Chapter 65 Your Majesty, I wish you a happy and healthy New Year, and all the best…
Lunar New Year's eve.
Even before dawn, the Lin residence was bustling with activity and brightly lit.
The servants, their breath steaming in the air, hurried along, yet worked in an orderly fashion.
The kitchen was steaming, filled with the rich aroma of meat, fried food, and steamed cakes, making one's mouth water.
Wen Yun, dressed in a neat cotton-padded jacket with an oil-proof apron over it, gave orders with composure.
"Over here, yes, that bluefish needs to be killed and cooked on the spot."
"Granny Wang, keep an eye on the chicken soup on the stove. When it's ready, skim off the oil and let it simmer. We'll make noodles for everyone to eat while we stay up to celebrate the New Year tonight."
"That whole sheep is for the banquet after the ancestral worship ceremony, so don't bump it."
Several rough-working women carried a whole, cleaned, fat sheep into the kitchen with a heave, while chicken, duck, fish, and meat were already piled up on the corner cutting board.
Wen Yun glanced at them and immediately understood what was going on. She then ordered people to fetch preserved meats and dried fruits from the cellar.
In contrast to the bustling activity in the kitchen, the front yard presents a different, more dignified scene.
Lin Chengji also got up early, changed into a brand-new dark-colored casual outfit, and with a solemn expression, personally led the servants to set up an incense table and place offerings in the courtyard in front of the main hall.
The incense table was made of the finest sandalwood and was usually stored in the storeroom. It was only brought out for ancestral worship during festivals or major celebrations. The servants carefully carried it to the center of the courtyard and laid a brand-new red felt carpet on it.
The offerings were dazzling and extremely abundant.
The whole pig's head, with its tail in its mouth, symbolizes seeing things through to the end; the whole chicken stands tall and proud, its feathers glossy and smooth; the fat fish has its scales intact, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
Various cakes and fruits are stacked into a tower, including honey cake, hibiscus cake, and mixed fruit rice cake... all made with carefully selected ingredients and exquisite craftsmanship.
Seasonal fruits such as apples, oranges, and persimmons were also washed clean, glistening with an enticing sheen.
The wine vessel was filled with fragrant wine, and thick incense sticks were inserted into the incense burner.
All the utensils were of the finest quality. Clearly, because Lin Yan was promoted and gained the emperor's favor this year, the entire Lin family felt that it was thanks to the blessings of their ancestors. This year's ancestral worship was more grand and elaborate than in previous years.
Lin Chengji meticulously checked the position of each offering and adjusted the angle of the candlesticks to ensure everything was perfect. A cold wind blew by, and his breath fogged his serious face, but his eyes were exceptionally bright.
In stark contrast, the courtyard of Lin Yan and Lin Mo, the two siblings, was quiet and still seemed to be asleep.
In fact, Wen Yun's maid had already come to urge him several times, but was stopped by the servant who was guarding the door and serving Lin Yan: "Miss, let the young master sleep a little longer. He stayed up late reading last night."
In reality, Lin Yan stayed up all night packing the food box to send to Xiao Che, and personally carved the peach charm. He didn't go to sleep until the early hours of the morning.
Only when everything in the front yard was ready and the auspicious time for ancestor worship was approaching, and Lin Chengji sent someone to invite him, did the door to Lin Yan's house creak open.
Lin Yan, still wearing an outer robe and with her hair a little disheveled, peeked out sleepily: "Uncle Zhang? What's wrong?"
Uncle Zhang was both amused and exasperated: "My dear young master! The time for ancestral worship is almost here. Master, Madam, and Miss are all waiting for you at the front!"
Lin Yan jolted awake, instantly sober: "Huh? So fast!" She hurriedly retreated to wash up and change clothes.
Almost at the last minute, Lin Yan jogged to the solemn ancestral worship site.
Wen Yun glared at them, annoyed, and said in a low voice, "Why are you up so late? You almost missed the ancestral worship ceremony."
Lin Chengji coughed once, signaling the start of the ceremony.
The entire family immediately composed themselves and knelt on the prayer mats in front of the incense table in order of seniority and rank.
As the head of the family, Lin Chengji took the lead, washed his hands, lit incense, raised it above his head, and bowed deeply three times in the direction of the ancestral tablets set up above the incense table. He recited the prayer he had written in advance, which was nothing more than reporting the family's situation over the past year, thanking the ancestors for their protection, and praying for favorable weather, peace in the home, and success for the descendants in the coming year.
The voice was solemn and steady, carrying far through the cold air.
Then, Lin Chengji inserted the incense sticks into the incense burner, took a step back, and knelt down first, performing the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony.
Wen Yun followed closely behind, followed by Lin Yan and Lin Mo. The group moved in unison, their expressions devout and respectful.
