Staying up all night on New Year's Eve (revision)
Feng Daizhu was also dressed in her finest attire today. A single red brocade dress with subtle patterns was exceptionally luxurious, making her radiant and a stark contrast to her dejected and listless appearance of the past few days.
It seems that I have already moved on from the worries of the past few days.
She had been sitting quietly at the table, occasionally taking a few sips of soup, but now she finally perked up and glanced at the dancers on the stage a few more times.
Her eyes casually swept over the exquisitely made-up dancers on the stage, but in an instant, her eyes brightened a little when she saw the musicians sitting behind the dancers.
The morin khuur is a unique instrument of northern China and is not commonly seen in the Central Plains. Perhaps it was because these dancers were dressed as Hu women and playing famous northern tunes that they brought the morin khuur with them today.
The instrument was simple and elegant, with the head carved into the shape of a horse's head, making it quite unique.
A soft melody began, its notes melodious and gentle. Feng Daizhu listened carefully for a few more notes, but then frowned in displeasure. Clearly, she was not satisfied with the musician's skill.
Lin Xu noticed Feng Daizhu's unusual behavior. She was very focused, pursing her lips repeatedly before finally standing up and walking towards the stage.
Seeing her so determined expression, everyone couldn't help but turn their heads in curiosity.
The courtesan was even more frightened, and stood frozen in place as she watched the noblewoman rushing straight towards her.
Feng Daizhu impatiently gestured for her to proceed, and the musician seemed to understand. She hurriedly stood up and handed the horse-head fiddle to Feng Daizhu.
Feng Daizhu did not refuse and sat down directly. She then gently plucked the strings of the morin khuur with her fingertips to test the sound.
With just a few tremors, the sound of the zither flowed out slowly, deep and melodious. It seemed to carry the sound of the northern winds and the echoes of the vast desert.
The entire troupe had to stop because of this small disturbance. The lead dancer looked very embarrassed and didn't know what to do, but in just a moment, the powerful and magnificent sound resounded throughout the hall again.
Feng Daizhu sat there calmly, gently plucking the strings of her zither—
Then, a stirring melody, like galloping horses, flowed through every corner of the hall.
That music was at least ten times better than what had just been played.
Feng Daizhu, who was always cheerful and enthusiastic, was unusually serious now. It was as if everything before her was nothing more than a morin khuur (horsehead fiddle).
She sat there in a red dress, looking nothing like a dignified and reserved noblewoman from a secluded mansion, but rather like a free-spirited, vibrant young woman of sixteen who gallops across the grasslands all day long.
After a long while, the music finally came to an end. The music gradually subsided, and Feng Daizhu took a moment to come back to her senses. She put down her morin khuur, a faint trace of melancholy flashing in her eyes.
The hall was silent for a moment, but soon thunderous applause erupted.
Lin Xu smiled as everyone applauded:
"I had long heard that before my sister-in-law got married, she was a beautiful red rose in the north. Today, I have met her and I am impressed by her talent and unique heroism, which is rare in Mujing. I am truly impressed."
Feng Daizhu stood up, somewhat reserved, and glanced apologetically at the musician who had just played the morin khuur, her face flushed with a shy smile. She spotted Lin Xu in the crowd and smiled at her.
Standing to the side, Granny Zhao was already terrified by Feng Daizhu's sudden actions. However, she saw that although Feng Daizhu's behavior was outrageous, it was not enough to anger the head of the household. She hurriedly observed Madam Bai's expression, while helping Feng Daizhu to sit down carefully. At the same time, she picked up an embroidered handkerchief and carefully wiped the fine sweat from Feng Daizhu's forehead.
Dou Zhen picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and smiled sweetly.
"Second sister-in-law, you are unaware of this. Eldest sister-in-law is probably experiencing many inconveniences due to her pregnancy, and thus she has been more restrained. When eldest sister-in-law first married into the family, her performance of the Hu Xuan dance at the family banquet was truly stunning and captivating. No one who saw that dance could forget it."
Dou Yanzhou sat to Feng Daizhu's right, seemingly unaffected by the earlier incident, still leisurely sipping his wine. Hearing Dou Zhen's words, he raised the corners of his lips, clapped his hands, and laughed:
"Third Sister also said that at the family banquet that time, Zhu Niang danced, and you played the zither and composed poems. Each of you had your own unique charm, and you were both incredibly talented and graceful."
Seeing her children enjoying themselves at the table, Bai's mood, which had been disturbed by the carefully arranged music, gradually calmed down, and she naturally did not question them too much.
