novelhk Chapter 218 Confused feelings
Chapter 218 Confused feelings
Chapter 218 Tangled Mood
Feng Jingsu, Wen Yuan, Gu Yichen, and Ji Junche walked side by side, embarking on an inspection of their mountain property. The winding mountain path stretched with their steps, and sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows. A gentle breeze, carrying the fragrance of mountain flowers and green grass, filled their hearts with a tranquil and leisurely feeling, just like the stillness of nature. The four of them sometimes talked, sometimes remained silent, each seemingly absorbed in the scenery before them, as if everything in the mountains silently accompanied their steps.
Feng Jingsu walked at the front of the group, gazing at the green hills ahead, a flood of emotion filling his heart. His voice was deep yet powerful in the silence: "You've only been running this business for six months, but you've already produced anything, right?"
Gu Yichen nodded, his gaze still fixed on the layers of green hills before him. "That's right. My father personally selected this mountain range. Although it's small, the mountains and water are close together, and the scenery is beautiful, making it very suitable for farming and breeding. Now, crops such as grains and vegetables are showing signs of a good harvest, but those medicinal herbs and fruit trees that require time to grow may have to wait a few more years to bear fruit."
Upon hearing this, Wen Yuan tilted his ear slightly, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He then smiled and said, "I've heard that the tea garden of the Zhennan Palace is already famous all over the world, but it seems today that the output of Taoyuan Villa may be even better, right?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Junche smiled complacently. He had always been proud of the products of Taoyuan Villa. "Indeed, the tea from Taoyuan Villa has been blessed with unique natural conditions since it was first planted. The tea has a long-lasting and refreshing aroma, and a mellow and sweet taste. I believe that once the spring tea is on the market next year, the nobles in the capital will be eager to try it."
Wen Yuan nodded gently, then smiled and said, "Good tea goes well with good mountains. I have the opportunity to inspect this place with you all today. It's truly a rare and wonderful time, enjoying the beautiful scenery and good company."
Feng Jingsu, Gu Yichen, and Ji Junche smiled at each other as they continued their journey, their arrival a breath of fresh air filling the mountains. A mountain breeze blew, and a few withered yellow leaves drifted down, landing softly on their shoulders, adding a touch of autumnal beauty. But everyone's mood was lifted by this pleasant inspection.
They walked along the winding mountain road, passing through bamboo forests, tea plantations, and orchards. Everywhere they looked was a scene of abundant harvest. With every step, they seemed to feel the vitality and potential contained in this mountain village, which also made them full of expectations for the future.
The tranquility of the mountains harmonized with their pace, each one seemingly engaged in their own plans. Though companions, the four shouldered distinct responsibilities. In the mountains, they temporarily unburdened themselves of their daily responsibilities, yet remained grounded in their thoughts and expectations.
The four of them smiled at each other and continued on their way. The scenery along the way gradually became more and more tranquil. Meanwhile, in Xiahe Residence, Lu Ling'er was busy preparing lunch.
She stood in the courtyard, the sun gently shone on her shoulders, making her look even more gentle and charming. Her pregnant face held a tranquil, maternal glow, her hand gently caressing her slightly swollen belly, her heart filled with anticipation. Today, she would prepare a sumptuous lunch for her important guests: Feng Jingsu, Wen Yuan, Gu Yichen, and Ji Junche. Lu Ling'er had always been particular about food, especially in the south, where she had the opportunity to encounter many new ingredients and dishes, which excited her.
She called softly, "Zhishu, we need to prepare today's dishes with extra care." She carefully arranged the table as she composed the menu. Her mind raced through the dishes she had personally selected, her heart brimming with anticipation. "Start with some braised tofu, pork knuckles, goose wings, goose liver, eggs, and a whole chicken, duck, or goose. Add pork head, pork belly, pig ears, pig intestines, and sauerkraut. Each of these ingredients has its own unique flavor, and paired with our special sauce, we're sure to satisfy their palates."
Zhishu had already been listening with great interest and quickly agreed, "Yes, Madam, I'll prepare it right away! This marinated tofu and goose liver will surely make them savor it."
Lu Linger nodded in satisfaction and instructed Fudong, "Cold dishes and desserts are also necessary. For cold dishes, make smashed cucumber, black vinegar and walnut cloud ear mushrooms, sesame oil celery and dried tofu, and ginger slices and preserved eggs. For desserts, have red bean double skin milk, red peach cakes, mugwort rice cakes, and crystal cakes."
Upon hearing this, Fu Dong's eyes lit up with anticipation. She knew that the desserts in the south were very different from those in the capital, and had their own unique flavor. "Don't worry, Madam. I'll arrange it right away."
The two maids moved quickly, while Lu Ling'er stood in the courtyard, watching their busy figures with a gentle smile on her face. She lowered her head and gently stroked her belly, feeling the faint touch of fetal movement, and her heart was instantly filled with warmth.
"I hope they like the food I prepared," Lu Ling'er muttered to herself, a faint smile on her lips. Thinking of the satisfied expressions on Feng Jingsu and Wen Yuan's faces as they savored the delicious food, she felt an immense sense of accomplishment.
However, this peaceful feeling of happiness was quickly replaced by a lingering worry. Lu Ling'er's smile gradually faded, and her gaze grew heavy. Ever since her soul traveled to this world, she had been enjoying the warmth and care bestowed upon her by Gu Yichen and his family. However, her recent interactions with the Feng family, especially the care shown by Feng Jingsu and Feng Xinying, had shaken her heart.
She gazed at the blossoming flowers in the courtyard, petals swaying gently in the breeze. Her thoughts drifted with the wind, and she began to wonder—should she confess everything? Her body was that of the Feng family's daughter, but her heart already belonged to Gu Yichen, and to the child in her belly. Add to that the arranged marriage between the Feng family and Crown Prince Yun Junrui, and her situation became even more complicated.
"Perhaps it's time to confess," Lu Ling'er whispered to herself, her inner conflict and struggle growing stronger. She knew how Feng Jingsu and Feng Xinying would react if their long-awaited daughter suddenly appeared before them. She was an orphan, devoid of parental care in her previous life, yet in this life, she was cherished by two families. She felt happy, yet also burdened with an invisible pressure.
She looked up at the sky. A few white birds streaked across the azure sky, seemingly carrying her thoughts with them. Her fingers gently rested on her chin, her eyes gradually blurring, the urge to confess lingering within her. She knew she couldn't hide it any longer, but how to begin remained a huge dilemma.
Lu Linger sighed softly, wondering whether to tell Feng Xinying and Feng Jingsu the truth. This decision concerned her future, as well as the future of the Zhennan Palace. Regardless, she knew that sooner or later she would have to face all of this.