Chapter 665: Prelude to the Dragon-Slaying Scheme (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

The 29th of the year, during the day.

Because of the recent major battle and the lack of preparation time, the festive atmosphere in Sibao County was not strong even on such an important day as the New Year. Despite the limited resources, Shen Tang still ordered the government office to be cleaned and decorated with festive ornaments, and informed all the common people in the city that there would be lantern markets and fireworks in the city every night from New Year's Eve to the seventh day of the New Year.

Fireworks must be viewed at designated locations.

With four years of experience in organizing this event, we're quite adept at it.

Shen Tang was perfectly content being a hands-off manager.

No, it's not accurate to say he's a hands-off manager.

She was preparing the money for warding off evil spirits, a task she couldn't delegate to anyone else. Small, bulging money pouches, for children and adults alike, were piled up like a small mountain. Before, when they were too poor, the money for warding off evil spirits was only one or two copper coins; this year, it had been completely upgraded!

Little angel Lin Feng also came to help.

After all, such a large government office wasn't just home to Qi Shan and his few confidants; it also housed a considerable number of officials from various departments. Even for a small perk like a lucky draw, these diligent cogs in the machine couldn't be forgotten. As Shen Tang filled the office with loose silver and copper coins, he muttered, "...Alas, what a pity, I can't watch the sports meet this year. It must be very lively at the government office in Ruyao, right?"

With Chu Yao and several others stationed in Longwu County, and the autumn harvest exceeding expectations, every household had stored up some grain. Having grain in hand meant peace of mind, and they could now enjoy the Lunar New Year atmosphere with a more relaxed and carefree attitude.

Lin Feng replied, "I received a letter from my teacher a few days ago, saying that the sports meet is ready and will be much larger than last year's."

Starting from the third edition, there are no restrictions on the number of participants.

Ordinary citizens within the territory who are interested can also sign up to participate.

Winning or losing isn't important; participation is what matters.

"It's a pity I can't see it. I wonder who will get the pig that was castrated last year... Tsk, I haven't even had a chance to taste it myself..." A New Year without a whole pig feast is meaningless.

Fattening up pigs is just a way to prepare them for slaughter during the Lunar New Year.

Lin Feng had long anticipated that Shen Tang would mention them, and said with a smile, "Teacher knew that the lord would think of them, so a few days ago, what was sent over was not only a letter, but also the head chef of Ru Yao's administration and ten carefully selected good pigs, which were sent to the East Kitchen."

Upon hearing this, Shen Tang's mouth began to water.

"Those who understand my stomach are without obscurity."

It was the 29th of the year, at night.

Although this year's situation is special and not all of Shen Tang's men are present, everyone who should be there is, so it still looks quite lively.

"May you, Shao Mei, enjoy a peaceful and healthy new year."

Handing out mini red envelopes to ward off evil spirits.

"May you have a peaceful and healthy new year, my lord."

Liao Jia arrived the earliest. Today, he had specially changed into a bright red robe, and even the flower in his hair ornament looked festive. He smiled and accepted Shen Tang's money for warding off evil spirits. Just by pinching it between his fingers, he knew that his lord hadn't been harmed by Xun Zhen this year, and his little treasury had become a little fuller.

The others arrived one after the other.

Luan Xin also attended the banquet with his wife and children.

Upon entering, Luan Xin's wife's expression became somewhat unnatural, and she pulled her three children close to her side. This was because everyone present had come to the banquet alone, without wives or children. Although a few women were present, their attire indicated they were all unmarried.

This makes her family seem particularly special.

In fact, she was wrong.

Besides Luan Xin's family of five, Xun Zhen also brought his son.

Luan Xin also noticed his wife's emotions, secretly pursing his lips, standing there unsure whether to advance or retreat. It wasn't until Shen Tang came over to greet him, "Gongyi, Happy New Year! Are these your wife and children? They're both beautiful, inheriting all the best traits from their parents..."

Shen Tang's fingers itched, and he couldn't resist pinching the youngest girl's cheek. Her chubby, pink face felt amazing to the touch! He wanted to pinch her again and again. The girl looked at Shen Tang nervously at first, then, probably remembering her parents' instructions before leaving, she said crisply, "Shen Jun, Happy New Year."

The other two older children also joined in offering their congratulations.

"Mmm, mmm, mmm, may you all be healthy and well, good children." Shen Tang took out three special large red envelopes from her sleeve and handed them to the three children. Their eyes sparkled, revealing an inexplicable...excitement that neither Luan Xin nor his wife could decipher.

How could I not be excited?

She has a plethora of single men under her wing, with very few new generations.

Previously, red envelopes were only given to Jiang Sheng's children and Ning Yan's daughter. But when it came to Shen Zhi's daughter's birth, the New Year had already passed, and it was rare to see a new face this year, so three more red envelopes were given at once. Giving these red envelopes felt very comfortable.

"Thank you, Mr. Shen."

The three children were very polite.

