Seeing Zhou Wan's conflicted expression, as if she didn't know how to start the conversation, Xu Yuehuai knew that there was probably no good news on this trip. Considering that even the Duke of Zhenguo couldn't find any information, it was naturally impossible for Zhou Wan and her companion to find any clues.
Her eyes instantly dimmed, losing their previous brightness.
Her chest felt like it was stuffed with cotton, making it impossible for her to say a word. After a long while, she looked up and opened her mouth, but still couldn't utter a single word. She even felt a stinging sensation in her nose.
Zhou Wan felt deeply saddened upon seeing this. Although she hadn't brought back good news, it wasn't entirely without clues.
She originally wanted to find out the news before telling Xu Yuehuai, but now she couldn't keep it a secret any longer.
Thinking of this, she quickly said, "Mother, don't worry. I've managed to find out some information. The Xu family is all in the capital right now. As long as we find them, we'll definitely get some news."
"Yes, I know." Xu Yuehuai agreed, but the dejected expression on her face spoke volumes, clearly indicating that she had given up hope.
However, she felt for a moment that she should not go to see the Duke and his wife, so as not to disappoint them utterly.
Hearing this, San Niang felt sad, but seeing Xu Yuehuai's expression, she became even more worried, fearing that she might do something rash. She immediately came over to comfort her, saying, "A Yue, things will be cleared up sooner or later, so don't worry too much."
“Yes, Manager Xu, Anan said ‘good things come to those who wait’ before he left. You’ve investigated so hard, there must be good news.” Zhao Ping, abandoning his usual carefree attitude, stood up seriously and offered his advice.
Xu Yuehuai looked at Zhou Wan and then at San Niang. They were all her family members, and they were so worried about her. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but force a bitter smile to reassure them.
But this smile was uglier than a cry.
"Third Sister, Zhou Wan, I'm fine, don't worry." Xu Yuehuai said she was fine, but the desolation in her eyes was unmistakable.
After much deliberation, Zhou Wan decided not to let her be so sad and decided to tell her about the Regent's return to the capital so that Xu Yuehuai would not be so heartbroken.
"Mother, there's more good news." Zhou Wan deliberately tried to cheer Xu Yuehuai up.
Sure enough, when Xu Yuehuai heard that there was good news, she at least showed some interest, but asked with a puzzled look, "What good news?"
“Hehe, the good news is that the Prince has also returned to the capital.” Zhou Wan said, watching Xu Yuehuai’s reaction. “He and Lord Pei have already entered the palace to report on their duties, and they should be coming to our Tianxiang Restaurant for dinner tonight.”
"Is this good news?"
As expected, Xu Yuehuai smiled immediately upon hearing this, looking happy.
San Niang and Zhou Wan exchanged a glance and smiled with relief.
Third Sister's eyes darted around, and she seized the opportunity to tease, "Ah Yue, you and the Prince have finally gotten over your hardships. Now that he's back, aren't you going to get married?"
After San Niang finished speaking, Zhou Wan listened with an expectant look on her face. She had long hoped that her mother could marry the prince.
However, Xu Yuehuai regained her previous dejected expression, shook her head, and remained silent, as if her innermost thoughts had been exposed.
Her status was vastly different from Qi Guze's. If she were the daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo, it would be fine, but she was just a small restaurant manager, so naturally she couldn't aspire to be related to royalty.
Seeing her like this, San Niang and Zhou Wan exchanged a glance and reached a consensus. They both knew what Xu Yuehuai was thinking, so they decided to help her.
As long as Xu Yuehuai can smile, all their efforts will be in vain.
Xu Yuehuai ignored their eye contact and kept her own thoughts to herself. However, looking at all the work in the room, she really didn't want everyone to worry about her.
"Third Sister, Zhou Wan, let's talk about these things later. Since they're all back today, let's cook a good meal to welcome them back." She found something to do and changed the subject at the same time.
Third Sister could tell that she was trying to change the subject, but she should still properly welcome her and prepare a feast.
"Okay, I'll go prepare right away." Third Sister happily agreed. Now that everyone was reunited, she was naturally overjoyed.
"Mother, I'll go help too." Zhou Wan replied to Xu Yuehuai and then ran to the kitchen to ask Third Sister for help.
Xu Yuehuai naturally went to the kitchen as well. After looking at the ingredients and then at San Niang and Zhou Wan, she knew what they were going to do.
It was nothing more than some ordinary home-cooked dishes, but then Xu Yuehuai had an idea: she would make something special herself.
Xu Yuehuai picked up a piece of pork tenderloin and was ready to start eating. San Niang and Zhou Wan were genuinely happy for her when they saw that she had regained her energy.
"Looks like our A-Yue is going to cook something new again." Third Sister's words made them laugh.
The kitchen was instantly filled with laughter and the aroma of delicious food.
Xu Yuehuai cut the pork tenderloin into thick strips, rinsed them clean, squeezed out the water, put them in a bowl, added an egg white, and started mixing. Then she added some seasonings and starch, mixed them evenly, and sealed them with oil.
She heated the oil in a wok, and when the oil was just right, she dropped the marinated pork tenderloin pieces into the wok one by one, instantly releasing a wonderful aroma.
The pork strips were set in the hot oil and floated to the surface. Xu Yuehuai took the meat out, waited for the oil temperature to rise, then fried it again before pouring it onto a plate. It was truly golden and crispy.
She then took a large iron spoon, put Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers in it, and put it over the fire to roast. Soon, the aroma filled the air.
Jiang Shichen and Jiang Qianqian returned at this time.
The two little ones, drawn by the aroma, darted into the kitchen.
Before Jiang Shichen could find the source of the fragrance, he saw Zhou Wan busy at work.
He rushed over immediately, hugged Zhou Wan tightly, and said in a choked voice, "Mother..."
Zhou Wan quickly turned around and hugged her, gently comforting her, "Look at you, you're such a grown-up, why are you crying? Your mother is already back."
As she was talking, the food in the pot almost burned.
Jiang Qianqian quickly pulled Jiang Shichen away, saying, "Let your sister-in-law and the others be busy first. If you don't finish your homework quickly, the teacher will spank your hands tomorrow."
As they were talking, the two immediately went to finish their homework.
Seeing that the fire was ready, Xu Yuehuai poured all the roasted chilies and peppercorns onto the board, crushed them, added salt and other seasonings, mixed them evenly with the fried pork, and finally plated and served the dish.
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