Chapter 1207: Spring Returns to Heaven and Earth [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Shen Tang arrived in a flurry of activity and left in a hurry.
Before leaving, Chu Yao cast a meaningful glance at Ji Moqiu.
The young high priest, with a dot of cinnabar between his brows, smiled slightly as he continued to process the herbs meant for the Gu worms. He had barely turned them over twice when a gust of wind swept over the courtyard wall, accompanied by the giggling of a young child. Gong Xi Chou held A Dou in one arm and carried a pile of New Year's goods in the other.
"Big brother, I'm back."
A Dou was at the age where he was learning to behave, and he started babbling incoherently.
The baby had just sprouted a few soft, white teeth, and glistening drool clung to the corners of his mouth, enough to soak through a dozen bibs a day. Gong Xi Chou raised his hand and removed the barrier that had been protecting A Dou from the wind, tossed the baby into the [Corpse Vine] version of the baby cradle, and began unpacking the New Year's goods.
"Was Mama here just now?"
The courtyard walls still retain a familiar scent.
"His Highness just left."
Ji Moqiu took out two red envelopes from his pocket, one large and one small, the larger one heavy in his hand. One of these red envelopes was given to him by Shen Tang, and the other by Ji Moqiu. Gong Xichou knew which one was from whom without even opening it.
"How old am I? Why would I still be collecting money to ward off evil spirits?"
They say that, but they're quicker than anyone else to accept the red envelope.
Ji Moqiu said, "You still have some in your room."
Gong Xi Chou's cultivation had reached a crucial juncture; the subjugation and fusion of the Martial Courage Totem was just one step away. Ji Mo Qiu spent the night reviewing the clan's records and refining several types of Gu worms, hoping that Gong Xi Chou could fully absorb them. In the past, this martial arts fanatic would have already jumped up and rushed to his room, but now he was held back by A Dou.
It was simply because of a foul odor permeating the air.
Gong Xichou knew what was going on without even getting close.
“A Dou has pooped again… Her diapers are almost too dry to dry…” He reached out and scooped A Dou, who had just finished pooping, into his arms, then climbed over the wall to find the maid who was serving A Dou.
A Dou was with him during the day, and at night he was cared for by his wet nurse and others.
Although Gongxi Chou and Ji Moqiu were A Dou's uncles, they were not related by blood. Gongxi Chou couldn't handle all of A Dou's affairs; they needed to avoid suspicion. Therefore, servants and wet nurses were indispensable. Furthermore, since neither brother was married, they couldn't allow servants to live in their home and disturb the peace. Whenever A Dou urinated or defecated, Gongxi Chou would pack the child up and take him home. Xun Dingtian thought this was unnecessary.
Why don't you two just move in with us?
There are few people in the family, and the guest room is empty.
Xun Ding didn't genuinely want his two brothers-in-law to live with them; he didn't want to be beaten by Gong Xi Chou every few days. He just couldn't bear not seeing his daughter during the day. Gong Xi Chou: [Inconvenient.]
We're all family, what's inconvenient about that?
The eldest brother's child is inconvenient to care for.
Xun Ding couldn't believe his ears and hesitated before glancing at Gong Xi Chou: [A child? Does my elder brother have a mistress?]
The Gongxi clan doesn't seem to find this kind of scumbag behavior taboo.
Gong Xichou: [...The child I was referring to is a Gu worm...]
The house was filled with the Gu worms that the eldest brother raised.
Servants who don't understand can easily fall into traps and get hurt.
Xun Ding: [...]
What made his blood pressure soar even higher was the food that Gong Xichou would feed his daughter from time to time. At first, he thought it was a baby snack, but upon closer inspection, he realized that the snack could actually wriggle and was clearly a white jade worm!
Even if this worm looks beautiful, smells of orchids, and looks appetizing, it's still a big fat worm!
Gong Xichou rolled his eyes: [You're ignorant.]
Xun Ding: [...]
