Chapter 1206: Oh my god (Part 2) [Requesting monthly votes]
Shen Tang carefully sucked up all the rich broth from the soup packet.
He carefully bit into the translucent, soft dough, finally savoring the plump meat. He finished six steamers in this manner, his initial benevolent anticipation gradually fading. Shen Tang stopped halfway through her meal, asking疑惑地问道, "Wu Hui, are you eating?"
No way, Chu Yao has never been this stingy.
Chu Yao looked at the last soup dumpling.
The gray-haired youth sighed deeply: "My lord, please eat."
Shen Tang was suspicious, but she could definitely eat more, and she accepted the last soup dumpling without hesitation. Just then, her teeth bit into a round, hot, hard object. She removed it and saw what it was—
A newly minted copper coin inscribed with "Yuanhuang Tongbao".
Chu Yao's smiling eyes held a hint of helplessness: "Yao clearly put this copper coin in the first drawer, but who knew—"
Shen Tang only got to eat this after finishing all the soup dumplings.
Chu Yao thought the copper coin was lost.
"According to folk custom, if you find a dumpling with a copper coin inside, you'll have good fortune in the coming year. I originally wanted to make dumplings, but the master mentioned yesterday that he wanted to eat soup dumplings. I figured putting copper coins in soup dumplings would have the same meaning—it's all about bringing wealth!" To ensure the master could eat the soup dumpling, Chu Yao didn't dare touch a single one. Thanks to Kang Jishou's good fortune, the master could only rely on a safety net in this kind of luck-based event.
Shen Tang tilted her head in confusion: "Did I say that yesterday?"
How come she has absolutely no recollection of it?
Chu Yao, ever the opportunist, naturally changed his tune, saying, "Oh, I forgot it was a dream I had last night. In the dream, the Lord said he wanted to eat soup dumplings."
Shen Tang: "..."
This is indeed something only someone with a ruthless personality would do.
Because he dreamed that the master wanted to eat soup dumplings, the liver emperor, who had stayed up all night, was busy in the east kitchen before dawn. And Shen Tang actually managed to sneak in for breakfast right on time. Wasn't this a prophecy in the dark?
Shen Tang carefully accepted the copper coin.
"In that case, you and I are of one mind!"
As the most impartial person in Kangguo, Shen Tang treated all important officials equally. If she gave Chu Yao money to ward off evil spirits, how could she not give money to others? Anyway, she didn't have anything to do now, and she was all alone. Qin Li and a few others helped her with the annual gifts and festivals.
After she stopped writing, she had plenty of free time.
As for the trivial matters that haven't been dealt with yet?
Yes, we can postpone it until after the new year.
Thinking that Chu Yao might be feeling sentimental while traveling alone, she decided to take him along as well, so he could accompany her on her travels. This year, the order of distributing the money for warding off evil spirits was determined by the distance of the residence, so Wei Shou was the second to receive it. Jin Rui wanted to take care of her cousin nearby, and Wei Shou was happy to agree, as long as he could be closer to Chu Yao than Chu Jie. Thus, the two families became neighbors, making it very convenient for them to visit each other.
Normally, when a monarch visits, preparations are made in advance, and the end of the year is already a busy time. Shen Tang didn't want to trouble his ministers, so this was a private visit. Chu Yao was a frequent visitor to Wei Shou's residence, and the steward led the two directly to see Wei Shou, where they happened to witness a very affectionate scene.
In the freezing cold, Wei Shouguang does a push-up with one finger on his arm.
He spouted one lewd joke after another, urging Jin Rui to have another daughter with him behind their parents' backs. Shen Tang's mind went blank. Who were the parents in Wei Shou's household again? Then she heard something that seemed to be a misunderstanding caused by some disharmony in the couple's lives. Wei Shou, this simpleton, was proving his vigor in this way: "...If you don't believe me, A-Rui, sit on my back now. I can do eight hundred in one breath, and I won't even be out of breath. I'm definitely more capable than your parents..."
As he spoke, he exerted force, causing his muscles to swell even more noticeably.
At this time, Wei Shou was dressed in simple clothes similar to those of a farmhand.
