Chapter 286 Only Xie Zhongzhi is left.
Chapter 286 Only Xie Zhongzhi is left.
As night fell, fireworks exploded in the sky above Beijing, illuminating the entire horizon.
Fireworks soared into the sky, each one eliciting cheers.
The streets and alleys were filled with bright red lanterns, and every household had colorful paper-cuts pasted on their windows.
The entire capital was immersed in a festive and joyous atmosphere.
The mansion was brightly lit, and red silk hung from the eaves.
The long table was laden with a sumptuous feast, its aroma filling the air.
Everyone sat around the table, and Lord Xie raised his cup and said, "Everyone has worked hard this year. I hope that in the coming year our manor will be safe and sound and that everything will go smoothly!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone raised their glasses.
At this time, the Princess's residence was also a scene of bustling activity.
Red lanterns are hung high, and the courtyard is filled with the festive atmosphere of the New Year.
In the hall, Xu Liuer and Gao Yunzhi were sitting together, eating their New Year's Eve dinner.
While eating, Gao Yunzhi suddenly propped her forehead up with her hand, frowned and said, "I don't know what's wrong with me, but lately I always feel sleepy and lethargic."
Xu Liuer gently patted her hand, her tone soft.
"Princess, you don't need to worry. This is normal during pregnancy. You can use some Poria cocos powder to regulate it."
Gao Yunzhi nodded slightly, "I'll do as you say. I'll have someone make some Poria cocos soup tomorrow."
The two chatted casually, and Gao Yunzhi picked up a glutinous rice cake from the side and started eating it.
She ate very quickly, finishing half a plate of glutinous rice cakes in no time.
Seeing how much she enjoyed her meal, Granny Lin's expression softened.
Since Miss Xu arrived, the Princess has been much happier.
The eldest princess was talkative and playful, and got along very well with Miss Xu's quiet nature.
Every now and then, the Crown Prince's wife and Madam Shen would come over, making it even more lively.
The princess is currently pregnant, and Miss Xu has given birth before, so she is experienced and can answer many questions.
Gao Yunzhi finished half a plate, and in the blink of an eye, she wanted to pick up another piece and continue eating.
Seeing this, Granny Lin quickly spoke up to stop her.
"Your Highness, you have eaten too much today, you can't eat anymore."
Gao Yunzhi smiled and said, "There's nothing I can do. Liu'er's cooking is just too good. Once you start eating, you can't stop."
"Your Highness is too kind; it's just a simple home-cooked meal," Xu Liuer said with a smile.
"That's no compliment," Gao Yunzhi chuckled. "Liu'er, your skills are truly excellent. You can't buy them anywhere else. If you opened a shop, it would definitely be packed with customers."
Lin Mama chimed in, "What the Princess says is true. I've eaten plenty of rice cakes in the capital, but none of them are as delicious as the ones Miss Liu makes."
Both of them were praising her, but an idea suddenly popped into Xu Liuer's mind.
Perhaps she really can open her own shop and support herself?
Xu Liuer lowered her eyes and clenched the handkerchief in her hand.
The Marquis's Residence, Zhiyuan Courtyard.
"Still no news?" Xie Zhongzhi frowned, his voice low.
The servant bowed his head and replied cautiously, "Second Young Master, not yet."
We searched all over Beijing and the surrounding areas.
All checkpoints leading out of the capital were sealed off, and there was not a trace of her.
She seemed to have vanished into thin air.
Where could she go? She didn't know anyone.
Qin Jiuwei is just a concubine's daughter. Even if she has the status of the Crown Prince's wife, how much can she help her?
Willow, willow...
Xie Zhongzhi frowned, a hint of irritation and fatigue flashing in his eyes.
He reached out and took the wine pot from the table, filled his glass, and tilted his head back to drink it all in one gulp.
He drank very quickly and almost choked.
Xie Zhongzhi poured one cup after another, his gaze fixed on the amber liquid in the cup.
Xu Liuer was not there, and Xie Siyuan was also sent to the estate.
The once grand Zhiyuan Courtyard was now deserted, with only Xie Zhongzhi sitting in his study drinking.
The night outside the window was deep, and a cold wind, carrying a faint rustling sound, squeezed in through the crack in the door, blowing out the candle on the table, and the room fell into complete silence.
Compared to the quietness of Zhiyuan Courtyard, Qinglan Courtyard was much more lively.
After the children finished their New Year's Eve dinner and kowtowed to their elders, they returned to their courtyard.
The New Year's Eve dinner has already been eaten, and the table in the main house is covered with fruits and pastries.
There are also some rice wine and fruit wine.
"Pour me a cup, pour me a cup!" Xie Jue stared longingly at the wine pot.
"Okay, here's a glass for you. Take it easy, don't drink too much."
Qin Jiu smiled and poured him a glass.
Xie Jue saw the adults drinking alcohol, but he couldn't drink, so he kept nagging her that he wanted to try it.
Today is a joyous occasion for the Lunar New Year, so she specially asked the maids to prepare some low-alcohol fruit wine and rice wine for him to try.
Xie Jue watched Qin Jiuwei pour the wine without blinking.
He had barely finished pouring it when he eagerly grabbed the small wine glass and gulped it down.
After finishing his drink, Xie Jue wiped his mouth, looked up, and his eyes sparkled.
"This tastes so strange, it's bitter and sweet, and a little spicy."
Qin Jiu smiled and patted his head: "This is what wine tastes like. Do you think it's good?"
Xie Jue tilted her head and thought for a moment, "It doesn't taste good, but it's not bad either."
After he finished speaking, a smile suddenly appeared on his lips. "But I'd like to have another drink!"
EBE