Gongxi Chou scrutinized Xun Ding from head to toe, his eyes filled with the same disdain he'd shown for years. His words were a fatal blow: "If it weren't for your father's failings, failing to provide a good seed, how could A Dou's aptitude be so poor? A deficiency from birth can only be compensated for later. While his potential is still developing, there's still a chance to salvage him."
Gong Xichou said quietly, "You've hit the jackpot."
He scoffed, "I've never received this kind of treatment before."
The Gongxi clan valued Gongxi Chou highly, but he wasn't the only member of the clan of marriageable age. Furthermore, the clan had suffered several major setbacks during their migrations, losing many precious items. The high priest, capable of crafting Gu worms, was old and lacked the energy to produce a large quantity. Gongxi Chou remembered eating them only once or twice a month.
A Dou can now eat Gu worms mixed with rice. She can even give away the Gu worms her older brother raised. She can even salvage a talent that a dog chewed. Moreover, A Dou's talent isn't as bad as Gong Xi Chou said. It's just not that outstanding. She's a perfect example of being neither the best nor the worst.
Xun Ding: [...]
Gongxi Chou would not harm A Dou, but every time he saw A Dou chewing on insects as snacks, he would feel dizzy – the scene was really too disgusting – and he wondered, were they really that delicious?
The wet nurse changed A Dou's diaper.
Xun Ding leaned forward to tease A Dou, coaxing him while saying behind Gong Xi Chou's back, "A Dou, let your father taste it."
A Dou couldn't understand what adults were saying.
However, when she saw a large head approaching and opening its mouth towards her, she put her plump white hand into her mouth, took out a half-chewed, wet Gu worm, and pretended to put it into Xun Ding's mouth.
Xun Ding pointed to her other hand.
"Father wants to eat this."
She still has a complete one in her hand.
A Dou answered decisively. She stuffed the intact one into her mouth and then put the damaged one back into the furnace, not giving Xun Ding even half of it.
Take it or leave it.
Xun Ding: "..."
Behind him came Gong Xichou's merciless mockery.
Xun Ding: "..."
As the only son-in-law of the Gongxi clan, Xun Ding couldn't fight against his brother-in-law's influence, so he could only laugh and accept the ridicule while inquiring about the arrangements for this year's New Year's Eve banquet...
Gong Xichou: "Just like in previous years, just like this year."
The New Year's Eve dinner is basically a lively family gathering. For the past two years, while on the battlefield, it didn't matter, but this year, with the addition of A Dou, the family dinner can't be treated casually. Xun Ding said, "In previous years, A Lai would always host a banquet for guests on New Year's Eve..."
Although they were called guests, they were all familiar faces.
Although most of the retainers left behind by Gong Xichou had gone their separate ways and started their own families, some were still living alone. Gong Xilai worried that the sight of them would trigger nostalgia, so every year she would arrange a New Year's Eve banquet to celebrate and settle the previous year's business surplus and bonuses, creating a very pleasant atmosphere. This year was a bit special, and Gong Xilai wasn't sure whether to make the same arrangement, so she asked Xun Ding to ask her two older brothers what they thought when she had time—she didn't ask because she was busy.
There are too many accounts to reconcile at the end of the year.
Xun Ding felt sorry for himself. During the New Year, his father was at the Ministry of Revenue doing accounts, and his wife was out checking accounts. He wanted to rely on A Dou for survival, but there was also his evil brother-in-law Gongxi Chou causing trouble.
Gong Xiqiu waved his hand: "Keep it the same."
He can make do with anything.
The Lunar New Year is a big day for ordinary people, but for Gong Xichou it's just an ordinary day, maybe a little more lively.
The truly important day for the Gongxi people is the birthday of the gods.
Yes, once every four years.
Xun Ding stammered, wanting to say something, but Gong Xi Chou disliked his inability to utter a single word. Suppressing the urge to beat his brother-in-law during the New Year, he said, "Spit it out!"
Xun Ding pulled out a bunch of scrolls.
Gong Xichou asked, puzzled, "What do you mean?"
