Highly recommended:
"Mother, it's already the third day of the lunar new year. I think we should set off in a few days." Hongli sat on Lanqin's warm couch and popped a peanut into his mouth. "Hongzhou is coming with me too."
After seeing off a group of guests who came to pay New Year's respects, Lanqin saw Hongli looking at her so shamelessly and said, "Your imperial grandfather's official document hasn't been approved yet, what's the rush? When you arrive in the various prefectures, they will only treat you well and provide you with good food and drink. They won't really help you without seeing your imperial grandfather's official document."
"Grandfather promised Hongli at the palace banquet that day, saying he could give it to him immediately. What has Father been busy with these past few days? We haven't seen him at all," Hongli said.
“Your father is busy meeting with guests from all sides. Besides, the New Year isn’t over yet. If you rush out to the wasteland, people haven’t even gone to the yamen to report for duty yet! Let’s wait until after the fifteenth before going out,” Lanqin said. “If Hongzhou wants to go, you should tell Aunt Geng. If she doesn’t allow it, don’t force Hongzhou to go.”
"Ugh, this is so boring. It's the New Year, and it's so boring. All I do is eat and sleep, sleep and eat. Just like a bear," Hongli said listlessly.
"That's not just for a stroll. Since you told your grandfather you were going out to find the Five Perfections Elder for him, you have to do it properly. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, it will be a huge embarrassment. You even made that promise at the palace banquet," Lanqin said with a smile.
"Mother, I'm sure I can do it. You have to support me and believe in me," Hongli said earnestly.
"Okay, then let's leave it at that. Go back and write a plan. Write down everything you need to do, so you have a clear understanding of what's going on. That way, you'll be prepared and won't panic when things happen," Lanqin instructed.
Hongli nodded and went back to write the plan.
Meanwhile, Shi, Qin, and Ma Shu from Lingzhu's household came to pay New Year's respects to Lanqin with their children. Shi was naturally Lanqin's sister-in-law, and she came to pay New Year's respects to Lanqin every year. Qin was the wife of Lanqin's half-brother Qiufu, and Ma Shu was the wife of Ayinda. Lingzhu's youngest son, Keda, had just passed the imperial examination and was nineteen years old, but was still unmarried.
"Quickly, quickly wish your great-aunt a Happy New Year!" Every year, Shi would bring her sisters-in-law and children to wish Lanqin a Happy New Year.
"Greetings to my great-aunt for the New Year!" Qin Shi bowed.
“Greetings to my great-aunt for the New Year!” Ma Shushi also bowed.
"Please sit down, everyone. Why didn't you bring the children?" Lanqin invited Shi, Qin, and Ma Shu to sit down and then gestured for the maids to serve tea and fruit.
“My two sons are both grown up now, so they won’t bother you anymore. Qin’s two children are both sick, so they won’t come and upset you. Ma Shu’s two children are still young!” Shi replied to each of them.
Lanqin had actually sent New Year's gifts to Lingzhu Anjia before the new year, and the children of her elder brother and half-brother's families all received generous New Year's gifts. Therefore, Shi Shi and her two sisters-in-law also came to express their gratitude for the gifts.
"How did you get sick?" Lanqin asked Qin Shi.
"It's all because he was playing and eating too much. He caught a cold and made his aunt worry. He'll be fine in a couple of days," Qin said, pursing her lips.
"Are the old lady and father alright?" Lanqin asked Shi Shi with relief. Lingzhu has now resigned from his official post and is living with Anjia Shi and their eldest son.
“Everything is fine. Since Father resigned from his official post, he has devoted himself to self-cultivation, painting and writing calligraphy in his study. Grandmother is also in good health, and she is always happy watching her grandchildren play,” Madam Shi said quickly.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
