Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Chapter 318 I congratulate you on your wealth and I congratulate you on your brilliance.

Plate after plate of delicious dishes were brought to the table like flowing water. The rich aroma seemed to transform into invisible little hands, constantly tantalizing the servants' hearts and taste buds. They stared at the sumptuous food on the table with eager eyes, their throats unconsciously moving up and down, trying hard to swallow the saliva that kept rising in their throats.

At this time, Zhang Jingwei, who was sitting in the main seat, looked at the group of greedy servants and couldn't help but scold them with a smile: "Hey, what are you all doing standing there like idiots? Come to the table and eat together!"

One of the servants, who was a bit braver, hesitated for a moment and asked cautiously, "Sir, are these...really for us to eat?"

Zhang Jingwei glared and said in feigned anger, "What's the matter? Are you still thinking of going to heaven to eat dragon liver and phoenix gall? If you don't eat these, do you still expect me to conjure up a full banquet? Stop talking nonsense and sit down and eat!"

Hearing this, the servant was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you, son-in-law! Thank you, son-in-law!" Seeing this, the other servants also happily sat around the table.

All of these arrangements were Zhang Jingwei's idea. He believed that Chinese New Year should be a time for everyone to gather together and enjoy delicious food. So, early that morning, he had all the furniture in the front hall removed, leaving only a few large tables large enough to accommodate the entire mansion, so that everyone could enjoy a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner.

Mu Tou trotted all the way to Zhang Jingwei and said breathlessly, "Master, Sixth Master and his family are here!"

Zhang Jingwei's face lit up with joy upon hearing this, and he quickly stood up to greet him, "Hurry up and invite us in! Just in time for our New Year's Eve dinner!"

Not long after, Zhang Liu came in, dressed in a long gown and looking energetic. He bowed and said with a smile, "Young Master, fireworks are celebrated every year. May you be happy and safe in the new year!"

Zhang Jingwei quickly returned the greeting and replied with a smile, "Thank you for your kind words, Uncle Six!"

Following behind Zhang Liu was a tall and straight young man. He stepped forward quickly, bowed respectfully to Zhang Jingwei and said, "Young Master, I wish you a happy new year and everything goes well!"

Zhang Jingwei took a closer look and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Oh, isn't this Dalang! After not seeing him for a few years, he has grown into such a handsome and elegant man. He is really a man of great talent, quite like Sixth Uncle in his youth!"

At this time, a middle-aged woman dressed simply but elegantly came forward, bowed slightly, and said, "Master, we came in a hurry, and I didn't have time to prepare any generous gifts. I only made a few home-cooked dishes, just to add some good luck to this New Year's Eve dinner! I hope you don't mind."

Zhang Jingwei waved his hand and said, "Auntie, you are too polite. It is a great blessing for me that you can come. Please take a seat quickly!"

The middle-aged woman responded with a smile, then reached out and gently pulled out a little girl hiding behind her, saying softly, "Girl, don't be shy, go and wish the young master a happy new year!"

The little girl timidly raised her head, looked at Zhang Jingwei, and said softly, "Master...Master, Happy New Year!"

Seeing her cute appearance, Zhang Jingwei was very happy. He walked up to her, touched her little head, and said gently: "Hey, my dear, you are so good. I wish you happiness every day in the new year!" As he said that, he took out a thick red envelope from his arms and handed it to the little girl.

Seeing that almost everyone was there, Huangfu Changshui also walked into the front hall. This year was the most lively year. Usually, he and his daughter would have the New Year's Eve dinner together. Looking at the crowds of people, he did not feel bored, but happy instead.

Seeing the arrival of the host, everyone who was originally sitting around the table stood up, saluted him respectfully, and shouted in unison: "My Lord!"

Huangfu Changshui smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Ah, it's been ages since we've had such a lively atmosphere! Today, let's put aside all the formalities and not worry about who's the Marquis or who's not. We're all family, so let's just enjoy this delicious meal to our heart's content. Eat and drink to your heart's content!"

At this time, Zhang Jingwei came forward and asked with a smile on his face, "Father-in-law, are you satisfied with this New Year's Eve dinner?"

Huangfu Changshui laughed heartily, nodded repeatedly, and replied, "Satisfied, of course I am satisfied! But where is my precious daughter?"

Zhang Jingwei quickly responded, "Don't worry, father-in-law. Madam is busy serving dumplings in the kitchen. She's also prepared a special dish just for you!"

Hearing this, Huangfu Changshui couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, with a look of surprise on his face, and muttered to himself: "Uh...she...actually cooks in the kitchen herself!" Obviously, as a father, he is also well aware of his daughter's terrifying cooking skills.

However, Zhang Jingwei seemed to see what his father-in-law was thinking and quickly comforted him, "Don't worry, father-in-law. I'm here to take care of it. I guarantee that the food you'll enjoy this time will be absolutely delicious!"

Less than half an hour later, Huangfu Ling and several maids approached with light steps, each holding a large plate of steaming dumplings. Before they even got close, Huangfu Ling's clear and pleasant voice rang out, "Dumplings are here!"

Hearing the sound, Huangfu Changshui, who was sitting at the table, asked with a puzzled look on his face, "Dumplings? What's this new thing?" Zhang Jingwei, who was standing beside him, quickly explained with a smile, "Father-in-law, you'll know how wonderful it tastes if you try one first!"

Huangfu Changshui nodded, picked up a dumpling, and put it in his mouth, chewing it gently. His eyes lit up instantly, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow! These dumplings are really delicious! Not only are the skins thin and the fillings generous, but the vegetables are perfectly matched, and they don't taste greasy at all." He then popped a few more into his mouth.

At this time, Zhang Jingwei pointed to several plates of dipping sauces on the table and introduced: "Father-in-law, here are some dipping sauces specially made for dumplings. There are vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil. You can dip them according to your taste. It will have a unique flavor."

Huangfu Changshui followed his instructions and picked up his chopsticks, dipped them in vinegar, and put them in his mouth. After savoring them carefully, he praised again, "Hmm~ Really good! I never thought these simple seasonings could make dumplings so delicious. Haha, could it be that Ling'er really made these dumplings herself?"

Huangfu Ling nodded shyly and said coquettishly, "Of course, Daddy. I've been busy all afternoon making these dumplings for you."

After hearing this, Huangfu Changshui looked at his daughter with heartache and said with emotion: "Oh, my dear daughter, you have worked hard. Since these are the delicacies that Ling'er worked hard to make, then your father will eat them all today!" After that, he laughed.

The banquet was peaceful with people toasting each other. Zhang Jingwei toasted at every table and his drinking capacity amazed everyone.

Mu Tou would go out and light a string of firecrackers every time he ate a few bites of his meal. The sound of firecrackers was the real flavor of the New Year.

After eating and drinking, Zhang Jingwei asked everyone to go back to their rooms to rest on the warm kang, while he stayed in the hall to keep watch for them!