Xun Dingdao said, "The portrait that the matchmaker sent to your residence."
Gong Xichou didn't quite catch on: "What portrait?"
"If an official's child takes a fancy to a particular family, have the matchmaker bring a portrait to their door to sound them out. If it works out, we'll proceed with the formalities; if not, we'll try the next family. Cough cough, don't think that just because you don't often appear in public, Second Brother, you're all that matters to the matchmaker!" Xun Ding made a "very good" gesture. If it weren't for the fact that Gong Xi Chou's whereabouts were a mystery, the matchmaker would have already worn down the threshold of the mansion and piled up portraits.
Xun Ding felt that Gongxi Chou was probably not interested in blind dates.
Unexpectedly, the second brother-in-law picked up a portrait.
Open the scroll, and you'll find not only portraits of the woman/man, but also information such as their family background and personal preferences.
Hmm, there are both men and women...
Xun Ding's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
Could it be that Alai gave birth to Adou, which made this second brother-in-law, who was always fighting and cultivating from the moment he opened his eyes, have the idea of getting married?
Gong Xichou asked, "Is there anyone who can fight?"
Xun Ding subconsciously said, "Uh, no..."
Gong Xiqiu, looking disappointed, tossed the scroll back into its place and commented indifferently, "Not a single one of them is capable of fighting! Ordinary people! Vulgar women! Tell me if you know anyone capable of fighting, otherwise I'll refuse."
"ah?"
"I don't want to waste time."
The weak cannot ignite the fire within his cold blood. He is a snake; a weak opponent is merely prey to be devoured, not a partner with whom he can intertwine and coexist—the two are worlds apart.
Xun Ding: "..."
Gong Xichou's criteria for choosing a partner doom him to be a bachelor for life!
Eager to fulfill her dream, Shen Tang skipped everyone else on the path and went to find Qi Shan first, only to find her empty-handed. Qi Shan was home alone; Qi Miao was carefully checking over a hundred prayer money offerings.
These money for warding off evil spirits are all given to baby girls in charitable institutions.
Shen Tang arrived full of excitement but left disappointed. Before leaving, Qi Miao called out to her, "Father is at 'Another Spring' right now."
"What 'another spring'? Where?"
The king is not known everywhere.
Qi Miao had her servants lead the way for Shen Tang.
In short, 【Youyichun】is an entertainment club owned by a powerful family, and many high-ranking officials and nobles like to come here to relax and have fun. As the Grand Secretary, Qi Shan is naturally a person that the owner of 【Youyichun】is trying hard to win over.
Shen Tang said indignantly, "Why didn't you try to win me over?"
Is it because she, as the ruler of the country, is not standing high enough?
Shen Tang stopped in her tracks, turned to Chu Yao and asked, "Speaking of which, is this 'Another Spring' going to do anything shady or dirty? If they are, we'll have more money for the New Year."
Learn about cracking down on organized crime and prostitution.
Chu Yao said, "There shouldn't be any."
Shen Tang asked curiously, "Why?"
Chu Yao's expression turned somewhat strange: "I doubt Xu Wenzhu would dare to wave the Lord's banner while outwardly complying but inwardly defying him..."
Shen Tang: "..."
【Another Spring】is considered one of Shen Tang's private properties.
The powerful family behind them is the Xu family.
Many officials speculated that this was a business the emperor was using to make money through the Xu family, so they naturally gave them face, since the prices inside weren't too high. No one expected that the person in charge was completely unaware.
Shen Tang trusted Xu Jie and rarely checked the accounts.
As long as the government processes the business properly and it's a legitimate business, Shen Tang won't interfere with any new ventures or businesses that open up new avenues.
Who would have thought that this thing actually belonged to her?
Shen Tang: "..."
With officials no longer writing during the Lunar New Year, they have more free time to connect with relatives, friends, and colleagues. Whether it's for a banquet or a gathering, [Another Spring] is a great place to go. Business is booming right now.
Shen Tang easily found Qi Shan's location.
