56 Happy New Year
◎Huo Qubing: I have waited for a long time, until today.◎
Chen Ajiao was abandoned.
This daughter of Princess Guantao Liu Piao, who was of noble birth, was the current empress of the Han Dynasty and was deposed for practicing witchcraft in the palace.
Emperor Wu of Han was determined to depose the empress and immediately summoned his ministers to discuss the matter. Princess Guantao, upon hearing the news, went on the prowl. Desperate to save her daughter, she even prepared lavish gifts and begged the two young, naive sons of the Huo family to intercede on A Jiao's behalf. However, with Wei Qing away and her uncles already separated and unable to return, Wei Ai remained indifferent. Huo Qubing, however, withdrew the gifts, and Huo Yan agreed. There was no need for them to wade into this muddy water.
Liu Che had made up his mind. He and Chen Ajiao had long been tired of each other. He had long wanted to support new relatives. Now that Chen Ajiao had made a big mistake, it gave him an excuse.
The ministers saw that the emperor had a firm attitude and that Ah Jiao's belief in evil witchcraft and her practice of sorcery had indeed violated the palace rules, so no one dared to strongly oppose it.
Because of Princess Guantao's plea, although Chen Ajiao was moved out of the Pepper Palace, her life was safe, but she had to live in seclusion in Changmen from then on.
The Pepper Room, a place of splendour and splendor, was the dream of every woman in the world. Its walls, daubed with a mixture of peppercorns and mud, exuded a delicate fragrance. The interior was adorned with exquisite carvings, jewels, and brocade, creating a magnificent spectacle.
Chen Ajiao cradled a fox fur doll in her arms and brushed the dust off its face. The doll was beautiful, the jewelry was beautiful, the flower crowns were beautiful. She always bought a lot of them, even for her future children.
These were all she had with her now.
She buried her face in the fox's belly, and suddenly burst into tears again, covering her face with her hands. She didn't know whether she was crying for losing the Chufu that could speak, or for the emperor's ruthlessness.
She only knew that the pride of being the mother of a country was easily crushed by the emperor.
People were coming and going, but she knelt on the low couch, and stroked the wall with her fingers for the last time. She had been imprisoned here for several days. She thought the person who came was her mother, but she didn't expect that it was just to announce the news that her Chu Fu had been abandoned in the market.
This most beautiful woman in the harem walked out of the Pepper Room with the help of her maid. Her bright and moving eyes were red and swollen due to crying for a long time, and her eyes were full of sorrow and despair. She stood on the high platform and looked at Wei Zifu who saluted her from the steps below.
A Jiao, should have lived in the Pepper Room, A Jiao, was banished to Changmen.
The high steps have changed places since then.
Chen Ajiao was taken away, and the Pepper Room was waiting for its next owner.
Wei Zifu pulled her clothes together. It was early October and the weather was cold, and she felt a chill down her spine.
The Taichu calendar was introduced in the first year of Emperor Wu of Han's reign. In that year, Emperor Wu ordered Sima Qian, Deng Ping, Luo Xiahong, and over twenty others to jointly develop a new calendar to replace the Zhuanxu calendar, which had been in use for over a century and suffered from significant errors. Even in the fifth year of the Yuanguang reign, the old calendar was still in use.
Therefore, after Huo Yan divided the printing factory into two parts, private profit and public use, he followed the annual practice of checking the financial books, managing the property, and by the way, ordering people to prepare New Year gifts for his black card users.
In the past, everyone had their own share of the matter, and the manager could handle it alone. But this year, Chen Ajiao was in a dilemma. Should she use the share for a noble lady or the share for the queen? In addition, there was the complicated relationship between the master and the lord. He couldn't make up his mind for a while, so he went to find Huo Yan.
Huo Yan then understood why Chu Fu was causing trouble for him.
