Chapter 15: Saying goodbye to the old year, they finally got married...

The carriage rumbled away, and as evening fell, the wind and snow stopped, and a new moon appeared.

Time always flies, and before we knew it, the year was almost over.

The night was cold, and Jiang Ce carried Jiang Yao to hang a fish lantern under the eaves, its light shining through the paper painted with golden and red fish scales.

"Second brother, the fish lantern that Brother Youyu made is so beautiful, I want one too."

Jiang Ce chuckled and patted her head: "You want it?"

"Um!"

He raised an eyebrow, glanced at the silent boy sitting on the veranda wiping his knife, then turned and whispered in Jiang Yao's ear.

Jiang Yaozhu smiled adorably, ran to Youyu's side, and tugged at his sleeve. "Brother Youyu, I want one too."

Youyu raised her face and glared at Jiang Ce.

His plump cheeks greatly reduced his coldness and sternness, so his gaze had no intimidating power.

Jiang Ce crossed his arms, shook his head, and blinked.

What can you do to me?

Yu snorted softly and turned her face away, then looked down and saw Jiang Yao's expectant yet aggrieved face.

“Brother Youyu…”

Unable to resist Jiang Yao's clingy, coquettish manner, he could only mutter in agreement, "Alright, I'll make it for you."

Jiang Yao gave Youyu a quick kiss on the cheek, and he immediately became uncomfortable. His face remained cold, but his eyes softened slightly.

Zheng Tan walked in: "Oh, these two lamps have brought some life to your empty room. I imagine it will be quite different once you marry Miss Xue."

Jiang Ce was somewhat taken aback when Zheng Tan teased him.

"Sister Tan"

"Alright, I won't tease you anymore. On New Year's Eve, Grandma is waiting for us to go to Yi'an Hall to stay up together." Zheng Tan smiled and reached out to Jiang Yao: "Come on, Yao, come with Sister Tan."

Jiang Yao skipped and hopped to take her hand.

Jiang Ce pulled You Yu, who was sitting on the veranda, up: "What are you sitting there for? Let's go."

The taciturn boy was scooped up by him, and when he looked up, he saw Zheng Tan and Jiang Yao standing at the door with smiles on their faces, waiting.

As the two approached, Zheng Tan smiled at Youyu and said, "Grandmother even had someone make your favorite crispy fish."

Yu Yu was a little shy and gave a soft "hmm".

The group walked away, chatting and laughing.

The red fish lantern under the eaves swayed back and forth in the wind, its light flickering on and off.

"Smack!"

The waning flame was cut off by the copper scissors, flickered a few times, and then regained its bright light, revealing a slender hand in the orange candlelight.

Xue Chan picked up her pen and wrote the last word, then put it down. She stroked the things she was going to send back to Yuchuan, her face filled with sorrow.

"I wonder if Dad is doing well all alone in Yuchuan. He already has a leg ailment, making it difficult for him to walk, and the cold weather makes him prone to pain and itching..."

Yun Sheng, who was registering the gifts, looked up and comforted her: "Don't worry, the old lady will take good care of herself."

"The maids are all hanging up peach wood charms and preparing to stay up all night. Why are you still inside?" Cheng Huaizhu pushed open the door and came in.

Yun Sheng rubbed his sore wrists: "We just registered the rewards sent from the palace into the treasury. We haven't finished counting the New Year's gifts from the Marquis of Wu'an's residence and other families yet."

When Cheng Huaizhu got closer, she saw Yun Sheng sitting in a pile of boxes of various sizes.

She asked Xue Chan, "Have you seen all of these?"

Xue Chan shook her head.

With a nimble leap, Cheng Huaizhu landed beside Yun Sheng.

She picked up a flat, slightly wide brocade box, inside which was a set of jade sheep-hair brushes. The delicate and smooth brush handles were engraved with kui-phoenix patterns, and their design was extremely exquisite.

"Tsk tsk, whose company is this?"

Yun Sheng checked the booklet in his hand: "It was given to me by Miss Fang from the Marquis of Wu'an's residence."

"Hmm? Logically speaking, she's at the Marquis of Wu'an's residence. If it's just a matter of courtesy, why send her a separate gift?"