She jumped around like a peacock, displaying her feathers around Jinrui, saying things like, "The elder's martial arts are profound, but he is getting old after all," and "My wife is happier with me than with the elder." She even interjected, "If it weren't for that barbarian old scoundrel, the elder, stealing my love, my wife would have given birth to a daughter with me."
Daring to cheat on one's "parents" in broad daylight.
Chu Yao coughed heavily, interrupting Wei Shou's words, "Madam, you've fed the parents' child, don't neglect my stomach."
Shen Tang: "..."
Wei Shou, playing the role of a madman farmhand: "..."
Jin Rui, forced to play the role of a disgraced landlord's wife: "..."
Chu Yao: "..."
He almost wanted to disobey his lord and cover his ears. Wei Shou was truly shameless, causing such trouble in broad daylight.
Little did they know, Wei Shou was even more wronged.
What does it mean to do these things in broad daylight?
He and his wife were reunited after a short separation, what's wrong with an old married couple having some fun? Who knew that during the New Year, the emperor would be visiting his residence instead of staying in the palace! Wei Shou, this old fox, was unusually embarrassed, and deeply regretted not being able to resist Jin Rui's coaxing to shave his beard.
If he still had his beard, only he would know that his old face was red.
Wei Shou wanted to grab his clothes to cover his upper body, but then remembered that he had torn his clothes to shreds with one hand, so he could only silently conjure up armor to cover his body.
He bowed and said, "Greetings, Lord."
Jin Rui bowed gracefully: "Your Majesty, this humble woman greets you."
Shen Tang stared at Wei Shou's face for a while, then gestured for the couple to stand up: "I hope I haven't been presumptuous and disturbed you both."
Wei Shou's handsome face was as black as the bottom of a pot.
Why didn't you disturb me?
Who's having a family celebration during the Lunar New Year?
Yes, handsome face. I never expected that Wei Shou, this rough man, would look so pitiful after shaving his beard. He was like a completely different person!
Shen Tang almost didn't recognize that this was Wei Shou himself!
Wei Shou gritted his teeth inwardly: "It is my honor that Your Majesty has graced my humble abode with your presence! There is no question of disturbing you!"
It's not that I'm bothering you, but actually I am.
He wanted to know what had gotten into the Lord, that he'd gone to visit him at his house!
Her anger vanished upon seeing the money envelope for warding off evil spirits, leaving her with a mix of emotions. The shame in Jinrui's heart was replaced by shock. It was common for a monarch to bestow New Year's gifts upon his subjects, and Wei Shou was one of the great generals of Kang State. If he didn't receive a New Year's gift, it would be either a major blunder or a sign that he had lost the emperor's favor.
but--
This is money given as a gift when visiting someone's home to ward off evil spirits!
These are pure gold talisman coins, completely different from the copper coins and silver coins of previous years!
Wei Shou asked in surprise, "Which large tomb did the Emperor dig up?"
Shen Tang: "..."
Wei Shou, that old fox, was quite cunning. He sent people to invite all his sons and daughters to come and pay New Year's respects to Shen Tang. Getting them to recognize him was secondary; the most important thing was to get as many money as possible to ward off evil spirits. Except for the two youngest, all of Wei Shou's children were older than Shen Tang.
Shen Tang: "..."
In situations like these, the bodyguards can come in handy.
For example, secretly preparing red envelopes for Shen Tang...
Even after leaving Wei Shou's residence, Shen Tang was still seething with anger.
“Wei Yuanyuan is becoming increasingly shameless, even bringing out his infant grandchildren. Does he lack this money for warding off evil spirits?” Although she is now financially well-off, Shen Tang is still habitually stingy and unwilling to spend a penny more than planned.
After scolding him, Shen Tang stammered again.
"...Oh well, what can I do? I ruined his plans..."
The fact that the dignified General of Kangguo would engage in "wife-and-wilder play" with his wife in private was truly an eye-opener for Shen Tang.
The next place we visited was the residence of General Chu Jie.
As the Lunar New Year approached, the mansion was devoid of any festive atmosphere, eerily quiet. Apart from a few servants, everyone else had taken leave to reunite with their families. Chu Jie sat cross-legged, meditating by the pond, contemplating his swordsmanship.
