Border Cook

The people who set the trap were Xiao Luohe and the Cui family.

The purpose is to completely overthrow Xiao Luochen and the Wen family, to make Xiao Luochen lose the chance to become the crown prince and to make the Wen family fall completely.

What a poisonous thought!
Does the Cui family want to push the Wen family into an irretrievable situation?

wishful thinking!

Wen Liyan was extremely angry, and veins on his forehead bulged. After a long time, he took a deep breath and tried hard to calm himself down.

Especially at this time, the more we must remain calm and not take any wrong step, otherwise, we will really fall into an irretrievable situation.

Wen Lixin will arrive in the capital in the next two days...

There are many things he needs to do!
After thinking for a long time, Wen Liyan picked up the brush on the desk and began to write quickly on the paper.

The extremely narrow piece of paper was filled with tiny characters, densely written on it.

The written note was rolled up and stuffed into the copper tube. Wen Liyan handed it to the steward and whispered, "The second master will arrive in the capital in the next few days. He will definitely stay at Juyunxuan. This item must be given to him, and he must be told to act accordingly."

"Yes." The steward took it and stuffed it into a secret compartment on the handle of the food box. "I will arrange for someone to deliver it right away."

"Yes." Wen Liyan nodded and looked up at the guards at the door. "Go ahead and act according to circumstances."

It's not just about delivering the letter, but also about the entire Wen family residence at this moment.

What should be said and what should not be said.

What can be kept and what cannot be kept.

Just do what's cheap.

The steward understood what Wen Liyan meant and nodded solemnly again, "Master, rest assured, I understand."

After saying this, he placed the chopsticks in front of Wen Liyan and told him to make sure to eat something before leaving with the food box.

When they reached the door, the guard at the door turned over the food box in the steward's hand, and seeing that there was nothing wrong inside, he did not make things too difficult and let the steward go.

Seeing that the steward had gone out safely, Wen Liyan breathed a sigh of relief, sat down at the table, and picked up the chopsticks on it.

Tonight is New Year's Eve, and the food the steward brought was dumplings.

The dumplings are small and exquisite. There are four kinds of fillings in two plates, and each filling is distinguished by a different way of pinching the dumplings. Even spinach juice, carrot juice and other vegetable juices are used when kneading the dumpling skins to make the dumplings different colors.

Such dumplings can be said to be very pleasing to the eye, and the warm breath emitted by the dumplings at this time has a faint fragrance, which is even more mouth-watering.

It was a pity that Wen Liyan was in a complicated mood at the moment and had no appetite at all. He even felt a little annoyed when he saw the two plates of dumplings.

After all, dumplings are eaten when the family reunites. At this time, he is under house arrest, and his father and the eldest prince are imprisoned in the palace. The Wen family is in danger...

Seeing dumplings like this again, I just feel it’s full of irony.

Not only did I not want to eat it, I even wanted to flip the dumpling to the ground.

But if you think about it carefully, the more it is at this time, the more you should eat on time and eat well. This way you can maintain the necessary physical strength to cope with everything.

Wen Liyan gritted his teeth, picked up the chopsticks, picked up the dumplings and put them into his mouth.

It tastes like chewing wax and is hard to swallow.

Unlike Wen Liyan who was full of sorrow at this time, Xiao Luohe was so happy that his eyes and eyebrows were full of smiles. He even raised the wine glass in his hand and said, "My son toasts to my mother."

Concubine Xian De was also smiling and drinking the wine in her cup. "He'er hasn't stayed up with me for many years. Today is a coincidence. It allows us, mother and son, to spend a quiet New Year's Eve."

"Yes." Xiao Luohe nodded with a smile, "In the past, the New Year's Eve banquet was very busy and did not end as early as it did tonight. I can only say that some people were smart and gave us such a good opportunity."

This statement has a double meaning. It refers to New Year's Eve, but it also refers to other things.

"The Wen family relied on their power and acted arrogantly, and they deserved it this time." Concubine Xian De said, "Before leaving the table just now, I told your uncles to dig deep into the Wen family's crimes during this period of time and provide them to He Lingfeng, so that the Wen family can never recover."

"Yes." Xiao Luohe nodded again, "Mother and I are in sync, but this centipede is still alive. I am afraid that even if the Wen family suffers a heavy blow this time, they will still be able to make a comeback in the future. Therefore, after thinking about it, I think that many things still need to be done to remove the firewood from the bottom of the pot before they can be completely defeated."

"What He'er means is..."

"If a dead tree survives, it will eventually meet spring. But if you dig up the dead tree with its roots, no matter how lush it was in the past, it will be useless."

