Chapter 139 Another New Year
When Lü Ruhui arrived, Chen Hui was already preparing the dishes in the kitchen.
There were only three of them, so Chen Hui prepared eight dishes. The portions of each dish were not large, so it didn't take much time.
Lü Ruhui went to the kitchen to help, while Achan boiled water, brewed a pot of flower tea, and then plated up all the various pastries and dried fruits she had bought earlier.
After a short while, the work in the kitchen was finished, and the three of them sat in Chen Hui's room and started playing cards.
It had started snowing lightly outside, but inside it was warm and cozy, with the occasional sound of three people talking.
At this time, on such a lively day, the servants noticed that the head of the household and his wife were not in high spirits.
The eldest son was sent to work in another region, and his wife went with him. Now, all the big and small matters at home have fallen on the shoulders of the second son's family. What should have been a busy holiday season has instead given Mr. and Mrs. Lü some free time.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Madam Lü called in her personal maid and asked, "Has Ru Hui returned?"
The maid shook her head: "The young lady has not returned."
After a moment's hesitation, Madam Lü asked, "Did the steward send someone to look for her today?"
The maid paused for a moment: "There shouldn't be any. I'll go find the steward right away."
Before Mrs. Lü could say anything more, Mr. Lü, who had been silent, suddenly shouted angrily, "If she doesn't want to come back, then she shouldn't come back! Do you think we can't celebrate the New Year without her?"
Seeing his wife still hesitating, Mr. Lü sneered, "That wretched girl even hit Ruxin when she came last time. If the servants hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known. How dare she hit her sister? It's utterly absurd! It's better that she's not coming back; it saves me the trouble of seeing her."
"But she's all alone..."
“So what if she’s alone? That unfilial daughter didn’t even think of coming to see us for the New Year. Why are you so concerned about her!” Father Lu was furious when he thought of his eldest daughter.
She just called off the marriage with Liu Xiangze without a second thought, and all the rules she'd learned have gone to waste.
Mother Lü also blamed her eldest daughter for being insensible, but when the New Year came, she felt it was incomplete without someone, so she still kept her in her heart and thought that she could persuade her again when they met.
Unfortunately, noon passed and Lü Ruhui did not appear. Instead, Lü Ruxin came over with red eyes.
Seeing this, Madam Lü hurriedly asked, "What's wrong now? Did someone in the household offend you?"
Lu Ruxin sat down next to her mother and shook her head: "Today, I received a letter from Qingzhou, written by Yao'er and Qing'er themselves."
Mother Lü immediately looked distressed. Her youngest daughter had married into Qingzhou after listening to her husband's advice. The marriage was originally a good one, but her son-in-law was unlucky and died unexpectedly at a young age, leaving her daughter to raise a son and a daughter alone.
Her daughter was so young; she couldn't stay in Qingzhou forever. After a fight with her father, Lu's mother finally persuaded him to write to the Zhang family, asking them to bring her back. In the end, the Zhang family agreed to let their youngest daughter return to the capital, but wouldn't allow her to take the child with her. Left with no other option, they had to leave the child with the Zhang family.
That is why Mother Lü felt especially sorry for her youngest daughter, who was separated from her two children, and felt that the suffering her youngest daughter had endured was all the fault of the old man's stubbornness back then.
"My poor Ruxin, it's all your father's fault for insisting you marry so far away in Qingzhou." The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and she couldn't help but glare at her husband.
Mr. Lü looked embarrassed. He also felt indebted to his youngest daughter. Speaking of his daughter's marriage back then, he couldn't help but sigh, "If we had let Ruxin marry into the Liu family back then, the family would be much more peaceful now."
His youngest daughter was cheerful and easygoing, didn't hold grudges, and was considerate to her parents and brothers. She was good in every way, unlike her eldest daughter who was rebellious. Unfortunately, he didn't think highly of Liu Xiangze, who had lost both his parents, and he made a mistake.
Although Liu Xiangze eventually became his son-in-law, it didn't last long.
