This New Year is destined to be very busy.
The heavy snow continued to sweep through Fengjing on the second day of the Lunar New Year, and the streets that the Fengtian Prefecture yamen runners had cleared with their backsides sticking out were once again covered in white.
Where the snow has not yet melted, the peaks rise even higher, deep enough to hide a person.
Xu Mo stood in front of the boiler, lifting the cotton curtain and frowning. "The snowfall in Fengjing this year is unprecedented. I'm afraid the second son will have a hard time moving around outside. I wonder when he will return."
And what about Xiao Si, who followed Xiao Wu into the palace? I wonder what her situation is now.
He was even unsure whether his planned visit should proceed as scheduled.
People are misled by snow, and time waits for no one.
His brow furrowed with worry, and as he lightly lowered the cotton curtain, a sound came from outside.
Immediately afterwards, the door was kicked open, and Jiang Sheng, wearing a thick cotton-padded coat, rushed in. His nose was still covered in soot from the bottom of the pot, and his hands were also covered in soot. However, his attitude was devout, as if he were holding gold and silver. "Big brother, here you go."
Xu Mo looked closely and realized that it was freshly baked taro.
"It's baked in the ash from the bottom of the pot, so it's dirty on the outside but soft, sticky, and sweet on the inside." She rubbed a handkerchief with her elbow and carefully wrapped it up. "Even though my brothers aren't here, I still have to be happy."
When it comes to attitude towards life, Xiao Jiang Sheng is the best.
Xu Mo chuckled, skillfully took the roasted taro, peeled off the skin to reveal the steaming hot inside, took a bite, and found it sweet, soft, and glutinous.
His heart suddenly calmed down.
The second brother has traveled all over the country for several years. He certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to stay still when suddenly caught in heavy snow. He's probably already found a place to hide and is just waiting for the snow to melt before coming back.
Although Xiao Si was timid and cowardly, he was actually stubborn and tenacious. Once he set his mind on something, he would not turn back. He had an exceptional talent for medicine, and most importantly, he was willing to work hard and learn from the best of various schools of thought in the Imperial Medical Academy. This was more beneficial than harmful to him.
Even though the imperial city is fraught with danger, with Xiao Wu's shrewdness, they can always turn danger into safety.
However, this heavy snow makes it a bit unsuitable for a visit.
But think about the plans ahead, think about the efforts made by Xiao Si and Xiao Wu, think about the ongoing imperial examination cheating scandal in Fengjing, and think about Wang Yuyao hiding in the Fang family.
Xu Mo's expression changed from hesitation to determination. He ate the last bite of taro, elegantly wiped the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief, stood up, tied on his cloak, and faced the wind and rain.
"Big brother..." a wronged voice came from behind, "Why did you finish eating it all?"
Xu Mo turned around in surprise and realized that Jiang Sheng seemed to have only grilled this one taro.
He mistakenly thought there was still a lot left, and in the spirit of not wasting any, he ate it all up.
"I haven't even tried it yet." Jiang Sheng pouted, her eyes darting around as Xu Mo's scalp tingled. "You ate all my taro, so you have to take me out. You can't leave me alone at home."
He immediately realized that the chubby girl was playing tricks on him.
First, she brought over a unique taro, deliberately not explaining, watching Xu Mo finish it before muttering to herself, and finally used this as a pretext to ask to go out together.
I never expected that not only has my fourth brother become more cunning, but my younger sister has also learned to dig traps.
Xu Mo was both amused and exasperated. Understanding that she was lonely, he nodded after a moment's thought, "Okay."
Let's do it together then.
The wind and snow were still heavy outside. The brother and sister tied on thick cloaks and put on bamboo hats, and walked on through the ankle-deep snow.
Behind them were Jiang San and Jiang Si carrying gifts, their feet leaving messy patterns as they walked.
There's also Zhang Xianglian and the master chef gazing into the distance from the doorway, creating a simple yet magical scene.
The distance from the second courtyard to the Dou family's house is not far.
