As they were talking, before the wicked husband could even finish his sentence, they saw that the dancers below had changed to another group and had begun a second, more lively dance.
Amidst the melodious sounds of sheng and xiao, and the tinkling of jade pendants, the atmosphere of the palace banquet reached an even greater climax.
The officials relaxed, laughter and chatter filling the air. Some rose to offer toasts, others quietly invited each other to raise their glasses. The sounds of clinking glasses, music, and laughter mingled together, making the scene even warmer amidst the heavy snowfall.
Seeing this, the wicked man secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that this grand Spring Festival celebration had been a preliminary success. It was truly remarkable that Ying Zheng, his officials, and countless ordinary people could enjoy a joyous reunion on a snowy night.
Looking back on this year, we have swept away the old guard and promulgated new laws. There has been both bloodshed and triumph. Now, we can all raise our glasses in celebration, briefly washing away the hardships—this is exactly the grand occasion that the wicked man had hoped for.
After several rounds of drinks, some of the veteran officials were already tipsy, their faces flushed, sighing with admiration at the Qin state's recent rise to power and its inevitable rise to prominence.
Some people also talked about the imperial examination system, believing that if it could be piloted in Xianyang and several other major cities next year, it might be able to further win over the hearts of the people.
As dusk fell, the snowfall showed no signs of abating.
Several braziers of charcoal were burning in a corner of the hall, their warmth making one almost forget the freezing cold outside.
As the banquet drew to a close, eunuchs brought out hot soup, dried fruit, and other items to help the officials sober up and clear their heads.
Someone, leaning on the table, struggled to their feet and loudly chanted: "Celebrating the New Year! May the Qin Dynasty's foundation last ten thousand years, and may all the people of Qin enjoy this prosperous age!"
Although his voice carried a hint of intoxication, it truly expressed his feelings at that moment.
Ying Zheng smiled, gently raised his cup in a toast, and expressed his approval.
The wicked man watched this scene from the crowd, feeling a pang of emotion. He was not born and raised in this world, yet he was happy to see such a peaceful scene, which would give him some comfort in this foreign land.
Soon after, Ying Zheng stood up and announced, "The banquet tonight is over. You may all go home and reunite with your families!"
At his command, the drums and music gradually subsided, and palace maids filed out, leading the courtiers, some drunk and some excited, away from the palace.
Outside the main hall, the snow continued to fall heavily, lanterns swayed in the wind, and the world was a vast expanse of white, yet it was made lively by the joy.
As the wicked man finally stepped out of the palace, he looked back at the lights inside, his heart filled with complex emotions.
A year of toil and battles will eventually be transformed into snow and laughter tonight.
The overall situation of the world still needs to be planned in the future, but on this Lunar New Year's Eve, all the noise seems to be covered up by the laughter and snow at the end of the year, leaving behind a rare sense of peace and tranquility.
He wrapped his coat tighter and trudged through the slightly thick snow back to the carriage.
The city remained bustling with activity, the sounds of gongs, drums, laughter, and firecrackers mingling together, continuing until late into the night.
In the jubilation of this first "Spring Festival," the ancient and majestic city of Xianyang resembled a fierce beast freed from heavy shackles, stretching its limbs and boldly displaying its vitality and new look to the world.
The wicked man drove off in his carriage, suddenly recalling a proverb from later generations: "A timely snowfall promises a bumper harvest."
Perhaps next spring we will truly usher in a bountiful and peaceful year.
........
The following day, the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year was still a bit chilly, but the city of Xianyang was already filled with a strong sense of celebration.
In the streets and alleys, every household lit firecrackers, their crisp sounds echoing in the morning light, as if awakening the first day of the new year.
Inside the Grand Commandant's residence, the noise from outside could be faintly heard.
As soon as the gatehouse opened, a cold wind carrying snowflakes blew into the front yard, but it was quickly dispelled by the laughter of the endless stream of people coming to offer their congratulations.
Erniu, Chun Ning, and other trusted confidants arrived early and stepped into the mansion together. Seeing several large red lanterns hanging under the eaves in the courtyard, they were overjoyed and greeted each other with clasped hands.
"Has the Grand Commandant woken up yet?" Erniu asked with a loud voice, rubbing his palms together to warm them.
Zhang Erhe replied with a smile, "I'm awake, I'm awake. The Grand Commandant got up early to set off firecrackers and is now drinking tea."
No sooner had she finished speaking than the wicked husband, wearing a warm fur coat, stepped out of the hall.
He glanced at everyone, his eyes filled with relief: "You're all here? Come on in, the snow hasn't stopped yet, don't get cold standing here talking."
Erniu, Chun Ning, and the others quickly followed behind, walking together towards the main hall.
Passing through the eaves, one is greeted by a charcoal fire and tables prepared in advance in the hall, laden with tea, fruit, and pastries. Upon entering, we greet each other with clasped hands and "Happy New Year," while hurriedly taking off our outer garments to warm them.
"Grand Commandant, I wish you all the best!" Chun Ning stepped forward, her face beaming with smiles. "We have followed you all this way, and it is truly an honor to be able to spend the New Year with you today."
"Don't be so polite." The wicked man smiled and nodded, gesturing for everyone to sit down.
He had his servants pour him hot tea, then turned his gaze to Erniu, saying, "These are all brothers who have followed me through thick and thin, and I am very happy to be able to sit together with them now."
Upon hearing this, Erniu looked up and laughed loudly, "Yes, when we left the village, everyone else left, leaving only the three of us. I never imagined we would have such a high status today."
Chun Ning nodded repeatedly, feeling very fortunate for her decision.
The wicked man gently stroked the teacup, his expression softening. "Let me speak from the heart. In these past few years, you have followed me through countless battles, conquering four kingdoms and eliminating the Mohist knights, the Confucian rebels, and other such groups. At that time, it was mostly a time of bloodshed and carnage."
"Now that it's almost the end of the year, I can finally take a breather. Thank you in advance."
"Brother, you flatter me!" Chun Ning hurriedly said, "If it weren't for following you all this way, we wouldn't have achieved everything we have today. It is our blessing to be able to work with you."
Erniu and the others nodded in agreement, their expressions full of conviction.
Seeing this, the wicked man felt a warmth in his heart, but he did not want to talk about the past. He just smiled and said, "Since it is the New Year, let's not talk about war anymore. Let's have a cup of hot tea and some fruit, and let this good day truly settle in our hearts."
As soon as he finished speaking, a servant brought over carefully prepared tea and snacks.
Just then, a commotion arose outside the door, as if other people had arrived. Looking out, they saw Wang Li, Meng Tian, Meng Yi, and others coming to wish the wicked husband a Happy New Year.
When everyone met, they clasped their hands in greeting, their expressions no longer as serious as before. After all, the first day of the Lunar New Year is all about being relaxed and joyful.
"Same here, same here!" The wicked husband shooed him to a seat and ordered the servants to bring more bowls, chopsticks, tea, and fruit. Zhang Erhe busied himself making arrangements, and the hall became even more lively, filled with chatter and laughter.
“Brother, we brothers have been separated more and more than a year. It’s a pity that Zhang Han’s black ox is gone…” A trace of disappointment flashed in Wang Li’s eyes.
Although they were all old acquaintances who followed the wicked husband, they still carried a hint of estrangement in their subconscious. Erniu and Chun Ning were closer, while Zhang Han and the other two always got together.
"Zhang Han has important business to attend to and cannot return. We can only hope that we can reunite next year!" The wicked husband sighed helplessly.
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