Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

As time went on, the aroma in the kitchen grew stronger and stronger.

One delicious dish after another gradually took shape.

In Shen Qingchen's pot, a plate of stir-fried shredded pork with excellent color, aroma and taste was ready. The shredded pork was tender and juicy, paired with bright green peppers and brownish-red wood ear mushrooms, making it look so delicious that it made one's mouth water.

He Jingchuan's steamed fish was already cooked. The moment he opened the lid, a rich aroma of fish wafted out. The fish meat was as white as jade and incredibly tender.

Shen Qingchen then made braised pork ribs, which were bright red in color and stewed until tender and flavorful. Each piece was coated with a rich sauce, and the aroma of the meat was simply irresistible.

He Jingchuan also made sweet and sour pork tenderloin. The golden and crispy pork tenderloin strips were coated with a crystal-clear sweet and sour sauce, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a sweet and sour taste.

Lingyan also prepared two dishes.

A crispy chicken dish and a candied yam dish.

She first cleaned the chicken thoroughly, then carefully marinated it with various seasonings for a period of time, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken meat.

Then she poured an appropriate amount of oil into the pot, and after the oil was heated, she carefully put the chicken into the pot to fry slowly.

Then keep a close eye on the color changes of the chicken and turn it over as needed to ensure that it is fried evenly.

The final product, crispy chicken, has a golden-brown, crispy skin, tender and juicy meat, and an irresistible aroma.

Next up is candied yam.

She first peeled the yam and cut it into even small pieces, then fried it in oil until it turned slightly yellow and took it out.

Next, put white sugar in the pot and simmer it over low heat to make syrup.

When the syrup turns golden and thick, quickly pour the fried yam pieces into the pot and stir-fry rapidly so that each piece of yam is evenly coated with syrup.

The yam is soft, sweet, and fragrant, with strands of syrup, making it a delicious dish that conquers the taste buds.

While Chu Xiyao was tending the fire, he didn't forget to joke around with everyone.

He said with a smile, "Although I can't cook, I'm an excellent fire tender, which is the key to the success of this meal!"

His words drew laughter from everyone, making the atmosphere in the kitchen even more harmonious.

Xiao Muyao smiled and replied, "That's right, we all have our own roles. This meal is the result of our collective efforts."

Finally, with everyone's joint efforts, a sumptuous lunch was prepared.

A variety of dishes filled the table, and they also made stir-fried vegetables and Mapo tofu at the end.

A total of ten dishes were laid out on the round table. These dishes were colorful and fragrant, making people's mouths water just by looking at them.

Everyone was sitting around the dining table, their faces beaming with happy smiles.

They looked at the food they had made themselves and felt a great sense of accomplishment.

Lingyan smiled and said with emotion, "This is the most special meal I've ever had, because we cooked it together."

Others nodded in agreement.

Then Xiao Muyao picked up his wine glass and stood up.

His gaze swept across everyone's faces, and he said in a loud and sincere voice, "On this Lunar New Year's Eve, may we all have a smooth and healthy new year, and may our lives be as rich and colorful as this table full of delicious food."

After saying that, he slightly raised his head and brought the wine glass to his lips. The wine in the glass, like a thin silver stream, was instantly poured into his throat.

He Jingchuan then stood up and said, "In the new year, may our relationship be as warm and lasting as the fireworks in this kitchen. I wish everyone happiness and fulfillment."

After speaking, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he calmly and slowly drank the wine in his glass in one gulp, as if he were performing a solemn ceremony.

Lu Yanqing was not to be outdone. His eyes sparkled with blessings for everyone: "On this day of reunion, I hope we can all realize our dreams and that all good things will come our way!"

After he finished speaking, a cheerful atmosphere filled the air. He then downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, adding fuel to the already lively atmosphere.

Then Shen Qingchen slowly stood up, his eyes filled with deep affection and sincerity.

Holding his wine glass, he solemnly said, "On this New Year's Eve, as the old year gives way to the new, may we shine like stars in the night sky, our light never dimming, may every day be as flavorful as this delicious meal, and may every moment be filled with warmth and joy."

After speaking, he poured out his blessings to everyone, downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, his eyes shining with sincerity.

Then Chu Xiyao stood up with a carefree smile and said, "I hope that every New Year's Eve can be like today, with us happily cooking and having a lively meal. I wish everyone a good mood every day!"

After speaking, he gracefully tilted his head back, the rim of the wine glass lightly touching his lips, the amber liquid shimmering in the sunlight, before he drank it all in one gulp.

Finally, Lingyan said with a smile, "May we always be able to cook together like we are today, and may we hold hands and overcome every joyful and difficult moment in the days to come. Happy New Year's Eve! My boyfriends!"

After speaking, she took a small sip of the wine. The sweetness of the wine bloomed on her tongue like a flower, bringing a sweet sensation.

After exchanging their blessings, everyone eagerly and joyfully began to enjoy the food.

As everyone savored the delicious food, they laughed and praised each other, raving about every dish.

This heartwarming scene, like the warm sun in winter, warms everyone's heart.

...............

After the lively and joyful atmosphere subsided, everyone left one by one in the afternoon.

As they approached the gate, they saw Shen Qingchen standing alone in the bustling courtyard, looking somewhat lonely and desolate.

Normally it's fine, but today, being a holiday, they all felt a little reluctant.

Each of them was thinking about how to get him to celebrate the festival with them.

At this moment, Lu Yanqing said with a smile, "Why don't you come to my residence? I'm all alone anyway."

Chu Xiyao then added, "I'm also all alone, you can come and keep me company!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingchen smiled and looked at the two of them, saying, "Thank you, but I'd better go to Commander Lu's place. The Ninth Prince's residence is full of His Majesty's people, so it's inconvenient."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiyao stopped insisting.

His considerations are indeed correct.

So that's how it was settled.

The group then left, relieved.

Lingyan and Xiao Muyao then returned to the Crown Prince's residence, changed their clothes, and immediately boarded a carriage to enter the palace.

The carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the palace gate, and Lingyan and Xiao Muyao got off the carriage one after the other.

Stepping through the palace gates, one can see that the palace has clearly been carefully prepared for today.

As you walk along the palace road, you see lanterns and colorful decorations everywhere, with bright silk ribbons fluttering gently in the breeze.

The eunuchs and palace maids hurried along, their faces beaming with joy.

Since today's banquet is a family affair, it is not being held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where banquets are usually held, but in a slightly smaller palace.

When the two arrived at the main hall, many members of the royal family and their respective families had already arrived.

Lingyan and Xiao Muyao stepped into the main hall with steady steps.

In that instant, the previously noisy hall fell silent.

As if commanded by a silent order, the royal family members and their families rose from their seats.

The men bowed slightly, placed their hands folded in front of them, and respectfully bowed their heads in greeting.

The women gracefully bent their knees, their movements light and dignified.

Ling Yan and Xiao Muyao's gazes were gentle yet dignified.

The two smiled and nodded slightly in return to the crowd.

Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, they slowly walked to their respective positions.

Xiao Muyao first helped Lingyan to a seat.

Then he gently brushed his robes and sat down steadily, his posture upright and dignified.

Seeing this, Lingyan couldn't help but sigh: Being the crown prince is really tiring! You have to maintain the demeanor of a crown prince at all times and not be impolite in front of others, otherwise you will be criticized.

However, since I have taken on this role and responsibility, I must do my best and take on the corresponding other responsibilities.

After all, there are gains and losses!