-sized, square brocade box and said, "What a coincidence. I also prepared something specially for Madam Xia today. I hope Madam Xia will like it."

Xia Mingyue took it with a smile.

Inside this brocade box is a small and exquisite paperweight. It is made of yellow agate, and its texture is ordinary, but it is carved into a kitten sleeping soundly on the ground, vivid and very cute. (End of this chapter)