Chapter 209 “Lucky” New Year’s Eve

Chapter 209 "Lucky" New Year's Eve

As the New Year approached, it was indeed not very moral to call someone's small workshop a "high imitation," "fake," or "knockoff."

Who would curse someone for wearing "A" goods during the New Year? At the very least, one should wait until after the New Year to do so.

But Xiao Fu Ai Rong emphatically stated that he could not wait any longer!

In fact, on the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Boss Shang's printing workshop published the second part of Xiao Fu Ai Rong's cursing—*On Why People Today Are Obsessed with Pretending to Be Cultured*. In this book, he directly criticized those who bought low-quality carved silk and painted Xuan paper from small workshops, suggesting they were merely following trends rather than genuinely appreciating Xuan paper.

"People today mostly live in groups, taking pride in having four or five generations under one roof, which fosters a chaotic nature like algae in water or grass on a wall. They are like stray dogs gnawing at bones, even if there is no meat..."

Xiong Yoyo put down the thin booklet, still savoring its contents, and shared her thoughts with Xianjin, "This Xiao Fu Ai Rong is truly like a sudden shining star. When discussing food, his words are precise and concise; when addressing current events, he speaks boldly and writes incisively, like a lone wolf."

Xianjin: "..."

She could almost picture Chen Fu howling at the full moon.

Xianjin turned away, trying to suppress a twitch at the corner of her mouth.

It was hard to imagine Chen Fu, dressed in a pink peach-colored robe with slicked-back hair, being called a "lone wolf"...

Even if he were a carnivorous mammal, Xianjin privately thought that a Tibetan fox suited him better.

Xiong Yoyo continued praising, "My uncle read this booklet yesterday and was curious about who wrote it. He guessed it might be a failed scholar or a well-read scholar from some local gentry family—oh, my second cousin is preparing for the imperial exams next year and plans to visit this Senior Xiao..."

"Why would he visit him?" Xianjin could hardly hide her shock: To discuss eating, drinking, and hairstyles?

Xiong Yoyo laughed, "My second cousin said that governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish. If Senior Xiao can write tens of thousands of words citing classics to express his views on trivial matters, wouldn't learning from him greatly benefit one's writing?"

Xianjin turned away again, her smile nearly turning into a grimace. How could she repay the internal injuries she suffered to protect Chen Fu's secret?

Xiong Yoyo suddenly remembered something, "Most of Senior Xiao Fu Ai Rong's books come from Boss Shang's printing workshop. Since you're close to Boss Shang, have you heard anything about who this senior is?"

Xianjin forced a smile.

If he were divine... it would depend on when Chen Fu ascends... don't all demons need to transcend several heavenly calamities before ascending?

Chen Fu, the Lone Wolf Hero, returned to Xuancheng on the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Xianjin waited at the city gate for nearly an hour before finally seeing a carriage draped in golden tassels, with peacock feathers adorning the mule's face, exuding a rustic opulence.

Xianjin jumped onto the carriage, greeting Chen Fu with a smile, "Third Master!" She then warmly greeted the steward behind Chen Fu, "Steward Dong, without you, I've been starving three meals out of nine, barely eating, and sleeping poorly every night..."

Steward Dong smiled modestly, waving his hands, "You flatter me, old man that I am, staying in Xuancheng only drags you back." He shifted the focus back to Chen Fu, "Third Master talks about you, Master Li, and Zhou Ergou every day..."

Chen Fu's eyes reddened, "I saw you, you dung beetle, from two miles away! At least I didn't waste my affection on you by coming here!"

Xianjin, who hadn't heard the "dung beetle" nickname in a long time: You're about to waste your affection!

The carriage jolted all the way to the Chen residence, with Chen Fu muttering along the way, "I didn't want to come back. I was very comfortable in Jing County alone. The business you left behind is well-organized, everyone doing their own tasks. We go to Xiaocao Village every eighth day of the month, without fail. Magistrate Cui has been very supportive, and I've been worry-free. I even went to Little Rice Fragrance to learn Huizhou cuisine from the red-lipped young master!"

He also mentioned the energetic new recruits Xianjin had sent to Jing County for training, "A bunch of young guys working shirtless in the shop every day. After Right Mother came once, she started coming every day..."

Xianjin scratched her head: A bunch of Zhou Ergous, she wasn't interested now, but maybe in a few years, she'd become Right Mother herself?

Xianjin asked about the recent situation at Qingcheng Mountain Courtyard.

Chen Fu waved his hand, "It hasn't been abandoned, but it's not as neat and tidy as before. Magistrate Cui and a few local gentry whose children studied there pooled money to redeem Qingcheng Mountain Courtyard from the government. They hired people to maintain the weeds monthly so it wouldn't become overgrown."

Xianjin lowered her head, nodding silently.

Seeing Xianjin's mood dampen when talking about Qingcheng Mountain Courtyard, Chen Fu quickly changed the subject, and they arrived at the Chen residence.

Chen Fu had rushed back for New Year's Eve.

Competition in the paper industry in Xuancheng was fierce. Old Lady Qu had initially planned not to give the workers early leave this year, keeping them working until New Year's Eve, and only letting them off on New Year's Day. Xianjin silently rebuked her—what kind of capitalist doesn't give New Year's Eve off?

Old Lady Qu finally abandoned this inhumane idea, so on New Year's Eve, all the workers went home except for Zhou Ergou, who stayed to celebrate with everyone.

New Year's Eve, though unremarkable and similar year after year, always felt incomplete if not celebrated properly.

Although Old Lady Qu treated the second and third sons differently, the brothers seemed to get along well.

At least when Chen Cai invited Chen Fu to sing "Farewell My Concubine," Chen Fu did not refuse.

Once on stage, Chen Fu realized he was playing Empress Lu, Liu Bang's wife, Empress Lu.

Chen Fu: ...Enough already, playing Hongniang in *The West Chamber*, and Empress Lu in *Farewell My Concubine*—was he doomed to play the second female lead forever?

Chen Cai cross-dressed as Yu Ji, while Second Madam Xu, Chen Cai's wife, played the overlord, her cheeks adorned with seaweed to mimic a beard, causing everyone to laugh heartily.

Old Lady Qu's gaunt face showed a contented smile, her gaze falling on Chen Jianfang seated below.

Her eldest grandson's profile was gentle and serene, his smile warm and his gaze peaceful, a true gentleman like a piece of jade.

Old Lady Qu's expression softened, "Erlang."

Chen Jianfang stood up and turned around, "Yes, Grandmother."

Old Lady Qu pursed her lips, "When your father was alive, he used to write couplets and blessings every year. Go to the outer courtyard and fetch a set of brushes and ink. After we watch the fireworks, you can write some couplets for the courtyards, alright?"

Chen Jianfang naturally agreed and walked outside.

"Wait." Old Lady Qu thought for a moment and called him back, looking at Xianjin, "Jinjie, go to the warehouse and fetch a sheet of carved silk 'blessing' patterned Xuan paper. Use this paper; it will be more auspicious."

Xianjin also stood up and responded affirmatively.

The warehouse was also in the outer courtyard.

Xianjin can travel with Chen Jianfang.

Chen Jianfang lowered his head slightly, hiding the fortunate smile at the corner of his mouth without leaving any trace.