Chapter 110: New Year

Chapter 110: New Year

On New Year's Eve, the weather was exceptionally clear, with a cloudless sky and the snow around completely melted.

When Qiu Huanian opened his eyes in the morning and saw the bright window, he thought it was late. But when he turned his head, he found Du Yunse still on the heated bed.

Qiu Huanian rolled over lazily and asked, "Aren't you going to the study to read today?"

Du Yunse, maintaining his posture, looked at Qiu Huanian and said, "Didn't Brother Hua say yesterday that it’s too unromantic to read on New Year's Eve?"

Qiu Huanian laughed a couple of times, "What time is it?"

"It's just past Chen hour, still early in the morning."

That would be a little past eight in the morning, which was indeed early for Qiu Huanian. He heard some activity in the yard, probably Meng Yuanling and the others were up.

The school had been on holiday for the past two days, and the family was unusually complete.

Thinking of the activities on New Year's Eve, Qiu Huanian felt a surge of energy, his drowsiness dissipated, and he pulled Du Yunse up energetically.

Xing Mi brought hot water, and after Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse washed up, they changed into the clothes made from the palace silk.

The palace silk from the New Year's gift was in a color called Lingxiao, a soft orange that was neither too bright nor too pale, with a subtle pattern of interlocking squares that reflected flowing light.

Du Yunse rarely wore such bright colors, but once he put it on, his broad shoulders and narrow waist highlighted the fit of the clothes, causing Qiu Huanian's eyes to light up instantly.

Du Yunse came over to help Qiu Huanian tie up his hair, a task he was very skilled at. As long as he was around, Qiu Huanian's hair was never touched by anyone else.

For the New Year, Qiu Huanian selected two ruby ear clips the size of buttons from his jewelry box and clipped them on his ears, complementing the hairpin in his hair.

Du Yunse stood behind Qiu Huanian, looking at the person in the bronze mirror, his fingers brushing over his chin and then lightly over his lips.

Qiu Huanian quickly opened his mouth and gently bit down.

The two shared a subtle, intimate moment and then walked out of the room together.

A few days earlier, Qiu Huanian had given all the servants an extra month's salary as a year-end bonus, and each of them had purchased a few yards of silk fabric to make new clothes for the New Year.

Qiu Huanian noticed that Bai Ye, who was following Chun Sheng, had red strings tied in his hair and red dots on his cheeks, his usually anxious little face looking somewhat frustrated.

"What's with Bai Ye's outfit?"

Chun Sheng hurriedly answered for him, "It's a tradition from Uncle Mumian's hometown. Children have to tie red strings and dot red spots for the New Year."

Bai Ye had repeatedly emphasized that he was already grown up this morning, but he was still caught by Mumian and dressed up. Seeing this, Bai Quan quietly slipped away, finding the parental affection hard to bear.

Chun Sheng wanted to laugh when he saw Bai Ye's appearance but didn't dare to, afraid that Brother Hua might also get inspired and do the same to him.

He was already a young man, and this was too embarrassing!

In the morning, everyone had a light meal, with the highlight being the New Year's Eve dinner.

After enjoying dishes such as shrimp stewed with tofu, sugar-steamed cheese, plum blossom cakes, and sweet soy milk, the servants cleared the table, and Wu Da brought over the prepared peach wood charms and couplets.

New Year's Eve was the last day of the year, and the fixed activities in the morning were to paste the couplets and change the peach wood charms, while also opening all the doors, cleaning the courtyard, and welcoming the deities of joy and wealth.

This year, the couplets around the house were still written by Du Yunse, and Qiu Huanian had him write a pair for Nai Shuang's cat's house as well.

The first line said, "Eat well, sleep well, stay in good spirits," and the second line was, "Sometimes calm, sometimes lively, always putting on weight."

Milk Frost, unable to speak or resist, had miniature couplets cheerfully pasted on her cat bed by Qiu Huanian.

Milk Frost, wearing a beautiful golden-red scarf around her neck, played with a shrimp that old lady Jin had tossed her way while cooking. Clueless about Qiu Huanian's actions, she meowed softly by her cat bed, grooming her paws.

Jiu Jiu, watching nearby, couldn't help but turn and laugh heartily with Coral.

Du Yunse and Chun Sheng were busy pasting couplets on the main gate and other doors, with Bai Quan and Bai Ye trailing behind, carrying the paste and extra couplets.

Meng Yuanling was eager to put up the window decorations. Too short to reach, he called Yun Cheng over to lift him up, and he happily pasted them in place.

Jiu Jiu brought out the sachets and small peach charms she had made earlier, and together with Qiu Huanian, hung them on the bed curtains around the house.

By the time they finished these tasks at a leisurely pace, it was already afternoon.

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse led the group in offering incense to their ancestors, then took their seats at the head of the room, waiting for the others to offer their New Year greetings.

The first to pay their respects were Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling. Yun Cheng held Meng Yuanling's hand and carefully recited the traditional New Year blessings.

Qiu Huanian thought this was too formal and suddenly had an idea.

