New house built
The midday sun in summer begins to blaze.
The new house is being baked, and there is a sweet fragrance of fresh wood.
The last beam was securely placed in place.
Shen Yan stood in the center of the courtyard, wiped his sweat, looked around at the house that had taken two months to build, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.
Look! Now that's what a house should be like!
He spread his arms wide and proudly shouted to the craftsmen who were packing up their tools, "I'm not bragging, you won't find another like this in the entire county!"
Xuan Chenzi, leaning on his cane, strolled out of the side room. Hearing this, he stroked his beard and chuckled, "Young Master Chen, half the credit for this house goes to Lady Ling. Her drainage design is something even I, an old Taoist priest, have never seen in all my years of traveling the world."
Indeed, this residence is unique in every way.
Ling Zhan referenced the construction of border fortresses, building the main house on a rammed earth platform three feet above the ground, with hidden drainage ditches around it.
The most ingenious thing is that, in accordance with Xuan Chenzi's requirement of "following the right time, place, and people," a spacious dormitory was built on the east and west sides. The dormitory was simple in design, with excellent ventilation and lighting, and it had a certain feel of a Taoist retreat. Children under ten years old could live together, so that more children could be accommodated.
The master bedroom, children over twelve years old, and the reserved guest rooms are all independent single rooms. What's even more amazing is that each room has a small "bathroom"—built with polished stone slabs, with ceramic sewage pipes connected underneath, leading directly to a newly dug septic tank outside the house. A stone-paved path has also been built at the back door of the house, leading to a newly built simple dock by the river for easy access to water for washing.
"Dad! Dad! Look how shiny the window frames are after I cleaned them!"
Five-year-old Er Mao, holding a rag, darted to Shen Yan's legs like a little monkey, tilting his head back to boast. Shen Yan was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, picking the little guy up and bouncing him around: "Bright! My son cleaned it, of course it's bright!"
At first, Shen Yan, who was only a teenager, felt awkward being called "Dad".
But now she finds it sweet.
"Mother! Mother!"
Little Stone's voice came from the main house, tinged with urgency. He was carrying a large ceramic pot, almost half his height, and wobbled towards Ling Zhan, who was adjusting the hinges of the main house door. "Water! Sister Su cooled it down!"
Ling Zhan stopped what she was doing, and Xiao Shitou's cry of "Mother" struck her heart with a heavy weight.
She turned around, looked at the fine beads of sweat on the child's forehead and his earnest eyes, silently took the heavy earthenware pot, and tilted her head back to gulp down a few mouthfuls. The cool boiled water slid down her throat, seemingly washing away her discomfort. She still didn't respond, but simply raised her hand and awkwardly wiped a speck of dust from the tip of Little Stone's nose with her sleeve.
Little Stone immediately grinned, as if he had received a tremendous reward.
"Oh dear, my good disciples, slow down! Don't knock over my compass!"
Xuan Chenzi feigned panic as he carefully protected the feng shui tools placed on the stone table in the courtyard. A group of teenagers chased after him, laughing and shouting, "We know, Master!" but their feet never stopped.
Xuan Chenzi's face lit up with a smile, clearly enjoying the honorific title of "Master".
Su Wan peeked out from the spacious and bright kitchen and called out gently, "Da Niu, bring your younger siblings to wash their hands. Dinner is ready. You've been sweating a lot, be careful not to catch a cold." She was wearing a clean apron, her hair was neatly tied up, and she directed the older children to serve the dishes and set out the bowls in an orderly manner.
The children responded cheerfully, "Sister Su is here!" and swarmed towards the well.
In the past two months, Su Wan's gentleness, meticulousness, excellent embroidery skills, and culinary expertise have completely won over the children's hearts.
The term "Sister Su" is full of intimacy and trust.
Watching the children surrounding Chen Yan, Ling Zhan, Xuan Chenzi, and Su Wan in the courtyard, calling out "Father," "Mother," "Master," and "Sister Su" one after another, creating a lively yet strangely harmonious atmosphere, the village head stood at the courtyard gate and sighed with emotion, "This really feels like a home now, with a father, a mother, a sister, and a master—it's complete!"