Lü Ruxin lowered her eyes and did not respond.
Despite her father's words, she knew in her heart that if he knew about her past relationship with her brother-in-law, he would be the first to disapprove of her.
Although she was resentful, she didn't do anything too outrageous; she just didn't want Lü Ruhui to be smug. Even if Lü Ruhui knew about these schemes, what could she do? Her parents wouldn't believe her; they would only pity her more.
If she's not doing well, then Lü Ruhui should be doing even worse!
Compared to Mr. and Mrs. Lü, who were held back by their youngest daughter instead of their eldest, Liu Xiangze's New Year was even more desolate.
He lost both his parents at a young age, and in previous years, with Lü Ruhui at home, she would always keep him company and talk to him, so he never felt lonely. This year, the household affairs were handled by the steward, and although it seemed like only one person was missing, the mansion felt as if half of it was empty.
Liu Xiangze stood in the study, staring blankly at the bookshelf. After a while, he remembered that the books on the shelf were also placed there by Lü Ruhui and him.
He looked away, and suddenly felt a pang of regret.
Perhaps he shouldn't have agreed to the divorce on the day she asked.
Just after noon, his cousin Liu Xiangming came to the mansion in person to invite Liu Xiangze and Liu Yu'an to his home for the New Year.
Liu Xiangze hadn't originally planned to agree, but seeing Yu'an looking at him expectantly, and his cousin persuading him from the side, "We're all family, why be so distant? If you don't go, my father will still be worried about you, and he won't be able to have a good New Year."
When his cousin mentioned his second uncle, he finally nodded in agreement.
After arriving at his cousin's house, Liu Xiangze took Liu Yu'an to pay respects to his second uncle first, and then they stayed behind to talk. Liu Yu'an sat obediently to the side, but after all, he was only a few years old, and after a while he became restless.
Seeing him looking out the door with anticipation, Liu Xiangze patted his head and said gently, "Go out and play."
"I'll stay here with my second grandfather and father," Liu Yu'an said obediently, shaking her head.
Liu Xiangze chuckled: "You don't need to accompany me here. Go on, and take care of your injuries."
Liu Xiangze's second uncle laughed and said to Liu Yu'an, "Go find your eldest brother and third brother to play with. They've been looking forward to your arrival."
After hearing his second grandfather's words, Liu Yu'an subconsciously glanced at Liu Xiangze. Seeing that he didn't react, she happily ran out.
In the past, if his mother had known about this form of address, she would have been very unhappy. But his eldest brother and third brother were his own brothers, and his aunt had said that he could never forget his roots.
Liu Yu'an ran out to play, and the servant who had been taking care of him followed him to prevent him from getting out of control while playing and aggravating the injury on his arm.
Fortunately, the boys knew what was important. They ran around outside for a while, then directed the servants to set off firecrackers. They seemed to be a little hungry, so they went back inside and had some snacks.
Seeing that there was no one else in the room, the three brothers started talking.
At first, they were just talking about academic difficulties, but somehow the conversation turned to Liu Yu'an's injury.
Liu Yu'an's elder brother said indignantly, "Fortunately, Third Uncle drove that vicious woman away, otherwise I don't know how much suffering Yu'an would have had to endure under her."
The third uncle he mentioned was none other than Liu Yuze.
After saying that, he asked again, "Second brother, when your third uncle isn't home, does that woman often bully you?"
Before Liu Yu'an could answer, his third brother looked worried and said, "Second brother, if you're really not doing well over there, you should come home."
Hearing their conversation, Liu Yu'an lowered her eyes and shook her head: "No, I'm fine."
"Don't say you didn't. If you've been wronged, just say so. Your third uncle is a very reasonable person, and he will definitely stand up for you."
"What are you three talking about? What are you doing?" a woman's voice suddenly rang out.
The three brothers turned around at the same time, and two of them called out in unison, "Mother."
Liu Yu'an stood up and respectfully greeted the newcomer, "Auntie."
The person who came was the biological mother of these three brothers, Liu Xiangze's cousin-in-law.
