Chapter 59 Chinese New Year
The news of Fu Yunting passing the imperial examination kept the Marquis's mansion abuzz for a whole month.
During this time, Fu Yunting visited the courtyard several times, all for matters concerning the royal family.
There are some things that Fu Yunxiu can't say outright, but his attitude is very clear.
In recent days, Fu Yunting had heard many people analyze the pros and cons for him, but in the end, he still followed Fu Yunxiu's advice. The day before the literary gathering, he sent people to the residences of Prince Yu and Prince Ying respectively to report that he had caught a cold and was afraid he would not be able to attend the literary gathering.
Therefore, the King specially sent the royal physician to treat him.
Unfortunately, Fu Yunting was genuinely ill this time. In this freezing weather, even a body made of iron couldn't withstand taking a cold shower.
After examining the patient, the physician left.
Madam Fu saw him off, and when she returned and saw her son looking sickly, she was furious.
"You said this was a great opportunity, how could you be so blinded by greed and miss it like that?"
“Oh dear, Mother,” Fu Yunting coughed and sat up, “the situation is so uncertain right now, it’s not appropriate for me to go there. It’s better for me to stay hidden. Besides, Father doesn’t want to get involved in the court struggles either, so why is it different for me?”
"Your father is your father, and you are you. How can they be the same?"
Marquis Cheng'an knew he lacked ability, so he chose to be a leisurely marquis. But Fu Yunting was different; he was intelligent and resourceful, far superior to his father.
Madam Fu continued her incessant chatter, but Fu Yunting paid no heed.
It was Madam Fu's sweet talk that made him think he and his brother were about the same level, but now he realized that his brother was many times better than him. No wonder his father often praised him when he was alive.
If his brother hadn't told him to actually get sick, he would have been exposed by the King's physician.
It's hard to believe that the King of Ying would send someone to investigate, given the distance between the capital and Yongzhou.
He made up his mind: from now on, he would only listen to his brother. If his brother told him to go east, he would never go west.
Fu Yunting has always been healthy since childhood. Even if he gets a fever after taking a cold shower, he recovers completely after two days of rest.
Another heavy snowfall marks the approaching end of the year.
This is Aman's second New Year spent in Wutong Courtyard.
Compared to the first year, Aman was even more excited this year. Not only because she made a lot of money selling flower dew this year, but also because after this period of treatment, Fu Yunxiu's leg had shown signs of recovery.
Although he still couldn't exert any strength and couldn't stand up, he could clearly feel the existence of his legs, and he could feel itching and pain.
Old Cheng said that this was a very good sign, indicating that the poison had been almost completely neutralized. The meridians in his legs that had been damaged by the poison were also gradually recovering.
After the New Year, the second stage of detoxification will come to an end, and the third stage of maintenance will follow.
Old Master Cheng concluded that it was only a matter of time before Fu Yunxiu stood up.
From the beginning, Fu Yunxiu had little hope for the treatment. Influenced by Aman, he had hoped and looked forward to it, but unfortunately, there was no improvement.
Upon hearing Old Master Cheng's diagnosis, Fu Yunxiu was somewhat dazed.
He actually managed to stand up and live like a normal person?
He genuinely believed that twenty-five years old would be the end of his life!
Now, the end has become the beginning, and there stands the best woman in the world.
"Young Master!" Upon hearing Old Master Cheng's words, Aman felt her eyes well up with tears.
Her efforts truly paid off; the young master was indeed able to stand up again.
Old Master Cheng had been treating Fu Yunxiu for so many years, running around searching for a cure. Now that Fu Yunxiu was able to recover and stand up, he was more excited than anyone else.
But as an elder, he still had to maintain the airs of one. Quietly wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes, Old Master Cheng said sternly, "Alright, isn't this something we already knew? What kind of behavior is this, a bunch of people crying and sobbing like this?"
"It's getting late, so I won't bother you any longer. You should all get some rest. I'm leaving now." After saying this, Old Cheng left without waiting for Aman and the others to make a move.
But Aman clearly saw that he wiped away his tears with his sleeve.
Aman smiled and said, "Grandpa Cheng, don't forget to come over for dinner on New Year's Eve."
Outside the door came Old Cheng's voice, tinged with a sob, "I understand."
On New Year's Eve, Aman slept until the sun was high in the sky before getting up.
It wasn't that she was lazy; there was simply nothing much to tidy up at home.
After getting up and washing up, Aman saw that it was almost time, so she went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Fu Yunxiu and Mantou were in charge of putting up couplets and hanging lanterns.
Fu Yunxiu's legs were still weak, but he could still help press down the couplets.
Knowing there would be a family reunion dinner that evening, Aman prepared a very simple meal for lunch. After lunch, Aman had the two of them change into their new clothes for the New Year and wait for the Marquis's family to come and invite them.
As Fu Yunxiu had predicted, the family banquet at the Marquis's residence started earlier than in previous years. This was not for any other reason than that Fu Yunting's passing the imperial examination was enough for Madam Fu to show off.
