"You're right, with your big plate, it must be at least two taels of silver." Qiao Min picked up a piece and put it in her mouth, chewing slowly and savoring the taste.
In the past, when the master ate, even watching the food looked delicious, making him almost drool with envy.
Now that he tasted it, it was indeed delicious, truly a delicacy!
Li Yan's heart began to pound wildly. She immediately put two slices of sausage for her son and husband, and two slices for Qiao Jin. The rest were put into the kitchen, covered with a basin, to be saved for later.
The whole family watched their mother's actions, their eyes glued to the meat. They had only eaten it once, and now their mother was looking at it like this, making them cherish the two slices of meat in their bowls even more.
On the twenty-fourth of the twelfth lunar month, Fan Zehao and Fan Xudong returned with the children, bringing some green vegetables. These two were not afraid of the trouble and filled a whole cart.
It was also fortunate that it was winter; if it were summer, they would have spoiled.
Since the children and her husband had returned, and it happened to be the Little New Year, Zhao Jiaqi was happy and said, "We'll have dumplings for lunch today, and hot pot for dinner tonight."
Upon hearing about the hot pot, Chun Fen's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled. After eating cabbage and potatoes for so long, she could finally eat fresh green vegetables, which was truly a blessing.
"Madam, your maid will go chop meat and pick vegetables now!" Chun Fen was a little impatient and requested to start working with a smile.
Zhao Jiaqi waved her hand, and the maids in the room ran off. They didn't mind the cold outside and chatted and worked with laughter. If one listened carefully, they were all discussing what kind of broth they would have for dinner.
Some guards couldn't wait and prepared to go up the mountain to catch some pheasants and rabbits. Others wanted to show off their skills and catch some wild oxen and sheep to cook in the hot pot. They could make jerky from the leftovers, which could be chewed on leisurely or used as rations when going out.
For lunch, dumplings were made with several fillings, but everyone didn't eat much, just waiting for the hot pot dinner.
Inside the house, Zhao Jiaqi spoke to Fan Zehao about the matter of the lost children.
"What do you think of this matter?"
Leaning against the warm wall for heat, he fiddled with the prayer beads in his hand, wondering if the kidnappers were in league with the officials.
He didn't want to believe it, but the villagers' accounts made him very suspicious.
"After the New Year, I'll have Prince Xian and Prince Xiaoyao investigate. If they are indeed in league, then I will definitely not let the local officials off the hook!"
Zhao Jiaqi nodded. They were also parents, and if their children were gone, they would be driven mad, let alone experience the heartache.
As the sky just began to darken, hot pots were set up in the kitchen. There were too many people, so they set up several more. They were all burning charcoal. It was fortunate that Fan Zehao was not poor now, otherwise, this meal would have bankrupted him.
Inside, lamb was sliced thinly, as were slices of fatty beef and even pork. A variety of green vegetables were arranged on a plate. The table was full, and the dishes alone were more abundant than during the New Year.
At the dinner table, Tian Tian, who was sitting next to Zhao Jiaqi, quietly complained to her, "Aunt, Yu Meng sister ruined the marriage between Uncle and the princess!"
"Oh? What happened, tell Auntie!" Zhao Jiaqi genuinely did not know about this marriage alliance.
Tian Tian wanted to say more, but Yu Meng, from the side, gave her a look that silenced her. In the end, she pouted, picked up her rice bowl, and went to Yu Meng's side, like a wronged little wife.
Yu Meng called out across the copper pot, "Mother, my father is timid and wouldn't dare to take a concubine. I scolded the delicate princess from Wei until she ran away. She won't be here to bother us anymore."
"My daughter has grown up, and she knows how to protect her mother. However, in the future, let's not scold people; it's unbecoming of our status!"
Although she was pleased, she still wanted her daughter to be a well-bred young lady and at least adhere to proper etiquette.
Yu Meng listened to her mother's words and nodded earnestly, "Understood, Mother. Next time, if I can use my hands, I won't use my mouth!"
How's that for being ladylike?
Seeing her defiant gaze, Zhao Jiaqi knew that she couldn't control this child anymore. It was a miracle that she was alive. She decided to let go and leave her father to deal with her.
At the dinner table, everyone ate with relish.
In the evening, after Zhao Jiaqi washed up and prepared to sleep, the man beside her, feeling as if a hundred ants were scratching at his heart, couldn't bear it because his wife hadn't asked about his affairs in the capital.
Fan Zehao no longer waited for his wife to ask and confessed proactively.
"Wife, the Crown Prince of Wei came this time wanting to open up trade on the border between the two countries. I haven't agreed for now and plan to go and see after the New Year. If the conditions permit, opening up trade is not a bad thing!"
Zhao Jiaqi pulled up the quilt and listened to her husband's words. She understood his concerns and said, "Wei has a strong military and is no less powerful than Zongsheng Country. Before opening up trade with them, you must inspect thoroughly. If friendly relations can be established, then trade can be opened!"
"That's what I was thinking too. Zhang Heng is the commander in the inner city. If trade is also opened with Wei, then Fan Lao Er will be stationed there. As for the commander in Jin Country, I want Xiao Ce to go with Godfather!"
Zhao Jiaqi turned her head to look at him and felt that her husband's plan was not very appropriate.
"Xiao Ce and Godfather suffered losses in Jin Country before. I don't feel at ease leaving these two there, and Jin Country is ambitious. I don't intend to open trade with them!"
Just thinking about Changsun Qinghua's despicable expression at the previous palace banquet made her want to vomit once more. A defeated general still put on such a high posture, completely disregarding others.
However, they had to be wary of Jin Country. Someone who could make Godfather and Xiao Ce suffer losses was not to be underestimated.
"Husband, let Fan Lao Er be stationed there. He has learned a lot about military formations from you and has a great reputation. With him guarding, I feel more at ease!"
It would also save a dignified Great General from having no military power and constantly following them around. It wasn't right.
Rather than keeping him idle, it was better to let him out and let Fan Lao Er take charge independently and contribute to the country.
Fan Zehao felt that his wife's words made sense and nodded in agreement. However, he felt a pang of reluctance at the thought that his brothers would go their separate ways and they wouldn't be able to gather often.
"Alright, I'll listen to you. He should be granted a fiefdom to gain some experience!"
Since the decision was made, it was time to let go.
In the days leading up to the New Year, Fan Zehao often took Fan Lao Er up the mountain. They would be gone for most of the day. Zhao Jiaqi and Ping Ting stayed at home, looking after the children and chatting about everyday matters. She also handed over the matters of governing the fiefdom to Ping Ting.
Ping Ting was intelligent. For two consecutive days, her elder sister-in-law had been talking about governing the fiefdom. She asked Zhao Jiaqi with a serious expression, "Elder Sister-in-law, are you planning for us to go to the fiefdom after the New Year!"
"Yes, yesterday your elder brother already wrote an imperial decree, granting the southern fiefdom to you two. In the future, when you have your own territory, you must govern it well. You and Fan Lao Er bear a heavy responsibility on your shoulders, and you need to shoulder it!"
Zhao Jiaqi did not intend to hide it from her. Since Ping Ting asked, she would tell her the truth of the matter and prepare her accordingly.
Ping Ting cried. In the past, she had followed her elder sister-in-law and was free-spirited. When encountering problems, her elder sister-in-law would always find a solution.
But this time, she wouldn't rely on her elder sister-in-law, and she felt uncertain. She felt like a child without a mother, without a supporter.