"Yuanliang——"
Pushing open the door to the private room's courtyard, several people inside turned to look at them.
Qin Li was momentarily distracted and was splashed with water.
He coldly wiped his face, and taking advantage of Qi Shan's unpreparedness, pressed the back of the other person's head and threw him into the water, his actions swift and decisive.
A heavy object falling into the water created a large splash.
"Master Qin is truly ruthless."
Knowing he was afraid of water, she still pushed him into it without hesitation. Was she afraid he wouldn't drown during the New Year? Qi Shan, who had fallen into the water, dissipated into a magical aura, revealing himself to be an avatar. Qi Shan's true form hid behind Shen Tang, relying on Tang's influence, and began to mock Qin Li.
Qin Li said, "You shameless scoundrel!"
Shen Tang, who was pushed out by Qi Shan as a shield: "..."
Although she didn't know what Qi Shan had done to offend Qin Li, it was indeed not a good time to cause conflict during the New Year: "Is Gong Su here too?"
Upon seeing Shen Tang's arrival, Qin Li and the others put down their tasks and rose to greet him. Shen Tang glanced over and, wow, besides Qin Li, there were also He Xin and his wife, Tan Mengyuan, Ning Yan, Li Wan, and Kang Shi, who were temporarily residing at Qishan Mansion…
Shen Tang: "..."
When will Qi Shan's popularity be restored?
“This isn’t the imperial court, there’s no need for so much formality…” Shen Tang gestured for everyone to go about their business and not let her presence spoil the atmosphere. “I’m here to see… yours…”
With everyone else present, Shen Tang couldn't very well say she was only looking for Qi Shan.
While everyone was still here, the red envelopes for warding off evil spirits were distributed.
This will save her from having to make several trips.
This was the first time Tan Ting had ever received such a talisman-suppressing red envelope in her life, and she couldn't help but ask with a smile, "Lord Shen, I, Tan, actually received one too?"
Shen Tang spoke without blinking: "Everyone gets a share."
It's not fair that everyone gets a share while Tan Ting is left out. In this situation, it's not appropriate to differentiate; we must treat everyone equally.
What were you doing before?
The topic shift was very abrupt.
Qi Shan: "Competitive fishing, group divisions."
He drew Li Wan's name in the lottery. Qin Li was a master at fishing; fish lined up to bite the bait one after another. Seeing that he was about to lose, Qi Shan resorted to cheating and maliciously interfered with Qin Li's side. Knowing that Qin Li would be angry, he switched his avatar with his real self beforehand.
Shen Tang was speechless: "So you can't handle losing?"
Qi Shan's eyes widened, but she stubbornly retorted, "Who can't accept defeat?"
"Oh, I can afford to lose."
You just can't help wanting to do this stupid thing, right?
Shen Tang once again suspected that Qi Shan was a cat in her past life, her cheeky manner perfectly capturing the essence of a cat. Despite Qi Shan's cheating, Qin Li's advantage was too great, and he still won the fishing championship, making Qi Shan so angry that she kicked the fish basket back into the pond.
Shen Tang had not forgotten the purpose of her trip.
She wanted Qishan to sculpt one for her!
"...Pinch my face like the High Priest's, using Gong Xichou's body! It's the New Year, can't you even get this much?"
Qi Shan didn't agree readily as usual, but instead glanced at Chu Yao behind Shen Tang, the two exchanging a quick look. Shen Tang, still waiting for a reply, urged, "Yuan Liang?"
Qi Shan frowned warily: "My lord, what do you need this for?"
Shen Tang asked suspiciously, "Change your skin...do you need a reason?"
Qi Shan: "..."
In the new year, Shen Tang got her wish and received a trial card for the new skin.
She raised her hand to touch her full, soft chest muscles, admired her reflection in the water, and gave the "Dream Fulfillment Master" a thumbs up—a five-star review.
|ω`)
The next chapter will be set in the early part of the eighth year of Yuanhuang.
Health bar lit up in the Southwest Continent; collect fragments from the Central Continent *N
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