This hatred had lingered for too long. Chen Ajiao usually used the medicine Chu Fu gave her, which was used to create hallucinations. He and Aunt Chunyu sold sachets, and Chen Ajiao was a regular customer, making her their biggest enemy. The sachets, meant to clear the heart and detoxify, would diminish the hallucinations' effectiveness. Furthermore, Chunyu Tiying, upon hearing the price of the sachet, felt bad and always gave Chen Ajiao extra herbs. When she learned she was worried about having a child, she even took her pulse. Huo Yan even inadvertently prescribed a fertility prescription for her.
Chen Ajiao likes the dolls in the toy house, and Huo Yan stuffs all the dolls with various herbs to make them special.
Chen Ajiao and Empress Dou like jewelry, but Huo Yan doesn't want to let outsiders take advantage of the situation, so he gives away the Qingxin Pills that he made but couldn't sell, calling them fertility pills.
Chen Ajiao's brother likes to gamble, and every time he goes there, Huo Yan will occasionally recommend his Nine-Turn Great Rejuvenation Pills.
After a while, Chu Fu had to increase the dosage. She hated Huo Yan to death, but she didn't know who her target was, and she didn't dare to offend the stores under Liu Che's control. Until that day when they met on a narrow road, Huo Yan's smell made her realize it. She was sure that Huo Yan was sent by Wei Zifu to deal with her, and then this big incident happened.
[The money he earned went to the kidnappers.]
[The pills you made are all over the place and have become a specialty in Chang'an.]
[Now even pigs won’t be fooled.]
[I can’t trick anyone anymore.]
[I've made all the money, but I still don't have a single pill shop.]
[Where's Yan'er's money?]
[Oh, yeah, it seems like Ah Yan has been making the pills himself all along, and there's no trace of this pill shop.]
[This isn't right with Ah Yan's personality!]
[It's possible, perhaps, that Ah Yan embezzled Zhu Zhu's money.]
…
Huo Yan had a blank expression on his face as he glanced at them. The barrage of comments had been following him for too long, and he immediately understood.
[Oh, you stole the money.]
"Madam Chen loves beautiful things. Don't worry about the allowance. In addition to the usual allowance for a lady of honor, I will select a flower crown for Madam Chen and also send her a new cloak to go with it. It's just a small matter."
Huo Yan rubbed the pills together in his hands, then placed them one by one into a small ceramic bottle and placed it on the table. He then raised his eyelids slightly and said to the steward standing by, "Next year, have Shi Ye and Dongfang Shuo go to the printing factory together. The tea produced at the end of this year has lost a lot of its flavor. I fired the people at the tea factory in Huainan and will assign a few more people to manage it."
"By the way, have you found the person I asked you to look for?"
The steward noted down everything and nodded, but still couldn't help asking out of concern, "Master, are you hiring so many craftsmen to build another building?"
Letters were a popular way for Chang'an scholars to pass on messages lately. With the year drawing to a close, Huo Yan had received quite a few invitations. He was busy replying, but upon hearing this, his pen stopped. He suddenly turned and smiled at the steward, his eyes dark. "Uncle Dan, are you questioning me, huh?"
The manager shook his head and said he dared not.
Huo Yan then said lightly, "It's because I gave you less food that you're so worried about me losing money."
His tone was resentful, but the steward had been prepared for his words and immediately shrugged and cried poor. Huo Yan then laughed and kicked him, "Get out of here now. Your Lordship Huo is not here today, so there is no reward."
The manager sighed cheerfully and was about to leave.
The incense in the Boshan furnace had already been lit, but was blown away by the cold wind when he opened the door. A few drops of rain quietly blended into the warm fragrance.
He was afraid that Huo Yan would be cold, so he hurried to close the door, but Huo Yan stopped him.
A copper pen holder, shaped like a mountain, its peaks arranged in a staggered pattern. The brush rested atop it, like the emerald bamboo growing among the hills. A pair of bamboo paperweights, imprinted with delicate orchid patterns, rested firmly on the corners of the paper. The young man knelt at the desk, his wrist suspended, his sleeves swaying gently as he wrote. He looked up at the light rain outside, his expression menacing. "Uncle Dan, from now on, as soon as the weather gets cold, close the horse ranch for me."