Upon the completion of his new house, Shen Yan insisted on holding a three-day banquet to celebrate and thank his neighbors and craftsmen.
He rolled up his sleeves and got to work, hiring a cook, buying ingredients, and borrowing tables, chairs, and utensils. He was so busy that he barely had time to breathe, and he made sure the event was dignified and lively.
Ling Zhan, on the other hand, completely washed his hands of the matter. He only gave Shen Yan a succinct answer when she was unsure about major decisions, mainly concerning the cost. The rest of the time, he was either testing the newly built boat at the river dock or silently polishing her knife in the house.
The banquet finally began, and the whole village celebrated.
Day 1, noon.
In the open space in front of the new house, more than a dozen square tables were set up, with bowls and chopsticks clattering and people talking.
The rich aroma of meat and the rising steam filled the air.
Almost everyone in the village, young and old, came, and their faces were beaming with smiles.
Shen Yan wore a brand-new sapphire blue long robe made of a blend of silk and fine cloth, the color perfectly complementing his complexion. His jet-black hair was styled in a pearly white bun, which accentuated the jade-like luster of his fair neck. He moved radiantly among the guests, his voice booming:
"Uncle Wang! Please take a seat! Try this braised pork; I stewed it especially tender for you!"
"Aunt Li! Don't just eat, give me more food, there's plenty!"
"Carpenter Zhang! You've worked so hard! The house was completed so quickly and so well thanks to your craftsmanship!"
He greeted each guest with great enthusiasm, and every now and then a familiar man would pull his hand and pour him a drink, eliciting bursts of laughter. He was completely intoxicated by the praises he received: handsome, dashing, and dignified.
The children were like a swarm of happy little bees, nimbly flitting between tables and people:
"Dad! Dad! Grandma Liu said she wants another bowl of chicken soup!" Simao, holding an empty bowl, squeezed next to Chen Yan's legs.
"Alright! Just wait!" Shen Yan readily agreed, then casually stuffed the chicken leg she had just put in her bowl into Simao's mouth. "Have this to tide you over!"
"Sister Su! Brother Zhao spilled soup on himself!" Da Niu dragged a crying little boy to the kitchen.
Ling Zhan sat alone in the corner, quietly drinking tea.
Ling Zhan put down his teacup, called out to Da Niu, took out a clean cloth from his pocket, squatted down, and carefully wiped the soup stains off the child's clothes, his movements slightly clumsy but meticulous. Little Stone immediately followed like a little tail, offering his own small handkerchief: "Mom, use this, it's clean."
Ling Zhan didn't say anything, and took it to continue wiping.
The child was soothed by her calming presence and gradually stopped crying.
"Sister Su! The steamed cakes on the stove are almost ready. Aunt Pang is asking if you want some sugar?" Er Mao called out as he ran out from the kitchen.
Su Wan was efficiently adding dishes to the table when she heard this and replied without looking up, "Tell Aunt Pang to follow the original recipe. There's enough sugar. Take it off the heat when it's ready, don't overcook it."
Her voice was gentle, and her commands were decisive; she was the unseen manager of this grand banquet.
She had a bunch of keys and a small abacus hanging from her waist. Every now and then, a woman helping in the kitchen or a man in charge of purchasing would come over and ask for her instructions in a low voice. She could always give clear instructions quickly and accurately, and her accounts were always accurate. Through careful calculation, she managed to make the feast both abundant and not extravagant.
Xuan Chenzi sat at the table with Old Man Wang, the village head, stroking his beard, holding a wine cup, looking every bit the sage, enjoying the respectful title of "Master" and the villagers' compliments about the "auspicious feng shui of the house." Several teenagers surrounded him, asking questions all at once:
"Master, master, will our new house really bring us wealth?"
"Master, I've put the peace charm you taught us to draw on the headboard of my bed!"
The old Taoist priest squinted as he answered each question, displaying the air of a highly accomplished Taoist master.
As the banquet reached its climax, a commotion suddenly erupted at the village entrance.
Several sturdy horses escorted a small blue sedan chair, which slowly approached under the protection of yamen runners. Leading the procession was a man in a blue official robe, with a refined and slender face—the county magistrate. Beside him was his trusted advisor, Zhou the clerk.
