New Year's Eve (Revision)
Lin Xu casually tidied up the remaining books on the desk, placing them neatly one by one. As if noticing a gaze lingering beside her cheek, she looked up and asked, "Husband, what's wrong?"
Dou Yanxun withdrew his gaze and smiled faintly. "It's nothing. I just noticed that there were quite a few new items in the study, and I found them interesting, so I took a few more glances."
Bathed in the last rays of the setting sun, his eyes darkened slightly, then he composed himself, placed the book back on the shelf, and casually turned around:
"During my illness, has anyone else visited the villa?"
Lin Xu glanced at the antique shelf beside Dou Yanxun, stepped forward to his side, and said softly with a smile, "What do you mean by this, my husband? Are you worried that some bad people might break in?"
Seeing her affectionate smile, Dou Yanxun's eyes darkened slightly, and he shifted his gaze away from her face.
Lin Xu didn't seem to care, her eyes crinkling into a smile: "I'm the only one guarding this courtyard all day long. Apart from the doctor who comes to take your pulse often and the servants who clean and serve you in the courtyard, where else could you find a trace of anyone else?"
Dou Yanxun reached out and put his arm around her thin shoulders. These past few days of taking care of him seemed to have exhausted her as well; her already slender figure had become even thinner. Thinking of this, he gently patted her shoulder and said softly, "It's good that you're alright."
.
The following day finally marked New Year's Eve.
The mansion was no longer quiet; it was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Some of the younger maids huddled together, quietly sharing the steaming hot candies they had bought at the market.
Lin Xu usually turned a blind eye to these things, and he specifically instructed Zhu Ling and Granny Qin to give each of the servants in the villa a heavy purse as a reward.
She didn't really have high expectations for the New Year. Instead, she had countless mischievous acts from her teenage years. One year, she fell from a poplar tree in the backyard of the Lin family mansion, losing two teeth in the process, and was scolded by Lin Fu until she cried a lot. Now, thinking back on them, they are all amusing childhood memories, and seem like a distant past.
The only thing she was really looking forward to this year was returning to the Lin family home on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year to visit her relatives. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but smile even when the whole family was having dinner together.
The New Year's Eve banquet was lavish and lively, with a dazzling array of delicacies on the table. The steaming aroma of the dishes mingled with the subtle fragrance of wine, intoxicating the senses. Because it was a festive occasion, everyone in the mansion dressed with extra poise and decorum. Madam Bai, in particular, was dressed with an air of elegance, wearing a rare red peony-patterned brocade cotton-padded jacket, a headband on her head, and a faint smile on her lips.
Looking around, the one who looks the most radiant now is none other than Dou Huaisheng, who sits on a high seat.
The transfer order finally came down during the last court session before the new year. Dou Huaisheng, who was nearly forty years old and had accomplished little in his life, was now officially promoted to the rank of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a fourth-rank official. From then on, he could truly be considered a powerful minister in the court.
She only glanced briefly at the face that was barely suppressing its smugness, but all the memories of the past rushed back to her like a tide, making her feel increasingly nauseous. So she hurriedly picked up her teacup and drank several cups in a row.
The culprit who killed her entire family enjoyed a smooth career, the sycophantic opportunist prospered in politics, while the truly incorruptible person met a violent end...
In the century-long reign of the Great Yu Kingdom, could there ever be a darker and more hopeless time than this? If it weren't for the events of her past life, why would she now force a smile and spend the night with her enemy?
She clenched her fist in her sleeve, suppressing her emotions. After downing several cups of light wine, perhaps because she drank too quickly, she couldn't help but cough, which drew the attention of Dou Yanxun sitting next to her.
In a rare moment of carefree mood, she was too lazy to pay attention and simply ignored that burning gaze.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the table became increasingly lively. Dou Yanxun withdrew his gaze, maintaining his indifferent demeanor. Occasionally, he would raise his glass to greet those sitting at the table, but he never gave her another second glance.
