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Patting Xiao Linshuang on the shoulder, Lao Fan raised his eyebrows and his smile was full of the cunning satisfaction of a successful scheme.

Lin Yuan gave a faint smile and didn’t take the little trick between these two to heart.

Although she knew that Lao Fan was trying to get Xiao Linshuang out of the way so he could enjoy the delicious food by himself, she also knew that Lao Fan really did want Xiao Linshuang to go and learn a thing or two.

After spreading out all the egg dumplings, Lin Yuan also chopped some tomatoes and greens, and sliced some dried tofu brought from Zhuma Town, putting all these ingredients into the pot.

When the pot came to a boil, she added some of the prepared egg dumplings, then made a batter with white flour and cooked a tomato and egg dumpling soup.

While making the soup, she also steamed a plate of egg dumplings and poured some sauce over them. As soon as they were out of the steamer, the aroma filled the air, tempting the taste buds of everyone present.

With more people to feed now, just these dishes wouldn’t suffice, but Lin Yuan no longer needed to cook everything herself. The regular dishes could be left to the Kitchen Ladies, while the unique secret recipes were dictated to Xiao He to cook.

Although Xiao He’s culinary skills weren’t as good as Lin Yuan’s, and the taste of the dishes somewhat inferior, the family had no complaints, always encouraging and praising her instead, which made Xiao He more confident and her cooking skills visibly improved.

Xiao Linshuang, who was still worrying about going to the eastern part of the city to secretly learn from Doctor Wang, cast her troubles aside as soon as the lunch was served.

After lunch, the little girl wiped her mouth, contentedly mumbling, "Today is the fifteenth of the first lunar month, you know. I heard Du Ruo say the Lantern Festival in the Capital city is so lively, especially after dark. I heard that in addition to food and jewelry, there are also many fun things to do on the streets. Oh right, there’s also vaudeville! "

Upon hearing the word ’vaudeville’, Xiao Linshuang got excited and jumped up from her stool, her eyes shone bright, "I’ve never seen a vaudeville show! Big sister, big sister, let’s go watch it!"

With a tug on her arm from Xiao Linshuang, Lin Yuan smiled with difficulty. If Xiao Linshuang knew she was going out with Xia Zheng, she would definitely want to come along, but if Lin Yuan didn’t take her, what excuse could she use?

Perhaps inspired by Xiao Linshuang’s energetic words, Lin Wei and Xiao He also looked very curious and gazed at Lin Yuan with anticipation, making it hard for Lin Yuan to refuse outright.

Yet, if she didn’t refuse, how would she get her alone time with another person?

Just then, Butler Zhou suddenly came in, followed by Dong Qing, who was grinning mischievously.

The moment they met, Dong Qing gave Lin Yuan a sly smile.

"My Lord and Madam, our young master is not feeling well today and cannot come to spend the festival with you.

So he specifically asked me to bring over some gifts and also instructed me to take the young ladies out to have fun.

The night market today is particularly lively; to stay at home would truly be a waste of this wonderful time. "

Dong Qing’s words were like a timely rain.

"Great, great." Xiao Linshuang clapped her hands excitedly and jumped up and down, while Lin Wei and Xiao He grinned from ear to ear.

Seeing how happy the children were, Lady Liu didn’t have the heart to stop them, especially since Lin Yi had already returned in the morning and could protect them, ensuring nothing would go wrong.

Lin Jiaxin, afraid that Lin Yi alone couldn’t look after so many, sent Ding Ming and Ding Liang along as well.

It was their first time in the Capital city and their first time celebrating a festival away from home, allowing them to go out would distract them from any homesickness and concealed sadness.

As everyone was eagerly discussing where to go and have fun, Lin Yuan suddenly let out an "ouch" and clutched her stomach tightly.

Although she mimicked the movement convincingly, her face remained rosy.

After thinking for a moment, she discreetly dipped her hand in her cup of tea and dabbed it on her forehead, which at a distance, looked like a thin layer of sweat.

"Yuanyuan, what’s the matter with you?" Lady Liu, with her delicate sensibilities, immediately noticed something was off with Lin Yuan and quickly came over to take her hand. She found it cold to the touch, and Lin Yuan seemed to be shivering slightly.

Plus, with Lin Yuan deliberately bowing her head and her hair sticking tightly to the "sweat" on her forehead, Lady Liu was even more alarmed.

Lin Yuan’s apparent discomfort immediately drew everyone’s attention. With her eyes slightly closed, Lin Yuan whispered something in Lady Liu’s ear.

Lady Liu had an epiphany and pushed the curious Xiao Linshuang and others to the side, signaling for Shui Xian and Yin Xing to help Lin Yuan back to her room to rest.