Of course, Madam Fu did not manage the household affairs; Madam Liu handled all the matters.
Madam Liu's purpose in doing so was also very clear.
Although Marquis Cheng'an was a womanizer with many wives and concubines, he only had three sons.
Now, the eldest son, Fu Yunxiu, is suffering from a deadly poison and is unlikely to live past the end of the year. The second son, Fu Yunting, has passed the imperial examination with flying colors and is clearly destined for a career in government, aiming for a title and high office. As a result, the title of Marquis will fall to Fu Changze.
And coincidentally, during this period, Fu Changze also won over several clan elders.
Although it was just a family dinner, there were undercurrents at play.
It would be best if this title could be finalized after the new year.
As soon as Fu Yunxiu entered the Marquis's residence today, he sensed the turbulent atmosphere that was brewing there.
Putting aside everything else, even my usually unassuming second uncle was unusually enthusiastic today.
"Oh, Yunxiu's here." Master Fu Ang walked up with a smile and carefully examined Fu Yunxiu. "I haven't seen you for the past few days. You seem to be in much better health. Did Old Master Cheng find a way to cure you?"
"Thanks to my second uncle, Old Master Cheng has indeed found an ancient prescription. As for whether it will work, we'll have to try it to find out," Fu Yunxiu said calmly.
“That would be wonderful. It must be my elder brother’s blessing from heaven.” Master Fu said, “Old Master Cheng is a divine doctor. If he says it can be done, then it definitely can be done.”
He said that, but he didn't really think so.
Over the years, Old Chen has come up with about a hundred, if not more, methods for Fu Yunxiu, but which one has been effective?
It was nothing more than a final, desperate struggle.
Master Fu found it amusing, but he didn't show it on his face. He patted Fu Yunxiu on the shoulder and said, "You'd better get better. Now that Yunting has passed the imperial examination and become a scholar, he probably has no interest in the title. This huge Marquis's mansion will have to rely on you in the future."
“Ah, Second Master, you are mistaken.” No sooner had Second Master Fu finished speaking than someone interrupted him.
Fu Yunxiu looked in the direction of the voice, and after seeing who it was, he instantly understood.
He was originally a follower of the second son.
It can't really be called the second son. To be precise, this person is following General Liu, the uncle of Deputy Director Ze.
A distant relative, someone I have absolutely no connection with, has actually traveled a long way to attend the family banquet today.
It seems that Madam Liu has made thorough preparations this time.
When Master Fu heard someone respond, he didn't show any displeasure. He simply looked at the person who had spoken and said, "Oh, I wonder what your insight is."
The visitor smiled slightly, "I dare not offer any profound insights, but the Second Young Master is currently in charge of this household. Although it is only temporary, he is managing it quite well."
“How can a son of a concubine inherit a title?” someone mocked.
"That's right. Even if the eldest son's family is truly without anyone, the second son's family is still alive. It's not the turn of an illegitimate son."
When Fu Changze was born, Madam Liu was just a concubine. Although she is now in charge of the Marquis's mansion and even has more power than Madam Fu, Fu Changze's status is what it is and cannot be changed.
In the distance, Madam Liu heard these old geezers calling him a concubine's son, and she was so frustrated that she almost ripped her palms apart with her hands hidden in her sleeves.
Seeing his mother getting angry, Fu Changze shook his head at the right moment, signaling her to calm down.
Some things just need someone to take the lead in order for them to develop.
It's just a few barks; he won't take it seriously.
Ultimately, it won't cost him a piece of flesh.
The parties argued endlessly, but Fu Yunxiu remained detached, observing everything as if he were a spectator.
This includes the subtle actions of Fu Changze and his mother.
Perhaps knowing that he would soon be able to stand up again, Fu Yunxiu, who had always been disgusted by such occasions, surprisingly did not feel any resistance today.
On the contrary, I found it rather interesting.
In his opinion, it would be most prudent for Fu Changze to inherit the title of Marquis.
Putting aside the fact that he is the only heir left in the eldest branch of the family, the fact that he has managed the Marquis's mansion so well over the years shows that he is capable of taking on this position.
Not to mention, my second uncle is a hypocrite who is treacherous and cunning. If he were to inherit the title, the Marquis's mansion would likely never have a peaceful life again.
At the banquet, the three sides continued their relentless fighting.
Although Madam Fu was happy that her son had passed the imperial examination, she still did not want to give up the title of Marquis. Therefore, at the banquet, the elders of the clan she had won over spoke on behalf of Fu Changze in every way.
Unfortunately, the person involved remained silent, like a taciturn creature.
As for the second son, General Liu has now pledged allegiance to King Yu, who is at the height of his power in the court, and naturally has many supporters.
Although Uncle Fu was not very capable, he had some cronies, and naturally some people spoke up for him.
A group of people engaged in a heated debate, with undercurrents swirling beneath the surface. Although Fu Yunxiu found it interesting, he eventually grew bored.