"Mother, we were talking about Yu'an's injury."
Hearing her eldest son say this, Madam Wang's eyes darted around, and she smiled and said, "I know you're worried about Yu'an, so I bought the best liniment in the capital. I'll change Yu'an's dressing in a little while."
Liu Yu'an hesitated for a moment and said to Wang Shi, "Auntie, the medicine was already applied when I came."
“You’ve been out for so long, the effects of the medicine have worn off. Your aunt asked the doctor when she bought the medicine, so there won’t be any problems.”
Hearing what Wang said, Liu Yu'an stopped refusing.
After the mother and her three children talked for a while, Wang took Liu Yu'an to her courtyard.
Upon seeing this, the servant who had been waiting outside quietly followed them.
This young servant has martial arts training and is quite skilled; the steward specifically sought him out.
He avoided the maids in the courtyard, went around to the back of the main house, and after looking for a few spots, finally heard Wang's voice.
Wang asked Liu Yu'an in a low voice, "How is your third uncle treating you now?"
“My father cares a lot about my studies. Every day after I return home, he tests my knowledge and then has dinner with me in the evening.”
Did he ask about your injuries?
Liu Yu'an looked at his left forearm, which was bandaged up under his sleeve, and nodded: "Father found a doctor, and the doctor said that I need to rest for a few months and can't lift heavy objects."
Mrs. Wang said with heartache, "You're such an honest child. I told you to pretend, but you actually fell. What if you broke your left hand and it ruined your future?"
Liu Yu'an said in a muffled voice, "Didn't you say that it would only work if I fell harder?"
“You remember it well, but you should protect yourself first.” After saying that, Wang noticed Liu Yu’an’s unusual silence and raised an eyebrow. “What is it now?”
"You only said that after doing this, Father would definitely feel guilty towards me and wouldn't drive me away, but you didn't say that they would get a divorce." Liu Yu'an was still young, and this matter had been weighing on his mind, making him uneasy.
Although his adoptive mother wasn't exactly kind to him, she wasn't overly harsh either, and he didn't dislike her.
If he hadn't overheard his adoptive mother's maid chatting privately, saying that his adoptive mother's health had been off lately and that she might be pregnant, and that if she had a biological child, he, her adopted son, might be sent away, he wouldn't have come looking for his biological mother.
Wang's brows furrowed immediately: "You're blaming me now, child? Who did I give this advice for? Wasn't it for you? So what if we get a divorce? That woman, Lü Ruhui, can't give me a son, and instead stole my son. She should have been divorced long ago!"
Liu Yu'an lowered her head and remained silent, as if she were sulking.
When Wang saw him like this, she was furious. The reason she was willing to give this son away in the first place was because she didn't like his personality of keeping everything to himself.
However, thinking that the family was still counting on this son for the future, she softened her voice: "I know you are a kind-hearted child and think this is your fault, but this was an accident. I didn't expect your uncle to divorce Lu Shi either. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have used this method."
Wang was also filled with regret, fearing that Liu Xiangze would turn back and find another fertile second wife.
However, she had spoken about this matter privately with her husband a few days ago. Her husband said that his cousin was a man of his word, and once he made up his mind, he would never go back on it. Even if he had children in the future, he would not disown Yu'an.
Wang felt that there was some truth to this, and besides, Yu'an had suffered such a great injustice in his family, so her cousin should feel guilty and probably wouldn't treat Yu'an badly.
Seeing her second son's reaction, Wang warned him, "This matter is over and done with. From now on, you must keep this to yourself and not tell anyone, understand?"
Liu Yu'an nodded. Although he was young, he knew the importance of the matter.
After the mother and son finished speaking, the servant who had been eavesdropping quietly left the courtyard.
Before the Liu family's New Year's Eve dinner began, the servant waited until Liu Xiangze was standing outside the courtyard getting some fresh air before approaching him.
"master."
Liu Xiangze glanced at the servant: "Why aren't you serving Yu'an? What are you doing here?"