Luan Xin and his wife also received the money for warding off evil spirits. Although he was long past the age of receiving such money, he still accepted it. He then casually asked Shen Tang, "My lord, why are there no other colleagues' families here? Or was a separate banquet held for them?"

Shen Tang glanced at the group of disappointing people.

He countered, "Is it because they didn't want to bring their families?"

Lady Luan, being a perceptive woman, assumed the others hadn't brought their families along because of the war. The thought of their enemy made her stiffen slightly, and she felt extremely uncomfortable standing there.

Unexpectedly, Shen Tang added insult to injury: "Let alone raising such lovely children, they'd be lucky to even find a woman to marry. In the past, they would have had to pay an extra head tax!"

Simply put, it's illegal to remain unmarried beyond a certain age.

Not only will they be punished, but they will also have to pay more taxes.

Although Shen Tang herself advocates free love, she also feels a lot of pressure as the lord because she has a group of single men under her command.

Why?

Because marriage and childbirth also fall under the category of happiness.

The large number of single people in a company reflects poor employee benefits, making it difficult for employees to support their families, or the company's frequent overtime work that exploits employees and takes away their time and energy for marriage and childbirth.

Regardless of the reason, Shen Tang felt wronged.

These single holdouts are a problem even Cupid couldn't solve with Gatling gun arrows. They refuse to marry and start families; how can Shen Tang achieve sustainable development, exploit… no, raise their next generation? So, she found Luan Xin even more agreeable.

Luan Xin: "..."

During the Lunar New Year, there weren't as many taboos about hierarchy, so Gu Chi retorted, "Has my lord ever heard of the saying 'what the superiors do, the inferiors follow'?"

Shen Tang glared at him irritably: "Gu Wangchao!"

Unfortunately, Gu Chi was truly fearless.

"If our lord sets an example, we will certainly follow suit."

Shen Tang didn't believe she couldn't handle him, so she pointed at the maid serving the dishes and said, "Take away the wine from Inspector Gu's place and replace it with milk."

Gu Chi: "..."

The others watching the spectacle couldn't help but chuckle.

Gu Chi, annoyed by the onlookers, said, "What are you laughing at? You're all no younger than me, and you're all single and struggling at your age. At least I was once engaged. What do any of you have? Get out of here!"

Chen Zhi smiled and said, "I have a daughter."

Lin Feng chimed in, "I'm still young."

Bai Su, who rarely wore a pretty red dress, took a sip of wine, her cheeks flushed: "I don't lack people who like me."

Gu Chi: "..."

I took a deep breath; I can't take this anymore!

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

With this warm-up act, the atmosphere was perfectly set. At the banquet, everyone was able to shed their burdens and chat freely and unrestrainedly. Shen Tang also got to enjoy the whole pig feast she had been longing for. When the atmosphere reached its peak, she raised her glass: "I will drink a toast with you all, using goat's milk instead of wine. I hope that in the coming year, everything will go smoothly, and that you will be safe and happy."

"May our lord enjoy himself."

The fifth New Year was spent amidst congratulations.

On New Year's Eve, lanterns illuminated the night sky, and fireworks lit up the heavens.

Despite prior announcements, the people of Xiaocheng remained reserved. After nightfall, few tourists ventured out to enjoy the spectacle. Only when fireworks illuminated the sky did more and more residents, unable to resist their curiosity, bring their families to admire the lantern festival and fireworks. Enchanted by the dazzling display, their nerves, stretched taut for years, finally began to relax briefly…

Shen Tang liked to sit high up and admire the world around her, as if she could reach out and grasp the fleeting beauty.

"The east wind releases a thousand trees of flowers at night, and blows down stars like rain. The road is filled with the fragrance of precious horses and carved carriages. The sound of phoenix flutes moves, the jade pot shines, and fish and dragons dance all night long..." Shen Tang can now perfectly control her words and no longer lose control. It has been a long time since she made the mistake of losing her literary energy.

Of course, with the preparations for this year's fireworks display underway, her literary talent was somewhat diminished. Looking up, she saw the dazzling fireworks; looking down, she witnessed the myriad facets of life. She softly recited a poem that perfectly captured the grandeur of the scene: "...I searched for him a thousand times in the crowd, then suddenly turning around..."

“Looking back suddenly…” Shen Tang paused, and couldn’t help but think of how she went from being all alone when she first transmigrated to now having a group of like-minded friends behind her who she could confide in. “I can’t give you all that I can give you, so I’ll go back to my bed and dream of our happy reunion.”

There were people under the eaves, which was a real eyesore.

"Isn't today the 30th? Tomorrow is the first day of the new month."

There was no beautiful moonlight to offer.

Shen Tang, who was expressing her feelings, suddenly turned serious.

He threatened from below, "Xun Yong'an, if you don't want to be whipped by your father with a whip during the New Year, you'd better pretend you're mute!"

The person below immediately shut up.

Then, Shen Tang heard a soft chuckle.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She hung upside down under the eaves, her eyes meeting those of Xun Ding and Gong Xilai in the private room of the restaurant. To be precise, Xun Ding was looking at her, and she was looking at Gong Xilai. Gong Xilai was also startled by Shen Tang's bat-like appearance, but quickly regained his composure: "Shen Jun."