The steward understood and couldn't help but laugh, "Although it's cold now, it's not freezing. The nobles of Chang'an are all going to the horse farm to have fun. My master doesn't know that we've sold countless horse whips alone, not to mention all the gold and jade bridles. How can we just close it down like that?"
Huo Yan sneered at the old fox and waved his hand to tell him to get out.
The old fox touched his beautiful beard, closed the door, and left immediately, fearing that if he left too slowly, he would be caught by Huo Yan and taken back to test the medicine.
Huo Yan stayed in the room for a while, then slowly stood up. Following the custom of previous years, he put the list of New Year gifts he had prepared into his pocket and handed it to the housekeeper of the Wei Mansion. Wei Qing was not at home and there was no mistress at home, but the New Year gifts sent to each family were necessary to avoid being laughed at for the Wei family's recent rise and ignorance of customs and etiquette.
After finishing these things, he picked up a small clay pot, asked someone to light the fire, and knelt in front of the hall. No one knew what he was cooking, but his occasional glances at the door revealed that he was obviously waiting for someone.
Chang'an is located in the north, and the cold starts in early October, and the feeling of midwinter is already there. Even now, at the end of October, even the slight chill has begun to bite. Chang'an rarely experiences rain in autumn and winter, but now it's drizzling, and it's very cold.
Wei Ai went to live with Wei Junru, leaving only two young masters in the Wei family. No one took care of them. Huo Qubing was not afraid of the cold, and was still having fun in the horse farm in this weather.
The ginger soup was emitting white steam. Huo Yan had been cooking it for about half an hour when he felt very uncomfortable. Finally, he threw away the handle of the wooden spoon and went straight to the door to block people.
Huo Qubing had a great time and only went home when he saw cumulus clouds in the sky. As soon as he got home, a few drops of drizzle fell from the sky. He didn't care much. He just wore a single shirt with narrow sleeves, threw the whip to the servant, walked through the door and strode home, as if he had already had the model of a tall and dignified man in the future.
Huo Yan was wrapped up like a dumpling and stood guarding him at the door. As soon as he saw him, he was so angry that he threw the ceramic bowl in his hand. The tea fell on the bricks and stones, leaving a tender green mark.
Huo Qubing disregarded his dignity for a moment and turned around and ran away with a few servants.
"Huo Qubing, if you run away today, don't come back!"
Huo Yan wished he could turn into Elsa and throw an ice cube at Huo Qubing to freeze him, telling him not to run around on such a cold day. "You're running around in thin clothes on such a cold day. You think your heart is burning with iron, right?"
His face was as gloomy as water, and he strode towards Huo Qubing with big strides. His furry cloak rippled and billowed behind him, making him look like a fierce and vicious fat chick.
"If you don't stop and put on your clothes, I'll go to the Chen Mansion to see my mother by myself this year!"
Huo Qubing rubbed his red nose and leaned closer, asking, "Are you angry?"
Huo Yan shook off the hand on his shoulder without a word. Just as he was about to push away Huo Qubing's hand again, he touched his fingertips, which gave him a shiver of cold. Huo Yan frowned and grabbed Huo Qubing's hand. His claws were red from the cold, and from fingertips to palm, they looked as if they had been burned by a ball of fire, a glaring red. The red was most intense at the fingertips, as if tiny red plum blossoms were blooming on them, while the palm was a deep crimson, as if it had just been soaked in hot blood.
As a young man, Guanjun Hou was actually quite foolish and stubborn. If an arrow missed his target, he would practice archery until he got blisters. He had gloves prepared by his brother that wouldn't interfere with his movements, but they would only affect his accuracy, so he refused to wear them in Chang'an. The Xiongnu lands were cold, and to adapt, he had worn only a single layer of clothing since the year before last, when the autumn winds started.
