Border Cook

Chapter 649 Guilty Use (4K Large Chapter)

Today, Fan Jinglan is wearing a red fur-collared cloak and her face is filled with a warm smile, just like a little sun in the cold winter, bright and dazzling.

Just seeing Fan Jinglan like this makes people feel warm in their hearts.

A smile from the heart broke out on Xia Mingyue's face, and she and Fan Jinglan gave each other a big hug.

"Sister has finally arrived in the capital." Fan Jinglan's nose was red with excitement. "Ever since I heard that the Emperor and the Empress wanted to summon sister to the capital, I have been counting the days on my fingers, and looking forward to sister's early arrival. I have been looking forward to it so much that my neck has become longer. Finally, sister has arrived."

"When did you set off? Was your journey smooth? Did you encounter any problems along the way? Was there anything interesting?"

"Wu Jin also came with my sister? I heard that my sister came with the peace delegation from the Jinwei Kingdom, and the commanders Lu and Xia were in charge of escorting the peace delegation. Where are they?"

Fan Jinglan asked a series of questions in one breath, like beans pouring out of a bamboo tube, crackling.

Xia Mingyue laughed in silence and said, "You asked so many questions at once, I don't know which one to start with. How did you find this place?"

She came here with the peace delegation. The arrival of the peace delegation in Beijing yesterday was no secret, so it was not surprising that Fan Jinglan knew about it. However, this house was purchased privately by Lu Qiyan, so Fan Jinglan should not have known about it.

"The emperor told me." Fan Jinglan raised her chin, her face full of pride. "I was in the palace and heard that my sister was about to arrive in the capital, so I wanted to go out of the city to greet her. The emperor didn't allow it. He also said that he knew where my sister was staying and told me to come directly to her after she was settled. So I followed the emperor's suggestion and came to look for her today."

"I see." Xia Mingyue replied with a smile, but her brows were slightly frowned.

She did need to report her arrival in the capital to the Emperor, and in order to facilitate future summons from the Emperor and the Empress, she would also inform them of her current residence.

But according to Fan Jinglan, the emperor knew that they were going to settle in this mansion before they entered the city gate?
Did Lu Qiyan mention the purchase of this house to others?
Xia Mingyue was a little confused, but she didn't show it in front of Fan Jinglan. She just planned to wait for Lu Qiyan to come back in the evening and then ask him about it.

Fan Jinglan was so happy to see Xia Mingyue that she didn't notice Xia Mingyue's slight abnormality. Instead, she pouted and said, "I answered your sister's question. Shouldn't you answer mine too?"

"But you have too many questions. It will probably take a long time to answer them. You need to sit down and talk slowly."

Xia Mingyue smiled and invited Fan Jinglan into the house, asked someone to serve tea, and prepared some snacks suitable for chatting.

He even took out all the food he brought from Jinqiu County to entertain Fan Jinglan.

Millet rice crust, open-mouthed smile, fish skin peanuts...

They are all Fan Jinglan’s favorites, and what’s more important is the spicy rabbit meat jerky.

When Fan Jinglan saw these, her eyes lit up like stars in the sky, especially when she saw the dried rabbit meat. She was full of surprise, "Sister, do you like to eat dried rabbit meat now?"

"I'm fine. The main thing is that Yunji seems to like it very much these days. On the way to the capital, he hunted some rabbits on the way. In addition to making braised rabbit meat, he also wanted this spicy rabbit meat jerky. I made some, but he didn't eat it, so he brought it all the way to the capital. It just so happens that you like it, so I'll give it to you."

So, these spicy rabbit jerky are made from the rabbits hunted by Xia Yunji?
And from what my sister said, Xia Yunji also likes dried rabbit meat very much now?

Did you like it from the beginning, or...

Seeing that Fan Jinglan was distracted, Xia Mingyue reached out and pinched her nose, "What are you thinking about? Why are you so absent-minded?"

"The food my sister made tasted so good that even my tongue was swallowed into my stomach. I was busy looking for the tongue."

Fan Jinglan made up an excuse, but felt a little guilty about it, so she hurriedly took the food and stuffed it into her mouth.

Seeing that Fan Jinglan was enjoying her meal, Xia Mingyue's face was full of relief. She poured her another cup of tea and answered the questions that Fan Jinglan had just raised.

Although there were many questions, they were actually all about her trip to Beijing. Xia Mingyue would start from the moment she was summoned by the Emperor and the Empress, and would tell Fan Jinglan the details one by one.