Dou Huaisheng cleared his throat, put down his wine cup, and addressed the guests at the table:
"On this auspicious occasion of the Spring Festival, which also marks the beginning of new hope, I am very pleased to see everyone working so hard for the family. This year, the Dou family has had many happy events, including the arrival of two daughters-in-law. The Dou family has grown stronger overnight, far beyond what it used to be. You must cherish the present and strive even harder. Now that the Lin and Dou families have happily married, Right Chancellor Lin has shown me great kindness in the past, and Xu'er is meticulous and cautious in everything she does, serving as a role model for everyone in the household. She is also a blessing to our Dou family."
Lin Xu was somewhat surprised. She hadn't expected Dou Huaisheng to praise her by name during such a grand festival, and she certainly hadn't expected him to praise her former father's support in front of everyone.
She was momentarily stunned, but dared not be impolite in public, so she quickly stood up and curtsied: "Thank you for your kindness, Father. I will do my best in the future and will never dare to slack off in the slightest."
Her expression remained as respectful as ever, her eyes slightly lowered, but the hatred and surging resentment in her heart were churning within. Fortunately, she concealed it perfectly, so others should not have noticed.
Dou Huaisheng raised his hand and smiled, "Xu'er, you are so kind. Since you married into the Dou family, you have been dutiful in managing the household and have always been proper in your dealings with others. Naturally, I am very grateful to you."
Throughout his speech, Dou Huaisheng maintained a gentle tone, and his eyes showed the concern of an elder for a younger generation, as if he truly doted on his daughter-in-law.
Lin Xu lowered her eyes, trying to hide the coldness in them. When she raised her head, her face was full of gentle smiles.
She spoke softly, “Father, you flatter me. I am aware of my young age and would like to thank you both for your care since I entered the family. I would also like to thank you for taking care of me and my husband out of consideration for our past relationship.”
After speaking, she raised her wine glass, her gaze respectful and sincere, and raised it to Dou Huaisheng from afar, as if pouring all her gratitude into her words.
Only Lin Xu himself knew how much barbed talk was hidden in those words.
Dou Huaisheng's smile remained unchanged, seemingly oblivious to the subtle meaning in her words. He took a small sip of wine, then put down his glass and laughed heartily:
"Back then, Prime Minister Lin treated me with immense kindness, and I will never forget his kindness in promoting me. The Lin family has always been a family with a pure and honest tradition, truly a model of a distinguished family. Now that Xu'er has married into my Dou family, I will treat you as my own junior. I only hope that you will live a peaceful life at home in the future, which will be the greatest repayment to Prime Minister Lin and the Dou family."
Lin Xu lowered his head and agreed.
In a corner unseen by anyone, her fingers tightened slightly inside her sleeve.
The most difficult hatred to dispel in this world is probably that directed at those who appear compassionate on the surface but are cruel and ruthless at heart, who use sweet words to commit heinous acts. Yet, ironically, getting close to this person is the only way for her to avenge herself in this life.
Dou Zhen was in a very pleasant mood today. Her dark red floral jacket accentuated her bright and beautiful features. She sat to Lin Xu's left. When Dou Huaisheng mentioned the Lin family earlier, she gently took Lin Xu's hand after Lin Xu sat down and said softly with a smile:
"Second sister-in-law, I heard you're going back to the Lin family to visit relatives on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. Have you prepared any special gifts?"
Lin Xu smiled gently: "They are just some homemade snacks and embroidered handkerchiefs. My father has never liked extravagance, but he likes these simple gestures. They are not valuable items."
Dou Zhen's smile deepened, and she said softly:
"Second sister-in-law is always so thoughtful and considerate. I imagine these items were all sewn by her with great care and effort, and they are naturally full of heartfelt sentiment. As the saying goes, the deeper the gift, the greater the sentiment. Second sister-in-law is clever and skillful, and I think her needlework must be quite good. If you have time another day, you can teach Zhen'er."
Lin Xu laughed and said, "Sister Zhen, you flatter me too much. Sister, you don't know, I've always just used needlework to pass the time. I'm not an expert, and I certainly wouldn't dare to teach you."
