Chapter 543: Another New Year’s Eve, Different Aspirations for Everyone

Although it was a strategic location at the border, with no wars ongoing, Xuanfu Town still allowed fireworks during New Year’s Eve. However, in key areas such as the four major granaries and the general’s residence, all fireworks were strictly prohibited. Thus, even though Zhang Yue really wanted to enjoy a night of dazzling fireworks, he had no chance. As a result, despite the curfew being lifted on New Year’s Eve, the first day of the new year, and the 15th day of the first lunar month at 3 a.m. (8:12 p.m.), only sporadic bursts of firecrackers could be heard, with few fireworks in the sky.
“If I had known this, I wouldn’t have been so greedy for convenience. I should have given the house to my brother-in-law and moved far away, so we could buy more fireworks to make the New Year more festive. It’s too quiet now; we can only hang lanterns as a substitute. This isn’t the Lantern Festival!”
In the courtyard, Lingxi Amber and the others were busy hanging red lanterns, while Zhang Yue and Du Wan stood side by side at the entrance of the main house, watching the red-paper-covered lanterns adorn the main house and the side rooms, with four more hung near the secondary gate. In an era when the city was dark at night, with no neon lights or street lamps, these lanterns at least added a touch of warmth and comfort to the courtyard, their bright red colors conveying the festive spirit.
The night sky was clear, without a single cloud. Though there was no moon, the stars shone brightly, as if striving to emit as much light as possible in the moon’s absence. The cold wind still blew, but with thick coats on and the warm house behind them, Zhang Yue didn’t feel cold, especially seeing the light coming from the small window in the kitchen.
At that moment, the curtain in the kitchen was pushed open, and Mother Cui stepped out briskly. She bowed with clasped hands and said with a smile, “The attendants are grouped together, the Lian and Hu families are together, and Lord Xiang and Lord Liu are together. Rooms have been prepared for them outside. As for the rest—me, Sister Li, and Miss Qiuheng—we’d like to ask the young master if we should be placed in the side rooms.”

“The three tables outside shouldn’t be placed outside the second gate—just in the east and west wing rooms. There are two tables inside the east wing room. During major festivals, it’s lively with all the noise; separating them into inside and outside makes no sense. Since there are only two of you, just set a large ziyu wood table on the big kang in the west room, and you can sit together.” Seeing Mother Cui staring at him ready to protest, he waved his hand smilingly and said, “When we’re away from home, there aren’t so many rules. Your cousin once went to Qingzhou with me, and we celebrated the New Year in the same way. Hurry up and arrange the dishes on each table. Don’t forget to bring a jar of good wine for everyone—only those on duty at night are allowed to have one drink, while the rest can drink as much as they want. Oh, and bring a brazier; it’s warmer to eat something hot right now.”

After giving these instructions, Mother Cui had no choice but to agree. Watching Zhang Yue pull Du Wan into the house, she hurried back to the kitchen. Seeing Hu Bo and Ling Xi still hanging the last lantern there, she said with a smile, “The young master just said such things—why don’t the two ladies help persuade them? It wouldn’t look good if it gets out.”

“What’s not good about it? The old lady heard about what happened in Qingzhou last time too; she just laughed for a while and that was that. If we follow those rules while away from home, we’ll spend the New Year in discomfort.” After hanging the last lantern, Ling Xi put down the bamboo pole, rubbed her frozen hands, blew on them to warm them up, and then turned to say, “Mom, tell Sister Li not to be restrained later. It’s just this once; otherwise, the young master will be unhappy. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely tell the old lady that Mom has already persuaded them.”

Only then did Mother Cui feel relieved, and she sighed as she went back to the kitchen to get busy. Seeing that Hu Bo had finished as well, Ling Xi took her to the kitchen to help. In a short while, the east and west wing rooms were ready. Ling Xi went outside the second gate and instructed everyone to come in first, then called over Lian Sheng and Lian Hu’s two wives. After examining them, seeing that both were wearing newly made blue silk jackets, she instructed, “Remember to come to the main house after dinner. It’s not just a family ritual of kowtowing and giving rewards—it’s the young master and young mistress who have something to give you.”

