Time flies like an arrow, passing by in the blink of an eye.
In the third year of the First Emperor's reign, on the first day of the new year.
"Damn it!"
Hearing the noisy knocking sounds coming from outside the mansion, the wicked husband had no choice but to sit up in bed.
Outside, the snow was falling heavily. The wicked husband, wearing a thick cloak, pushed open the door and stood in the courtyard, letting the snowflakes fall all over his shoulders.
He closed his eyes slightly, feeling the chill of winter while listening to the sounds of gongs and drums and the laughter and shouts of people coming from outside the mansion.
Although this year marks the third year of the First Emperor's reign, it is his first "Spring Festival" in this world.
During the Qin Dynasty, the first day of the tenth lunar month was the beginning of the year, and there was no such thing as the Spring Festival. However, there was a New Year celebration, which was called "Laji" by the common people, and it was just a kind of sacrificial activity.
The wicked husband came from the future, and at the end of the year, he always felt that the truly lively New Year's atmosphere was missing.
So, two or three months ago, he wrote to Ying Zheng, requesting that the last day of the twelfth lunar month be called "New Year's Eve", and the following day be the Spring Festival, and that this be implemented throughout the country.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng and his court officials were quite intrigued. They also felt that after a year of hard work, there should be a reason to celebrate, which would also help to unite the people and demonstrate the court's good governance. Therefore, they readily agreed.
When the news spread among the people, the whole country responded, and everyone eagerly awaited it.
Snowflakes filled the sky, yet the air was filled with a festive atmosphere.
The wicked man smiled slightly and walked towards the gate of the house.
Firecrackers crackled in the streets, children ran and jumped, waving homemade "torches," and occasionally the long, drawn-out incantations of "exorcising evil spirits and praying for blessings" could be heard from the mouths of the elderly.
Every now and then, the sound of gongs and drums would ring out, as spontaneous celebration teams from the neighborhood would parade along the cobblestone streets, leaving deep footprints in the snow, but this did not diminish their enthusiasm in the slightest.
"Grand Commandant, you're awake?" Zhang Erhe saw him approaching and quickly stepped forward to greet him. He then smiled and pointed ahead, "The city is bustling with activity. Vendors have set up their stalls, and there are even small opera troupes selling candy and performing acrobatics. Would you like to go and take a look?"
“I’ll go later.” The wicked man brushed the snow off his shoulders. “I need to go to the palace first to wish the King and the two Queen Mothers a Happy New Year and attend the banquet hosted by the King.”
After he finished speaking, he smiled at Zhang Erhe and added, "Don't be shy. If you have any free time, go for a stroll in the streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere."
Having said that, he strode out of the courtyard gate, boarded the carriage that had been prepared beforehand, and headed towards the palace gate. Along the way, he saw that the streets of Xianyang were decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and red silk ribbons on the city gates fluttered in the wind. The once solemn and dignified city was now transformed into a joyous and festive place.
Many people braved the snow to take to the streets, some carrying lanterns, others carrying meat, and every household wanted to prepare enough food and drink to welcome this unprecedented New Year.
The wicked man, peering through the car window curtain, saw an old man and his children and grandchildren in the distance putting up large red paper with auspicious phrases like "bringing in wealth and treasures," and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
This is what Chinese New Year should be like: laughter, lanterns, celebrations—the hard work and worries of the past year should be temporarily relieved at this moment.
The carriage traveled for a short while before arriving at the palace gate.
Several armored soldiers stood solemnly in front of the gate. The snow on the ground had just been cleared, revealing the bluish-gray stone slabs.
The wicked man alighted from his carriage and walked inside. He saw various colorful decorations hanging on the palace walls, and occasionally, maids carrying newly cut silk flowers would stroll by. Outside the main hall, many ministers had already arrived one after another, standing in groups of three or five under the corridor, congratulating each other in hushed tones.
"Grand Commandant!" A court official greeted him upon his arrival, saying with a smile, "It is truly thanks to your suggestion that our Great Qin enjoys such joy. Xianyang is now as lively as a grand celebration."
"You've all worked hard too." The wicked husband nodded with a smile. Seeing the excitement and joy in the eyes of the officials present, he thought to himself that the officials seemed to enjoy the lively atmosphere, which was much more relaxing than spending their days fighting or discussing politics.
As they were speaking, a palace attendant announced loudly from inside the hall: "The banquet is ready. Gentlemen, please enter the hall and take your seats."
The officials followed the sound and entered.
The furnishings inside the hall were slightly different from before. The ceiling was adorned with colorful satin, and bright torches burned on the four walls. Large animal hides were laid on the floor for warmth, and in the center were tables and mats arranged in a staggered pattern.
Looking further inside, one sees the high platform where King Ying Zheng of Qin resides. He has not yet taken his seat, and only two rows of golden-armored guards stand guard beside him.
Before long, the sound of drums and music began, and palace maids led the dancers out from behind the hall in single file.
Dressed in thin gauze with flowing sleeves, they danced gracefully on the pine branches laid out in front of the palace, sometimes like a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, sometimes like colorful butterflies fluttering, drawing cheers from the officials.
After the dance ended, the curtain parted, and Ying Zheng and a group of eunuchs slowly walked out from the side door and sat upright above.
"The King has arrived—" Zhao Gao's announcement echoed throughout the palace.
The officials hurriedly bowed and paid their respects, and the vast hall fell silent instantly.
Ying Zheng's gaze swept over the assembled officials, his eyes filled with a mixture of majesty and satisfaction. He raised his hand to signal them to rise, then spoke in a booming voice: "My beloved ministers, this year marks the turn of the year once again. I have prepared this grand banquet not only to reward you for your hard work throughout the year, but also to try out the 'Spring Festival' newly created by the Grand Commandant."
"From now on, all people under heaven can gather and celebrate at the end of the year, sharing in peace. I would like to offer you all a toast first."
After saying this, Ying Zheng personally raised the jade goblet on the table and gestured to the assembled officials.
The officials quickly raised their wine cups, shouted New Year's greetings in unison, and then drank them down in one gulp.
The aroma of the wine filled the air, hitting the nasal cavity and warming the senses.
Music from string and wind instruments filled the hall again, and after everyone took their seats, they began to toast and exchange drinks. Performers, musicians, and singers moved about, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
The wicked man held his wine cup but didn't drink it immediately, glancing slightly to the side to observe his surroundings. Some veteran generals and trusted civil officials sat at the front, drinking and laughing, while a few usually prudent officials were more reserved, occasionally whispering and laughing to their colleagues.
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