Xiao Luohe narrowed his eyes slightly, "According to my child, it's time to put all those warriors we have raised to use."

Concubine Xian De understood Xiao Luohe's intention and nodded slightly, "He'er has some truth in what he said, but if that's the case, will it be..."

She was worried.

On the one hand, they are worried that if the Wen family is really forced into a desperate situation, who knows what extraordinary things they will do in desperation.

Secondly, if the Cui family were to do this, would the emperor be wary of the Cui family and think that the Cui family was too arrogant?

"Mother, you are worrying too much." Xiao Luohe disagreed. "The Wen family did such a cruel thing as harming the prince. Father is very angry, but the Wen family is powerful. Although father wants to strike with lightning speed, he is also a little afraid. At this time, someone took action for father, which is just what father wants."

"Moreover, these things will be blamed on the bandits and robbers. The Cui family will not be found to be responsible. They have nothing to do with the Cui family. Even if someone suspects, even if the emperor knows it, there is nothing he can do."

"As for the Wen family..."

Xiao Luohe even chuckled, his smile full of disdain, "Sooner or later, the Wen family will face this day. There is no reason to not dare to attack the Wen family because of this."

After hearing what Xiao Luohe said, Concubine Xian De thought about it for a long time and felt that what Xiao Luohe said made a lot of sense.

Needless to say, the Emperor was just as Xiao Luohe had said. He wanted to do it but had many concerns. He urgently needed a right-hand man.

As for the Wen family, just as Xiao Luohe analyzed, this day will come sooner or later.

A desperate dog will do something desperate, but that only works if the dog is still alive. But if the dog is dead...

Then there is no need to fear anything.

Concubine Xian De understood this and smiled again, "He'er is right."

Then she personally poured a glass of wine for Xiao Luohe, "He'er, your mother has always been confident in your work. Just go ahead and do it boldly. Everyone in the Cui family will fully support you!"

"Thank you, mother." Xiao Luohe raised his wine glass with a smile and toasted to Concubine Xian De again.

The smile on Concubine Xian De's face became even more intense.

The mother and son talked and laughed until after midnight, when Xiao Luohe left the palace.

After leaving the palace, Xiao Luohe ordered the coachman to drive the carriage all the way to his residence, but he stopped for a moment on the way, quietly changed to another carriage, and went to the Cui family residence.

At this time, someone in the Wen family mansion took advantage of the guards who were very sleepy and yawning, and quietly climbed over the wall and went all the way to Juyunxuan under the cover of night.

Someone quickly came up to He Lingyun and reported, "Sir, the rat has escaped from its hole."

"No need to alert the enemy, just follow quietly and act according to the situation." He Lingyun ordered.

"Yes." The person who reported took the order and left.

A moment later, someone else walked over quickly and handed the note to He Lingyun.

He Lingyun opened the note, squinted his eyes and read it in the candlelight, then smiled and shook his head slightly. As expected, the most terrifying thing in the world is greed.

Greed makes people arrogant, bold and reckless. It is pathetic and lamentable.

He Lingyun placed the note on the candle flame and lit it until it was completely burned to ashes, then he stood up.

It's already late, so it's just right to take a nap at this hour.

Today is the first day of the new year. There will be many wonderful things happening in the new year, and he cannot miss any of it.

Amid the sounds of firecrackers, the morning light gradually brightened and the sun rose from the horizon, spreading its scorching heat all over the earth.

Daylight squeezed into the room through the gap in the window and shone on the head of the bed.

Xia Mingyue woke up because of this, rubbed her eyes with her hand, and asked in a mumble, "What time is it?"

"It's still early." Lu Qiyan answered in a hoarse voice, turned over, held Xia Mingyue tightly in his arms, and pulled the quilt up.

Warmth spread throughout her body. Xia Mingyue was a little greedy for this warmth. She subconsciously snuggled closer to Lu Qiyan's arms and closed her eyes again.

After a moment, he opened his eyes again and yawned, "The sun is rising, we should get up."

"It's okay." Lu Qiyan remained indifferent, "I stayed up for a long time last night, so I need to catch up on some sleep now."

Fortunately, there are no elders in the family, so no one will care about these things. They don't need to go to pay New Year's greetings early in the morning. It can be said that it is most appropriate for them to have a comfortable sleep.

Especially on New Year's Day when I hold my wife in my arms and no one disturbs me, not only will I feel doubly comfortable, but I will also get enough good luck.

If we can do this on the first day of the Lunar New Year, it will be like this for the rest of the year.

Who couldn't love it?