Lin Yan knelt behind his parents, listening to his father's steady prayers, smelling the mixed aroma of sandalwood and food offerings in the air, and looking at his parents' devout backs in front of him. He couldn't help but mutter to himself: "Ancestors, please eat and drink more, and bless our family to have a better year ahead."
The long and solemn ancestral worship ceremony finally came to an end.
The offerings will be removed, and some will be reprocessed into dishes for the New Year's Eve dinner, signifying that after the ancestors have enjoyed them, they have left blessings to their descendants.
Almost immediately after the Lin family's ancestral worship ceremony ended, and the servants were busy tidying up the courtyard in preparation for the banquet, the faint sound of bells and drums could be heard from the direction of the palace, along with the faint chanting and music.
That was the start of the grand "exorcism" ceremony in the palace.
In the chilly, desolate air, a grand "exorcism" ceremony was underway, with flames leaping and smoke swirling, creating an atmosphere that was both solemn and mysterious.
Monks draped in crimson robes closed their eyes and bowed their heads, holding prayer beads and ritual implements, their chanting deep and resonant, rippling outwards like waves; Taoist priests in Bagua robes performed rituals, pointing their swords to the heavens, their talismans moving without wind, the clear sound of bells interspersed among them; and hundreds of carefully selected court performers, wearing ferocious and exaggerated Nuo masks and brightly colored ancient costumes, holding halberds and shields, imitated the dances of ancient people to drive away plague demons, their movements wild and full of primal power, uttering ancient roars.
Xiao Che sat upright under the canopy on the high steps, dressed in a magnificent black imperial robe, with twelve white jade beads hanging in front of his eyes, obscuring most of his expression.
Xiao Yu and several other princes and princesses sat on either side according to their rank, all dressed solemnly and with dignified expressions.
The ceremony was extremely complicated and lengthy, with each step requiring adherence to ancient rituals and no mistakes allowed.
Xiao Che stood tall and straight, seemingly focused on the magnificent ceremony below, but in reality, his eyes were vacant and his mind had already wandered far away.
Thinking of Lin Yan.
What is Lin Yan doing right now? Shouldn't the Lin family be holding an ancestral worship ceremony? What kind of blessings will he ask his ancestors for?
Did he sleep well last night? Today is New Year's Eve, did he remember to wear the new cloak I made for him?
My mind keeps replaying that person's image.
I want to see Lin Yan.
Throughout the entire ceremony, Xiao Che was physically present but spiritually absent.
The New Year's Eve banquet followed immediately.
The location was the Chonghua Hall, which was warm and luxuriously decorated.
The royal relatives, who are usually scattered in various places and rarely seen, gathered together at this time, adorned with jewels and filled with laughter and chatter.
Also present were the Northern Rong delegation that had not yet left the capital, as well as some important court officials.
When everyone failed to see Lin Yan in Chonghua Palace, their thoughts varied. Logically speaking, given Lin Yan's favor with the emperor, he shouldn't have missed the New Year's Eve banquet.
With the sounds of string and wind instruments, gentle singing and dancing, and the clinking of glasses, the scene was lively and extraordinary.
Xiao Che sat in the main seat, receiving the worship and toasts from everyone, speaking grand and auspicious words, maintaining a perfectly appropriate imperial smile on his face, and exchanging pleasantries with several senior members of the imperial family, important officials, and envoys.
Amidst this extreme prosperity and bustle, Xiao Che felt only an emptiness in his heart.
How much sincerity lies behind these smiles? How much of this liveliness is genuine?
Xiao Che seemed like an outsider, coldly watching this feast built on power and status, feeling only tired and bored.
In fact, before the late emperor, Dayu, like the previous dynasty, did not hold such a grand and complicated New Year's Eve palace banquet. At least, it did not invite its officials to the palace to celebrate the New Year with the emperor. It was only during the reign of the late emperor that Dayu's various rules and regulations became more and more numerous.
After several rounds of drinks, the ceremony moved on to the "serving of dishes" segment—an important way for the emperor to express his favor and reward to his subjects.
Xiao Che's spirits lifted, as if he had finally arrived at the long-awaited moment.
Li Defu, holding a long list, began to call out the names.
"Bestow upon the Minister of Revenue a plate of red dragon-shaped dried meat!"
"Bestow upon the Minister of War a pot of pepper and cypress wine!"
...
Finally, it was Lin Yan's turn, whom everyone was very curious about.
"Bestow upon—the Hanlin Academician—a bowl of camel hoof soup and a plate of roasted meat!"
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Everyone's gaze, whether open or hidden, was filled with surprise and curiosity.
It's not unusual to be given food as a gift; what's unusual is the content and quantity of the reward!
Camel hoof soup, made from the heart of a camel's hoof, is extremely rare and is known as "jade jewel." Its flavor is unparalleled and it has always been one of the most exquisite delicacies served at imperial banquets.
