Chapter 101 Winter Solstice
Wen Zhiyuan stroked the amber in his palm, thinking about the idea proposed by Chen Shiyi.
"Do you know what amber is made of?"
Chen Shiyi nodded.
"It's rosin, the oil that oozes out of the bark of pine trees. When exposed to high heat, rosin becomes soft, so I thought that you are more knowledgeable about these things and know a lot of people. If you can solve this problem..."
Wen Zhiyuan nodded.
"Okay, leave this matter to me."
Chen Shiyi was all smiles.
"Wait for your good news."
Wen Zhiyuan had doubts again.
"Where can I get large quantities of rosin?"
Chen Shiyi waved his sleeves with his right hand.
"I have a large forest and nothing else. The pine resin should be enough."
It is impossible to collect rosin in autumn and winter, but Xiaomin, the youngest son of the grandtenant, loves collecting rosin the most. I borrowed some raw materials from him and asked Xuwen to send them to Wen Zhiyuan.
The days passed slowly in waiting.
During the winter solstice, Wen Zhiyuan left a letter for Chen Shiyi, inviting her to his house to celebrate the festival.
Chen Shiyi thought for a while, thinking about Amber. He would have to meet her many times in the future, so he prepared a gift and took Xuwen and Yuanxi with him.
Wen Zhiyuan seemed very happy about Chen Shiyi's arrival. The house was decorated very grandly, the house was warm like spring, and the food on the dining table was rich and exquisite.
When Chen Shiyi sat down, he saw a table full of delicacies from land and sea, and felt embarrassed and uncomfortable.
"Second Young Master, is this too grand?"
Wen Zhiyuan shook his head.
"Even if you didn't come, I was planning to spend the day like this. Besides, Chun'er is the one who prepared the meal, and I'm waiting to eat just like you."
How could Chen Shiyi not understand?
She smiled and said.
"The Second Young Master's wife has always had good taste. She prepares the most delicious delicacies."
Several people took their seats.
Wen Zhiyuan, Chen Shiyi, the second young master's wife, and Rui'er were sitting in front of a round table made of huanghuali wood and carved with gold. Even Xiaozhi was sitting in a high chair and picked up a spoon by herself.
Xuwen and Yuanxi were arranged to eat in another room.
On the winter solstice, it is necessary to eat dumplings.
Rui'er said this to Chen Shiyi proudly.
"Sister, I also made two dumplings today."
"Oh, Rui'er is really amazing. Let me look for it and see if I am lucky enough to eat the dumplings made by Rui'er."
The Second Young Master’s wife laughed.
"Eleven, don't praise him. He's already this old, and he's still showing off just by making dumplings."
Wen Zhiyuan took the initiative to serve a bowl of fish soup to Chen Shiyi.
"This is a fish from the small stream pond in Lingfeng Temple. It is said that it is born from the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Chun'er prayed there for a long time before she got one. Now it has become gelatinous. I have been simmering it over low heat. Now is the right time to drink it."
Chen Shiyi took it carefully and thought, this bowl of fish soup is really too expensive.
"Mrs. Second Young Master, you've worked hard."
"Don't talk about these things. They are nothing compared to your sincere treatment of us in the past."
Wen Zhiyuan glanced at the expressions of the two people and smiled.
"Don't just talk, eat quickly, or it will get cold..."
A few people were talking happily when suddenly a servant came in and spoke.
"Master, the Marquis is here."
Hearing this, everyone looked shocked.
Wen Zhiyuan hurriedly shook his head at Chen Shiyi, indicating that he didn't know.
Chen Shiyi understood.
"Is there a place where we can hide?"
I was afraid it was too late, as the footsteps outside the door were getting closer and closer.
Chen Shiyi saw the screen beside him and instantly disappeared behind it.
Wen Zhiheng's figure appeared at the door and appeared in the dining hall in an instant.
Wen Zhiyuan quickly saluted him.
"Brother."
Rui'er ran to Wen Zhiheng with a smile and hugged his waist.