The two wives were young and part of the Zhang family. One had served Madam Feng, while the other had previously served the second young lady, Zhang Yi. They only knew that their masters had something called a reward but had never heard of it being called a “gift,” so they were somewhat stunned. After Ling Xi left with a smile, Lian Sheng and Lian Hu came again and led them into the east wing room, and they temporarily set aside their thoughts.

It was bustling outside. Lingxi pulled back the curtain and entered the western room of the main house, where it was equally bright and festive. The lanterns hanging from the ceiling, along with the candle holders on all four walls, made it more than twice as bright as usual. Even Li Sao, who was busy arranging dishes on the table, smiled and said, “The young master has always been someone who values simplicity and frugality. But today, he’s gone a bit extravagant. Even at home, on such a big holiday, we only use so many candles in the main room. Just now when Mother Cui said we should sit together, I was quite surprised. I’ve lived most of my life, but this is the first time I’ve celebrated the New Year like this. I’ve never had such courtesy before. I must definitely offer you a drink later.”

How could Zhang Yue mention that in modern times, he loved the tradition of bright lights during the New Year? Seeing the table piled high with various hot and cold snacks, he leaned back comfortably and waved his hand lightly, saying, “I’ll definitely drink to your health, but no need for formalities. If we keep going back and forth, the dishes will cool down soon. Since everything is ready, let’s all sit on the kang. Wanmei, sit next to me and cover your knees with this blanket; Qiuhen, you three sit over there. Mother Cui and Li Sao, you sit in this outer circle. Please take care of pouring and warming the wine…”

With Zhang Yue making these arrangements, although the seating, dishes, and people were different, the atmosphere remained the same. Du Wan couldn’t help but feel as if she had returned to Qingzhou three years ago. Seeing Li Sao pour the wine and offer it to Zhang Yue first, she smiled, took the porcelain pot, and poured half a cup for herself. As soon as she picked up the cup, she saw Zhang Yue sitting there, smiling at her. She glared at him in annoyance but still filled the cup completely.

“This cup is from me to you. Not for your success in your career or your achievements, but so that you can be happy and safe with us.”

Seeing Zhang Yue smile joyfully, raise his cup in return, and drink it all at once, Du Wan smiled slightly and drank hers too. Then, she immediately poured another cup for Zhang Yue, while filling her own cup to half full as usual before gently setting it down. “This second cup is for allowing my parents to be together on this New Year’s Eve. To have my father say with a smile that he has such a son is my greatest fortune. As his daughter, I’m happier than anything.”

He had never heard Du Wan mention this before, so Zhang Yue was momentarily stunned. Immediately, Du Zhen’s cold yet caring face came to mind. Although he hadn’t been able to see Du Zhen daily for advice since leaving Kaifeng five years ago, their relationship had actually seemed closer—of course, that was also because they had gone from teacher and student to father-in-law and son-in-law. Suppressing the sudden urge to go back for New Year’s greetings, he nodded, drained his glass again, then chuckled.

“I believe that in the near future, my father-in-law will say these words again. Since I, as his son-in-law, can’t be by their side all the time, I can only rely on the other one.”

Although Aunt Cui and Sister Li knew that Xiao Wu was already Du Zhen’s adopted daughter, they thought Zhang Yue was merely promising to help her find a good husband and were simply envious. But Qiuhen Hupo and Lingxi sensed something and exchanged glances, secretly smiling at each other. Du Wan didn’t expect Zhang Yue to be so direct; the drink she hadn’t yet swallowed suddenly turned into a blazing fire in her stomach, causing her to cough for a while. Even so, she still poured another glass for Zhang Yue.

Zhang Yue wanted to remind Du Wan that this was Fenjiu, the strongest liquor among baijiu, but before he could find the chance, his blushing wife picked up the delicate glass again: “This third glass… is to honor the honest words you spoke this afternoon. For the sake of integrity, I’ll raise another glass to you!”

While Zhang Yue was still stunned, Du Wan had already drunk it first. He had no choice but to tilt his head back and down another glass. Since they were sitting close together, covered by the same blanket, he could even feel the scorching heat of her face, clearly see her fluttering eyelashes, and her especially charming smile due to the alcohol.