Xue Chan pondered for a moment, and realized that they were indeed only two sides of the same coin.

Cheng Huaizhu opened the brocade box at the bottom and exclaimed "Wow!" as she showed it to Xue Chan like a treasure.

"Look, look!"

Inside the brocade box lay a pair of glass vase hairpins, their entire surface a lustrous, purplish-blue.

"Huh?"

There was a small note inside the brocade box, which Cheng Huaizhu picked up and handed to Xue Chan.

She took it and looked at it; there were only two beautiful and elegant characters on it.

"apologize"

Cheng Huaizhu asked jokingly, "Why would he send an apology gift when everything was fine?"

"I don't know, maybe his conscience finally kicked in."

Xue Chan took the slip of paper; beneath the words was a small seal. It depicted a cat wearing a cloak, bowing respectfully to her.

She put the slip of paper back in her hand and took out a hairpin to examine it by the light.

The colors were a deep blue, and the texture was delicate and soft. Aside from the person, she liked all the gifts that were sent.

Cheng Huaizhu smiled meaningfully: "I also want to make such a heartfelt apology."

Xue Chan smiled but didn't say anything, stuffed the things back in, and closed the box.

It's really well done. It would be even more perfect if the person couldn't speak or was mute.

A young maid came in and said, "Miss Xue, Second Miss, Madam said she has warmed up the Tusu wine and wants us to go to the front hall to keep vigil for the New Year."

Cheng Huaizhu glanced outside and realized it was already past midnight.

"Okay." She pulled Xue Chan out, not forgetting to call out to Yun Sheng and Chu Tao, "Don't bother, I still want to make a snow lion and set off firecrackers in the yard, let's go, let's go."

A group of girls walked away laughing and joking, leaving only their laughter and the faint glow of a few lanterns in the night.

The maid led Zheng Tan and the others into Yi'an Hall.

Old Mrs. Qi was sitting inside the house, talking to a young man in a dark blue robe sitting below her.

Zheng Tan stopped in his tracks, but Jiang Yao called out first.

"Big Brother"

Upon hearing this, the man stood up and said with a gentle smile, "It's been a long time since I've seen Ayao."

Zheng Tan walked to his side, lowered her head, and remained silent.

Marquis Wu'an, Jiang Ji, leaned closer and said softly, "Don't be angry, I'm back now, aren't I?"

"What kind of good person would only come home on New Year's Eve? If they don't miss home, why didn't they spend the New Year away from home before returning?" Zheng Tan glanced at him and teased, "Is that right, Lord Marquis?"

Jiang Ji was speechless after being rebuked. He tried to reach out to pull her, but Zheng Tan walked straight past her and went to Old Madam Qi's side.

Seeing him suffer a loss, Jiang Ce couldn't help but feel smug, and after holding it in for a long time, he finally burst out laughing.

Jiang Ji raised his eyes slightly and smiled, "Oh, isn't this our Erlang who was flogged? You've finally been summoned back by His Majesty?"

Jiang Ce's smile froze instantly when his sore spot was hit, and this time it was You Yu's turn to gloat.

Jiang Ce said angrily, "Don't laugh!"

Grandma Qi smiled helplessly and said, "Alright, today is New Year's Eve, a rare day for family reunion. Everyone, sit down and eat."

After everyone sat down, Jiang Ce quickly looked around and saw Yu Niangzi sitting quietly to the side. He went up and called out to her.

"mother"

Madam Yu's expression remained gentle; she simply nodded.

Zheng Tan and Jiang Ji exchanged a glance and both sighed softly.

After a reunion dinner, everyone stayed up together to celebrate the New Year.

Jiang Ce was sculpting a snow lion in the courtyard, and then he directed You Yu to teach Jiang Yao how to make a snow lantern, which resulted in him getting another glare.

However, he still let Jiang Yao pull him away, silently and carefully teaching him step by step.

Zheng Tan watched them play in the courtyard. As soon as Jiang Ji approached, she got up without saying a word and lit a candle for the snow lantern.

The outstretched hand hung in mid-air. The young Marquis of Wu'an was somewhat helpless, but his smile was gentle.

