The north wind blows snow at the beginning of the fourth watch, which is a good omen from heaven and the New Year's Eve.
Half a cup of Tusu is still unfinished, and peach charms are written on the grass in front of the lamp.
In the blink of an eye, it is the New Year's Eve of the twelfth lunar month, and every household is busy pasting Spring Festival couplets and preparing for the New Year.
However, since Empress Fang had passed away not long ago, firecrackers could not be set off, and the New Year was much less enjoyable.
The Xu Mansion in Dinghai County was extremely lively.
Although we can't celebrate too much, we can still have a drink at home behind closed doors.
As the head of the family, Xu Huaiyuan naturally delivered a New Year's speech.
For him, this year has been like a dream.
The foolish son who used to be a spoiled brat suddenly came to his senses and started to study hard.
This made Xu Huaiyuan very pleased. After all, he didn't expect his son to pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi, or to have a wife and children.
It is enough to be able to pass the examination and become a student.
Unexpectedly, his son was extremely intelligent and had a talent for reading. After becoming a disciple of Mr. Xushan, he made great progress in his understanding of Confucian classics.
He passed the county, prefectural and academy examinations consecutively, becoming the only top three scholar in Ningbo Prefecture in recent years, which really earned enough reputation for the Xu family.
If it were half a year ago, Xu Huaiyuan would not even dare to think about it.
Apart from explaining it as the blessing of ancestors, Xu Huaiyuan really couldn't think of any other explanation.
What's even more rare is that his son was rewarded by the emperor. Although there was no promise and only a word of praise, it was enough to make Xu Huaiyuan happy.
This is really a great honor for our ancestors.
At the Hangzhou Poetry Conference, his son made a stunning debut and was awarded the title of Ningbo's No. 1 Talent.
Although this title does not bring any tangible benefits, it sounds good.
In addition to studying, my son is also quite talented in business.
The Xu family did not originally run a bookshop. It was their son who suggested opening one, and it turned out that the bookshop was indeed very profitable.
Although the total amount is not as much as that of grain and silk business, the net profit is greater.
Xu Huaiyuan was deeply moved. His son had really grown up.
Isn’t it that what people want in their life is to have filial and successful children?
The Xu family was not prosperous, and Xu Huaiyuan only had one son, Xu Yan, so naturally all his efforts were poured into Xu Yan.
Now it seems worth it.
With a loving father and filial son, and a harmonious family, what else could Xu Huaiyuan ask for?
If I have to say one thing, it would be that Xu Yan could get married earlier, give him a grandson, and let him experience the joy of three generations living under the same roof.
Now this matter has been put on the agenda. My son is already engaged to the daughter of the Hong family. If nothing goes wrong, the wedding will be completed within two or three years.
Beautiful, these days are so beautiful.
"Dad, try this West Lake Longjing tea. It's delicious."
Xu Yan came to Xu Huaiyuan at some point, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand.
"My son is so filial."
Xu Huaiyuan took the teacup with satisfaction, took a sip, and felt the fragrance filling the air.
"Although this tea is a little old, the flavor is even stronger."
Xu Yan smiled and said, "This is the tea my grandfather collected. He roasted it himself at home, so it naturally tastes good."
"My son will still go to Hangzhou next year, right?"
Xu Huaiyuan put down his teacup, patted Xu Yan's shoulder and said, "Bring a few pounds for Mr. Xushan when the time comes. He really cares about my son."
"My son knows."
Xu Yan paused and said, "But there will be new tea next year. The taste of Mingqian tea is much better than the old tea."
"Then send a few kilograms."
"My mentor prefers drinking to tea. A few jars of Ningbo liquor is more to his liking."
The father and son were talking to each other in a very pleasant manner.
Just then, Xu Chen pushed the door open and brought a plate of pastries to Xu Huaiyuan and Xu Yan.
"Look how happy you two are, what are you talking about?"
"It's just small talk."
Xu Huaiyuan picked up a mung bean cake and took a light bite.
"How is it, how is your craft?"
Xu Chen asked expectantly.
"With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"
"Mom, let me try one too."
Xu Chen touched Xu Yan's head lovingly and said, "Silly boy, mother made this for you."
"Hmm..."
After taking a light bite, the mung bean cake melts in your mouth.
"The mung bean cake made by my mother is absolutely delicious."
"Are you two competing to see who has the sweetest mouth?"
Although she said this, Xu Chen was still very happy.
"Mom asked someone to make new clothes for you two. Go try them on later."
As the saying goes, a new year begins with everything new.
It is natural to change into new clothes for the New Year.
The Xu family naturally had no shortage of money. They bought the best Hu silk and hired the best tailors.
The clothes are naturally well made.
Of course, the person who wears the clothes is also very important. People like the Xu family father and son who have good looks will look great when wearing the clothes.
"Thank you, mother."
Xu Yan smiled and said, "My son, I will try to grow taller every year so that you can wear new clothes every year."
"You kid."
Mrs. Xu Chen knew that her son was joking and patted Xu Yan's head.
"Brother, brother, help me!"
Just when everyone was having fun, a scream broke the silence.
When Xu Yan heard the voice, he felt so familiar. Who else could it be but Yang Pengju?
He has been staying at the Xu family these days. Why is he here again after just a few days back?
Today is New Year's Eve.
As expected, Yang Pengju pushed the door open and walked in, hiding behind Xu Yan in panic.
"Brother, help me! If the old man chases me back, I'll be dead."
Seeing Yang Pengju's timid expression, not joking, Xu Yan asked in confusion, "Why would my uncle blame you for no reason?"
"Well, it's a long story."
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
