ock it.He didn't want to wake Fang Jinshu in the middle of the night, so he let Zong Yulian go back to rest first. Her bed and everything else were still there."Well, what about you, elder brother" On...Just as he lifted his head, he discovered that Zongyu, who had just been standing beside him, was already far away.

Zhao Yun helplessly chased after him.

"General, you can't just run away at the mention of military affairs. Your Majesty hasn't released you from the capital yet." Even Lian Wuding Hou's residence has been bestowed upon you, so I'm afraid for at least a year and a half, Your Majesty won't allow Brother Yu to be stationed elsewhere.

This seemingly emphasizes reuse and valuing the reputation of this main general, but in reality, it's also a way to guard against his performance.

That's why I stayed in Beijing to observe him, waiting to confirm that he was truly loyal before entrusting him with important responsibilities.

Now the Marquis of Wuding, with 50,000 soldiers under his command, is all for nothing.

With these 50,000 elite soldiers never truly coming under his command, the title of Martial Marquis held only nominal value for him each day.

The Emperor did give the military order to Zongyu in front of everyone, but he himself still held one. This means that if the Emperor wanted to recall these troops, he wouldn't need Zongyu's consent at all.

These messages were also revealed to them by Gu Feng. The emperor was deeply suspicious, especially in recent years as his health deteriorated, he became increasingly paranoid about everyone.

Even emperors get this when they are old.

Few people knew about the military talisman in the emperor's hand, so being able to subdue those city defense troops outside the city a day earlier was quite an accomplishment. The general was considered capable as he had some men under his command, and wasn't just a figurehead.

"Brother Yu, you should at least give me a word. Next time the vice-commander comes to find me, I don't know how to respond."

"Brother Yu Brother Yu!"

Upon hearing Zhao Yun's shout, Zong Yu couldn't help but quicken his pace.

Dinner in the kitchen is almost ready. Now that there are so many cooks in the kitchen, Fang Jinshu doesn't need to do everything herself anymore.

She basically just opens her mouth, and someone else takes care of the rest. With more people, work gets done efficiently.

With the help of Jin Yu and Yu Lian, the aroma of the braised pot had already filled the entire kitchen.

The servants of the manor didn't dare ask too many questions, but smelling this fragrant scent, they were incredibly curious in their hearts.

What is this dish How come it's so vibrantly red The way it's made is strange, but the smell coming from it is just amazing, making my mouth water.

The smell of chili peppers is the most effective at stimulating appetite. Since hot pot is a heavy-flavored dish, just smelling it can whet your appetite.

Jade Lotus had never seen her sister-in-law cook this kind of dish before, and she couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.

"Sister-in-law, what is this you made today"

It looked like a pot of dried-up red soup hot pot, except that the ingredients were already cooked and put in beforehand.

"This is called Mapo Tofu, would you like to try it"

Jade Lotus nodded vigorously.

Fan Jinshu smiled and took the chopsticks from the servant, putting a piece of cured pork into Yu Lian's mouth.

"How does it taste"

Yulian chewed a few times, a spicy and fresh taste rushed straight to the top of her head, it was too stimulating.

The flavor is truly extraordinary, it's even more stimulating than eating hot pot with chili oil.

"Hiss, hiss! It's so spicy." Yulian was breathing heavily from the spiciness, but after swallowing the cured pork, her gaze lingered on the pot.

"Sister-in-law, can you give me another piece"

Fang Jinshi was a bit surprised, wasn't Yu Lian not very good at eating spicy food

"Forget it, I'll make you a less spicy one later. Mom can't handle the spice either."

But Yu Lian insisted on eating it.

"You're so spicy, you're still eating"

She smacked her lips, savoring the lingering taste. "It was spicy, but so satisfying."

And this spiciness isn't unbearable, it feels like the more you eat, the more addictive it becomes.

"Just now that small piece of meat wasn't quite satisfying enough, how about another one, sister-in-law."

She giggled and pleaded with Fang Jinshu.

Clearly wanting to grab it himself, he still acted coquettishly in front of her.