The beautiful scenery along the way, the delicious food everywhere, the interesting things that happened during the journey, and even the things that happened between the soldiers of the Great Zhou Kingdom and the Jinwei Kingdom...

No matter the details.

Fan Jinglan listened with great interest, especially when she heard Xia Mingyue mention that Xia Yunji had a martial arts competition with Jin Weiguo's guards and Tao Ankang, and successfully won a whole roasted lamb, her eyes were full of light.

"It sounds like Commander Xia's skills have improved a lot compared to before. If there is a chance, we should really spar with him again."

Upon hearing this, Xia Mingyue recalled the scene when Xia Yunji and Fan Jinglan were sparring with each other in Jinqiu County.

It was an extremely exhilarating fight, and even Xia Mingyue, an outsider, found it very exciting.

The most important thing is that Xia Yunji and Fan Jinglan both looked very happy and in a good mood.

Xia Mingyue smiled and said, "We will probably stay in the capital for a while this time, so there may be a chance."

"Is that right?" Fan Jinglan nodded excitedly. "If that doesn't work out, the Queen Mother and the Empress have been nagging me to show off my talents at the New Year's Eve banquet. Why not use my competition with Commander Xia as a talent show? It's also a great opportunity!"

If there is no opportunity, then she will create it.

This is nothing!

Xia Mingyue, "..."

The women next to them displayed their talents, such as playing the piano, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry and songs. The daughter of the Fan family displayed her talents, such as boxing, fighting with swords, guns and sticks, and doing whatever she wanted.

But then again, as long as Fan Jinglan opened her mouth, the Empress Dowager, the Emperor and even the Empress would probably agree!
The two of them talked, drank tea and ate snacks until the sun set, when Fan Jinglan said goodbye and left.

"I have to go back to the palace tonight to have dinner with the Queen Mother, so I'll leave first. I'll come back to see you tomorrow and take you out for a walk."

"Okay." Xia Mingyue agreed with a smile and personally sent Fan Jinglan out.

As it was getting dark, Lu Qiyan and Xia Yunji returned from the post station, both of them smelling slightly of alcohol.

"The Third Prince rewarded the two of us for our hard work in escorting him along the way. He hosted a banquet at noon, and Yunji and I had a few drinks."

Lu Qiyan explained, noting the plates and snacks on the table that had not been removed, "Are there any guests coming today?"

"Mrs. Fan is here. We chatted for a long time. She also said she would take me out for a walk tomorrow." Xia Mingyue explained with a smile and looked at Xia Yunji while speaking.

Fan Jinglan is here?
Xia Yunji stopped rubbing Wu Jin and subconsciously looked at Xia Mingyue.

The brother and sister looked at each other. Xia Yunji felt guilty for some reason. He lowered his head and rubbed Wu Jin's big head. "There is a roasted whole lamb for the lunch. I brought you a big piece of lamb chops and a lot of bones. You will have a good meal these two days!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Jin raised his eyelids slightly.

Roasted whole lamb chops?

I am interested, but not much. And the food I want to enjoy is the food prepared by the host. That is the real enjoyment!

Wu Jin's reaction was much colder than expected. Xia Yunji touched his nose and smiled awkwardly, "Wu Jin, you are becoming more and more picky..."

Nonsense!

Wu Jin barked twice to show his disagreement.

"Why not?"

No, no, then no!
……

Xia Yunji and Wu Jin, the man and the dog, started arguing, which made Lu Qiyan and Xia Mingyue smile.

Xia Mingyue smiled with her eyebrows curved, "Come to think of it, Madam Fan also said that she was going to spar with Yunji during the New Year's Eve banquet, as a New Year's Eve performance, to please the Queen Mother, the Emperor, and the Empress."

"Although I'm not entirely sure about this, I think if Madam Fan asks, the Queen Mother and the Emperor will probably agree. I'd better inform you in advance so that you won't be too surprised when the time comes."

"Yeah." Xia Yunji didn't look up, just nodded, "It's not a big deal, I know what to do, don't worry, sister."

When it comes to exchange, just stop when you have enough.

Especially since his sparring opponent was Madam Fan.

Then you will know better what to do.

Lu Qiyan smiled and said, "Since the Queen Mother and the Emperor want Madam Fan to show her talents at the banquet, it is probably to help Madam Fan choose a husband."