Shen Tang was heartbroken: "I have failed the trust placed in me!"

Now it was Xun Ding's turn to feel uneasy.

"My lord!"

The boy's voice carried a hint of pleading.

Shen Tang retorted bluntly, "Calling me princess won't do you any good. Before Gong Xi Chou left, he specifically entrusted A Lai to me, telling me to be on guard against fire, theft, and you, Xun Yong An. And what do you do? Instead of keeping vigil with your lonely father during the New Year, you invited A Lai here to watch fireworks and stroll through the lantern market. Tell me honestly, aren't you up to no good? Planning to give Gong Xi Chou a big surprise when he returns, making him an unwitting uncle? If you dare do that, Gong Xi Chou will not only beat you but also me!"

Xun Ding: "..."

He didn't quite understand what Shen Tang was saying.

But the core meaning is that you understand.

His face immediately flushed red, and he waved his hands, saying, "No! No!"

He looked at Gong Xilai nervously, afraid of being misunderstood. Although it was satisfying to trick Gong Xichou, he would never do it in such a despicable and irresponsible way. If he liked someone, he would take things step by step. Even though he knew it would be difficult to get Gong Xichou to agree.

Shen Tang finally felt relieved after teasing him enough.

Before leaving, he did not forget to remind Gongxi to come.

"Your brother instructed us not to go past the curfew before returning home."

Gong Xilai blushed and said, "Mm."

After Shen Tang disappeared without a trace, Xun Ding asked the Duke about his journey from the west.

When was the access control system implemented?

Gong Xilai also shook his head: "I don't know."

Of course she didn't know, because Shen Tang had made it up.

Luan Xin and his wife took their three children to watch the lanterns and admire the flowers. As the number of tourists on the street gradually increased, his wife looked at him worriedly and asked, "Do you want to find a place to rest?" The three children were reserved at first, but after all, they were just children and soon relaxed and started playing around.

Luan Xin had difficulty walking and found it strenuous to follow along.

He waved his hand: "No need, I'm fine. It's rare to see the children so happy. There are so many people on the street, I wouldn't feel at ease if I didn't go with them."

The eldest son is alright, but the second son and youngest daughter are always busy.

The wife hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.

She wasn't just worried that Luan Xin would get tired, but also that he might be reminded of unpleasant things. In previous years, when there were such events, he would always stay alone in his study or the government office, refusing to come out. Luan Xin said, "There's no need to have so many concerns."

He paused for a moment, then said, "It's all in the past now."

People with the aptitude for cultivation are often precocious.

Luan Xin was able to remember things from a very young age.

He clearly remembered that he came from an ordinary family, not the son of the once-illustrious Luan family who had fallen on hard times. His parents ran a small business to make ends meet; they were poor but relatively stable. However, in a world where one could change nationalities twice in a lifetime, stability was a luxury. Then war took his parents away, and he fled with refugees, living by begging.

I remember it was a lively Lantern Festival.

This festival belonged to dashing young men and beautiful women, while he was merely a trembling insect huddled in the darkest corner of the marketplace. Even insects crave light and warmth. Young and unable to resist the temptation, he tried to join the crowd, only to be met with a speeding carriage and the excruciating pain of his right leg being run over…

But these pains seem insignificant compared to the hamstring rupture, half of the patella being cut off, and boiling water being poured on it years later.

The wife bit her lip lightly: "But..."

Luan Xin sensed the dwindling literary atmosphere in the Dan Mansion and said gently and elegantly, "Didn't my lord say that this fireworks and lantern festival is prepared for all the common people of the city, and doesn't belong to any one person alone..."

The world he sees is more vibrant and wonderful than that of others.

Since you can see it, why don't you come out and take a look?

His wife, upon hearing this, stopped trying to persuade him.

I just focused more intently on keeping the three children from running around.

Luan Xin sighed, "I am a scholar with a literary heart. What kidnapper could abduct someone right under the nose of a scholar with a literary heart?"

The wife said, "It's not just about worrying about being kidnapped."

With so many tourists, it would be heartbreaking to see someone get knocked down.

Luan Xin, dragging his unsteady legs, slowly followed the three children and one adult in front of him, reminding them to be careful while walking.

Just then, the fireworks display reached its climax.

The family of five arrived at the central venue.

A large area was cleared out; the commoners who had come were kept behind ropes, and only one person stood in the center of the hall. This person was burly, with an ordinary appearance, exceptionally dark skin, and a simple, honest smile. Beside him was a barrel of molten iron glowing red-hot.

The tourists held their breath.

finally--

clang!

Molten iron sprayed into the air.

Iron trees shed silver blossoms, and myriad stars bloom.

This is real! Compared to the performance of Word Magic, it has a different kind of magnificent and dazzling beauty.

_(:з」∠)_

The iron flower display is really cool.

(End of this chapter)