Dou Huaisheng had clapped the longest earlier, and now, looking at Feng Daizhu, he clapped his hands and said:
"What a beautiful piece of Yangguan Sandie! You come from the northern frontier, so naturally your morin khuur playing is more authentic, with a grand and expressive feel. Your father and two brothers were also skilled morin khuur players in the past, so it seems you have inherited the family's strengths, and are even more proficient."
Feng Daizhu bowed slightly and thanked her in a low voice.
Aunt Guo took a sip of tea and spoke gently:
"This year's New Year banquet was truly remarkable. It is all thanks to Madam Bai's skillful management of the household, which has made everything so well. Her children are all outstanding. Now, the Third Miss has grown into a beautiful young lady, and she has been well-versed in literature since childhood. That is why she is fortunate enough to serve Princess Kunrou. She is truly a model of womanhood."
His words both expressed his loyalty to Baishi and praised Dou Zhen, making them perfectly appropriate.
After speaking, Aunt Guo touched the forehead of the fifth young lady in her arms and couldn't help but sigh softly:
"If Ah Chu grows up, it would be great if she could have even half of the Third Miss's intelligence."
The fifth young lady, Dou Chu, is not yet nine years old, but she is constantly complained about by Madam Bai because of her weak and stupid nature.
Because she was born out of wedlock, unlike Dou Zhen, she did not have a renowned tutor from the capital come to the mansion to teach her from a young age. Instead, from the time she began her education, she only occasionally had a few nannies teach her needlework. All her other knowledge was taught by Aunt Guo herself.
Upon hearing this, Bai calmly touched the prayer beads in her hand, offering no response. After a long silence, she picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and glanced indifferently at Dou Chu's timid face.
The lively atmosphere at the table suddenly froze, and everyone realized that Aunt Guo's exclamation just now seemed to have been a slip of the tongue.
Aunt Guo blushed instantly and couldn't help but lower her head.
Seeing this, Feng Daizhu's eyes dimmed slightly, then she smiled gently, put down the handkerchief she was using to wipe her sweat, and spoke softly to Dou Chu in a voice as gentle as spring water:
"Fifth Miss, have you encountered any difficulties in your studies recently? If there is anything you don't understand, please feel free to come to me. I also learned some basic knowledge when I was young, which is not a profound subject, and it may not be the same as what the teachers in the capital taught, but I am happy to study with you. I hope you won't find it offensive."
Upon hearing this, Dou Chu gently raised her eyes to look at Feng Daizhu, her eyes clear yet tinged with timidity. Feng Daizhu glanced around, a blush rising to her cheeks, and nodded softly, saying each word carefully:
"Thank you, sister-in-law. I'll remember this."
Dou Zhen smiled gently beside her, covered her lips with her handkerchief, and continued:
“Sister-in-law, there is no need to worry. Fifth Sister is the precious jewel of everyone in the mansion. As her elder sister, I should take good care of her and accompany her. How could I dare to trouble you? Besides, you are pregnant now, so you should take good care of yourself and not worry or overwork yourself.”
After saying that, she turned to look at Dou Chu, and because she was coaxing a child, her voice softened a bit: "If you encounter any difficulties in your studies, A-Chu can come to Banyue Tower to find me anytime."
Seeing that Feng Daizhu and Dou Zhen had both spoken up to defuse the situation, Aunt Guo calmed down, gently patted Dou Chu's shoulder, and said cautiously:
"Ah Chu, did you hear that? Don't worry if you encounter any troubles in the future. Your older sister and brother will protect you at home, so you can rest assured."
After finishing the last dish, "Abundant Fish Year After Year," and the Five Spicy Dishes Platter, the banquet came to an end.
The courtyard gates were already covered with peach charms to ward off evil and disaster, as well as sachets filled with fragrant herbs to symbolize good fortune and blessings. Then, to the sound of firecrackers, everyone walked out of the main hall together.
As night fell, the courtyard was brightly lit, making the surroundings as bright as day.
The servants gradually cleared away the tables and cups, occasionally whispering among themselves, while the younger ones, unable to contain themselves any longer, gathered in groups of three or five in the courtyard, each holding a firecracker and looking excited.
Because it is New Year's Eve, there is a custom of setting off firecrackers. The firecrackers are loud and the firecrackers are burning very fiercely, which is the proper way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new spring.
A loud explosion suddenly shattered the silence of the night, followed by a flurry of red paper scraps and gunpowder smoke, carrying with it a strong smell of gunpowder. Immediately afterward, strings of firecrackers shot into the sky like beaded curtains, crackling and popping incessantly.
The sparks danced, illuminating the joyful faces of the gathered crowd, as if all the dust and troubles of the past year had been swept away.