There is a segment at the New Year’s Eve banquet where noble ladies display their talents. All can participate, whether they are princesses or noble ladies from the capital. Although it is ostensibly a so-called talent show, it is actually a signal to the outside world that marriage is imminent.

As long as the girl shows up at the talent show at the night banquet, those who are willing to get married can come to propose marriage. If they don't want to get married and want to keep their daughter for another two years, they will just attend the banquet and won't show their talents. Everyone will then know their family's intentions and they won't be embarrassed.

Over time, this became a custom, and even princesses were not immune to it.

Fan Jinglan is already past the age of coming of age, and was raised by the Empress Dowager and the Empress, so it is only natural to arrange a marriage for her now.

"That's about it." Although Xia Mingyue didn't understand the rules, she felt that what Lu Qiyan said made sense, and said with a smile, "Mrs. Fan is really smart and straightforward."

If she were to use a martial arts competition with Xia Yunji as part of her talent show, she would be telling others clearly that she, Fan Jinglan, is just that kind of person, and if they don't accept it, they should not be disturbed.

Compared to others who try hard to package themselves as the gentle and virtuous ideal daughter-in-law, Fan Jinglan is indeed a little different.

But it is precisely because of this that those who do not match her personality or ideas can be discouraged and give up the idea as soon as possible.

"Mrs. Fan has her confidence, and even if she does, I'm afraid those who want to propose marriage will trample down the door of the Fan family."

After all, being able to marry Fan Jinglan would bring many benefits to the entire family.

When faced with major interests, it is only natural to abandon so-called emotions and face.

Xia Mingyue nodded in agreement. "There are so many talented young men. The Queen Mother, the Empress Dowager, and even the entire Fan family would be overwhelmed by the choices..."

As the couple was talking, Xia Yunji came over and stammered for a long time before speaking with some difficulty, "Sister, brother-in-law, who do you think will be Madam Fan's husband?"

Xia Mingyue and Lu Qiyan smiled at each other, "You asked a very difficult question. This candidate must be liked by Madam Fan, and must also be in the eyes of the Queen Mother and the Emperor and Empress."

Let Madam Fan like it...

Xia Yunji blinked.

Madam Fan likes hunting and martial arts. She is frank and kind when she comes into contact with him. Even if she can't say that she likes him, at least she should not hate him.

So he still has a chance?
But the latter one...

Xia Yunji asked, "Then what kind of person can catch the eye of the Queen Mother, the Emperor, and the Empress?"

Xia Mingyue laughed when she heard this, "Why do you ask this?"

"Madam Fan and I are friends, so I'm concerned about her. Yes, I am concerned about her." Xia Yunji touched his nose a little guilty, "But I'm mainly curious. I want to see what the requirements are for the man in marriage."

"Are you thinking about your marriage?" Xia Mingyue smiled, "Don't worry, your brother-in-law and I are also thinking about this."

"Yes." Lu Qiyan also nodded. "Yunji is coming to the capital this time. The emperor will reward him according to his merits. I'm afraid Yunji will become famous and attract much attention in the capital. Yunji is young and promising. He will definitely be a son-in-law in the eyes of many people. By then, I'm afraid our door will be broken by people."

What's more, he has a sister who is highly appreciated by the Emperor and the Empress, a brother-in-law with outstanding military achievements, and a humble background, who almost meets all the expectations of the nobles in the capital for a perfect husband.

There is no need to worry too much about Xia Yunji's marriage.

It all depends on Xia Yunji’s own thoughts and emotional preferences at that time.

Xia Mingyue and Lu Qiyan were discussing Xia Yunji's marriage. Seeing that things were not going well, Xia Yunji, the person involved, fled the scene quickly and took Wu Jin to play in the yard.

Seeing this, Xia Mingyue and Lu Qiyan still smiled at each other.

The couple was very secretive about it and tacitly agreed not to talk about the matter any further.

"Madam Fan came today and mentioned something. It's not a big deal, but I felt like telling you about it."

Xia Mingyue said, "Madam Fan seemed to know where I live before we even entered the capital, and she even said she learned it from the emperor. But have you ever told anyone that the house is located here?"

"No." Lu Qiyan denied, "I handed this matter over to my subordinates and did not make it public."

"So..." Xia Mingyue pursed her lips.

Lu Qiyan also frowned slightly.

If the emperor knew about this, it meant that he had sent people to keep an eye on them.

It is even possible that the emperor used Madam Fan to convey this signal to them.

Their every move is under the emperor's eyes, so don't have any other thoughts.

This makes things interesting.