Chapter 72 Chapter 72 Happy New Year! (Nutrient solution 1...)
Shen Lingyue almost laughed out of anger.
Are these little devils some kind of limited-time New Year drop? Why are they popping up one after another like in a game of whack-a-mole?
Without a second thought, she stood in front of Yan Yi and unleashed a torrent of abuse on Zhou Wenmo.
"Are you out of your mind? Your second sister ran away because she couldn't stand the pressure from her family to get married. What does that have to do with Yan Yi? She's already married, why should she take the blame for your Zhou family?"
Zhou Wenmo rolled her eyes in annoyance: "This is our family matter, it's none of your business as an outsider."
"Hmph, your sister is my sister-in-law now, we're family now. Don't try to act like a spoiled young master here, or I'll go tell your father!"
Zhou Wenmo clenched his fists, but ultimately dared not actually lay a hand on the two of them. With a quick glance, he grabbed a clump of wet mud from the roadside and threw it at Chen Lingyue.
*Splat*
Her new dress suffered the same fate as Yan Yi's.
Shen Lingyue was so angry that she jumped up and down, yelling, "You bastard!"
The argument finally alerted Lin Qiyu, who was resting in her room. She sent a stewardess out and persuaded Zhou Wenmo to leave. She then invited the two of them to rest in Yan Yi's former boudoir.
Shen Lingyue told Qingchan to fetch spare clothes from the carriage, while wiping the mud off her skirt with a damp cloth, and said resentfully, "They're all born of the same parents, but Zhou Yanling is much more normal than this little rascal."
Looking around Yan Yi's room, it was now empty except for a bare four-poster bed, an old round table, and four embroidered stools.
She couldn't help but purse her lips, "Your stepmother is really something else. Anyone who didn't know better would think the Zhou family was starving."
Yan Yi remained calm, even joking with her, saying, "It's good enough that she didn't turn this room into a storage room."
After the two changed into clean clothes and went out, Shen Lingyue asked her, "Do you still want to go to your stepmother's room for a quick visit, just to go through the motions?"
Yan Yi shook her head. "We're mutually disgusted, there's no need for that. Let's just find a place to sit until noon, have a quick bite, and then go back."
Zhou Wenmo could even blame Lin Qiyu's bed rest on her; if her youngest son were to fall ill with a headache or fever, perhaps even her approaching him would be considered a mistake.
As long as the other guests see that the two of them have been here, it's fine; it's all just a formality anyway.
That's what she said, but Shen Lingyue couldn't swallow her anger.
Her Yan Yan is so kind; she has already backed down time and time again, unwilling to argue with them, yet the Zhou family is still so ungrateful.
She estimated that it was almost time for Pei Jingyi to finish his shift, so she made an excuse to sneak to the front yard and finally caught up with him on the way.
"Big brother, I want to tell on you!"
Shen Lingyue rushed over like an inflatable pufferfish, shouting, "Someone is bullying my sister-in-law!"
A cold glint flashed in Pei Jingyi's eyes as he spoke calmly, "Who is it?"
...
Zhou Chuan entertained his colleagues and military friends in the front yard, and even brought out his youngest son, who was wrapped up like a ball, to show off for a while before carefully sending him back after repeated urging from the stewardess.
The baby, just over 100 days old, doesn't understand anything; the adults are the real stars of this feast.
Zhou Chuan kept Pei Jingyi, his eldest son-in-law, by his side and praised him to everyone he met.
Pei Jingyi also cooperated with his father-in-law for the first time, acting as a dutiful son-in-law, which greatly satisfied his vanity.
After a few rounds of drinks, Zhou Chuan called Zhou Wenmo over and introduced him to Pei Jingyi with a thick tongue: "Yun Zhao, your younger brother is fourteen years old this year. I plan to send him to take the military examination. In the future, he might be assigned to the Left Army Commandery under the Marquis's command. We are all family, so you, as his brother-in-law, should take good care of him."
After taking his seat, Pei Jingyi only took a small sip of his drink. His fair cheeks flushed slightly, and surrounded by his fluffy fur collar, he appeared even more handsome, refined, and dignified.
He glanced at Zhou Wenmo indifferently, but the young man defiantly puffed out his chest and stuck his neck out high.
Pei Jingyi smiled and said to Zhou Chuan, "If Father-in-law doesn't mind, how about letting Wen Mo spar with me a few times and test his skills?"
Before Zhou Chuan could agree, Zhou Wenmo spoke up first: "Let's compete!"
He looked at Pei Jingyi's tall and slender figure with disdain, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and said with a half-smile, "I'm very strong, brother-in-law, be careful, or I might hurt you."
Pei Jingyi calmly rose, and amidst the cheers of a group of military officers, the guests moved to the martial arts training ground on the east side of the Zhou residence.
He took off his heavy outer robe and handed it to Shumo, then walked leisurely to the center of the field. The wind blew the hem of his robe, making it rustle, like a crane standing in the snow, exuding a natural and elegant demeanor.
Pei Jingyi put his left hand behind his back, his expression calm and tolerant, and said to Zhou Wenmo opposite him, "To avoid any people saying that I am bullying the weak, I will give you a handicap."