They were somewhat surprised to see Chu Yao come to their door at this time.
Shen Tang went through the proper procedures to send out the money to ward off evil spirits.
Chu Jie glanced at the small red envelope, then, without thinking much of it, hung it on the hilt of his knife as a tassel. He then got up to see Chen Tang and the other man off. As he reached the door, Chu Yao caught a glimpse of the snowflakes clinging to Chu Jie's temples out of the corner of his eye, and in the end, his heart softened.
"I've saved you a seat on New Year's Eve."
Chu Jie stood there, stunned in disbelief.
Chu Yao said, "Come and lend a hand in advance, don't just freeload."
Chu Jie silently declined his New Year's dinner plans with his subordinates, but readily agreed, a hint of youthful exuberance appearing on his usually composed face: "I'll definitely be there on time. Do you want to bring a few jars of wine?"
"bring!"
Next was Qin Li, who also missed his target.
While passing by Zhao Feng's residence to visit Dayi, who had just been released from confinement a few days prior, they found the father and daughter sparring in the snow. Zhao Feng, while practicing with Zhao Wei, earnestly advised his daughter to take advantage of the New Year holiday, when more people would be present, to get to know each other properly.
"You can go if you want, I have plans for those days."
“It’s fine on ordinary days, I’ll go to blind dates for you, but now that it’s Chinese New Year, we also need to get together with our comrades and have drinks.”
The last time I drank with some of these people was two years ago.
The two swords clashed in mid-air for dozens of exchanges, sparks flying and white light flashing, the swordplay intensifying with each strike. Zhao Wei withdrew, holding the sword in one hand to block in front of him, while his other hand brushed across the back of the blade. Martial energy flashed, and the nicks in the blade instantly healed, its sharpness returning to its original state.
She lowered her center of gravity, her gaze sharp as a knife.
While keeping a close eye on Zhao Feng's every move, Zhao Wei complained in a low voice, "If you're going to drink, then I don't need to?"
Zhao Feng could only back down: "Then how about a blind date after the New Year?"
Zhao Wei said, "Okay!"
Anyway, she'll be going to a major prefecture in the southwest to report on her duties after the New Year. It wasn't specified which one, but judging from what Uncle Qian and the general revealed, it's probably related to the war in the southwest. Being in such a convenient position, she'll definitely get a share of the spoils when it comes to troop deployment.
Li Wan's analysis was largely the same.
The future battlefield trend will definitely be in the southwest!
What's the point of dating a man if it's not as interesting as fighting a man on the battlefield?
The father didn't understand what it meant.
During the Lunar New Year, both father and daughter harbored their own secrets.
"Since you and your daughter are both here, I don't have to make an extra trip. Wishing you a peaceful and healthy new year, and good fortune in your military endeavors. This is the money for warding off evil spirits this year!"
Shen Tang still had many families to deliver to, and she didn't forget to say words of comfort and concern to Zhao Feng—even though Zhao Feng was in the wrong for being imprisoned and banned from fighting, Shen Tang, as his lord, needed to show some sympathy to ease his heart, lest he truly chill people's hearts.
Zhao Feng's eyes reddened as she spoke.
He wished he could swear to heaven and repent for his previous actions.
They went to Bai Su's house but didn't find her. However, on the way to the next house, they found Bai Su herself. She was dressed as a wandering knight, leaning against the teahouse with her arms crossed, looking into the teahouse with a smile in her eyes.
Shen Tang: "..."
Hehehe, the Imperial Censor also doubles as a know-it-all in the martial arts world.
She gave both sums of money for warding off evil spirits to Bai Su in a bad mood.
Addicted to storytelling, Gu Chi threw down the gavel and scurried forward, startled to find he hadn't brought any money for warding off evil spirits: "Where's mine?"
Chu Yao had all his money for warding off evil spirits pinned on Wen Xinhua.
Who stole my share?
Shen Tang rolled her eyes: "As a subject, I have money to ward off evil spirits, but as a man, I can make up for the fact that I don't have any private money."
Gu Chi: "..."
