Chapter 64. This year is also a very good year. ...
On the last day before the yamen was sealed off for the holiday, Lin Yan got up early and directed his servants to load the cloth bags, which had been divided the day before and labeled with the surnames of the Hanlin colleagues, onto the carriage.
The atmosphere at the Hanlin Academy was completely different from that at the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Sacrifices. The Hanlin Academy was mostly populated by upright scholars, and the overall atmosphere was much better than that of the Ministry of Sacrifices under Wu Haimin's leadership.
Although Lin Yan did not serve here for very long, he got along quite well with the editors and reviewers of similar age, and the senior scholars also showed him a lot of support and care.
When the carriage arrived at the Hanlin Academy, Lin Yan had just gotten off when he encountered Zhou Wenbin, a Hanlin lecturer.
Seeing the servants behind him carrying large and small bags of things down the stairs, Zhou Wenbin couldn't help but laugh and said, "Lord Lin, are you bringing all your belongings to the Hanlin Academy?"
Lin Yan smiled and picked up a bag embroidered with the character "Zhou" and handed it to him: "It's almost the New Year, so I brought some food from home to share with everyone. It's all cheap stuff: pork jerky, dried fish, homemade flatbread, and my mother's homemade pepper wine. Try it out."
Zhou Wenbin took the bag; it felt heavy in his hand, and a faint aroma of salty dried meat, mixed with the fragrance of pepper and cypress, wafted out. A look of surprise mixed with embarrassment appeared on his face: "How can I accept this?"
"It's homemade, just for fun. Take it, I still need to deliver it to other people." Lin Yan patted his shoulder, then picked up a few more bags and walked into the yard.
Lin Yan first went to the offices of several highly respected senior scholars, respectfully presented them with New Year's gifts, and spoke with exceptional humility and thoughtfulness: "It's just some simple country food, nothing special, but it's meant to add some appetizers for the New Year. I hope you won't find it offensive."
The old scholars stroked their beards and smiled, finding Lin Yan's sentiment—purely a heartfelt sharing of the joy of the New Year, devoid of any ulterior motives.
The items weren't particularly valuable, but they were thoughtfully crafted and made in a family-made style, giving them a warm and welcoming feel. More importantly, Lin Yan was a close advisor to the Emperor, so even if he acted arrogantly, they wouldn't object to it. Yet, Lin Yan showed no arrogance whatsoever.
Next, Lin Yan moved between the various editing and reviewing rooms.
When his colleagues received this unexpected gift, their reactions were mostly similar to Zhou Wenbin's: first surprise, then sincere thanks and smiles. It's the New Year, after all; any normal person would be happy to receive a gift from someone.
"Lord Lin, you're too kind!"
"Oh my, is this the pepper and cypress wine that Madam Wen brewed herself? I've been craving this for so long!"
"This pork jerky looks substantial and has a good chew! Thank you, Scholar Lin!"
"Lord Lin, if you have some free time during the New Year, would you like to come over to my home for a couple of drinks?"
The duty room was filled with laughter and joy, and the festive atmosphere grew stronger.
Compared to the cold indifference of the Ministry of Rites back then, where everyone was scheming and plotting, the liveliness and sincerity here made Lin Yan feel at ease.
He smiled and agreed, but he couldn't help feeling a little emotional.
Back when he was in the Ministry of Rites, he did consider trying to ease tensions, but at that time he was a nobody with little influence, his superior Wu Haimin deliberately suppressed him, and his colleagues like Zheng Jing were used to flattering the powerful and belittling the weak, shirking responsibility and shirking their duties. The whole atmosphere was chaotic and toxic. If he had sent gifts back then, he would probably not only have failed to gain any favor, but would also have been ridiculed for currying favor or suspected of having ulterior motives.
Lin Yan simply gave up on the idea and became a pure wage earner.
Now that he has been promoted to Hanlin Academician, he enjoys the Emperor's favor and no longer needs to worry about so many things.
He felt confident enough to act according to his own wishes and share the food simply because he felt that his colleagues were of decent character, got along well with him, and were willing to share the joy of the New Year with him. He had no intention of currying favor or showing off. And it was precisely because of his position and this purity that his colleagues were more able to accept and appreciate this sentiment.