It would be better to go back early and keep watch with Aman.
Fortunately, he was not very noticeable at the banquet. After informing the clan leader, he secretly slipped away.
In Wutong Garden, Aman had already prepared a table full of dishes, just waiting for Fu Yunxiu and Mantou to return.
Old Cheng drank a cup of tea, and looking at the tempting food on the table, he couldn't help but swallow.
He barely ate anything at noon today because of Aman's New Year's Eve dinner.
"Why isn't that brat back yet?" Old Cheng grumbled angrily. The food was getting cold.
"Perhaps he's been held up by something." Aman wasn't in a hurry and poured tea for Old Cheng. "Grandpa, please have some tea."
Old Cheng: "..."
If he keeps drinking like this, he'll be full of tea.
Just as Old Cheng was staring blankly at the door, there was finally some movement outside.
"It's Young Master returning. I'll go open the door." Aman jogged over, opened the door, and sure enough, it was Fu Yunxiu and the others.
It was now the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), and night had fallen. The quiet alleyway contrasted sharply with the bustling Marquis's mansion. Fu Yunxiu had many thoughts to share about the day at the Marquis's mansion, and as he walked through the night, he couldn't help but feel lost.
But that sense of bewilderment vanished without a trace upon seeing Aman. In this vast天地 (heaven and earth), there is always a light shining for you, and someone waiting for you to come home.
This place, which he once regarded as a cage, is now his most peaceful haven.
Aman was puzzled when she saw the young master staring at her. However, the night was dark, and she couldn't tell what Fu Yunxiu was thinking from his eyes.
Just as she was about to ask, Fu Yunxiu spoke up at the opportune moment. His clear, cool voice was like heavenly music in the darkness, "Let's go home."
The three of them entered the room one after another.
Old Master Cheng sat calmly in the house, watching Aman push Fu Yunxiu in, still complaining, "You brat, you didn't know to come back earlier, making people wait for no reason."
Although she said that, she was still very worried about Fu Yunxiu. "It was windy at night. Did you feel unwell after coming from the Marquis's residence?"
"No." Fu Yunxiu shook his head. After entering the second course of treatment, Fu Yunxiu found that his aversion to cold had been cured.
Now, he is no different from an ordinary person. In fact, because he has been taking medicinal baths for a while, his body is even better than that of a steamed bun. He doesn't feel cold at all, even when he is only wearing a single layer of clothing.
Ah Man felt he was cold, so she always draped a cloak over him whenever he came in or went out.
So what could he do but give in?
At the dinner table, the four of them toasted each other, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Aman earned money this year, learned medicine, and even cured Fu Yunxiu's leg. She was the happiest person at the whole dinner table, and before long, she had a few extra drinks.
Fu Yunxiu wanted to stop her, but seeing that Aman was happy, he let her go.
Fortunately, he and Mantou are still there, so nothing bad will happen.
During the event, Mr. Cheng, as the only elder present, distributed New Year's money to all three of them.
Fu Yunxiu and Mantou were fine; they had known Old Cheng for a long time and had a close relationship with him, so they simply thanked him.
Aman was truly grateful to Old Cheng and insisted on kowtowing to him to wish him a Happy New Year.
Old Master Cheng was naturally unwilling, but Ah Man insisted, and he couldn't resist, so he had no choice but to agree.
Ah Man had drunk too much and was now staggering as he walked. He stared at where Old Cheng was for a long time before finally kneeling down.
But drunk people have no sense of propriety. With a "thump," he fell to the ground, making Fu Yunxiu's eyelids twitch.
Aman was an honest man; when he said he would kowtow, he didn't hesitate at all. The "thump, thump, thump" sound made Old Cheng's heart skip a beat.
After a while, the group talked for a while longer, when they heard the sound of a wooden clapper outside.
It's time to set off firecrackers.
Mantou took the fireworks he had bought that morning to the yard to set them off. Old Cheng wasn't interested in any of that, so he just stayed inside drinking, watching the young people make a ruckus through the wide-open door.
Fu Yunxiu was pushed under the eaves by Aman, wrapped tightly in a cloak. Aman leaned against her, her face flushed, covering her ears as she looked up at the fireworks.
Fireworks are beautiful, but fleeting, and far less dazzling than Aman's clear eyes.
It was unclear whether it was the neighbor setting off firecrackers, but the power was astonishing. Even though Aman was covering her ears, she was still startled and instinctively snuggled into Fu Yunxiu's arms.
Fu Yunxiu opened his cloak and half-embraced her, but his thoughts drifted back to a year ago.
Same occasion, same scene, but different state of mind.
Last year's fireworks were a death knell for the passing of the year, while this year's fireworks represent hope and rebirth for the new year.
Under his cloak, Fu Yunxiu secretly took Aman's small hand and pulled her closer to his arms.
The person in his arms was thin and small, but he felt inexplicably at ease and content.
very nice.
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