The "Xiaolingzhi" is even more remarkable. It is said that only four ounces of meat that meets the requirements can be taken from a sheep. It is carefully roasted and melts in your mouth, with an exceptionally fresh and delicious taste. The word "Ling" (spirit) further highlights its preciousness.
Normally, receiving even one such gift would be a great honor, but Lin Yan received two! And two such precious ones at that!
This favor is so overwhelming!
Those with sharp minds had already realized that Lin Yan's absence from the New Year's Eve banquet was a sign of supreme favor, allowing him to spend the New Year with his family.
The gazes of some of the princes became complicated.
Qimuge lowered his voice and warned his dim-witted elder brother, "Lord Lin holds a very important place in the heart of the Emperor of Dayu. Brother, you must never provoke him in the future."
Agula pursed his lips, said nothing, and simply drank the wine from his bowl in large gulps.
Xiao Che ignored the reactions below and simply instructed Li Defu: "Send someone immediately to deliver it to the Lin residence by fast horse."
Li Defu bowed and agreed, fully aware of the situation.
He had been eyeing this opportunity for a while and immediately gave Li Lianshun a wink.
Li Lianshun understood immediately and quietly withdrew to prepare.
He not only had to take on the task of delivering the food, but more importantly, he had to bring back the things that Lord Lin had prepared for His Majesty in perfect condition!
The Lin family's New Year's Eve dinner had just been set on the table, with steaming chicken, duck, fish, and meat. Just as the family was about to start eating, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the door. Then, the gatekeeper's voice became so excited that it changed tone: "Master! Madam! People from the palace have arrived! It's His Majesty who has bestowed the dishes!"
The whole family quickly got up and went out to greet them.
Li Lianshun stood in the courtyard with two eunuchs, each holding a thermos of food, and a few imperial guards following behind him.
"His Majesty has decreed that, in recognition of Scholar Lin's diligence in serving the king, two imperial meals have been specially bestowed upon him to celebrate the New Year with your family." Li Lianshun's voice was clear and bright, as if he were also a member of the Lin family and shared in their honor.
Lin Chengji hurriedly led his entire family to kneel down and express their gratitude: "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"
After getting up, the young eunuch opened the food box, revealing the exquisite imperial utensils inside.
When Li Lianshun announced "camel hoof soup" and "Xiaoling roasted meat", Lin Chengji and Wen Yun could not hide their shock and said repeatedly, "Your Majesty's kindness is too great, we are humbled."
Lin Mo and Wen Ke also widened their eyes, looking curiously at the legendary delicacy.
Only Lin Yan remained relatively calm, though a hint of understanding and warmth flickered in his eyes—his boyfriend certainly wouldn't mistreat him.
After completing her task of serving the dishes, Li Lianshun did not leave immediately. Instead, she smiled and said to Lin Yan, "Lord Lin, His Majesty has a few words to say privately, which I would like to convey to you in private."
Lin Yan understood and led Li Lianshun out to speak.
Li Lianshun's smile became even more sincere as he whispered, "Lord Lin, have you prepared what you wish to bring to His Majesty?"
Lin Yan nodded and took out a double-layered food box that he had prepared beforehand. On the top layer was a peach wood charm tied with a red rope, which he had personally carved with auspicious patterns and the word "peace".
"Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch Li. This food box contains some dumplings that I made myself. There are several kinds of fillings. You can ask the kitchen to cook them and let us try them. It's a way to symbolize family reunion and staying up late on New Year's Eve. And this peach charm..."
Lin Yan picked up the polished peach charm and said in a softer voice, "Please present it to His Majesty along with the charm, and say... Your Majesty, I wish you a peaceful and prosperous New Year."
Li Lianshun accepted the item with both hands as if it were a priceless treasure, and solemnly said, "Lord Lin, rest assured, this servant will deliver your message exactly as it was, and the item will be delivered to His Majesty intact."
He carefully carried the food box and peach charms himself, not daring to entrust them to anyone else, before taking his leave.
Lin Yan saw Li Lianshun off and returned to the dining room.
The family was curious, but they didn't ask any questions beyond about the food being served.
However, this New Year's Eve dinner became even more complex in flavor because of these two imperial dishes, which were of great significance. The glory of imperial favor was not something that ordinary families could have.
Meanwhile, deep within the palace, though the banquet had not yet ended, Xiao Che's heart had already flown beyond the palace walls, anticipating the "return gift" from Lin Yan.
Xiao Che knew that Lin Yan would definitely prepare a New Year's gift for him.
With that heavy sentiment in her heart, Li Lianshun strode briskly toward the palace gate in the darkness of New Year's Eve.
What he was carrying in his bosom was probably the most favored "New Year's gift" in the palace tonight.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com