On New Year's Eve, every household in Wujia Village was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations.
This year's honor of dragon lantern dancing went to Wujia Village. With Princess Jiang staying in the village for the New Year, the villagers were all determined to bring glory to Wujia Village and honor to Princess Jiang.
The sounds of gongs, drums, and suonas filled the air.
A small team dressed in traditional red clothing, consisting of both men and women, all of whom were not young.
A bonfire was lit at the village entrance, and people kept adding firewood.
The scorching sun melted the surrounding snow and ice, making it warm and cozy.
People from nearby towns, villages, and towns came one after another to visit relatives and watch the performance.
Well, to be honest, I came here specifically to see the performance and also to visit some relatives.
Otherwise, in this freezing weather, we can't all be without a sip of hot water and a trip to the toilet, can we?
However, it is clear that the village chief of Wujia Village had anticipated their concerns.
Hot water is available free of charge at the village entrance, and public toilet signs are posted everywhere. Even those who are illiterate can ask someone for directions.
Snacks, like sunflower seeds, peanuts, peanut brittle, maltose, etc., cost ten copper coins a pack, and they could last a long time.
What's infuriating is that some people set up stalls and sell skewers, but they're also reluctant to spend money. Not everyone is like the villagers of Wujia Village, who seized the opportunity and latched onto the princess's coattails!
But it smells so good!
Unable to resist the adoring glances from their children, grandchildren, and daughters-in-law, people of all ages and genders bought some food on the spot.
Families with relatives are fortunate; when relatives open their doors to guests, they stuff large amounts of food into the guests' pockets, so there's no need to spend extra money.
Indeed, a marriage alliance with Wujia Village was the best choice!
The students from the school also brought their parents to see the lantern festival.
More or less, families who have received school awards are very grateful to Principal Jiang, oh no, Princess Jiang!
I heard that a temple dedicated to Princess Jiang has been built next to the ancestral hall in Wujia Village. As a result, the news spread like wildfire, and everyone went there to pray for blessings.
Actually, in general, it is people who have done great deeds in life who, after their death, have temples built by people or by the imperial court.
However, there is a special case: when the people trust a person, a great philanthropist, or a person who has performed great deeds, this is the case from the time they were born...
Although there are few isolated cases, it doesn't mean it's impossible.
When Wu Jiahu was building it, he submitted a petition to the county magistrate, who granted his request, and that's how the construction began.
Nowadays, it's no exaggeration to say that the area outside the temple is packed with people.
Although the temple is small, its incense offerings are quite numerous.
The Bodhi trees, originally planted for aesthetic purposes, are now covered with red ribbons adorned with prayers...
I must say, it's quite beautiful.
A giant yellow dragon, weighing over 100 pounds, was carried out of the ancestral hall.
Except for a few men who were already married, the other dozen or so young men dancing the dragon lantern were all of marriageable age and not yet married!
The news was spread by someone, and a large group of elderly men and women, along with beautiful young girls, came to watch the dragon dance practice.
"That's good, his arms are all fleshy, he must be very strong!"
"That's great, she's tall. Her babies will definitely be very tall too!"
"That young man is quite good, long legs, he'll be good in the future..."
"Oh dear, Mom, stop talking, he's looking over here!"
"I'm so embarrassed, Dad! Let's go!"
"Sister-in-law~"
......
The young men blushed furiously, almost forgetting their actions under the spotlight and pointing fingers.
No wonder the village chief told them not to wear anything too thick, just a single layer of clothing would be fine, and those with a fiery temper should wear a long gown.
They thought the village chief was concerned that they were sweating from the heat and then getting chilled by the wind.
I never expected this, it turns out it was...
There's a family in the village that sells masks in town.
There are full-face masks, half-face masks, hundreds of them, with lifelike designs.
As the saying goes, "People are afraid of becoming famous, just as pigs are afraid of getting fat," so Jiang Yue specially asked Aunt Ge to buy several masks so that her daughter could choose one to wear before going out to play.
I picked one for myself too, so I wouldn't be surrounded by people every step I take...
On this rare day of relaxation, the household servants, maids, and guards on duty could not be released.
Everything else that could be released has been released.
Celebrating with the people!
Qingyao chose a rabbit mask, while Xia Hua next to her picked a butterfly mask.
The master and servant were inseparable, strolling hand in hand at the village entrance.
Without Jiang Yue giving any instructions, Aunt Ge arranged for several guards to secretly protect the young lady.
"Relax today. There won't be any danger in Wujia Village. You've worked hard too, so have some fun."
Jiang Yue patted Aunt Ge on the shoulder, indicating that she didn't need to be worried and could just stroll around.
Aunt Ge casually put on a mask painted with blooming plum blossoms. Upon hearing this, she nodded and looked at the princess, who was also wearing a simple plum blossom mask. Her spirits relaxed a little.
Yes, in Wu Family Village, the princess's territory, and with guards secretly protecting her, Miss should be safe.
"Xia Hua, this silk flower is so pretty. Come here, let me put it on you~"
"No, Miss, this..."
"Bend down quickly, I'll give it to you~"
"Thank you, miss!"
Xia Hua was deeply moved. That's just how her mistress is; whenever she sees something nice, she thinks of her.
"It looks great, I'll buy it!"
Qingyao counted out ten copper coins from her money bag and handed them to the merchant.
Then, holding Xia Hua's hand, they continued strolling towards the next place.
Xia Hua also had a purse in her arms, the reward money that Steward Ge had distributed that morning. She touched the silk flower on her head, then looked at the young lady squatting down in front of her, choosing small ornaments, and made up her mind—
Yes, she also wants to buy a New Year's gift for the young lady!
"Small--"
Just as Xia Hua was about to call out "Miss," a flippant voice rang out—
"Oh, little sister, do you like this ornament? I'll buy it for you!"
As he spoke, he reached out and put his hand on the shoulder of the little girl wearing a rabbit mask.
"Get out of here!"
Qingyao turned around, sternly rebuked, and gave the first warning.
"Wow, what a lovely voice, she must be a little beauty."
The man gave a frivolous smile, his words full of flirtatious remarks.
Two accomplices followed behind, and it looked like they were about to imitate Xia Hua and harass her.
"You asked for it~"
Beneath the mask, Qingyao spoke coldly, then reached out and sprayed pepper spray at the other person.
"Sizzle~"
Ah~
"My eyes!"
"Quickly, grab her!"
"Sizzle~"
"Sizzle~"
Qingyao quickly got up, grabbed Xia Hua's hand, and sprayed her twice behind Xia Hua's back.
"Run!"
"Sigh~"
The master and servant worked together seamlessly, like fish in water, and quickly disappeared from everyone's sight.
The stall owner, also from Wujia Village, recognized the voice as that of Princess Jiang's beloved daughter. At that moment, he deliberately tripped the three outsiders, then pretended not to know anything, coldly watching the groaning strangers on the ground...
Serves you right!
Other vendors behaved in the same way, or even actively covered for them.
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