If Dou Zhen had the chance to see her finished needlework and embroidery, she certainly wouldn't have said those things again. Lin Xu couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.
As they were talking, a group of graceful dancers entered the hall one after another, attracting everyone's attention.
It turned out that the Bai family had specially invited musicians to the mansion today. The sounds of zithers and sheng pipes, along with the graceful song and dance performances, made the hall even more lively and extraordinary.
The group sat around the table, swaying gently to the rhythm of the music. The atmosphere was joyful and harmonious, with laughter filling the air. Since she married into the Dou family, there had been very few times when the household was so lively.
Dou Zhen, being an unmarried young woman, couldn't help but get excited, even though she was usually calm and gentle. She stared intently at the graceful dance on stage, occasionally pulling Lin Xu's hand and whispering in her ear:
"As expected of a popular troupe in the capital, their dancing skills are indeed remarkable. No wonder everyone in the capital is eager to hire them. I heard that Mother even offered a high price to invite them this time."
Sitting in the main seat, Madam Bai saw everyone in the hall enjoying themselves and couldn't help but feel gratified. She raised her cup slightly and said to everyone, "It's a rare occasion for our family to gather together today, so please enjoy yourselves and don't be shy." As soon as she finished speaking, bursts of laughter rang out again. Amidst the clinking of cups, Lin Xu took a sip of tea.
The food that the Bai family had spared no expense on must have been more than just a simple treat to be enjoyed during the festival.
She remained an observer, subtly watching Bai's expression. From a distance, she seemed quite confident.
As the music faded and the previous group of women quietly disappeared, several dancers dressed as foreign women gracefully entered the stage. Each of them possessed a beautiful figure, adorned with flowers in their hair, their robes fluttering in the wind, and their makeup exuding an exotic charm.
Immediately afterward, as they all struck their poses, a unique melody from the northern frontier began to play. The tune was melodious and conveyed a sense of vastness, as if what lay before them was not a vibrant festival, but a desolate grassland with wind and rain and billowing smoke.
It turns out that Bai had actually put a lot of effort into this piece.
Amidst the admiring gazes of the crowd, Lin Xu looked at Dou Huaisheng, who sat in the high seat. Sure enough, Dou Huaisheng wore a smile, a smile that, though somewhat surprised, conveyed more of a sense of joy and wistfulness. Lin Xu had long heard that Dou Huaisheng had come from the northern frontier, and that it was only in his generation that he had been brought to Mujing by his elder brother to study and make his way in the world. How could a wanderer who had left home at a young age bear the unfamiliar accent?
Sure enough, after only a short while, Dou Huaisheng's eyes suddenly reddened, and he hummed along softly to the melody, exchanging a sentimental smile with Bai Shi.
Lin Xu smiled slightly, picked up the teacup without making a sound, and took a sip.
Bai Shi now holds absolute power in the household, yet she still schemes and plots so diligently to please her husband. No wonder she has managed to maintain her position as the principal wife among a group of beautiful concubines for so many years. Of Dou Huaisheng's concubines, only Zhen Shi and Guo Shi remain in the mansion, and neither seems to be a match for Bai Shi. Yet Bai Shi still puts in such effort; it's truly admirable that she is so pleased with herself.
The Fifth Miss, who had been sitting obediently at the lower end of the table, was nestled in Aunt Guo's arms. Her small body was close to her mother, but she was deeply attracted by the music. She clapped her hands involuntarily, her eyes were bright, and she swayed gently to the rhythm with excitement. She was also humming a tuneless little tune. Her smile was innocent and lovely.
Aunt Guo gently patted her back, her eyes full of affection, and said softly:
"Ah Chu has never been interested in ordinary songs and dances, so why do you like this music today? No wonder, this is a unique piece of music from the northern frontier, so it is naturally different from what we in the Central Plains usually hear, and it is not commonly heard. Ah Chu, do you find it novel and thus like it?"
Dou Chu nodded after hearing this, and then continued to stare at the graceful dancer with great fascination, her eyes glued to her.
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