After the items were distributed, Lin Yan returned to his duty room. Outside the window, some impatient colleagues had already opened their oil paper packages and were sharing pork jerky with people in the adjacent duty rooms. Faint exclamations of praise drifted in on the wind.
Lin Yan smiled and began to organize the last few documents on his desk.
Once I finish the last bit of work, I can finally take a vacation.
After finishing his shift and returning home, Lin Yan quickly changed out of his official robes, had them washed and stored away, and would not wear them again for another half month.
After changing his clothes, Lin Yan went to find his parents without stopping: "Dad, Mom, since it's still early today, shall we go out for a walk as a family? Let's buy some New Year's goods and add some fresh touches."
Lin Yan suggested, "Let Mo'er drag Cousin Ke, who is always buried in his studies, out of the study so he can relax a bit."
Wen Yun was persuaded and covered her mouth with a smile: "That's true. Although there are many servants at home now, it's the New Year, so it's more fun to stroll around by yourself. I'll have Granny Liu go and call Mo'er and Ke'er."
Before long, Lin Mo flew out like a cheerful little bird, followed by a slightly uneasy Wen Ke.
Wen Ke was still holding a book in his hand, which his cousin had obviously dug out of the pile of books. His face showed a bit of bewilderment, like a scholar whose train of thought had been interrupted. But when he saw the warm smiles of his aunt and cousins, that bewilderment turned into a gentle smile.
"Cousin Yan," Wen Ke greeted with a cupped-hand salute.
"Cousin Ke, let's put the books down for now and go out for a stroll," Lin Yan said with a smile, patting his shoulder.
The family left the house laughing and chatting.
As the year draws to a close, the streets are busier and more lively than usual.
The shouts of vendors, the sounds of bargaining, and the laughter of children mingled together, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Lin Yan took a deep breath of the aroma of roasted nuts and the sweet scent of candied melon filling the air; it smelled wonderful.
The first items purchased were peach wood charms and door god statues.
The stall was filled with a dazzling array of peach wood charms, engraved with various auspicious patterns and words of blessing.
Lin Chengji chose a pair of door god statues, "Shen Tu" and "Yu Lei," which are majestic and fierce, and are best suited for warding off evil spirits and protecting the house.
Wen Yun, on the other hand, took a fancy to a pair of more elegant peach wood charms with the inscriptions "Promotion and Prosperity" and "Wealth and Peace".
Lin Mo picked up a carving of a chubby baby holding a carp, admiring it dearly: "Mom, this is beautiful!"
Lin Yan leaned over for a look: "Hmm, it looks good, I'll buy it!"
Wen Ke watched quietly from the side, his eyes filled with a hint of envy for the warmth of the Lin family. Lin Yan then handed him a peach charm with the inscription "Toad Palace Success": "Cousin, this is perfect for you. You will definitely pass the imperial examination next spring!"
Wen Ke held the smooth, slightly cool peach charm, feeling a warmth in his heart, and said softly, "Thank you, Cousin Yan."
Finally, Lin Chengji made the decision: he bought some door gods and several auspicious peach wood charms, and put them on all the doors and windows to bring good luck.
Next came the purchase of supplies for the "New Year's feast".
Although the Lin family is now well-off and has many servants, Wen Yun still insists on personally selecting many things to ensure she feels at ease.
New bowls and chopsticks, new cups and saucers, red candles, firecrackers... Lin Yan and Lin Mo followed behind their mother, responsible for carrying things and giving their opinions, while Lin Chengji and Wen Ke were more like guards and advisors, occasionally commenting on the price and quality.
"Mother, isn't the glaze on this porcelain bowl bright enough?"
"Dad, do you think these firecrackers are loud enough?"
"Cousin, this red candle burns long enough, right? Don't let it go out halfway through our New Year's Eve vigil."
It's mundane and ordinary, yet it's full of the comfort and warmth of everyday life.
After buying these, I went to a clothing store.
The Lin family certainly doesn't lack clothes these days, but getting new clothes for the New Year is an old tradition, meant to bring good luck in bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new.
