Having received the answer from Fei Yan, and now knowing the truth, Hong Xiaoduo was at a loss as to how to manage her expression and feelings.

The reason the six children treated Murong Jing that way was simply because they thought she wanted to avoid him, which was why she had been away from them for so long before returning.

So, you harbor such deep resentment towards him?

Well, that's actually true; the kids were right.

At a slightly awkward moment, a soldier came to report that someone outside the city was requesting an audience with the general, saying that he had important business to discuss.

Upon hearing this, Hong Xiaoduo realized that this must be Hall Master Huang, who had deliberately waited for so long. Haha.

"General, go ahead and attend to your duties." Hong Xiaoduo quickly got up.

Master Huang timed it perfectly; otherwise, she wouldn't know how to continue the conversation with Gong Wei.

Gong Wei, unaware of what was going on, picked up his waist knife again. Hong Xiaoduo thought that since they were family, it was a good thing and there was no need to hold the knife, she should relax. After thinking for a moment, she shut her mouth and watched Gong Wei lead a few personal guards out in a hurry.

"Mother?" Tianquan and the other children were anxiously waiting for her and had been looking over from not far outside the study. When they saw Gong Wei hurriedly leaving with his sword, Tianquan asked with some concern.

Hong Xiaoduo reached out and tugged at Tianquan's hair, whispering, "It's not a bad thing, don't worry."

Hearing her so confident and relaxed tone, Tianquan immediately relaxed and nodded.

Seeing the way the six children were looking at her, Hong Xiaoduo's heart softened: "Have our belongings been delivered yet? Or are they still in Huazhou City?"

“It was delivered a long time ago. What do you want?” Tian Shu asked immediately.

“Hmm, you guys seem so energetic and not sleepy at all. How about we get some barbecue, milk tea, snacks, or something for a late-night snack, and chat while we eat?” Hong Xiaoduo suggested.

"Great! Great!" Yao Guang clapped her hands happily, and the other children were just as excited.

Tian Shu immediately called his younger siblings to follow him to the warehouse to unload the things they needed from the cart.

As a long-standing habit, when Hong Xiaoduo asks where the family's belongings are, it means they're going to make a big fuss.

She once said that life should have a sense of ritual. Although the process of being busy is troublesome, it is also a way to obtain a pleasant mood.

As for whether there are any barbecue ingredients available at this time? They don't need to worry about that; she asked, and the ingredients will naturally be available.

Gong Wei and his wife had been stationed at the border for many years. Even when there was no war, they never built any house and always lived and ate in the camp.

Gong Wei and his wife only had a few personal guards to take care of them. It was because of their son Tianquan, his master, brothers and sisters that Gong Wei and his wife decided to buy this house.

The cooks in the kitchen in the courtyard were from the camp's mess hall, and the odd jobs in the courtyard were not hired from the city, but were also his personal guards.

Seeing the general's third son busy moving things, they all rushed over to help.

When Chef Ke from the kitchen learned that someone wanted a late-night snack and roasted meat, he hurriedly asked what kind of meat they wanted. He said that there was a piece of beef chilled in the cellar and two chickens, and he would slaughter them if needed.

Tianxuan quickly said no need, saying that the barbecue ingredients had been prepared long ago, and that Chef Ke didn't need to work, and could go and rest. She added that if he hadn't gone to sleep yet, he could come and eat with her.

Master Ke wondered to himself, "We were already prepared? I didn't see them preparing anything."

But then I thought, the general asked him to come here to cook, but he was actually just an assistant. All three meals a day were cooked by Young Master Tianxuan, and the food tasted even better than what chefs in big restaurants make.

Well, I'll see what I can do; I can't just go and rest.

But why make such a big fuss over a simple late-night snack? Why hang so many lanterns? And they're all decorative lanterns.

A long table covered with a blue tablecloth with small white floral patterns.

Each chair was covered with a cushion that matched the tablecloth.

The set includes wine vessels, large cups with beautiful patterns, and sets of bowls and plates. The charcoal on the iron rack is made of the finest fruitwood.

Master Ke and the other two bodyguards who were in charge of odd jobs were stunned. This was more extravagant than the outfits worn by the sons and daughters of the powerful and wealthy on their outings every spring.

Quan Jinghuai sat in his own armchair, sipping his fragrant tea while looking at the sword manual that Hong Xiaoduo had just given him, which she had obtained during her trip.

Feiyan found a vase, inserted the few red plum blossoms that she and Yuheng had just made from candles and dry branches into it, placed it in the middle of the long table, stepped back to look at it, then stepped forward to adjust it, and finally nodded in satisfaction. She then called Yuheng and Yaoguang to bring out their three guzheng and place them to the side.

"Xiaoduo, we've almost finished practicing that piece of music, 'Three Variations on Plum Blossom,' that you found for us last time. You can listen to it later," Feiyan said to Hong Xiaoduo, who had just washed up and changed her clothes.

“Okay,” Hong Xiaoduo said with a smile.

"Tianquan, come here and see if Prince Mu is asleep. If he isn't, ask him if he wants to come and eat with us. Also, invite your Uncle Haidong along," Hong Xiaoduo called to Tianquan.

Upon hearing this, the children all looked at her, their expressions showing reluctance.

"If you ask him, he'll definitely come," Tianji muttered to himself.

“I’ve already told your father that we’re leaving in a couple of days,” Hong Xiaoduo said reluctantly.

Huh? Leaving already?

The children, including Tianquan, all looked excited.

"Go and shout, go and shout!" Tianji urged his fourth brother excitedly.

Since we're all leaving, there's no harm in inviting Prince Mu to eat.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!