Another Lunar New Year's Eve has arrived.

This is the second Spring Festival that Wen Qinghe and Yan Xiao have spent together.

Unlike usual, the once quiet and peaceful courtyard has suddenly become unusually lively in the past few days.

People came to visit in droves.

Wen Qinghe's hands haven't stopped moving since she finished breakfast.

The cause was actually three days ago.

Aunt Guihua came to visit, bringing several red papers and a few eggs.

"Qinghe, my children aren't home, and there's no one educated in my family. I figured you're from Beijing, so you must know more than us. Could you write me a couplet?"

As if afraid that she would find it troublesome and disagree, Yang Guihua quickly took out the few eggs she had brought and placed them in Wen Qinghe's hand.

He said, "Don't worry, I won't let you write for nothing. These are eggs laid by an old hen that I've raised for several years."

I saved up for a week; this steamed egg custard is very nutritious, don't think it's too little.

Wen Qinghe was surprised. Writing couplets was just a simple matter, and besides, Aunt Guihua had always been very kind to her.

Even if Aunt Guihua came to her empty-handed today, she would not refuse.

She quickly returned the eggs to Yang Guihua.

He said softly, "Auntie, writing a couplet is no trouble at all. I don't need anything. You can take the eggs back. Wait a few minutes, I'll go to the main room to grind the ink."

Then he took the red paper from Aunt Guihua and went inside to find the millstone.

Initially, her calligraphy was taught by her father.

Later, when Wen's father passed away unexpectedly in modern times, she began to copy the regular script calligraphy left in his study.

I practice calligraphy while thinking of people.

Over time, calligraphy became one of the few hobbies that allowed her to calm down and cultivate her character.

She also developed a beautiful handwriting style in small regular script.

To Wen Qinghe's surprise, after merging her memories, both Wen Qinghe from different eras were influenced by her father.

The handwriting is almost identical.

After Aunt Guihua received the couplet paper.

Seeing the neat and orderly beautiful handwriting, I was pleasantly surprised.

She had never seen anyone write so beautifully!

Although she couldn't recognize all the characters, it didn't stop her from believing in her heart that the characters were written extremely well.

She felt a little embarrassed; the person wouldn't accept the eggs, but she had written such beautiful calligraphy for her for no reason.

Feeling guilty, she took a dime from her pocket and gave it to Wen Qinghe.

"Qinghe, your calligraphy is so beautiful. If you won't accept the eggs, then please accept this money."

Wen Qinghe was both amused and exasperated, and stuffed the one-cent coin back into her hand.

"Auntie, I can't accept this money. It's just a few words, but you keep being so polite with me. I won't dare to help you next time."

Yang Guihua couldn't refuse, so she had to give up.

He thanked Wen Qinghe with great joy and then carefully carried the couplets home.

The first thing I did when I got home was to ask my wife to make some paste to stick on the door.

She had to post such beautiful couplets in advance so everyone could see them.

…

May your wishes come true, and may you enjoy wealth and prosperity, with good fortune shining upon you and lasting peace.

Villagers kept stopping to admire Yang Guihua's beauty.

"Sister-in-law Guihua, who wrote this calligraphy for you? The meaning is truly wonderful! With this calligraphy placed here, the feeling at the entrance of your courtyard will be completely different."

The villagers who passed by couldn't quite put their finger on how they felt, but they felt that Yang Guihua's courtyard had become much more elegant, and the ordinary adobe walls had been upgraded several levels.

Yang Guihua pursed her lips, secretly smiling to herself, but outwardly she exuded immense pride.

"Of course! My yard has been bright and airy for once this year!"

"Old Zhang can't write such beautiful characters. This must cost more than five cents, right?"

Old Zhang at the village entrance used to be a teacher at the academy, and he wrote cursive script with flowing strokes.

In previous years, everyone would ask him to write couplets for them.

Even his cursive script was not something many people in the village could understand.

But people have no choice; something is better than nothing. During the Lunar New Year, everyone will spend five cents for the festive atmosphere.

But in the last two years, Old Zhang has gotten older and his eyesight has deteriorated, so his handwriting is not satisfactory.

The couplet posted at Yang Guihua's door is truly eye-catching.

The couplets have a good meaning, and the font is even better, just like the ones printed in the book.

Passersby couldn't help but feel a little itchy to try it.

Yang Guihua had an idea. Although she hadn't spent any money on the couplet, she could help Xiao Qinghe earn some pocket money.

However, it's uncertain whether she'll be willing to write it; she can't make decisions for others, Yang Guihua only said that verbally.

"Hey! You have a good eye. Such fine calligraphy is a rare find. You can't buy it for five cents."

However, if you want it, I can ask around for you. It's hard to say whether they'd be willing to write it again.

A villager said, "Are there still people who have money but don't want to make it?"

He gritted his teeth and said, "Then you ask around for me. I'll pay a penny if I want one like yours."

This is the only time of year to show off.

He couldn't let Yang Guihua steal the spotlight!

Upon hearing the price, Yang Guihua's eyes lit up; she was determined to seize this opportunity for Yan Xiao's family.

then.

When Yang Guihua came over to talk about this matter.

Yan Xiao was chopping wood in the courtyard, while Wen Qinghe was listlessly resting her chin on her hand, lost in thought.

At first glance, Yang Guihua's words...

Wen Qinghe's lazy mood vanished instantly, and she perked up immediately.

It has to be said that she's been itching to do it lately.

That day, after I finished writing that couplet for Aunt Guihua.

She also wrote several pairs on red paper from home.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!