Big and small children played and frolicked, their laughter dispelling the deep chill of the old year.

They played until 1:15 PM. Jiang Yao, being young, fell asleep leaning against the small table on the daybed. Old Mrs. Qi also closed her eyes gently, feeling a little tired.

Jiang Ce: "Grandma"

When Grandma Qi woke up, she saw Jiang Yao sleeping soundly and said, "This child, have someone take her down to the warm pavilion to sleep, so she doesn't catch a cold."

Zheng Tan walked over and had someone pick up Jiang Yao, saying, "Then Daoqing and I will carry her to the warm pavilion to sleep."

Grandma Qi nodded to you: "Go ahead."

The two carried Jiang Yao into the east wing. Zheng Tan sat on the edge of the bed and tucked Jiang Yao in. Jiang Ji sat on the other side and said softly, "Don't be angry. I'll apologize to you, okay?"

Zheng Tan brushed his hand away, walked to the window, and took scissors to trim the plum blossoms in the porcelain vase.

After sulking for a while, she asked again, "How was your inspection tour this time, which His Majesty sent you to?"

Jiang Ji walked to her side and took the small flower scissors from Zheng Tan's hand. His sleeve slipped, revealing a section of his wrist with a deep wound.

Zheng Tan reached out and grabbed him, asking urgently, "Where did you get this injury?"

"It's alright," Jiang Ji said, pulling his hand away and covering the wound with his sleeve to reassure her. "It's all healed now, it's just that the scar looks horrifying."

Zheng Tan reached out and pulled down his collar: "Where else are you injured? Take it off so I can see!"

Jiang Ji grabbed her wrist: "We're at Yi'an Hall, why are you in such a hurry?"

Zheng Tan punched him lightly: "I care about you, and you still have the mind to joke around."

Jiang Ji smiled, his features even more refined in the candlelight: "I'm really fine, aren't I standing right in front of you perfectly alright?"

"Tell me quickly, what happened?" Zheng Tan sat down, his voice hardening.

"In a way, it's very fortunate." Jiang Ji sat down next to her.

“At that time, I had just inspected Cheung Chau and was heading west. I spent the night at the post station, intending to set off at dawn. However, in the middle of the night, bandits ambushed me. They all had long knives and sharp swords, and I was cut in the fight.”

"It happened to be a rainy night, and we were far from the government office. Their martial arts were extremely skilled, and our men were no match for them, with most of them being killed or wounded. At the critical moment, a wandering swordsman came to our aid and managed to drive the bandits away."

Zheng Tan: "And then? You escaped danger?"

"Hmm," Jiang Ji nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. "But that swordsman was also seriously injured, and by the time reinforcements arrived, he had vanished without a trace."

Zheng Tan remained silent, her beautiful face, as radiant as a lotus blossom, filled with sorrow.

Jiang Ji put his arm around her shoulder and said gently, "Don't worry, everything's alright."

Zheng Tan turned all her worries and fears into a sigh: "Let's go out and stay up all night."

"good"

She summoned several maids to the East Warm Pavilion to guard Jiang Yao, and then went out with Jiang Ji.

The two walked under the covered walkway, where Jiang Ce and You Yu squatted together, fiddling with a bunch of firecrackers and fireworks.

Madam Yu and Old Madam Qi sat inside, talking about something. From a distance, it looked as if Old Madam Qi was again giving her earnest advice. However, she simply sat there, head bowed, listening quietly.

Grandma Qi finally sighed and waved her hand.

Before long, Madam Yu came out and stood under the eaves watching Jiang Ce and the others play.

Perhaps Jiang Ce's firecrackers woke Jiang Yao up, because she ran out again to join in the fun.

Jiang Yao was running in the yard when she slipped and fell on the snow.

Jiang Ce and You Yu were about to hug her, but Madam Yu went down the stone steps first, picked her up, and gently wiped her face.

Does it hurt?

"Auntie, it doesn't hurt." Jiang Yao smiled and handed the plum blossom she had picked to Madam Yu. "Sister Luying and I picked them for a long time. They're so pretty."

She took the flowers, touched Jiang Yao's face, and showed her usual gentle smile.

"Yes, it's very beautiful."

The two were completely visible.