"Uncle, Rui'er hasn't seen you for a long time."
Wen Zhiheng held Rui'er's hand and looked at him carefully.
"I haven't seen you for a long time. Let me take a look at you. You've lost weight. Did you stay up late to study?"
"The Master said that to study one must have the spirit of chiseling through the wall to steal light."
Wen Zhiheng smiled.
"There is enough light at home. You don't need to steal. Just keep your eyes open."
Wen Zhiyuan asked respectfully.
"Brother, you haven't had dinner yet, so it's a good opportunity for us to have dinner together."
He turned and gave instructions to the servant beside him.
"Go prepare a set of dishes and chopsticks."
Wen Zhiheng glanced at the desktop.
"No need, isn't this already available?"
Wen Zhiyuan took a glance and explained immediately.
"This is the seat arranged for Xiao Zhi, and it has already been used. I'm afraid it's not appropriate."
Wen Zhiheng glanced at Wen Zhiyuan deeply, then spoke nonchalantly.
"It's just a set of bowls and chopsticks, why are you so cautious?"
"Don't be careless when it comes to things that big brother needs."
As soon as Wen Zhiheng sat down, the whole scene became quiet. Everyone ate quietly, not daring to say a word.
"Zhiyuan, how are you doing in Yanzhou? Is there anything you are not used to?"
Wen Zhiyuan shook his head.
"It's good. It's quiet here. There aren't so many formalities. It makes me feel more comfortable."
"Well, that's good. I thought you would feel resentful."
"I dare not go that far."
"The Ministry of Revenue has to come to Yanzhou for some business, and will come to see you and Rui'er."
"You're busy during the winter solstice festival, big brother is really working hard."
Wen Zhiheng put down the chopsticks in his hand, as if he remembered something, with the corners of his mouth slightly curved.
"I remember when I was in Fangling, during the winter solstice, no matter how difficult it was, Shiyi would always make dumplings for us. Some of them made dumplings with eggs and corn, which looked like gold ingots. She said whoever ate them would be blessed to make a fortune in the coming year. Tell me, where would there be such a shameless person who wanted to get all the blessings..."
After saying this, he picked up the wine glass next to him and took a sip.
Wen Zhiyuan filled his glass again and spoke softly.
"It's all in the past, it's been so long..."
"Yeah, it's all in the past..."
Rui'er looked at Wen Zhiheng and asked weakly.
"Uncle, why didn't Aunt come with you?"
"She's in Kyoto, with her grandmother."
Ruier pouted and asked again.
"Uncle, why isn't aunt my sister? I've seen you kiss her."
Wen Zhiyuan and the Second Young Master's wife were immediately shocked.
Rui'er is usually very well-behaved. What happened today? Why did he ask such a question? I guess it's because Eleven is here.
Wen Zhiyuan immediately rebuked.
"Rui'er, stop talking nonsense. Chun'er, we're done eating. Take Rui'er and Xiaozhi out!"
The Second Young Master's wife nodded, bowed to Wen Zhiheng, and left with everyone else in the dining hall.
Wen Zhiheng didn't seem to care and continued to drink his wine leisurely.
"Brother, Rui'er is ignorant."
Wen Zhiyuan raised his eyes cautiously and glanced at Wen Zhiheng.
"It doesn't matter. Rui'er is right. Why blame him so harshly?"
The dining hall suddenly became silent.
Wen Zhiheng twirled the wine glass in his hand and laughed at himself.
"You must all be feeling uncomfortable with me being here, right?"
"When I was outside, I could hear the laughter and joy inside, but as soon as I came in, there was nothing. Am I not worthy of such a life?"
"Brother, don't think too much..."
"In fact, I am not worthy. When I was the eldest son of a marquis, everyone respected me, honored me, and feared me. I no longer had a self. What everyone saw was the glory that covered me. And for this glory, I had to lose the warm time that many people in the world could easily get."
"It seems that this is how the world is. You envy me and I envy you..."
“It’s really boring…”