This little girl, on purpose

Fang Jinxiu shook her head helplessly and, following Yu Lian's suggestion, took a small bowl to serve her some separately.

Here you go, eat.

"Just so you know, it's going to be spicy later, don't come crying to me."

Yulian giggled and, ignoring the burning sensation on her now bright red lips, continued eating.

Zhao Yun chased after Zongyu and returned to the kitchen. As soon as he reached the doorway, he saw Jin Yu bustling around the stove. His handsome face instantly flushed red.

He was still calling out “Brother Yu” right behind Zong Yu, but as soon as they reached the kitchen doorway, he fell silent.

Upon entering, he still kept his head bowed. Despite being over six feet tall, the young man hunched over and moved with the utmost care, afraid of disturbing the figure diligently working inside.

Actually, there were all sorts of noises coming from the kitchen, quite a commotion. Jin Yu was completely unaware that anyone else had arrived.

When Zong Yu entered, she merely gave him a symbolic bow and curtsey before immediately turning her attention back to the pot of cooking vegetables.

Fāng Jǐnxiù smiled and walked over.

She had long noticed Zhao Yun's gaze lingering on Jin Yu, a shy and hesitant look as if he wanted to look but dared not. Watching someone else fall in love was so interesting, especially watching pure-hearted people fall in love.

"General Zhao has arrived."

"Let's just leave one piece for dinner, and go back after we eat."

Zhao Yun was called out by Fang Jinshu, and he couldn't continue to hide any longer. He quickly stood up to greet her.

He is not usually so open with people, on the contrary, he is quite relaxed and gracious.

Jin Yu, who had been working with his back to them, also seemed to stiffen for a moment when he heard Zhao Yun's name.

Fang Jinxiu smiled upon seeing this.

A woman who stays at home too long will get left behind.

These girls have been loyal to her for so many years, of course she also hopes they can all find a good man and live a happy life.

No matter which of them gets married, she will treat it as if her own daughter was getting married and help them prepare dowry and send them off in style.

"Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, no need to be polite. I'll just eat at home."

"Who am I being polite with you" Fang Jinshu waved her hand.

"As you are Ayou's brother, consider this manor your own home."

Don't be so polite, just go back after you finish eating.

Zhao Yun found it hard to refuse. The days he spent at Jinshu Mountain Villa last time were unforgettable, with food and drinks that were rare delicacies. Even after returning home and enjoying many of the finest dishes in the capital city, none could compare to what he had experienced at Jinshu Mountain Villa.

"Well then, I shall obey. Thank you, sister-in-law."

And when he left, Auntie Mu also gave him many fruits and vegetables grown in her farm. After he brought them home, they were very popular.

Damn, even his sister loves him a lot.

The Zhao family also placed orders for dishes at Jinxiu Vegetable Farm, but the prices at Jinxiu Vegetable Farm were much higher than average vegetables. Some special varieties had low yields, and even if they were wealthy, they couldn't get them.

It's fine to eat at Jinxiu Restaurant once a month. For large families like the Zhao family, with so many mouths to feed, ordering food from Jinxiu Restaurant every day would be a significant expense over a month.

The Zhao family wasn't considered a top-tier wealthy family. To be honest, they hadn't reached the point of such extravagance in their lives.

The river divided the vegetables from the manor into three, six, and nine grades. The inferior ones were sold cheaply to various restaurants, while the superior ones naturally commanded a high price and were supplied to the various mansions that placed orders.

Zhao Yun hadn't even begun to eat when Fang Jinshi left the kitchen, she had already instructed Jin Yu.

"Jin Yu, later you prepare some fruits and vegetables for General Xiao Zhao to take home."

Zhao Yun was about to refuse, but Zong Yu patted him on the shoulder and whispered as Fang Jinshi left first.

"Consider this your hard-earned payment."

Zhuge Yun reacted for a moment before understanding what was meant.

If that's the case, then he's really being rude! The task Brother Yu gives him next will definitely be tough!And you two"Do you have a question you want to ask, or are you going to think about it some more"Autumn Chrysanthemum and Spring Orchid actually knew each other. Their families used to be next-door ne...