In fact, Lady Yu is a very gentle person, but too gentle, so gentle that she is only cold.

Jiang Ji sighed: "Third Aunt is still the same. All these years, she never comes back except for holidays."

“Third Aunt, it hasn’t been easy for you either,” Zheng Tan said softly.

Although Jiang Ce always laughed and joked through the year, everyone would scatter and go their separate ways after the New Year's Eve vigil.

When he was young, Jiang Ce would ask if his mother would come back this year.

But the child grew bigger and brighter.

I don't know when it started, but I haven't asked again.

Jiang Ce, who was in the courtyard, picked up a string of cannons, turned around and laughed, "Make sure you cover your ears properly, or I won't be responsible if you get scared."

He lit the fuse, and with a faint hiss, a yellowish light ignited and burned along the way. A crackling sound rang out, sparks flew, and red paper scraps scattered and shattered on the snow.

Grandma Qi hugged Jiang Yao tightly, and Yu Yu squinted her eyes as if annoyed by the noise.

Zheng Tan was so frightened that she trembled and took two steps back, bumping into a broad and warm embrace.

She turned around, and the young man smiled and gently covered her ears, whispering a soft laugh in her ear.

"Didn't you want to see my injuries? The night is long, take your time looking..."

Zheng Tan's face immediately burned, and he reached out and pinched the flesh on Jiang Ji's waist, causing Jiang Ji to gasp in pain.

"roll"

Under the same crescent moon.

Xue Chan was still thinking: "Huaizhu, what kind of person is that Miss Fang?"

Cheng Huaizhu thought for a moment and said, "It's pretty good. Her mother is Princess Huayang, and her father comes from a prominent family. She's gentle, and everyone likes to talk to her."

"Huayang..."

Xue Chan knew little else about Xue Chan, only that Princess Huayang, together with Prince Ning and Prince Shouchun, had supported the current emperor's ascension to the throne.

She was ruthless and decisive, and she was involved in politics.

Later, his ambition grew, and he angered the emperor with a corruption case in Tongzhou. Before being imprisoned in the imperial mausoleum, he resolutely committed suicide.

When the emperor learned of this, he remained silent in the court for a long time before finally allowing the deceased to retain his posthumous honors.

Her only remaining child was a daughter who was taken away by the prince consort.

Xue Chan asked in confusion, "How could the princess's child be taken away by the prince consort?"

Cheng Huaizhu swung her legs: "Princess Huayang had two husbands. Her first husband died young, leaving behind two sons, who also died of illness one after the other. Empress Dowager Xiao then betrothed her nephew to the princess, who became her second husband."

"I heard that there used to be a Lord Yang in the Censorate who often visited the princess, and the two of them fought fiercely over it. The princess's husband tried to dissuade them to no avail, and after the princess gave birth, they divorced, and he took Miss Fang back to Changzhou. In the same year, a great fire burned the Yang family down to ruins."

"Then... where is this Lord Yang?"

"They died, they were burned to death in the fire."

Xue Chan remained noncommittal, while Cheng Huaizhu sighed.

"Actually, what's circulating in the public is mostly about the princess's love affairs, while it's said that she rarely participated in politics." Cheng Huaizhu lowered her voice a little further and leaned closer to Xue Chan.

"To put it bluntly, Princess Huayang is quite a remarkable woman. I can't compare to her, so I can only be jealous of her love affairs. But throughout history, how many men haven't had their share of scandalous affairs? There are plenty of rotten and shameful ones, and plenty of morally ambiguous ones. So what are these?"

"In the end, the only one who truly deserves our pity is Miss Fang."

"Oh, let's not talk about that anymore." Cheng Huaizhu leaned against Xue Chan and laughed, "The Lantern Festival will be here soon after the New Year, let's go out and have some fun then."

"Okay." Xue Chan smiled in agreement.

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of firecrackers inside the palace carried far beyond the palace walls.

Cheng Huaizhu pulled Xue Chan up: "Let's go set off firecrackers too!"

At midnight, a loud "Happy New Year!" rang out.

After receiving the lucky bags distributed by Xue Chan, the crowd exchanged auspicious wishes for a prosperous and peaceful New Year before dispersing.