The village head hurriedly got up to greet him, and everyone at the table put down their bowls and chopsticks, showing respect.
"We were unaware of the arrival of the County Magistrate and Master Zhou. Please forgive us for not welcoming you properly!" The village head bowed deeply.
The magistrate alighted from his sedan chair, a gentle smile on his face, and offered a helping hand: "Village head, there's no need for such formalities. I heard that Mr. Shen's new house has been completed, benefiting the entire village, so I've come to offer my congratulations. This is a benevolent act, a testament to the simple and honest nature of the people."
His gaze swept over the impressive yet practical new house, especially noticing the unique drainage system and the neatly planned layout of the buildings, a hint of barely perceptible admiration flashing in his eyes. His gaze then moved across the crowd, landing for a moment on Ling Zhan, who was quietly sipping tea in a corner.
As the apparent head of the family, Shen Yan hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects, his attitude respectful yet neither servile nor arrogant: "This humble subject, Shen Yan, greets Your Excellency, the County Magistrate, and Master Zhou. My humble abode is newly completed, and your presence is a great honor!"
The magistrate smiled and nodded: "Sir Shen, there's no need for such formalities. On my journey here, I've seen a peaceful atmosphere in the village, and this house is particularly ingenious; it must have taken a lot of thought." He paused, then subtly changed the subject, "Especially the drainage system and the layout of the house, which are quite sophisticated and could not have been done by an ordinary craftsman."
Shen Yan's heart skipped a beat!
His smile remained unchanged: "You flatter me, sir. I'm just a country bumpkin, looking for a place that's convenient and sturdy. Thanks to the village head and the villagers for their help, and my wife... well... she's quiet, but thoughtful and has some ideas."
He cleverly attributed the credit to his "wife," Ling Zhan.
Ling Zhan, standing in the corner, seemed not to have heard the conversation. He simply lowered his head and wiped the grease from the corner of Xiao Shitou's mouth.
Magistrate Zhao's gaze lingered on her again, but he did not disturb her.
At the opportune moment, Master Zhou stepped forward, smiling broadly as he smoothed things over, bowing to Shen Yan and the village head to offer his congratulations: "Congratulations, Mr. Shen, and congratulations, Mrs. Ling! The completion of your new residence and the prosperity of your family are truly a blessing for Kaoshan Village, and a good thing for our county magistrate's effective education!" He then changed the subject, lowering his voice slightly, with a touch of patriotic lament, "Currently, the war on the western border is at a stalemate, and the number of refugees is increasing. His Majesty is benevolent and has repeatedly issued decrees to provide relief, but alas... alas, the will of Heaven is unpredictable, and His Majesty's health has been somewhat poor lately, and he has yet to have an heir... It is inevitable that the hearts of the people in the court and the country will be unsettled."
He paused for a moment, then continued: "A marriage like Uncle Shen's not only provides for a stable family and career, but also shelters the orphaned and vulnerable, and brings blessings to the community. It is truly a blessing for the nation and the people, and all the more precious! The magistrate and we are deeply gratified!"
His words subtly elevated Shen Yan's reputation, while also serving as a silent reminder and observation.
The village headman echoed, "Absolutely! Absolutely! It's all thanks to the imperial court's grace and the county magistrate's effective governance!"
A slight alarm bell rang in Shen Yan's heart, but her face was filled with a grateful smile.
"Master Zhou, you flatter me! I merely enjoy children and do not deserve such praise. Please, sir and master, take your seats!"
The magistrate took his seat at the main table, with his advisor, Master Zhou, sitting beside him.
The atmosphere at the table became somewhat awkward, and the villagers became much more reserved.
Shen Yan was on high alert, while Su Wan directed people to quickly prepare exquisite bowls and chopsticks and several of her signature dishes.
Ling Zhan remained silent, only pulling the small stone closer to himself.
His gaze occasionally swept over the magistrate and his advisor, who were chatting and laughing. He remained calm and composed, revealing no emotion.
Xuan Chenzi shook his wine gourd, his eyes darting between the officials and the common people, before stroking his beard and remaining silent.
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