Seeing that there was no one else around, the servant said, "I just overheard Madam Liu talking to the young master. They mentioned the young master's injury."
Liu Xiangze looked sharply at the servant: "What did they say?"
The servant then recounted the conversation he had overheard to Liu Xiangze in detail, and then added, "Young Master meant that he was doing this just to make you feel guilty, so that you wouldn't drive him away. However, he didn't mention the reason."
After hearing the servant's words, Liu Xiangze stood frozen in place, unable to come to his senses for a long time.
After a long pause, he asked, "What else did they say?"
The servant said, "Young Master is very concerned about your divorce from Madam. Madam Liu said some unpleasant things and advised Young Master that this matter has nothing to do with him and that he should keep it a secret and not tell anyone else."
At this moment, Liu Xiangze seemed to hear Lü Ruhui's question again. She asked him why he believed Liu Yu'an but not her.
He was so arrogant back then, believing that the child he taught could never lie. He thought that Lü Ruhui was just trying to save face and refused to admit her mistake.
He didn't believe his wife, but he believed a child.
But in the end, he was completely wrong.
The snow fell even heavier at night, and soon enough, snow covered my head and face.
Liu Xiangze stood in the snow, motionless for a long time.
It wasn't until his cousin came out looking for him and saw him standing in the snow that he went up to him and patted him on the shoulder: "Aizawa, what's wrong with you?"
Looking at his smiling cousin, Liu Xiangze forced a smile, but couldn't manage to.
The Liu family's New Year's Eve dinner was lively, with three generations gathered together. Uncle Liu kept toasting Liu Xiangze, expressing his gratitude for his support of his son, while Liu Xiangming smiled and echoed his father's sentiments.
Their family had fallen into decline after Uncle Liu divided the family property, but thanks to Liu Xiangze's help, they were able to start a business, buy a house and maids, and live a good life.
Liu Xiangze silently clinked glasses with them, but the pungent liquor did nothing to ease his stiff body.
The New Year's Eve dinner lasted for more than an hour before the servants came to clear away the dishes. Afterwards, they brought out hangover tea and various snacks and fruits.
The Liu family has a tradition of staying up all night on New Year's Eve. After the New Year's Eve dinner, the men in the family must stay to keep watch.
Wang Shi couldn't bear it any longer and was about to be helped away by her maid when Liu Xiangze suddenly spoke up: "Sister-in-law, please wait."
The others were puzzled as to why he had called out to Wang Shi, and they all looked over.
Madam Wang turned her head and asked with a smile, "Is there something you need, Xiangze?"
Liu Xiangze's gaze was deep: "Please explain, sister-in-law, why you had Yu'an deliberately injured to frame my wife?"
Wang was a woman of limited experience, and when he asked her that question, her expression immediately became strained. She gave a dry laugh: "What does Xiangze mean? I don't understand."
Liu Xiangze stared at her for a moment, then turned to Liu Yu'an, whose face was pale, and said, word by word, "Yu'an, you speak."
"Father..." Liu Yu'an was trembling uncontrollably. After all, he was young and could not bear such heavy pressure.
“Tell me exactly how I taught you!” Liu Xiangze shouted sternly.
He had never spoken to Liu Yu'an in such an attitude before. Liu Yu'an was frightened, and her eyes instantly turned red.
Uncle Liu and Liu Xiangming also sensed something was wrong, but they did not rush to speak up. Instead, they looked at Liu Yu'an.
Under everyone's gaze, Liu Yu'an suddenly burst into tears. He knelt down with a thud, wiping away his tears as he said, "It's my fault. I lied to Father."
Upon hearing this, Wang's face turned deathly pale.
While secretly resenting her useless son, she also looked at Liu Xiangze with trepidation, wondering how he would react.
She still held a sliver of hope. Since Lady Lü hadn't left any children for the Liu family, Liu Xiangze must be afraid of being accused of abandoning his wife, which was why he hadn't agreed to a divorce. Perhaps he would just get angry once and let the matter pass?
