"You should eat a few more too." Zhu Youxiao showed concern.
The Queen was also not at peace. Today, all the ladies who had been granted titles by the court had to enter the palace to pay their respects to the Queen Mother and the Queen. It was also a very complicated etiquette activity.
Zhang Yan did not feel bored. Perhaps it was because as the mother of a country, she really enjoyed the atmosphere of worship and congratulations.
But for Zhu Youxiao, although the scene of this grand court meeting was very spectacular, both civil and military officials and foreign envoys would participate, it could highlight the emperor's majesty and the Ming Dynasty's status as the "Heavenly Kingdom".
But he wanted to be alone, or go to the Young Masters' Institute to celebrate the New Year with the children. Unfortunately, he was in a position where he had no choice.
At this time, Shaoying Courtyard was bustling with activity. The children were not afraid of getting up early. Some were even so excited that they couldn't sleep because they finally looked forward to the dawn.
Last night, after a sumptuous meal, they all went to the Meridian Gate to watch the fireworks and the Aoshan Lantern Festival. Although there was no Spring Festival Gala, it was not lonely at all.
After Xiaoye's suggestions and the Emperor's adjustments, Shaoying Academy had undergone significant changes. The most significant change was the division of students into three grades based on their knowledge level, which was achieved through examinations.
Those with a good foundation, like Xiaoye, could graduate in three years at most, reaching the elementary school level set by Zhu Youxiao. Those with no foundation would have to study for six years and pass the exam before they could enter junior high school.
When students move up to junior high school, they still need to study Chinese and mathematics, but their weight is reduced. In addition, professional courses such as physics and chemistry are added.
In that era, the development of science and technology had just begun, and many disciplines were still in the embryonic and exploratory stages, and did not require too advanced cultural knowledge.
Zhu Youxiao did not have the extravagant expectation of cultivating a great scientist who could win the Nobel Prize. He would be satisfied if he could educate a group of workers in professional disciplines.
These children were his hope, and he was generous in treating them well, even though it was all spent from his own pocket. During the Chinese New Year, he made sure the children could enjoy the festive joy and happiness.
Therefore, the academy was also decorated with lights and colorful lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere. In this festive atmosphere, even strolling around as usual felt completely different.
It’s Chinese New Year, time to eat dumplings!
Perhaps the most eager month is May. From the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, when we start our holiday, we count the days, waiting for the New Year, the excitement, the fun, and the dumplings.
What would the filling be? It would definitely have meat, cabbage, radish, or maybe... Xiao Wuyue felt that these were the only vegetables we had in winter.
May got up early, washed her face, put on new clothes, and went to the cafeteria with everyone. She sat obediently at the table, waiting for the dumplings to be served.
While waiting, she kept sniffing, hoping to identify the type of dumpling filling from the aroma.
Xiaoye walked to the front with three stripes on his face and said with a smile: "Everyone, please eat your dumplings slowly and don't swallow them whole. Because -"
After a deliberate pause, Xiaoye held up a small yuan and showed it to the children, smiling happily, "Some dumplings contain silver coins. Those who get them can use them to predict good luck for the coming year."
The children grinned and whispered to each other, trying to guess what kind of dumplings would contain silver coins.
"You can only look, but you are not allowed to poke with your chopsticks!" Xiaoye solemnly reminded, but his smile did not fade. "If you put it on your plate, you have to eat it, regardless of whether you have money or not."
Wu Yue's little head nodded happily. She was a good child and never wasted anything. Besides, these were delicious dumplings, which were just as delicious even without money.
A few side dishes were placed on the table, and the older children not only studied but also did work within their abilities, such as cleaning the cafeteria and distributing food.
May was very well behaved and sat there quietly. From the outside, it didn't look like she was eager to eat dumplings.
The hot dumplings were served, and the children didn't fight over them, even though they must have been craving them. This was because the meals at Shaoyingyuan were all-you-can-eat, a rule set by His Majesty.
When the cloud board sounded, the children picked up their chopsticks and reached for the dumplings. Smiles appeared on their faces. Eating and playing were their happiest things.
The first bite filled my mouth with hot juice and the aroma of meat. Well, it was stuffed with pork and green onions, and the green onions were just for flavor, not much.
"What a delicious smell!" A meatball dumpling. May's eyes lit up. She chewed, savoring the saltiness, preparing the sauce and vinegar for the dipping sauce.
"May—" The boy opposite had already swallowed the dumplings in his mouth, raised his eyebrows, and smiled: "I always want to know how many dumplings I ate, but I forget them while eating."
"You idiot!" a girl teased him, showing him her small plate. "Take five at a time, and then take more when you're done. That way you'll remember how much to take!"
"Five at a time, ten twice, three times, three times..." The boy pondered and almost lifted his feet to count them properly.
After a while, he seemed to have figured it out. He nodded in agreement and said, "Well, that's a good idea. I took four and I've already eaten one, so that makes five."
Stupid Zhao Dabao can't even remember the numbers three, five, and fifteen. After he finishes eating, he still can't figure out how much he has eaten.
Wu Yue chuckled, but didn't try to learn. Just eat until you're full. Why bother knowing how much you've eaten? Besides, dumplings come in different sizes. Doesn't it make sense to eat the same amount every time?
"Huh?" The girl across from me made a strange noise, having hit her teeth. But her grimace quickly turned into joy, and she spat out a half-dollar dragon coin and giggled.
"I'm so lucky!" The boy looked at her enviously, quickened his eating speed, and put five more dumplings into the small plate.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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