"Let's use this chance for everyone to share their goals and plans for the coming year."

How can we start a new year without goals to aim for?

Qiu Huanian would never allow it!

After a brief pause, Yun Cheng responded, "Next May, I will pass the academy exam, become a scholar, further my studies, and join Class A at Qingfeng Academy as soon as I can."

Du Yunse nodded, "With your current progress, as long as you stay diligent, it should be achievable."

Meng Yuanling pondered a bit longer, "Hmm... I'll keep being a good shopkeeper and try to learn equations?"

Meng Yuanling had been reading *Elementary Mathematics: Equations*, but with his business commitments and lack of enthusiasm for studying, his progress was worrying.

Qiu Huanian chuckled, "You have to meet the goals you set. Even if I'm in the capital next year, I'll write to check on your progress."

Meng Yuanling, brimming with confidence, declared, "I'll definitely get it!"

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse handed red envelopes to Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling. Meng Yuanling stuck out his tongue, and once they stepped aside, he grabbed Yun Cheng's envelope and stuffed it into his sleeve.

Yun Cheng just handed over the few copper coins he had to Meng Yuanling. Qiu Huanian stifled a laugh and pretended not to notice.

Next up were Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng. After offering their New Year greetings, Jiu Jiu was the first to share her plans for the coming year.

"In terms of studies, I've finished *The Analects* and *The Book of Songs*. Next year, I'll read *The Spring and Autumn Annals* and *Mencius*. For music, I'll master the current pieces and learn a new score. Also, I'll continue learning embroidery with Lark and learn how to manage the household with Brother Hua."

After Jiu Jiu finished, Chun Sheng scratched his head. Compared to his sister, his original thoughts seemed too childish. This wouldn't do; he was a year older now!

"Next year, I will attend school diligently, learn to compose poetry like Yuan Ruo, and also practice martial arts until no one can beat me!"

Qiu Huanian burst out laughing, and Du Yunse slightly shook his head.

Chun Sheng often had fanciful ideas, and the two didn't take his martial arts ambitions seriously, handing each child a generous red envelope.

This time, Chun Sheng immediately hid the red envelope deep in his clothes, fearing his sister would take it away again.

Jiu Jiu didn't insist on taking his New Year's money but carefully instructed, "Keep it safe and don't lose it. Don't spend it on random places or buy random things."

Chun Sheng nodded repeatedly, already planning where to invite Yuan Ruo to play during the New Year.

Afterwards, the servants from the three households also came forward to pay New Year's greetings, each family presenting their prepared auspicious words and plans.

These three families each had distinct characteristics: the Wu Da family was sharp-tongued and great at cracking jokes and entertaining, the Mumian family was more composed, and the Jin San family was rather inconspicuous, as neither their original master's family nor their own skills could compare to the first two families.

However, Wu Da, as a steward, was very experienced and managed to unite the three families well, avoiding any conflicts that would trouble the master's family.

Xing Mi and Bai Quan happened to stand close together, and after receiving the red packets, Xing Mi joked with Qiu Huanian and curiously tried to sneak a peek at how much was in Bai Quan's red packet.

Bai Quan deliberately closed his hand, not letting him see.

Xing Mi clicked his tongue softly and went off to whisper and play with his sister, Agate.

For the New Year's Eve feast, Qiu Huanian set up two large tables. They ate at one table, and the servants gathered around another table, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the meal without being too busy on New Year's Eve.

The master's table was set with eight meat and eight vegetarian dishes, totaling sixteen dishes, with a wide variety of ingredients, all prepared by old lady Jin, Lark, Mumian, and the others.

Since there weren't many family members, Qiu Huanian had them serve smaller portions of each dish so that they could taste more dishes without causing waste.

The servants' table, though not as fancy as the master's, was still quite a feast, with the remaining ingredients from the master's dishes allowing them to indulge.

Qiu Huanian opened two jars of plum wine made in the summer, which had been stored for half a year. The wine was sweet with a mellow aroma and had a higher alcohol content.

As they clinked glasses, Qiu Huanian got a bit tipsy, and Du Yunse quietly took his wine cup and placed a piece of fish in his bowl, carefully removing the bones.

Meng Yuanling downed two cups, rolled up his sleeves to show his fair arms, and with his silver bracelets jingling, challenged Qiu Huanian to a drinking contest.

Before Du Yunse could step in, Yun Cheng yanked him back and held him tight. Meng Yuanling struggled a couple of times and then leaned against him, motionless.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, it was time for Chun Sheng's favorite part: setting off firecrackers.

Wu Da, knowing the young master loved it, had bought a wide array of firecrackers, including single-bang, multi-bang, smoke-emitting, spark-emitting, and even one that produced a flame color reaction, which was the most expensive, costing three taels of silver for just a few bangs.

This year, Chun Sheng didn't want the adults tagging along, so Qiu Huanian had Bai Ye keep a watchful eye on him.

Although Bai Ye was young, he inherited Mumian's meticulousness, which complemented Chun Sheng's master-servant personality.