Shen Tang waved her hand without turning her head: "Go ask your Whale King for it!"
This is absolutely infuriating! They're feeding me dog food during the Chinese New Year!
Gu Chi, relying on his novel writing skills, always sneaks in his own personal agenda. This time, the story is about a weak scholar going to the capital for the imperial examination, only to be kidnapped by a mountain bandit on a stormy night. The two then go on to wander the world; the man is known in the martial arts world as Lady Wen, and the woman as King Whale.
Shen Tang raised his middle finger to the sky.
They said they were visiting to give out money to ward off evil spirits, but the main purpose was actually to stroll around the streets. Chu Yao thoughtfully paid for everything, and the money flowed like water along the way. Shen Tang ate her way from one end of the street to the other, let out a burp, and, relying on her exquisite movements, nimbly weaved through the crowds. She laughed and teased Chu Yao, "Wu Hui, I've realized you've really lost out big time."
Chu Yao's brows relaxed.
I cherish this leisurely state of mind.
"Where did we lose big?"
Shen Tang: "Thinking about you, you work every day of the year except for your days off, and I squander all your salary... You work for me and spend money on me, so you lose out twice over."
Chu Yao stood tall and straight, his smile as gentle as a spring breeze.
"No, it's earning twice."
When Shen Tang went to Xun Zhen's residence, Xun Zhen was not home. Upon inquiry, he learned that Xun Zhen was still working at the Ministry of Revenue. Apparently, there were a few discrepancies in small expenditures and some irregularities in local finances. Xun Ding mentioned that his elderly father would be residing at the Ministry of Revenue again this year. Shen Tang then asked Xun Zhen to collect the money for warding off evil spirits on his behalf.
"Queen Gongxi, where is your daughter?"
I bought a few cute baby blankets on Chentang Road.
Xun Ding's face darkened: "How could we possibly win against Gongxi Chou?"
A bitter feeling welled up inside him. Ever since Gongxi Chou returned, Xun Ding had found it difficult to even hold his daughter. Gongxi Chou always looked at him like he was a thief, even though he was the biological father of A Dou! Unfortunately, the biological fathers of the Gongxi clan had no status. Xun Ding, this son-in-law, was utterly powerless in the face of his two domineering brothers-in-law…
Xun Dingming subtly hinted to Shen Tang to speak on his behalf.
As it turned out, the Lord and the Gongxi Chou brothers were wearing the same pair of short trousers, and they climbed over the wall and ran to find Gongxi Chou and the others not far away.
Xun Ding: "..."
He looked as wronged as a crocodile weighing hundreds of pounds.
Shen Tang drew out his words: "Gong-Xi-Chou!"
The young man in the courtyard turned his head at the sound, revealing a fair and handsome face with a striking vermilion dot between his eyebrows.
"Your Highness, my second brother is not here."
Shen Tang, leaning against the wall with her chin resting on the brick, blinked at Ji Moqiu, and after a long while squeezed out a question: "Your forehead?"
Ji Moqiu said, "It's a clan tradition to make this for the New Year."
The alarm bells went off as Chu Yao, who was perched on the wall with her, rang loudly.
"My lord?"
Shen Tang snapped out of her daze: "It's nothing."
She clutched her chest, her expression somewhat dazed. She had just been momentarily stunned by Ji Moqiu's glance back, as if she had seen Qin Li almost ascend to immortality under the moon years ago. But as soon as this thought arose, a slight stirring in her heart swept away her amazement.
Looking at Ji Moqiu again, Shen Tang's evaluation is—
If she could have both that face and Gong Xichou's body, how perfect would that be! This combination would be absolutely exquisite!
Shen Tang slapped his thigh.
"Wu Hui, let's go find the Dream Fulfillment Master!"
Chu Yao nervously observed the subtle changes in Shen Tang's expression, and only felt relieved when he saw that she remained calm: "Who is the Dream Fulfillment Master?"
"Naturally, it's our miracle hero!"
You can't own it permanently, but you can get a trial card.
During the Lunar New Year, Yuan Liang certainly wouldn't refuse the request to pinch his cheek from the person he trusted most and the master he trusted most: "Let's go!"
|ω`)
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