To outsiders, this scene looked like Pei Jingyi, the brother-in-law, was acting as a sparring partner for his brother-in-law.
Zhou Wenmo was enraged by his "concession," let out a low roar, took a fighting stance, and charged forward, clenching his fist and aiming straight for Pei Jingyi's face.
Just as the force of the punch was about to glide across Pei Jingyi's nose, he shifted his feet slightly and dodged with the agility of a ghost. His only usable right hand lightly touched Zhou Wenmo's shoulder, bypassing him like parting snowflakes and plucking plum blossoms.
Bang!
Before Zhou Wenmo could react, the world spun around him, and he was thrown heavily to the ground.
He saw stars and felt dizzy, unable to remember how he had gotten down.
Zhou Wenmo was unconvinced, so he stood up abruptly and charged at Pei Jingyi again.
Bang!
This time the fall was even faster. Pei Jingyi, still using only his right hand, slapped and pushed him in the waist, sending him flying like a kite with a broken string. Zhou Wenmo, bruised and battered, got up from the ground, yelling, "Ahhh—!"
Bang bang bang!
...
Zhou Chuan had sobered up considerably and seized an opportunity to rush to the center of the field, blocking the way with both hands.
"Isn't this supposed to be a friendly spar, something that ends when you've made your point..."
Zhou Wenmo had been beaten into a ferocious state, his eyes red as he glared at Pei Jingyi. Suddenly, he pulled a small knife from his sleeve and rushed up from behind Zhou Chuan.
This time, Pei Jingyi finally used his left hand, which was hidden behind his back. With a swift grappling move, he pinned Zhou Wenmo to the ground and kicked the knife several feet away. It rolled several times with a clatter and was exposed to the guests' gaze.
"Father-in-law."
Pei Jingyi frowned slightly, looking very disapproving. "Wen Mo's temperament is unstable and his violent nature is too strong. He was just sparring with his own people, yet he was carrying a weapon. Martial artists should cultivate their minds first. If someone develops a murderous aura at such a young age, there will be endless trouble in the future."
Zhou Chuan was now fully awake. A cold wind blew across his sweat-dampened back, sending a shiver down his spine.
He glared at Zhou Wenmo fiercely, gritted his teeth, and hissed in a low voice, "Did you drink too much and get drunk? How dare you draw a knife on your brother-in-law?"
What's worse, he lost face in front of so many of his military colleagues!
If Pei Jingyi's comments today get out, who will dare to take Wen Mo under their wing and train him carefully in the future?
Pei Jingyi had no time to appreciate Zhou Chuan's reprimand of his son. Those few words just now seemed like mere concern between relatives. He straightened up, slowly dusted off his sleeves, and walked towards a certain part of the crowd.
As everyone instinctively moved aside, Pei Jingyi came to Yan Yi, took her hand, and seemed like a completely different person from before, with a calm gaze and gentle tone.
"Madam, let's go home."
Zhou Chuan watched helplessly as the two left hand in hand, and only belatedly realized what had happened, so he slapped Zhou Wenmo hard on the back.
"You brat, have you been bullying your older sister again?"
Otherwise, why would Pei Jingyi suddenly propose to spar with him, and then casually ruin his future in martial arts with just a few words?
Zhou Wenmo's face was full of resentment, and he retorted defiantly, "How would I know he deliberately embarrassed me?"
Damn it, that guy surnamed Pei clearly looks weak...
Zhou Chuan's head was buzzing with anger. He gritted his teeth and emphasized, "Who do you think he is? Your brother-in-law is His Majesty's nephew. Even the commander of the Imperial Guards in the palace praised his exceptional talent and wanted to take him as his last disciple!"
Pei Jingyi chose to work in the Ministry of War as a civil servant, which doesn't mean he was truly a weak scholar.
Zhou Wenmo puffed out his cheeks and unintentionally met Shen Lingyue's gaze in the crowd.
The latter made a face at him and walked away happily.
Completely unaware that she had been left out as a third wheel.
...Never mind, it doesn't matter. As long as I can stand up for Yan Yan, I'm her best friend!
...
On the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month, all government offices were officially sealed off, and officials began their New Year's holiday, returning to work on the 8th day of the first lunar month.
The festive atmosphere in the Hou Mansion grew stronger day by day. Meng Wanyin finally had two reliable helpers this year and was determined to make the first New Year after the new bride's marriage a lively and joyous occasion.
Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi followed her around every day, running errands and relaying messages. They temporarily put aside all the troublesome kids, her brother-in-law, and the real and fake Lü Lin.
Even the biggest problems can wait until after the New Year!
On New Year's Eve, the whole family gathered at Songhe Hall to stay up all night.
Without Pei Yuzhen's meddling and instigation, the Dowager Madam was determined to be a model mother-in-law, and this year's Lunar New Year's Eve was exceptionally peaceful. Even Pei Xian felt a long-lost sense of tranquility.
The old lady had Qian Mama bring out two wooden boxes, rolled up her sleeves, and rubbed her hands together, eager to get started.
