An Jun entered the Golden Palace.
The Minister of Rites also did not return.
Qi Huai was restless and tossing and turning at the Qi family's residence, so he simply squatted down at the gate of the imperial city to wait.
Xu Mo readily agreed to accompany her, not even getting to eat a single dumpling at home.
The second courtyard.
Holding the dumplings, Jiang Sheng felt a pang of sadness. "It's the first day of the Lunar New Year this year. Even the emperor has to work. My brothers aren't here, and even meat dumplings don't taste good."
Chang Yan put down his bowl and glanced in the direction of the imperial city.
According to the laws of the Dayu Dynasty, the emperor could take a seven-day holiday during the Lunar New Year, consisting of four days before the New Year, three days after the New Year, and only on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year was he required to attend the morning court session to handle memorials.
But since his elder brother and Qi Huai exposed the cheating in the imperial examinations before the New Year, given his diligence, he certainly wouldn't wait until the fourth day of the Lunar New Year to deal with it.
It's a pity that my older brother worked so hard to roll out so many dumpling wrappers, but in the end he couldn't get a single bite.
"Or, we could send some to our elder brother," Wen Zhiyun suggested hesitantly.
Jiang Sheng and Chang Yan both looked over.
Should we deliver the dumplings to the gates of the imperial city?
This sudden suggestion left Jiang Sheng speechless and Chang Yan's expression changing drastically.
He was willing to go to Fengjing for his elder brother's sake in the imperial examinations.
She was willing to stay in Fengjing to be with her brother and sister.
But getting close to the imperial city is absolutely forbidden, absolutely not allowed.
"I...I'm not going." Chang Yan managed to squeeze out three words.
Hesitantly, Wen Zhiyun and shocked Jiang Sheng turned their heads at the same time, their four big eyes filled with confusion.
"Xiao Wu, do you not like this suggestion?" Wen Zhiyun asked timidly.
He was the most timid boy in the family. Even after becoming a doctor, he remained gentle and shy in front of his family. He would offer suggestions in small, soft voices, afraid of being rejected.
Chang Yan's lips moved slightly, and he seemed to vaguely see his fourth brother's reddened eyes, so he quickly swallowed his words.
"Fifth Brother is probably worried that the meat dumplings will get cold and cause Big Brother to have diarrhea after eating them." Jiang Sheng scratched his head. "There's no place to relieve oneself at the gate of the capital, is there?"
No, we don't have that.
Watching the fourth brother being led astray by his younger sister, discussing urination, the long banquet was filled with both laughter and tears.
Oh well, it's just an imperial city.
From the age of eight to twelve, four years had sculpted him beyond recognition; even his former relatives, upon close inspection, would likely not be able to recognize him.
So what has he to fear?
This trip to the imperial city gate, the long banquet, was merely to accompany my brother and sister.
Just then, Aunt Zhang brought over a large bowl of freshly cooked dumplings. Jiang Sheng covered them with a shallow plate, wrapped them in a clean jacket, and then took two pairs of chopsticks with her before driving to the gate of the imperial city.
As the imperial city, its location in Fengjing is undoubtedly one of the best. Not only is it situated in the center of the city, but it also occupies an exceptionally large area. The west gate alone is larger than their two-courtyard house.
Jiang Sheng held the dumplings, staring at them intently, her mouth practically watering.
Chang Yan chuckled, wiped her mouth clean with a handkerchief, and reminded her, "Be careful not to drop it in the bowl, or your older brother will eat your drool dumplings."
Jiang Sheng snapped out of her daze, glanced at the sturdy cotton-padded jacket, and glared at Chang Yan. "Fifth Brother, you bad guy! Where did I drool? I was just... I was just thinking that the capital city is so big. If it were just ordinary houses, I wonder how many beggars could live there."
Even if there is no food or drink, no charcoal or bedding, as long as there is a place to shelter from the wind and rain, the beggars can still survive in winter.
Ultimately, big houses are for important people, even if they don't fill them up or leave them empty.
Even so, the number of wronged souls inside is no less than that of the beggars who froze to death.
Chang Yan lowered his head and slowly raised the corners of his mouth, as if he were smiling, but with a hint of eeriness.
Jiang Sheng was still staring blankly outside, unaware of what was happening.
Wen Zhiyun saw this and felt strange. He vaguely felt that he had made the wrong suggestion and should not have asked Xiao Wu when she refused, which made Xiao Wu change her original decision.
But since we're already here, there's no turning back.
He could only move over, pat Changyan's shoulder reassuringly, and then lean forward and whisper, "Don't be afraid, Xiao Wu, Fourth Brother is here."
Although he was weak, timid, and always hesitant.
But he also wanted to protect his younger siblings.
Changyan sensed something, gently leaned on his brother's thin shoulder, and hummed in agreement through his nose.
Wen Zhiyun smiled happily.
The carriage was quickly brought to a stop.
Xu Mo and Qi Huai were standing in front of the Qi family carriage, their faces solemn as they gazed at the gates of the imperial city.
When they realized that someone else was coming, they turned their heads at the same time and saw Jiang San and Jiang Si driving the carriage.
"Young Master Qi."
After exchanging greetings, one of the Jiangs got out of the carriage to tie up the horse, while the other lifted the curtain and gently helped the excited little girl who had jumped out of the carriage to her feet.
As soon as her feet touched the ground, Jiang Sheng rushed to Xu Mo and presented the bowl and plate in her arms like a treasure, "Big brother, I brought you dumplings."
Xu Mo took it and found it was still warm.
He took out a pair of chopsticks and handed them to Qi Huai, saying, "We always have to eat dumplings during the Spring Festival. Don't worry about etiquette, just have a taste."
After saying that, he picked up a piece and put it in his mouth, the rich aroma of meat filling his mouth.
"Does it smell good, big brother?" Jiang Sheng asked, tilting his head back.
Xu Mo swallowed, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Delicious, especially delicious."
The aroma of the dumplings is secondary; the most important thing is the company of family, which brings peace of mind and comfort. Even in the cold and bleak month of January, one can stand tall and fearless.
Qi Huai ate half a bowl, still savoring the meal as he put down his chopsticks, saying, "Brother Xu, you must have earned this blessing in your past life."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com