"Why do you do this?" Liu Xiangze asked.
"Because...because I heard from my mother's maid that she might be pregnant because she's not feeling well. I'm worried that after my mother gives birth to my brother, my father will abandon me." Liu Yu'an stammered out the words.
Liu Xiangming, who was standing to the side, was completely stunned. He thought that his second son was the most steady and intelligent among his three sons, which was why he chose to have him adopted by his cousin. Who would have thought that although this son was intelligent enough, he was only clever in a superficial way!
How dare he use himself to frame the Lü family? My cousin is extremely intolerant of any wrongdoing; what should I do now?
"What did you do next?"
“I…” Liu Yu’an looked at Wang Shi and whispered, “I went to my aunt, and she said I should pretend that my mother hurt me. Then my father will feel indebted to me and keep me.”
"You stupid woman!" Liu Xiangming could no longer hold back and pointed at his wife, cursing her.
Uncle Liu opened his mouth several times as if to say something, but seeing his nephew's unpleasant expression, he swallowed his words.
Liu Xiangze stared at his adopted son for a long time before letting out a bitter laugh: "I pride myself on never misjudging anyone, yet I've been defeated by a child."
"Cousin..."
Liu Xiangze turned around and said to Liu Xiangming, "Cousin, Yu'an is a very intelligent child. If he can be carefully nurtured, he will have a bright future. Such a bright child... I'm afraid he is not meant to be with me. You should keep him and nurture him yourself."
After saying that, he apologized to Uncle Liu, saying, "I have disturbed your mood today. I will come to apologize another day."
Seeing his nephew's determination, Uncle Liu glared fiercely at Wang Shi. If Wang Shi hadn't acted on her own initiative, how could she have caused all this trouble?
Noticing her father-in-law's cold gaze, Wang realized that if she couldn't do something, she would probably be sent back to her parents' home. She immediately knelt down and slapped herself in the face, crying and shouting, "It's all my fault! I was bewitched and corrupted Yu'an! Blame me! He didn't want to do it! I forced him!"
Seeing his birth mother like this, Liu Yu'an also cried and trembled all over. He looked up at Liu Xiangze and said, "Father, Father, I know I was wrong. I will never do it again. I will go and apologize to Mother and ask her for forgiveness, okay?"
Liu Xiangming said from the side, "I know my cousin is angry. Yu'an is too thoughtful and made a mistake because he listened to the servants and Wang Shi's instigation. But his affection for you, Xiangze, has never changed."
Besides, when we were kids, we had a chance to correct our mistakes, whether it was through beatings or scolding. You can't deny him no chance at all. If he's truly beyond redemption, and you kick him out of the house, I will never mention him again.
Liu Xiangze closed his eyes, hearing Liu Yu'an's sobs in his ears, and finally his heart softened.
Lu Ruhui was completely unaware of the chaos in the Liu family. That evening, Hui Niang's cooking was excellent, but the most amazing dish was the carp. The fish was incredibly delicious; she hadn't had an appetite in a long time, yet tonight she ate most of a bowl of it.
Whether it was her imagination or not, she seemed to feel more energetic after eating the fish, and even though it was almost midnight, she didn't feel sleepy at all.
The snow outside had already fallen in a thick layer. After drinking the sweet wine, Achan felt hot and insisted on going out to build a snowman. So the three of them put on cloaks and went to the yard to build a snowman.
At that moment, the bell tolled from the Tower of Babel, resounding throughout the entire capital.
It was already midnight.
After the bells rang, fireworks rose from the imperial city and bloomed in the sky. Hearing the sound, the people in the city all came out of their homes to watch the fireworks.
Achan sat on the ground, hugging her snowman head and looking up at the sky. Large snowflakes fell on her head and eyelashes.
Chen Hui and Lü Ruhui stood side by side, looking towards the direction of the palace. The dazzling colors of the sky dazzled their eyes.
"It's a new year again." Lü Ruhui turned to Chen Hui and said, "Hui Niang, Happy New Year."
Happy Chinese New Year.
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