Chun Sheng was outside lighting up firecrackers with a bang, and except for those cleaning up the tables and dishes, everyone was outside watching.

Not just their household, but outside, the sounds of firecrackers echoed from house to house, occasionally lighting up the dark night sky.

Agate was a little scared and hid in her mother's arms, while Lark covered her ears.

Qiu Huanian watched for a bit and then suddenly raised his arm to cover Du Yunse's ears.

The firecracker light flashed repeatedly, lighting up Du Yunse's flawless, handsome face.

Du Yunse made a sound, but Qiu Huanian didn't hear it clearly, though he knew it was an expression of confusion.

Everyone else was intently watching the rising and falling fireworks in the courtyard, while Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse stood at the back. Suddenly, Qiu Huanian jumped onto Du Yunse's back.

Du Yunse curled his lips, gripped his legs, and without disturbing anyone, turned and went back inside.

The last night of the twenty-second year of Emperor Yuanhua quietly came to an end under a tranquil night sky lit up by fireworks.

...

In the first few days of the new year, Qiu Huanian's household was constantly busy, with people continuously coming to pay New Year's visits. Small banquets were set up one after another at home, and Qiu Huanian nearly ran out of red packets.

It wasn't until the tenth day that the steady stream of visitors finally slowed down, and Qiu Huanian could finally find time to prepare for his trip to the capital for the imperial examination.

The Metropolitan Examination, also known as the Spring Imperial Examination, is held every three years on the ninth day of the second lunar month. Like the Provincial Examination, it is divided into three sessions, each lasting three days, administered by the Ministry of Rites, and takes place in the capital.

Considering the time spent on the road and the adjustment period after arriving in the capital, Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse are pressed for time to prepare.

They must set off within ten days.

Qiu Huanian took out a list and asked Wu Da to take care of the shopping. He also instructed the family to do some research about the Metropolitan Examination to ensure they bring everything necessary.

This year, several scholars from Qingfeng Academy plan to take the Metropolitan Examination, but each family's situation is different, making coordination difficult. Only Wang Yinzhi intends to travel with them.

Min Taikang wrote down his experiences and insights from his own Metropolitan Examination and distributed them to each scholar heading to the capital, hoping it would be helpful.

Min Leyi in the capital has been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Qiu Huanian and the others for the examination. He sent several letters before the New Year.

Qiu Huanian entrusted him to rent a small courtyard near the Examination Hall in advance, so they could settle in immediately upon arrival, avoiding exhaustion.

Qiu Huanian upgraded his exam comfort kit, using thick woolen fabrics and adding fur to better suit the cold early spring weather.

Deng Die, Wang Yinzhi's wife, decided to accompany her husband to the capital for the examination. When she came to Qiu Huanian's house to discuss the schedule, she saw the cotton slippers and loose robes and thought they were practical. She went home and prepared a similar set for Wang Yinzhi.

For such a crucial exam, forget about appearances—comfort is key!

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse will bring Xing Mi and Bai Quan on this trip. The combined luggage of the group took up a whole cart.

The journey from Xiangping Prefecture to the capital is long, taking about ten days. It passes through many prefectures, counties, and townships, with challenging road conditions. Not all areas along the way are safe, so they need to hire an escort service.

Qiu Huanian asked Wu Da to inquire at Wanshi Escort Bureau and scheduled to leave with a convoy heading to the capital on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month.

With the Metropolitan Examination approaching, Qiu Huanian is busy preparing, while Du Yunse is putting in some last-minute study. Neither plans to go out to see the lanterns on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, and Du Yunse's birthday was a low-key affair.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling had their own date, Jiu Jiu went out to play with Zhu Xian, and Yuan Jia took Chun Sheng with Yuan Ruo to the City God Temple to guess lantern riddles.

The house was peaceful. Qiu Huanian brought the account book to the study and sat next to Du Yunse, reviewing it. The two worked in tacit understanding, while Nai Shuang slipped in, curled up by the brazier, and yawned. Thus, Du Yunse's twenty-first birthday passed.

...

On the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, as Qiu Huanian was checking and packing the luggage for the capital, Xing Mi suddenly came in to announce that someone from the Zhu family had arrived.

Because Qiu Huanian had been busy recently and Su Xinbai was nearing childbirth and feeling unwell, the two hadn't seen each other for several days.

The Zhu family servant who came to deliver the message said, "Township Lord, our eldest young mistress has been feeling restless since this morning and asked me to come and see. If you're not too busy, she would like you to visit."

The packing was nearly complete, and Xing Mi and the others could handle the rest. Qiu Huanian clapped his hands, changed his clothes, and headed to the Zhu family.

When the carriage stopped at the Zhu family's gate, Qiu Huanian got out and entered. Before he had taken a few steps, he noticed many people in the Zhu residence running toward Su Xinbai's courtyard.

Qiu Huanian stopped someone and asked, "What's going on? Why is everyone running?"

The person replied with a mix of anxiety and excitement, "Our eldest young mistress is about to give birth!"