Dou Chu huddled in Aunt Guo's arms, startled and delighted by the sound of firecrackers. She covered her ears but couldn't help peeking out curiously, and couldn't help but laugh in surprise.
Feng Daizhu, wrapped in a thick velvet blanket, stood with Dou Yanzhou and Dou Zhen. The group exchanged glances before turning to look at the blooming candles and firecrackers.
Lin Xu stood behind the crowd, watching their joyful laughter. The usually solemn mansion was unusually peaceful and serene. Beams of light pierced the sky, igniting the deep darkness and blurring the lines between night and day.
Out of the corner of my eye, I vaguely saw a familiar figure walking silently toward me.
She exchanged a forced smile with Dou Zhen, who was standing some distance away, and then looked to the side.
But before she knew it, Dou Yanxun had already stood beside her.
Before she could speak, another series of crackling firecrackers went off and soared into the sky, causing her to shrink back a few steps in fear.
But the people around him also reached out their arms.
His shoulder was very close to hers, and his arm was wrapped around her back; he could almost pull her into his embrace with just a gentle touch.
As the firecrackers went off again, the hand moved even closer to her.
It seemed as if he was afraid she would be scared, and wanted to protect her in his arms.
Lin Xu turned around and looked at Dou Yanxun's face, which was caught off guard by being discovered but pretended to be nonchalant.
As the last string of firecrackers burned out in the night sky, the courtyard gradually returned to tranquility, with only a few embers flickering on the ground.
Bai Shi turned the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand and murmured a prayer. Aunt Guo gently called back Dou Chu, who had just run into the courtyard, and carefully brushed away the red paper scraps stuck to her body.
Several elderly women stepped forward and slowly extinguished the lanterns hanging high in the distance.
As darkness fell, the night wind swept through, carrying away the last trace of the lingering smell of gunpowder.
Lin Xu looked at Dou Yanxun's profile. As everything around her darkened again, that outstanding and always aloof profile became the last memory that remained in her heart for the past year.
.
When they returned to the villa, it was already completely dark. Zhou Qi and Zhou Quan lit lanterns and led the way for them.
The courtyard was also bustling with activity. According to custom, everyone was required to stay up all night on New Year's Eve. The older maids had already gathered together and were chatting quietly. The younger maids, on the other hand, were happily holding the sachets they had just received, examining them from all angles as if they were rare treasures, their joy barely concealed in their eyes.
As Granny Qin smiled and examined their smiling faces, she carefully gave them her instructions:
"This sachet is made of fine material. Be careful not to get it dirty on ordinary days. Keep it safe and you will have to take it out to wear after the New Year."
The lamplight in the courtyard was dim, casting scattered shadows. The fire in the brazier crackled and popped, bringing a faint but heartwarming warmth.
Dou Yanxun, draped in a heavy black cloak, sat casually by the brazier, his gaze deep and indifferent. Occasionally, a night breeze would blow by, slightly lifting the hem of his dark cloak, making him appear somewhat lonely.
He lowered his eyes for a moment, watching the flames dance in the wind, but then unconsciously raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the corners of the courtyard before finally settling on the distance.
A slender figure stood quietly amidst the interplay of moonlight and lamplight. Her tall, graceful form seemed to blend into the still night, yet also appeared to be a scene in itself. Her expression was serene, her gaze slightly lowered, lost in thought.
Dou Yanxun gazed at her, a slight smile playing on his lips, and finally whispered her name:
"lady."
Seeing Lin Xu turn to look at him, the smile in his eyes deepened.
"What are you thinking about, Madam? Why are you standing there all alone?"
Lin Xu, who had been called back, looked somewhat surprised, as if he had been interrupted from his reverie and hadn't quite come to his senses. His eyes, in the cool breeze, appeared even more moist, as clean as if they had just been soaked in a pool of clear water.
A few stray strands of hair at Dou Yanxun's temples swayed gently in the wind. He paused for a moment, then reached out his hand to her:
"Madam, please sit down next to me."
Lin Xu looked up when she heard the voice, her eyes met his, and after a slight hesitation, she slowly walked to his side.
She responded gently, "My husband."
Dou Yanxun's smile deepened as he gently patted the seat beside him. "With such a beautiful wife, I should cherish her endlessly. How could I let my wife stand alone under the moon, heartbroken?"
In the cool night, Lin Xu heard him speak softly again, his voice seemingly melting into the wind and disappearing in an instant, making her wonder if it was her imagination.
Dou Yanxun's voice was always low, soft, and pleasant, subtly captivating. She lowered her head and saw him clench her hand tightly, only to hear him whisper, "Wife, Happy New Year's Eve."
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