91 Not Renting (1/2)

After he reached home, Xia Chunfeng went straight to his second brother's room.

Xia Chunyu was lying on the bed, his mind occupied. Today, His Majesty has gathered the various ministers from the Ministry of War to the royal study to discuss some issues. His Majesty had the intention to send troops to West Mongolia to help settle the armed rebellion. He already expected that the army would be led by Helian Xuan. What he didn't expect was Helian Xuan asking him to join him in West Mongolia.

Should he go?

If it were in the past, he would not even hesitate, but now, there were things he could not leave in Jin Ling.

”Second brother.” Xia Chunfeng barged in energetically.

Xia Chunyu fidgeted with his jade thumb ring and glanced at his younger brother. ”Where did you go? You were not even home for dinner.”

Xia Chunfeng smiled, ”Little Jing treated me to dinner today. Second Brother, guess who I saw today?”

Little Jing no doubt brought Chunfeng to Heavenly Residence and introduced him to Yaoyao.

Xia Chunyu played along and asked, ”Who?”

”You know him, too! He is the head chef of Heavenly Residence, Li Yao. I heard from Little Jing that you seemed to admire him.”

Xia Chunyu snorted, ”So what?”

”Nothing. I just also think that he is quite an interesting fellow,” Xia Chunfeng replied. He picked up the orchid pea in the plate, threw it high up and caught it with his mouth.

Xia Chunyu raised a brow, amusedly, smiling lightly. ”How is he interesting?”

”I can't really explain. I just feel that he is quite interesting. Not to mention that his temperament matches mine. Little Jing holds him with high regards and since he is Little Jing's friend, then he is my friend too,” Xia Chunfeng stated.

Yaoyao is indeed lovable! What more if they find out that she's really a woman?

”Aye, Second Brother, the dishes Li Yao made are really delicious. Why don't we invite him to our house to cook during the Mid-Autumn festival?” Xia Chunfeng suggested.

”NO.” Xia Chunyu rejected the idea without a second thought.

”Why?” Xia Chunfeng asked curiously.

”It is not like we have no chefs at home. The Mid-Autumn feast is a family gathering, we can just eat casually here. There is no need to go through all that trouble,” Xia Chunyu answered.

He could not keep Yaoyao from working in Heavenly Residence, neither could he oppose to Yaoyao accepting the Helian family's birthday feast. This was one thing that he had control over. He would never allow Yaoyao to cook in the Jing An Marquis Mansion, to be at their beck and call like a common servant.

Xia Chunfeng did not push the matter again. He continued, ”I saw that Wei Liujiang you talked about last night. I was told that he was Mu Qinchu's cousin.”

Xia Chunyu froze. ”They went to Heavenly Residence?”

”Yeah, Zhao Qixuan was there too and everyone sat together for a meal. Don't worry, I even ridiculed the two of them. Do you want to deal with him? I don't exactly find him pleasing to the eye either.”

Xia Chunyu forced an off-handed answer, ”They only went to have a meal?”

”No, Mu Qinchu proclaimed that he went there just to look for Li Yao.”

Xia Chunyu stood up. ”What business does he have with Li Yao?”

”To deliver the ice ticket. He said Li Yao requested for them. That made Little Jing unhappy, but Li Yao clarified that he was only making use of Mu Qinchu.”

Xia Chunyu heaved a sigh of relief. Mu Qinchu was careful after all. Chunyu guessed that Mu Qinchu knew that if he creates trouble for Yaoyao, he'd go over and break his bones.

”Alright, alright. The Imperial military examination is around the corner, you should concentrate on that. Don't embarrass the Jing An Marquis residence, or father will come back to put you in order,” Xia Chunyu threatened.

Xia Chunfeng pouted. ”You are even naggier than Mother! You two only know how to criticize me all day long.”

”It is all for your own good. You better train well as I will check with you after three days. If you could not withstand more than 20 moves under me, don't think about going to that examination.” Xia Chunyu waved his hand to chase him out.

Xia Chunfeng wrinkled his nose angrily. His brother was belittling him. 20 moves? Ha! 200 wouldn't even be a problem. I went through Father's vigorous training at the borders.

Xia Chunyu's thoughts drifted away once again. He wanted to go to Yaoyao but he couldn't keep going over to her too frequently. That lass was already particularly smug as it was!

That night, in Yu Shu Palace.

”Princess, as per my investigation, that Li Yao came to Jin Ling just recently and accepted the offer to work in Heavenly Residence. He was originally a first-class kitchen hand, but he got promoted to head chef in a few days' time. Now, he has accepted the offer to do the Old Helian Princess's birthday feast. I heard that Li Yao saved the Young Royal Highness Jing and has a deep friendship with him,” a guard reported.

Liu Li's eyebrows furrowed tightly. It was no wonder that Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan rushed over that day. It wouldn't really be that big of a deal if others wanted to protect Li Yao, but with Xia Chunyu and Helian Xuan participating, it would be a sticky situation.

No matter. If she could not do it openly, then she would attack secretly. Whatever happens, she has to get her revenge.

”What is the situation in Heavenly Residence?”

”The owner of Heavenly Residence is called Li Xudong. He used to run a small restaurant, but seven years ago, he started Heavenly Residence which became quite famous in the Jin Ling food and beverage industry. The land where Heavenly Residence is located was only rented out to him.”

Liu Li ordered, ”Go check who owns the property and Li Xudong's family situation.”

”Yes! Your subordinate would go immediately.” The guard bowed and withdrew.

Liu Li's almond eyes showed a cold, hateful look. I'm going to have fun with you, Li Yao.