The old lady said, "In the past year, many things have happened in the manor, some good and some bad. But no matter what, we have to keep going. You are all my children, no matter how old you are. Last year, the harvest on the estate was good, so I was thinking of giving my children New Year's money. Not only you, but the Marquis and the Second Master will also receive some."

The second master was a quiet man, not one for many words. He had always helped the Marquis manage the estates and shops in the manor. He was fair and just, which was why the old lady had never asked for a division of the family property. If the second branch of the family were the restless type, the old lady would have already arranged for the two brothers to divide the family property.

Upon hearing the old lady's words, the second master stood up and said with a smile, "Mother, I'm already this old, do I still receive New Year's money?"

The old lady smiled and said, "No matter how old you are, you are still my child. I cannot refuse the kindness of my elders. Come, starting with you and your wife, come over and kowtow to wish them a Happy New Year."

After the second master and Madam Zhu kowtowed to the old lady, the old lady took out a red envelope from the tray and handed it to each of them. After thanking her, they accepted the envelopes and sat down on the chairs next to them.

The Xu Quan and Xu Qu families had just arrived. When they heard that the old lady was going to give them New Year's money, Yao said happily, "Grandmother, then I must kowtow to you a few more times. I haven't received New Year's money for many years."

The old lady said with a smile, "Then you'd better serve me well. I'll give you all this every year during the New Year."

After the young master and Lady Ning led their brothers and sisters-in-law to kowtow to the old lady, each of them received a light purse.

Zhang Zhaoci knew at a glance that there were silver notes inside, but he didn't know their denomination.

When Xu Bai saw the purse in Zhang Zhaoci's hand, he hurriedly pulled Xu Di's hand and led him to the kang (a heated brick bed). He kowtowed to the old lady, who smiled and said, "Brother Bai, didn't you already receive the New Year's money from your grandmother?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Bai exclaimed in surprise, "Grandmother, don't you have any for us?"

The old lady said, "If not, then why are you still kowtowing to your grandmother?"

Xu Bai said, "Of course I have to kowtow, Grandmother. Your grandson wishes you good health and a long life."

Xu Di was truly ashamed to look at his younger brother. He had never lacked anything growing up, so why was he so greedy for money?

Seeing Xu Bai's expression, Xu Li covered her mouth and chuckled, saying, "Seventh Brother is so funny."

Xu Bai rolled his eyes at Xu Li and said, "Eighth Sister, hurry up and kowtow to Grandmother with me."

Xu Di pulled Xu Bai, who was about to kneel down, up and told everyone to line up in order before respectfully kneeling down to kowtow to the old lady and wish her a Happy New Year.

After everyone had finished kowtowing, the old lady beckoned to Xu Bai. Xu Bai took off his shoes and knelt on the kang (a heated brick bed). The old lady took out a red silk bag with the character "福" (fortune) embroidered in gold thread from behind her and said, "Brother Bai, this is something your grandmother prepared for you. Your names are written on it. Can you help your grandmother distribute it to your older brothers and sisters?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Bai grinned and said, "Grandmother, your grandson obeys."

The purses contained gold ingots; the boys' purses were shaped like a pair of top scholars, while the girls' purses were uniquely designed fruit and melon shapes, all adorably cute. Xu Bai took one of Xu Zhi's watermelon-shaped purses, placed it in his palm, and said, "This is really pretty."

Xu Di said, "No matter how beautiful it is, it only has value because it is gold."

Xu Bai said, "Brother, you just like to pour cold water on my ideas. I won't argue with you. By the way, what's in Mother's purse?"

Xu Di said, "Why do you have so many worries? Just mind your own business, why do you always have to meddle in other people's business?"

Xu Bai said, "People need to have some curiosity, otherwise life would be so boring."

Xu Di said, "Curiosity killed the cat; be careful that your excessive curiosity doesn't harm you."

Xu Bai said, "How could I be so unable to distinguish between light and heavy things? Brother, aren't you curious about what's in Mother's purse? It looks so small and doesn't weigh much."

Xu Di said, "If you want to know, why don't you ask your mother?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Bai put his purse away and then approached Zhang Zhaoci, who was talking to her sisters-in-law, and asked in a low voice, "Mother, what are you and your aunts carrying in your purses?"

Before Zhang Zhaoci could say anything, Ning said with a smile, "Brother Bai, come here and let your aunt take a look at you."

Xu Bai waved his hand and said, "Aunt, no, I'll just secretly watch my mother."

Ning pulled Xu Bai in front of her and said, "You little rascal, why are you being so polite with me? Come here, let your aunt show you."

Xu Bai, who also loved excitement, held Ning's hand, preventing her from going to the purse, and the room became quite lively for a while.

Xu Di watched Xu Bai and Ning Shi playfully teasing each other. Xu Yao, who was sitting to the side, glanced at Ning Shi and Xu Bai before turning her head away, her expression quite complicated. Xu Di saw a high stool next to her, so he went over and sat down. Xu Yao looked at Xu Di, gave a slight bow, and said, "Big brother."

Xu Di nodded and said, "Fourth Sister, how have you been lately?"

Xu Yao said, "It's acceptable."

Xu Di said, "If Fourth Sister has any problems, she can come to find her eldest brother. Her eldest brother travels around and knows a lot of things that others have never heard of."

Xu Yao paused for a moment after hearing this, then nodded, and then stared blankly at the empty space in front of her.

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