Behind Huo Qubing's victory in the first battle was his unremitting efforts. He was like burning iron and would never fall down.
Huo Yan took off his fox fur coat and tied it tightly around Huo Qubing. Huo Qubing did not hide. He even bent down and let Huo Yan tie the belt and put on his hat, enjoying his brother's friendship. "It's raining now, are you still going out, Ah Yan?"
It’s great to have a younger brother. When Ah Yan is angry, he looks like a little girl. If I have a daughter in the future, she will be so cute if she puffs up her face when angry like Ah Yan.
Huo Yan didn't know what he was thinking. He frowned, grabbed his collar and asked him to go into the house.
"I've told you eight hundred times, you had many illnesses when you were young, now you should take care of yourself and cherish your life! Why don't you make me worry less? My uncle is in danger of life and death, and you are also like this, I am really worried!"
As Huo Yan spoke, he chopped up a handful of ginger and dates and threw them into the small ceramic stove that had just been filled with water. He then said in a gentle voice, "Brother, be good and obedient. Dinner will be served soon. Go ahead and ward off the cold, and then we'll have something delicious. I've prepared a sweet stew that goes well with the freshly made braised tofu. It's soft and sweet, and you're sure to like it. Actually, this was invented by Liu An, but that doesn't matter now. Come on, brother, drink it."
Huo Qubing calmed down under Huo Yan's seemingly gentle but actually vicious gaze, and only frowned slightly. "Ayan, I'm not that delicate."
Everyone else eats two meals a day, but we eat three, which is a good thing. Ah Yan cooks up all his favorite dishes. But we can't keep eating bitter medicinal food every other day. If we feed him ginger soup every time we go out, won't Ah Yan feel the spiciness? And since my uncle is not here, why do people listen to him?
Huo Yan took his pulse and rubbed his fingers. These hands were the hands of a nobleman, slender and white as porcelain, but covered with calluses or scars from martial arts training. They felt cold to the touch, like touching a dead body. He felt sad, but raised his head when he heard the words and asked the servant to scoop ginger and jujube soup for Huo Qubing.
It's okay to be delicate! If you don't take your body seriously, you can't keep it!
"I know you're not that delicate, drink quickly."
Huo Qubing was not easily provoked, but Huo Yan grabbed his left hand and he could only move. When Huo Yan urged him, he made the excuse that it was too hot and he had a heartburn.
Ever since he grew up, he had always been calm and taciturn, strong and resolute, with his expression rarely changing. So even if he was unhappy, no one would know. But this was the advantage of having twins. Huo Yan was quite sensitive to his emotions. He smiled and whispered in Huo Qubing's ear, "The sand table for the military exercise I mentioned last time is ready. We have two now. I've already sent my uncle's. There's one left. Is Mr. Huo interested?"
Huo Qubing held the ginger soup and drank it all in one gulp. A blush appeared on his face and his skin was burned red.
Huo Yan's tense face suddenly relaxed a little. Huo Qubing imitated him and snorted at him. Huo Yan couldn't help laughing, "Brother, your uncle is not here, so be good."
Huo Qubing was too lazy to pay attention to him and just said lightly, "The Prince of Hejian is coming to the court, and there will be a lot of fun at my uncle's place at the end of the year."
Huo Yan smiled and said, "If you don't know them, then don't go. Brother, come with me to pay New Year's greetings to Mother and Auntie. Lord Sang has invited me this year, and Auntie Chunyu is back, so I want to go too. Let's go together."
"At the beginning of the year, my uncle returned victorious. I'm going to hold a General's Day event at the toy house, select a famous general, and then put on a three-day free opera in Chang'an. And then there's the seven-day buffet. I'm also going to open three hundred jars of wine I brewed using my new method, and invite everyone in Chang'an to drink together!"
Huo Qubing nodded, high-fived him, and said softly, "Okay."
[The King of Hejian is offering elegant music, but he won’t even go!]
