Chapter 151 Full Moon Celebration Incident
The area in front of Liu Nian's house was bustling with activity. The banquet occupied the entire main street of Jiangjuntun, and several large earthen stoves had been built, their flames roaring.
The cooks who had been brought back poured a spoonful of hot oil onto the firewood, and with a "sizzle," the flames shot up ten feet high.
"It's ready!" the chefs shouted in unison, followed by a burst of firecrackers—a ritual before cooking began.
Neighbors and friends spontaneously came to help, carrying plates and assigning seats in an orderly manner.
"What a grand occasion!" exclaimed the villagers who came to celebrate the baby's full moon. "We haven't seen such a spectacle in years!"
Everyone carried some congratulatory gifts, usually eggs and sugar, while wealthier families would bring some malted milk powder.
Su Xu was already very happy that people came to support him. He wasn't afraid of having a large crowd for his child's one-month celebration; he just wanted to hear everyone's blessings for the children.
He stood at the doorway, listening to the continuous stream of people talking—
May the children enjoy health and longevity!
May you achieve top honors in the imperial examinations!
"Bring glory to your ancestors!"
"May good fortune shine upon you!"
"Thank you!" Su Xu greeted them with a smile. The man offered her a cigarette, and the woman gave her a handful of melon seeds and candy.
Liu Nian and Su Xu were willing to spend money without hesitation, which impressed everyone.
"It seems Su Xu and Liu Nian have made quite a bit of money."
"It's not about the money; the various tickets are something most people can't handle."
Especially after the Wu family and the county magistrate arrived, everyone only dared to watch from afar, not daring to speak or laugh. Seeing Liu Nian interacting with them so naturally, they all wiped the cold sweat from their brows.
Ordinary people like them don't have the courage to speak so calmly and confidently to important figures. Otherwise, how could Liu Nian be so capable of great things? Look at his mental fortitude.
Liu Nian secretly glanced around and noticed that Secretary Jin had not shown up, but his wife, Wang Yanhua, had arrived early in the morning.
"I've already sent someone to keep an eye on things." Su Xu leaned close to Liu Nian's ear and chuckled, "Just wait and see what happens."
Especially with several leaders present today, if Secretary Jin's scandalous deeds are exposed, he will not only be ashamed to face others in the future, but he may also be held accountable.
"If there's any noise coming over the loudspeaker later, keep an eye on things and make sure no one tips off Secretary Jin. We need to let the leaders hear the whole thing," Liu Nian said with a cold smile.
Su Xu nodded and raised an eyebrow. "Of course, don't worry."
"Sister Nian, thank you." Lin Meizhi presented her gift, three scarves she had knitted, each embroidered with the children's names.
"I had my mom send me some yarn. It's nothing fancy, so please don't be offended," Lin Meizhi said with an embarrassed smile.
She felt that what she gave as a gift was a bit inadequate.
But Liu Nian liked it very much because she knew how rare cashmere yarn was for ordinary people these days, and how time and effort it took to make it by hand.
Liu Nian then wrapped her arms around the necks of the three babies and said to Lin Meizhi, "I like it very much, and the babies like it very much too."
"Sister Nian," Lin Meizhi said with a smile, but she felt even more embarrassed.
"Also, don't worry, your matter will definitely be resolved today." Liu Nian patted Lin Meizhi's hand.
Lin Meizhi sighed, hoping silently in her heart.
"Liu Nian!"
The county magistrate suddenly called out to Liu Nian, who immediately composed himself and said to Lin Meizhi, "I'll go take a look first."
Lin Meizhi quickly said, "Sister Nian, please go ahead with your work." She watched Liu Nian walk away.
"I just took a look at the greenhouse." County Chief Zhang nodded with satisfaction and said, "It's very good! After the New Year, I'll have my daughter come and work here, it's a perfect fit for her."
Dong Shunfa and Zhou Han were brought back through Zhang Lan's connections, so Liu Nian naturally couldn't object. She nodded and said, "Okay."
"Congratulations on the birth of your son!" Chief Wu said, walking over with Wu Qianli.
Wu Qianli gave the triplets three sets of children's toys, which were said to have been bought from abroad through someone, as they cannot be bought in mainland China. The labels on them were all in English, showing that she had put in a lot of effort.
"The feast is about to begin!"
"Please be seated, everyone!"
Someone shouted, and the villagers quickly found a seat nearby and sat down.
One dish after another was served, such as braised pork with vermicelli, braised chicken with mushrooms, and stir-fried pork slices—all hearty dishes.
"This is even more impressive than the rich man's baby's full moon celebration before!"
"I haven't eaten meat in ages! Let's get some ready!"
"If I could live Liu Nian's life even for one day, I would be overjoyed."
A group of villagers ate with gusto, their chins greasy and cheeks bulging, wolfing down their food.
Liu Nian and Su Xu naturally had to accompany the county magistrate and the Wu family. Their table was arranged in the inner room, which was much quieter than the outside.
It's so late, why is there still no movement? Liu Nian frowned, thought for a moment, and leaned close to Su Xu's ear to ask, "Have the people from the village committee gone yet?"
Su Xu said, "Don't worry."
No sooner had he finished speaking than a "sizzle" sound came from mid-air above Jiangjuntun.
The loudspeaker was turned on.
The villagers, with food in their mouths, looked up at the village committee office not far away.
Why are you turning on the loudspeaker at this hour?
"Who opened it? What do you want to say?"
Everyone looked curiously at the large loudspeaker on the pole, even the leader was intrigued.
The moment had finally arrived! Liu Nian excitedly downed the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
