Chapter 85 Joy of Settling In

On the sixth day of the eighth lunar month, a banquet was held at Yi'an Residence.

Sunlight streamed through the clouds, bathing the earth in a golden cloak. The sky was a clear, deep blue, with drifting white clouds, creating a scene straight out of a beautiful painting. A gentle breeze caressed my face, carrying a touch of coolness that brought immense comfort.

Xiao Ge was summoned back to Tingfeng Courtyard early in the morning to help out. He was in charge of the guard duties for the day, since Prince An might be coming. Given his status, he could cause a lot of trouble, so Meng Zhelan couldn't very well refuse his arrival.

Before dawn, everyone at Tingfeng Courtyard was already up and busy. Ling'er took Mei Niang and Granny Lin to the market to buy fresh ingredients.

The restaurant, which used to be called "Congee, Noodles, and Rice," has now been renamed "Shangdianji" and upgraded to a teahouse, as Li Xi had planned. Three months ago, after recovering and returning to Beijing, she renovated it and invited gourmets to experience it.

They have a unique pursuit of fine food; they not only know how to eat, but also how to appreciate it, elevating eating into a culture. This group of gourmets was introduced by Mr. Sun. This model has been widely popular since its launch, with a constant stream of customers every day.

Normally, they work in two shifts, taking turns to rest. However, Meng Zhelan ordered them to close the shop and rest today.

They arrived at Tingfeng Courtyard early for the feast, but couldn't stay idle; they rolled up their sleeves and started helping with the work. The host usually treated them very well, so everyone reciprocated with utmost sincerity.

The group from Ren'an Hall arrived at Tingfeng Courtyard early and were quite satisfied after their visit. Doctor Liu and Bao Ge'er followed behind Meng Zhong, asking him questions about medical techniques.

Doctor Liu's wife, Feng Cuier, wanted to take Xiao Lin'er to help with chores, but Meng Zhelan stopped her, saying, "Madam Liu, why don't you take Xiao Lin'er to play under the tree? There's a swing there, and Xiao Lin'er will definitely like it."

Feng Cuier nodded and smiled at Meng Zhelan, "Then thank you very much, Miss Meng." Xiao Lin'er cheered, "Wow, a swing! I want to swing!" Feng Cuier then led her to the tree.

Li Xi led Xiao Ge and Chen Quan to set up the signboard at the entrance. "Xiao Ge, move it a little closer to Chen Quan. Chen Quan, raise it a little higher. That's it, just like that. Hang it up."

Since Xiao Ge started working with Li Xi, he has done a lot of farm work, climbing and cleaning. When he is busy, he has no time to think about the silly things he did before.

Chen Quan was already used to it; he habitually gave demonstrations in public, and today he brought his wife and children along. Since working under Li Xi, he had become much more financially secure, as Li Xi was always generous and often gave him many rewards.

"Hang these red ribbons up again." Li Xi tossed them up to Xiao Ge.

Just then, Qin Xiaolin's carriage arrived. He got out and helped a well-dressed old lady down from the carriage.

When Li Xi saw that the Duchess had also arrived, she obediently walked up to the old lady and said, "Greetings, Duchess. I wish you good health and all the best."

The old lady looked at her with a kind smile, "Good child, get up quickly. I really love your Ling'er's cooking. When I heard that Xiao Lin was coming to your house for a housewarming banquet, I shamelessly came over."

Li Xi respectfully invited the two into the residence.

The Duchess gestured to her servants to bring in the congratulatory gifts.

"Brother Li, the calligraphy on this plaque is truly magnificent!" Qin Xiaolin helped the Duchess inside and chatted casually with Li Xi.

Upon hearing this, Li Xi smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for the compliment. This plaque was inscribed by Headmaster Xu of Baichuan Academy."

The Duchess gestured to her servants to bring out the gifts and place them before everyone. These included porcelain, ornaments, screens, and exquisite silk products. The gifts were carefully selected, demonstrating the Duchess's generosity and goodwill.

"These gifts are just a small token of our appreciation; we hope you will like them," the Duchess said with a smile.

Everyone was amazed by the gifts before them.

These gifts were not only numerous but also of excellent quality, which was enough to show the Duchess's sincerity and thoughtfulness.

"Madam Duchess, you are too kind. This is far too precious." Meng Zhong was surprised by her generosity.

The Duchess exuded a calm and elegant temperament, as if time could not erase her unique charm.

"Judge Meng, there's no need to be so polite. I really like your children."

Meng Zhong accompanied the Duchess of the State on a tour.

Just as Qin Xiaolin was about to say something to Li Xi, a servant announced that Shen Xu had arrived. Li Xi immediately went out to greet the guest.

Standing beside Shen Xu was a graceful woman, none other than Shen Ruonan. Truly a lady of high birth, her every gesture exuded elegance and refinement.

She wore a long, emerald-green dress with gold thread embroidered on the hem and a thin belt around her waist, which accentuated her slender figure.

Her face was delicate and pretty, with striking features, and her bright eyes revealed intelligence and determination. When she gently raised her head, her long eyelashes shimmered slightly in the sunlight.

"Brother Shen, Miss Shen, thank you both for visiting my humble abode." She hadn't expected Miss Shen to come as well.

Shen Ruonan looked at Li Xi with a bright smile, revealing her white teeth, and said, "Young Master Li, you helped me last time, and I've finally found an opportunity to thank you in person."

“Miss Shen, you’re too kind,” Li Xi said, touching her nose somewhat embarrassedly. “What you did last time was just a small favor, Miss Shen, you don’t need to take it to heart.”

“Young Master Li is too modest,” Shen Ruonan said with a smile. “Young Master Li, may I take a tour of your residence? I heard that the previous owner of this residence was the Vice Minister of Works, and he personally supervised its construction. However, he has retired and returned to his hometown. He was quite accomplished in this field, so this residence must be quite special.”

Seeing that Shen Ruonan seemed quite curious about the house, Li Xi said, "Since Young Master Shen is interested in this house, please come with me."

The two entered the house, where they found it elegantly furnished and exuding an extraordinary air. Shen Ruonan admired it as she toured the place.

Inside the pavilion, Qin Xiaolin sat quietly, toying with an antique jade pendant in his hand. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Li Xi and the other two enter, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

Seeing the look of surprise on Qin Xiaolin's face, Shen Ruonan stepped forward and said with a smile, "Brother Qin, so you've come too."

"Brother Qin, you haven't been very considerate lately. You came to see Brother Li but didn't come to see me. Have you forgotten about your old flame now that you have a new love?" Shen Xu teased with ill intent.

"Brother Shen, you misunderstand. My grandmother and I came today, so it's not convenient for us..." Qin Xiaolin wouldn't let him know his true purpose.

"Brother Qin, have you been busy lately?" Shen Ruonan was fond of him, and the two of them had been betrothed since childhood. She was also about to come of age, but neither of their families had mentioned the marriage yet, so she couldn't help but feel a little anxious.