If Bingbing doesn't care where they go and he doesn't stop her, then Yan has basically made up his mind and won't change it.
[A beautiful girl is dancing, and neither of you is moved.]
[They were so excited that they would definitely go if the Xiongnu King was asked to dance.]
[Three days of grand theater, seven days of banquets, three hundred jars of wine, Ah Yan is really rich!]
[His tea business, his casino, his toy house, his theater, his jewelry store—they're all fucking monopolies. If he, the oligarch, doesn't make money, who will?!]
[He earned three times as much money from Huo Ayan for that gold foil letterhead.]
[He said he's going to sell those brushes, inkstones, paper, and inkstones next year. Wouldn't that give him even more publicity?]
[I remember Ji An and Zheng also sent people to invite him. Did Ah Yan ignore them?]
[Gongsun Ao and A Yan were also scheduled to go up to pay New Year's greetings, but Ji and Zheng were not.]
[He returned the gift...]
[Hahaha, why didn't you mention the invitation from Zhufu Yan that was thrown out by Ayan.]
The end of the year has arrived as promised.
Chang'an is the residence of the emperor, and the atmosphere of the New Year is even more intense.
Walking along the alleys of Chang'an City, people would paste peach charms on their doorsteps. Peach charms were made of peach wood and had words of blessing or pictures of evil spirits written on them. Colorful cloth strips were also hung.
Occasionally, wealthy families would also decorate their homes with lights and silk lanterns hung high.
Huo Yan had seen more than once the children in new clothes chasing Cuju balls and playing in the open space, and he couldn't help but chuckle. Huo Qubing also loved to play Cuju. He felt a little depressed when he saw these children not knowing how to play Cuju, and his face was gloomy.
Today, a new stage, built for the toy house and theater, was constructed. Several giant bear dolls were dancing on it. These dolls were incredibly lifelike, their furry bodies swaying rhythmically to the cheerful music. Their adorable appearances, coupled with their comical dance moves, instantly captivated everyone. The crowd gathered around them, forming a dense, three-layered formation. Children screamed with excitement, trying to squeeze to the front for a better view. The adults, too, burst into laughter at the hilarious spectacle, each wiping their tears with handkerchiefs.
Huo Yan spotted Zhuo Wenjun playing the qin and greeted her. Zhuo Wenjun didn't see them, but Shi Ye did, shaking the candied hawthorns in his hand and grinning. Huo Yan also stood on tiptoe and waved at him, wanting to join in the fun, but there were too many people and Huo Yan only saw people. In the end, he couldn't squeeze in and went back in disappointment.
After seeing the big bear, Huo Qubing's eyes lit up frighteningly.
As soon as Huo Yan squeezed out of the crowd, he heard Huo Qubing's excited voice, "Little brother, let's go bear hunting! I'll make you a bear coat too. It'll be so warm when you put it on."
Huo Yan blurted out "Fuck", telling him to stop making trouble during the New Year, as he hadn't had enough fun during his last day trip to Ye Ting.
Huo Qubing frowned, clasped his fists and snorted. Huo Yan was helpless. He cursed him, "Tsundere bastard," but he still bought a bunch of snacks for his brother with a righteous attitude, such as sugared melons, candied fruits, barbecued meat, and soup noodles. Normally, they were both picky about food, but as they walked along, perhaps because the atmosphere of the show was good, they ate all the way along the street. When they entered the Chen Mansion, they both found themselves full.
They both chuckled. Fortunately, they were going to Chen's house today, so they didn't want to stay for dinner.
Wei Shaoer was directing the servants to clean the place. When he saw them, he smiled from ear to ear and immediately sent someone to call Chen Zhang.
There was a look of pride in her eyes and eyebrows, and her face was a little plumper than last year, which showed that she was living a good life.
Huo Yan smiled widely, took Wei Shaoer's arm, and said, "Mother, it's good that we've met you."