After that, the others also toasted each other. Though there were no formalities required, they still drank quite a bit. Before long, both pots of liquor were empty. Everyone was open to drinking, so they all became slightly tipsy. After several rounds of drinking, Zhang Yue put on his coat and went outside the east wing room to drink with Xianglong and Liubao. He also called out Liansheng and Lianhu to make some noise. It wasn’t until 3 a.m. that the banquets everywhere were almost over, and everyone returned to the main room.

This custom of distributing gifts on New Year’s Eve used to be a long-standing practice. With fewer people present now, it should have been over in no time. Yet Zhang Yue said something that surprised everyone to Xiang Long and Liu Bao, who were the first to come forward: “You four brothers have followed me for so long, yet aside from Hu Qi, none of you have married. We can’t keep delaying any longer. I’ve already written to our father and agreed that once we return to the capital, your wives will help choose suitable partners for you. If you’re satisfied, we’ll arrange the marriage right away and pick a good day for the ceremony.”

Not worried about food or clothing, but troubled by the lack of a caring and understanding wife—this had always been Xiang Long and Liu Bao’s concern. Overjoyed, they quickly thanked him. When it was Liansheng and Lianhu’s turn to kneel and offer their respects with their wives, Zhang Yue and Du Wan gave each family two bolts of fabric. They also promised to help choose names for the children in the future. The four of them left happily. The rest of the attendants each received a string of money and a bolt of coarse silk, while Aunt Cui and Sister Li received a pair of silver earrings and two bolts of blue silk.

By the time only Lingxi Hupo and Qiuhen were left, Du Wan, who had drunk six or seven cups that night, had a flushed face. Instead of handing out more fabric, she pointed to three wooden boxes on the side table. “These three boxes were specifically instructed by the old lady for me to bring. Each person will receive a pair of silver hairpins and a pair of silver braided bracelets. In addition, Zhang Yue and I have added two more items each for you.”

At that point, Zhang Yue spoke up, “You’ve all followed me for many years, going through countless hardships together. Though it’s nominally a master-slave relationship, I’ve always treated you as family. Qiuhen said she’s willing to stay for life. Lingxi Hupo, what about you?”

Lingxi and Hupo were surprised to hear that Qiuhen had mustered the courage to speak up. Lingxi reacted quickly, bowing deeply before saying openly, “I was assigned by the old lady to serve the young master. My bond with him isn’t as deep as Qiuhen and Hupo’s, which spans over a decade. The old lady’s intentions are good, but I don’t have any ulterior motives; I simply do my duty. I’m getting quite old now. If the young master is willing to help, could he please speak to Brother Peng on my behalf? If he refuses, I’ll stay and perhaps rise from a maid in charge to a matron in charge. I’m used to handling affairs and can’t stay idle.”

Brother Peng? Peng Shisan? Zhang Yue had always felt a deep affection for Qiu Hen and Hu Bo since childhood, while regarding Ling Xi as a kind and caring elder sister. Hearing these words, he was initially surprised but soon smiled. Not only him, but Du Wan beside him also smiled. Peng Shisan had remained unmarried after losing his wife early on, so it would be good to have someone who cared for him. However, he still needed to discuss this with the old lady; otherwise, if things went through, she might be unhappy later on.

Qiu Hen was usually carefree and had never noticed this situation, so she couldn’t hide her shock. Hu Bo, on the other hand, had heard Ling Xi’s confidences after Peng Shisan saved her once, and now she felt it was only natural. But after Ling Xi, it was her turn. She opened her mouth but found herself with no choice left in the end.

Qiu Hen at least still had her parents at home, but what about her? Her biological mother had passed away—what identity did she have to go to Hainan? Whether it was Zhang Yue, Du Wan, Ling Xi, Qiu Hen, or even the master and mistress, they were all very kind to her. How could she have the courage to face an uncertain future? Only by their side could she sleep soundly.

“I have no relatives, and there’s no other place for me to go. Please, young master and young mistress, help me out.”

Thinking of Hu Bo’s background, Zhang Yue sighed inwardly before nodding and saying, “I’ll talk to Old Peng about Ling Xi’s matter later. He’s already forty; it’s not right for him to keep wandering alone. Having a virtuous wife at home is better than anything else. As for the old lady, there’s no need to worry. As long as the two of you are willing, I’ll speak to her. Qiu Hen and Hu Bo, since you’re outside now, wait until I return to the capital before going to bow to the old lady and the mistress.”