Zhong Muyu took a small rolling pin and soon produced a dumpling wrapper. Looking at the dumpling wrappers, Zaochun gently picked one up and asked, "Is this where you put the filling? It looks similar to a steamed bun."
"There are still some differences..."
Zhong Muyu's hands didn't stop, but she saw that Zaochun had already tried to wrap one, and happily showed it to her: "Your Highness, is this okay?"
"That's right! It's beautifully sculpted! It's just that there's a little too little filling."
In early spring, her hands are very skillful, and she makes small dumplings that look quite nice.
Upon receiving the praise, Zaochun smiled and said, "Then this servant will make a few more."
Over here, Zhong Muyu rolled out a bunch of dumpling wrappers, and while wrapping them, she would occasionally take out a piece of candy and put it inside.
She had considered wrapping copper coins, but Yuan Qi's copper coins were too big, and using broken silver would be a bit extravagant, so she chose small sugar cubes instead.
In early spring, she followed her example and wrapped a piece of candy, asking, "Your Highness, is there any meaning behind wrapping candy?"
"Hmm...it symbolizes sweetness and happiness."
"That's a wonderful meaning, Your Highness. Where did you learn all this from?"
In early spring, she asked casually, but it stumped Zhong Muyu. Helpless, she racked her brains and finally came up with a reason: "I heard it from someone from out of town. It's a custom there."
"Customs, Yuanqi is such a big place, and the customs are different in every place. It's really amazing."
Without much thought, Zhong Muyu wrapped the dumplings and put them in the pot. They were cooked in no time and then scooped out.
Seeing these novel items, the other maids also curiously peered over: "Your Highness, what are these?"
"Dumplings! Everyone, have a taste!"
Zhong Muyu gestured for Zaochun to share some with everyone. They had made a lot of dumplings this time so that everyone could have some.
"Mmm! Delicious!"
The maids ate and praised it endlessly. At this moment, Qiao'er, who had come over, suddenly exclaimed, "Why does it taste sweet in this?"
Zaochun explained with a smile, "Then you're in luck! We've put sugar in some of the dumplings. Whoever finds it will have good fortune!"
After hearing Zaochun's words, Qiao'er was overjoyed. Who doesn't like to hear auspicious words during the New Year?
Just then, a familiar voice rang out from outside: "What delicious treat have you made this time? Whoever gets to eat it will have good luck?"
As the crowd dispersed, Lu Ziyuan arrived in a flurry of activity.
Zhong Muyu went up to him: "You've finally arrived! Have you finished your work?"
"I've been relieved of most of my duties. Apart from my current military responsibilities, I don't have much work. I'll come see you as soon as I'm done, knowing you'll be in the kitchen. What have you been up to this time?"
"I made these dumplings with Zaochun! You should try some!"
Zhong Muyu brought the dumplings over, and Lu Ziyuan ate one. His expression softened even more: "Delicious. Everything you make is delicious, but it's a little sweet."
"You're lucky to have gotten a packet of candy!"
"So that's how it's put it? Interesting."
Zhong Muyu clapped her hands: "That's right, it's getting late, we can eat now!"
Following her instructions, people immediately set up the prepared dishes. Zhong Muyu left the house and looked up to see various dazzling fireworks in the sky.
It seems that the sounds of fireworks and firecrackers have been constant since morning.
Today is a day for family reunion, so Zhong Muyu exempted the servants from serving her and invited everyone to eat together. She also called Zhang Mama back.
"Granny, these are dumplings I made for you. Please try them!"
Zhong Muyu placed a plate of dumplings in front of her. After Zhang Mama ate one, her eyes suddenly welled up with tears.
"Granny? Is the taste bad?"
Zhang Mama rubbed her eyes: "No, this old servant just feels that I am but a lowly servant, how could I possibly deserve such attention from Her Highness the Princess?"
Zhong Muyu smiled and said, "In my eyes, you are practically family, so let's not stand on ceremony and have a good meal and drinks together!"
"Why!"
Granny Zhang nodded in agreement. After Zhong Muyu returned, she said to Lu Ziyuan, "There are still quite a few dumplings left. We'll send some to the steward and guards later. It's good to eat some hot dumplings during the New Year."
"You actually prepared so much? Is there any explanation for that?"
Zhong Muyu took out a dumpling and placed it on a small empty plate: "Look, doesn't this dumpling look like a gold ingot? A gold ingot filled with vegetables means bringing in wealth and treasures!"
Lu Ziyuan looked understanding: "That makes sense. Is this a custom where you're from?"
Zhong Muyu nodded.
If Lu Ziyuan hadn't brought it up, she probably wouldn't have felt this sudden sadness.
This year has passed like a dream, but it would be a lie to say that I don't miss the past.
After eating the reunion dinner with longing in their hearts, the maids went to clear away the dishes, while Zhiyu came carrying a pile of fireworks and firecrackers.
"Your Highness, I have brought the fireworks and firecrackers you requested."
Lu Ziyuan said, "Let's put it in the yard."
After saying that, he took Zhong Muyu's hand, and the two went out together.
Seeing the fireworks all over the ground, Zhong Muyu was also surprised: "You actually prepared so many?"
“We prepare this much every year, and we usually let them set it off, but I thought you would like to play with this, so I asked them to bring some over so you can play to your heart’s content!”
"You really understand me, I really enjoy playing this!"
Zhong Muyu ran over happily like a child. It had been a long time since she had set off fireworks. Picking up a sparkler again felt like going back to her childhood.
Due to the limitations of the era, the fireworks here didn't have those fancy designs, but Zhong Muyu was already very satisfied. Looking at the small fireworks, her face was full of joy.
Before anyone knew it, Lu Ziyuan had also come over, holding a small firework in his hand: "Yu'er, do you feel happy now?"
"Of course! Why are you suddenly asking that?"
"Because I noticed you looked worried while we were eating, I thought you were unhappy and missing your hometown."
Zhong Muyu gently shook her head: "I do miss my hometown, but I'm not unhappy. On the contrary, being with you right now makes me the happiest!"
"That's good. I was really afraid you'd be unhappy. I'll make sure you're happy forever from now on."
"You too, things will get better and better for us in the future."
When the firework in her hand burned out, Zhong Muyu immediately picked up another one. At this moment, for her, this was the purest happiness.
...
Meanwhile, within the palace, a scene of peace and harmony unfolded, complete with singing and dancing.
Unlike previous New Year's Eves, this time, in addition to the women of the harem, many foreign envoys also came to offer their congratulations because of the new emperor's ascension to the throne.
The palace attendants announced the names of the visiting envoys and the gifts they brought, but then, an unexpected person appeared.
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