There's no need to see Lord Chen. It makes my stomach hurt just watching you two show off your affection.
Before they could finish their conversation, they heard Wei Shaoer slap his thigh and say, "Oh, I was just wondering what I forgot. It turns out it's the newly made clothes for my son. There's also some for Qing'er, but he's not here this year, so you can take them back for him."
She smiled and asked someone to bring it, looking at Huo Qubing and Huo Yan again and again, as if she couldn't see enough. Huo Yan wanted to explain, but finally pursed his lips and made a mouth-covering gourd with Huo Qubing.
The maid was very quick, and when Wei Shaoer took the new clothes, Chen Zhang had not yet arrived.
Smiling, she handed the new clothes to Huo Qubing and Huo Yan. They were three extremely finely crafted scarlet brocade robes made of the finest silk, and the color was very bright.
Huo Yan, Huo Qubing, and Wei Qing all had new clothes every year. Their tailor-making daughters always thought they were helpless, so every year their mother gave them one piece of clothing, their eldest aunt gave them one, their youngest aunt gave them one, and their aunts also made new clothes for them.
Huo Yan's face flushed red. "Mom is really good at choosing. This color suits me perfectly!"
Wei Shaoer liked bright colors. Upon hearing this, she smiled from ear to ear and patted Huo Yan's shoulder. Huo Yan grimaced when she patted him, "Mom, it hurts! It hurts! It hurts!"
Seeing his expression, Wei Shaoer couldn't help but laugh again.
Chen Zhang came over at this time, holding a little girl as white as snow and jade beside him.
He was a civil servant, with a slender figure, a thin face and a beautiful beard.
Huo Qubing bowed and addressed him as "Master Chen". Huo Yan put away his unruly look and chuckled and saluted.
It was a day off today, so Chen Zhang had some free time. He smiled, sat down in the main seat, and asked someone to serve some snacks. Wei Shaoer also sat down. Their newborn son was only three or four years old. She held him in her arms, and he called her "Brother" in a milky voice.
Huo Qubing's brows softened slightly, Huo Yan smiled and responded softly, placing the golden locket that he and Huo Qubing had prepared for the child in the palm of the nanny who was serving the child.
Their politeness was almost ingrained in their bones. Seeing that they were as calm and polite as before, Chen Zhang asked them a few questions about their homework with a smile as before.
Huo Yan and Huo Qubing answered one by one.
Then both sides stared at each other and put the matter aside.
Chen Zhang, the stepfather, was worried that he might not say enough and make the two children uncomfortable, so he told them some interesting stories about Chang'an.
Huo Yan also started talking, and Huo Qubing occasionally joined in with a few words.
Wei Shaoer suppressed a smile as he watched the three of them trying to find conversation. "You guys do this every year. You really have the tacit understanding of a father and son."
Three people: Oh, really? Hahaha, that's right.
After finally getting out of the door and saying goodbye to the young Chen Zhangwei who was seeing him off, Huo Yan complained silently.
"Master Chen has the status of a principal wife, but the power of a concubine. I can't do anything with him like this. When will he realize that I don't care who my grandfather is, I only care about whether my mother is doing well."
Huo Qubing also breathed a sigh of relief, "How about you try calling me Aweng next time."
Huo Yan rolled his eyes. "Forget it, he has no plans."
Huo Qubing thought about it and nodded, "He can't hunt bears."
[Even the questions are the same every year. If you don’t know, you might think it’s a save file!]
[Ye Daddy is Ye Daddy. Look how embarrassed Ah Yan is that he doesn’t know what to do with his paws.]
[Ayan: How does a wife act like a mistress?]
[Sorry, I laughed.]
…
Huo Yan and Huo Qubing visited other aunts, uncles and Zhang Tang. Zhang Tang admired Huo Yan for standing up and clearing his name, and invited them to dinner with the courtesy expected of a superior. Huo Yan refused. He played with little Zhang He from Zhang Tang's family for a while and then left.