Lu Qiyan couldn't help but smile. He kissed Xia Mingyue on the forehead and hugged her tighter.

Worried about crushing Xia Mingyue, he lifted her arm and placed it on his chest.

Xia Mingyue, "..."

The so-called keeping warm is what one thinks of, especially now that one has almost caught up on enough sleep and is full of energy, such close contact always makes one feel a little moved.

Especially at this moment, Lu Qiyan's collar was slightly open, his muscles were clearly visible, and he felt great, which made Xia Mingyue feel as if a deer was in her heart.

Xia Mingyue's cheeks were slightly red, and she pursed her lips, but one of her hands was very restless.

The slightly cool fingertips were like a naughty kitten, tickling Lu Qiyan's heart. He no longer felt sleepy, so he simply reached out and grabbed Xia Mingyue's hand and turned over quickly.

On the first day of the new year, the sun was shining brightly and the air was warm. The heating in the house was burning very vigorously and the two of them were covered with a thin layer of sweat...

Xia Yunji also had a good sleep today, and when he woke up, it was almost noon.

The first thing he did after getting up was to wish Xia Mingyue and Lu Qiyan a happy new year. "Happy New Year, sister and brother-in-law."

Then he spread out his palms, palms facing up, one on each side.

Gong Xi Fa Cai, bring the red envelopes!
Lu Qiyan and Xia Mingyue took out the red paper package they had prepared long ago and handed it to Xia Yunji with a smile, "Happy New Year, Yunji."

"Thank you, sister and brother-in-law!" Xia Yunji pinched the thickness of the red envelope and accepted it with satisfaction.

Seeing this, Wu Jin also came over and barked twice at Xia Mingyue and Lu Qiyan.

Happy New Year, it also wants a red envelope.

"There is also black gold." Xia Mingyue took out the things that had been prepared long ago.

It was an oval-shaped silver plate with Wu Jin's name engraved on it and the words "Lord of Anle Township" written on the back.

This was custom-made when Xia Mingyue and Fan Jinglan went shopping together. It was strung with a black braided leather rope that matched Wu Jin's color and tied around Wu Jin's neck. It was the right size and the brand was silvery and shiny, and looked very beautiful.

Wu Jin was so happy that he kept jumping on the spot with the tag on his head. Especially under the sun, he raised his neck proudly and even barked at the crowd to attract everyone's attention.

"nice!"

"Handsome!"

"Extraordinary and heroic!"

Wu Jin gradually lost himself in the praises, and was having fun in the yard with his mouth wide open.

Next, all the housekeepers and servants including Yin Qiao and Zhuang Cui were gathered together, and Xia Mingyue and Lu Qiyan gave them New Year greetings one by one.

The servants were all slaves for many years. In the past, when they were living elsewhere, they could get rewards from their masters during the New Year. However, it was the first time that they received such a big red envelope with so much money, and it was delivered to them personally by their masters.

Such New Year's greetings are full of respect and make everyone feel warm in their hearts. They feel that they have found an excellent master and they must do their best in the future.

After everyone's red envelopes were distributed, Lu Qiyan took out a huge red envelope and handed it to Xia Mingyue, "This is for my wife."

"Me too?" Xia Mingyue was overjoyed.

"Of course." Lu Qiyan narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Not only does my wife have it, but it is also very different from others."

"Happy New Year, my lady. May you be happy every year and healthy every year." Lu Qiyan solemnly wished Xia Mingyue a happy new year.

Xia Mingyue also smiled and bowed to Lu Qiyan, "Happy New Year, husband."

Then he opened the red envelope that Lu Qiyan handed over.

This red envelope is indeed different.

What was contained inside was not silver bills, silver coins, etc., but a string of pearls, each of which was plump, round, and lustrous, and very beautiful.

Xia Mingyue couldn't let it go and smiled, "Thank you, husband."

"My lady, you are so polite..."

"My brother-in-law is hiding his private money again!"

Xia Yunji, who was playing with Wu Jin in the yard, shouted.

Lu Qiyan, "..."

The three of them got up late and had only a simple meal at noon.

The staple food is still dumplings, accompanied by a few refreshing and appetizing side dishes.

The chef in the mansion had superb cooking skills and the food tasted excellent, so the three of them ate with relish.

In the afternoon, Xia Mingyue and the other two went out and visited Old Madam He and the Fan family respectively.

They all gave New Year greetings and some simple gifts, sat for a while, and then said goodbye and left.

By the time the three of them returned home, the sun was already setting.

Steward Su came up to greet them and said that there were guests visiting the family and they had arranged for them to wait in the flower hall. (End of this chapter)