"What's the point of just sitting here? Let's play cards."
Shen Lingyue stared wide-eyed as Qian Mama opened the wooden box and took out a set of... mahjong tiles!
She was initially shocked, but then secretly realized she was making a fuss over nothing.
How could Lao Xiang Ge not promote such an entertaining activity that is suitable for all ages and quite addictive?
Meanwhile, the Dowager was still explaining to the seemingly shocked Yan Yi: "...These are a favorite pastime for the ladies in the palace. It's only because our Marquis's family is related to the royal family that we were fortunate enough to receive two sets as a reward."
The old lady pulled the gloomy Pei Yuzhen over and stuffed a bag of silver into her hand. "It's the New Year, cheer up. If you lose tonight, it's on me; if you win, it's all yours."
So the Dowager Lady, Pei Yuzhen, Pei Xian, and Meng Wanyin sat at a table together.
Shen Lingyue, Pei Jinghuai, Yan Yi, and Pei Jingyi formed two teams of two.
Pei Jinghuai thought Shen Lingyue had never played before, so he comforted her, "The rules are very simple. I'll show you how to play once and you'll understand."
Pei Jingyi also said to Yan Yi, "With me leading you, your second brother and the others are no match for you."
"Hey, Pei Da, stop pretending! I'm a master of self-drawn winnings with incredible luck... Ah!"
Pei Xian picked up a domino and tapped him on the head, "Don't talk about gambling, this is just a pastime for the New Year."
Two tables were quickly set up in the flower hall, and a game of cards began with a clattering sound.
Azhi was too young to care about any of that; she was focused on grooming the fluffy ball.
The girl in the scarf was so anxious that she kept spinning around on the ground, whimpering and tugging at the hem of her skirt.
Dong Lanyi sat by the window, holding a storybook in her hands, completely absorbed in reading it.
While shuffling the cards, Shen Lingyue stood up to stretch her arms and legs, then strolled around behind Dong Lanyi. "Cousin, what are you looking at?"
My cousin has been staying quietly in her own yard lately, without causing any trouble, and Shen Lingyue has been generous in showing her friendliness.
Dong Lanyi was startled. Looking at Shen Lingyue's smiling face, she blushed and whispered, "It's a new story by 'Young Master Xiaoxiang,' which is very popular outside."
Just as Shen Lingyue was about to borrow the card to see what it contained, Pei Jinghuai called her over to draw cards.
"Oh, okay, take your time reading it. If you like it, remember to share it with me!"
Shen Lingyue returned to the card table and dominated the game.
...
On the same New Year's Eve, at the Lü family's house.
This was the first New Year in ten years that the whole family had gathered together. Mr. and Mrs. Lü sat at the head of the table, looking at their children and grandchildren gathered together, feeling very gratified.
Zong Ge'er ran in from outside, covered in sweat, and hugged Lü Lin's leg, pleading, "Daddy, come with me to set off firecrackers, I want to see big firecrackers!"
"Come on, Daddy will go with you." Lü Lin picked him up and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, speaking gently, "Don't run so fast, be careful not to catch a cold."
Holding Fan Qingxi's hand, Lu's mother sighed, "I never imagined that Lin'er would be like this when he became a father. He's completely different from your fathers."
Fan Qingxi watched Lü Lin's departing figure with gentle eyes, "My husband treats Zong Ge'er extremely well. No matter how busy he is with official duties every day, the first thing he does when he gets home is to talk to Zong Ge'er. When he manages to squeeze out some time off, he will take him out to play."
Mother Lü asked her softly, "You've been married for almost ten years now. If you can stay in the capital this time, why not have another child while you're still young? There are so many people in the family who can help you take care of the baby."
Fan Qingxi lowered her head shyly, "It's all my fault. After giving birth to Zongge'er, I still suffered from blood deficiency even after several years of recuperation. My husband said that having one son is enough for us, and he's also very busy with official duties, spending most of the month at the government office..."
Mother Lü understood and quickly changed the subject, advising her to relax and let things take their course regarding offspring.
The family was chatting happily, and no one noticed that Mr. Lü had quietly left the house.
He walked through the main courtyard and headed north until he reached the Lü Family Ancestral Hall, located in the third courtyard.
On New Year's Eve, people stay up all night, and the mansion is brightly lit, with candles burning continuously in the ancestral hall.
Through the slightly ajar door, Mr. Lü could vaguely see what appeared to be a kneeling figure inside.
Who's there?
Father Lü quickened his pace and pushed open the door.
The prayer mat in front of the ancestral tablet was empty, with only two slightly sunken indentations, proving that what he had just seen was not an illusion.
Father Lü slowly approached, bent down, and picked something up from beside the prayer mat.
It was a piece of some kind of animal's tail that had dried out and felt somewhat rough to the touch.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Writing about the Lunar New Year in the sweltering heat of summer with the air conditioning on... this feeling is so surreal, hahaha.
Yuezai & Yanyan: Let's wish everyone a Happy New Year in advance! [cheering emojis]
Let's keep causing trouble after the New Year! [Sprinkling flowers][Sprinkling flowers]
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