The wind and snow were too heavy to drive, so the group walked for about two cups of tea's time before finally standing in front of the Dou family's house.
As a prominent family in Fengjing, they naturally had many servants, and the snow was cleared quickly, leaving only a thin layer on the bluestone ground.
Jiang San stepped forward and knocked on the door. Soon, a gatekeeper from the Dou family poked his head out and asked, "Who is it?"
"Xu Mo, a compiler of the Hanlin Academy, requests an audience." Xu Mo's tone was calm.
I thought the gatekeeper would have to go back and report, but to my surprise, he immediately opened the gate and said respectfully, "Greetings, Lord Xu. Our master said that whenever Lord Xu, a member of the Hanlin Academy, comes, there is no need to announce his arrival; he should be introduced directly."
This can be considered a form of favoritism.
Xu Mo felt grateful, but his emotions were also becoming increasingly aggravated. He silently followed into the courtyard.
The Dou family and the Jiang family were of similar status, and their courtyards and corridors were also very similar. The bluestone paths were covered with snow that had just fallen, and the branches of the artificial hills and trees were clean and tidy. The snow tracks left by pedestrians were quickly cleared away.
Upon arriving at the reception hall, they found that charcoal had already been lit for warmth. A maid stood at the door to take the straw hat and cloak from them, while a servant carried the gifts and led Jiang San and Jiang Si away to rest.
A master has his way of treating guests, and a servant has his way of treating guests.
As expected of the Fengjing family.
Xu Mo had just sat down and taken a couple of sips of hot tea to ward off the chill when he heard his head maid come over to report, "Greetings, Master Xu. Our master has gone out to drink tea and discuss philosophy with Master Qi. Only Madam and Miss are at home. We have already sent someone to look for Master, and Madam will be here soon. Please wait a moment, Master Xu."
The "Lord Qi" mentioned here should be the Minister of Rites.
If he did not wish to meet the women of the inner quarters, he should have already gotten up to take his leave.
Xu Mo smiled and nodded, cupping his hands in thanks, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss."
He was handsome, elegant, and very polite. Even the maids felt a little embarrassed and bowed respectfully before leaving.
Before long, Madam Dou led Miss Dou gracefully in.
Xu Mo and Jiang Sheng stood up at the same time. After exchanging greetings, they did not forget to express their gratitude, saying, "We are grateful to our teacher's wife for her help. We will never forget her kindness."
He was a student of Anshui County. Since he could call Dou Weiming, the governor of Anshui County, his teacher, he could also call Madam Dou his teacher's wife.
"Don't be so polite. I've heard of you but never met you. Seeing you today, I realize you truly live up to your reputation. You are indeed a dragon among men." Madam Dou's eyes sparkled as she looked at you with increasing affection.
The young lady from the Dou family, however, remained seated calmly, neither interrupting nor expressing her opinion.
There was neither the embarrassment of failing to win a son-in-law nor the joy of a young girl in love; it was unusually calm.
"As you know, my half-brother does live in the imperial city. I called him out to bid farewell to an old friend." The Dou family already knew about these things, so there was no point in hiding them anymore. Xu Mo simply laid it all out openly. "It was my oversight that led the Dou family into the waters of imperial power."
That's what they say, but the Dou family isn't stupid. They must understand the significance of helping the Fifth Prince and have shown their willingness to get involved.
Xu Mo knew that the Dou family had a transcendent status, neither seeking power nor influence, nor even the merit of following the emperor.
What they're after is an outstanding son-in-law who is a top scholar.
Just like Madam Dou's gaze at this moment, it was clearly the look of a mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law, growing more and more fond of him the more she looked.
Jiang Sheng bound the Jiang family by blood, so he could only bind the Dou family by marriage.
Only with the combined support of the two powerful families could the frail Fifth Prince be supported.
Xu Mo used to be disdainful, hoping for peace and tranquility in the world.
But now, whether it's out of gratitude or a sense of obligation, from the moment he asked the Dou family for help, he was willing to sacrifice his marriage.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com