Wen Yun chose a sturdy, dark blue satin for Lin Chengji, and a crimson brocade with a swastika pattern for herself.
Lin Mo, with her girlish heart, was overwhelmed by the variety of brightly colored fabrics. She picked up a pale yellow one but thought it was too delicate, and a light green one but felt it was too cold. In the end, Wen Yun made the decision and ordered a begonia red jacket and skirt for her, which made her look even more charming.
Lin Yan didn't care much about his clothes. He just picked out a piece of bamboo-green fabric and that was it. Xiao Che made him a whole bunch of new clothes, all made of the best materials.
When it was Wen Ke's turn, he hesitated and declined, saying, "Aunt, there's no need to spend money on me. I have enough clothes to wear."
Lin Chengji waved his hand and said, "Hey, what are you saying? Since you're spending the New Year at home, you're part of the Lin family. How can you not get new clothes? Madam, I think that indigo-blue satin with cloud patterns is quite nice. Make one for Ke'er, and also a sky-blue straight robe. Young people should dress smartly!"
Unable to refuse, Wen Ke looked at his uncle and aunt's sincere smiles and bowed solemnly, saying, "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt."
As they left the clothing store, everyone had a few more bags in their hands.
Lin Mo, still not satisfied, pulled Wen Yun into the jewelry shop next door.
Lin Chengji, Lin Yan, and Wen Ke, the three men, had no choice but to follow behind and act as mobile storage racks.
"Father, do you think this beaded hairpin suits Mother?"
"Brother, does this velvet flower look better on me, or does that silver hairpin look better?"
"Cousin Ke, what do you think?"
Wen Ke had no idea about these things. When asked, he blushed and could only say "Very good" and "All look good".
Lin Yan was delighted by what he saw, and his mother and sister made him take out money to buy a bunch of hairpins, pendants, velvet flowers, and silk flowers.
Lin Chengji stroked his beard and smiled, occasionally offering a suggestion: "That jade buckle is of good quality; make one for your mother."
After finally finishing their shopping, the family returned to the Lin residence with bags full of purchases. Although they were a little tired, their faces were filled with satisfied and joyful smiles.
"Finally back!" Lin Mo put down his things and slumped into a chair. "My legs are sore from all this walking. It's more tiring than a whole day of classes at school."
Wen Yun smiled and tapped her forehead: "You talk too much. You were the one who bought the most just now."
Lin Chengji instructed his servants to put away all the purchased items, then rolled up his sleeves and personally began to arrange for the nailing of peach wood charms and the pasting of door gods.
Lin Yan and Wen Ke also stepped forward to help, one holding the ladder and the other handing over a hammer.
The servants were busy but orderly, hanging up big red lanterns, pasting paper-cut window decorations, and sweeping the corners of the courtyard.
The entire Lin residence was illuminated by warm red lanterns, and the air was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked paste and food, creating an atmosphere so rich and palpable that it felt like the New Year was approaching.
Soon, brand-new peach wood charms were nailed to the gate, and imposing door gods stood on the left and right. Bright red lanterns lit up under the eaves, and soft light filled the courtyard. The paper-cut "Fu" (福, meaning good fortune) characters on the window lattices were lively and beautiful.
The entire Lin residence was enveloped in a rich festive atmosphere, filled with joy and warmth.
Wen Yun led Lin Mo and the maids to the kitchen to oversee the preparation of a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner.
After Lin Chengji finished pasting the door gods, he walked around the courtyard with his hands behind his back, satisfied, checking the arrangements.
Lin Yan and Wen Ke stood under the eaves, looking at their brightly lit home filled with laughter, and smiled at each other.
"It's Chinese New Year again," Lin Yan said softly.
Wen Ke nodded deeply, gazing at the warm lights, his eyes filled with warmth: "Yes, it's New Year's again."
The cold wind seemed to be driven away by the warm red and laughter filling the courtyard, and the cold wave gradually faded away.
This year is also a very good year.
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Author's note: Wishing everyone a Happy New Year in advance! [droopy-eared rabbit head emoji]
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