When Zhang Tang sent them away, Huo Yan touched the child's face, reached out and took out a piece of gold from his arms and handed it to the child. The gold was carved into the shape of a fish, which looked vivid and lifelike. Little Zhang He couldn't let it go. Huo Yan chuckled and gave him two more pieces.
Zhang He looked at the little goldfish in his hand, his eyes sparkling with excitement. His little hands kept touching the bag of gold beads, his face filled with a happy smile. He jumped up and down on the spot, looking at Huo Qubing and then at Huo Yan, his heart filled with joy.
Zhang Tang naturally couldn't accept this and forced Zhang He to return it, but Huo Yan stopped him. Huo Yan bowed to Zhang Tang and said, "Yesterday, an immortal came into my dream and said that the young man from Mr. Zhang's family had protected me in my past life. I am repaying him in this life. Mr. Zhang, please don't refuse it anymore."
Huo Qubing looked at Zhang He, the grace of protecting the child?
He took out a bag of gold beads given to him by Emperor Wu of Han and hung it around Zhang He's waist.
"Ayan's child is my child, take it and be good."
As he spoke, he patted Zhang He's shoulder. Zhang He liked him very much. His big eyes blinked and curved slightly into crescents.
"Thank you, Brother Huo!" He then said to Huo Yan in a clear voice, "Thank you, little Brother Huo."
Huo Yan half squatted down, pinched his little face, and gave him another bag of gold.
"You're so sweet. You're more flexible than your grandfather. When you grow up, just play with your brother, okay?"
Zhang Tang stared at the gold beads dangling from Zhang He's waist, his heart still tangled. He had served as an official for many years, always upholding integrity. Accepting such a valuable gift out of thin air was a violation of his principles. But Huo Yan and Huo Qubing were so insistent, and he couldn't refuse outright. His brow furrowed, his lips pursed, his gaze shifting between the beads and the two young men. He knew the importance Huo Qubing and Huo Yan held in Emperor Wu's heart. If he refused too abruptly, he feared offending them, but accepting was too difficult to accept.
Huo Yan seemed to notice Zhang Tang's hesitation. He stepped forward and said softly, "Mr. Zhang, this is just a small token of your appreciation. You don't have to think it's inappropriate. Mr. Zhang is honest and upright. I will speak to my uncle."
Huo Qubing also nodded in agreement. Zhang Tang sighed and said, "Then I will respectfully obey your command."
[Oh my god, these are two bags of gold beads.]
[Ayan is generous, and Bingbing is even more generous.]
[Equivalent to one million RMB today, just bought, just met.]
[Oh my god, I want to be He Er’s soul.]
[The grace of protecting my child, woooooo, Ah Yan, he is so sincere, I am crying my heart out.]
[In history, when he died, everyone died, even those who made new clothes for Ah Yan died. No one cared for him as much as they cared for Ah Yan.]
[Yanyan, woo woo woo, it will be fine, we can change, right?]
…
Huo Yan clicked his tongue.
[Huo Yan: Nonsense, who am I!]
The main entrance of Sang Mansion.
Sang Hongyang peeked out, and then was hugged by Huo Yan who rushed over.
"Godfather, I missed you! I brought you a gift!"
Sang Hongyang held his big son in his arms and rocked him upside down. "Haorza has become thinner again. Don't be picky!"
The father and son had a deep affection for each other, which made Huo Qubing's eyes ache. His brother was so clingy that it was unbearable.
Then his brother pulled Sang Hongyang towards him and said, "Brother, let me introduce you to my adoptive father. From now on, my adoptive father will be your adoptive father!"
Huo Qubing thought it unnecessary, but Sang Hongyang was very happy, and his excited eyes stared at Huo Qubing like two searchlights.
Huo Qubing bowed, "Uncle Sang."
Sang Hongyang sighed and returned empty-handed again.
Huo Yan, his eldest son, could not bear to see him so depressed. He took out his gift and whispered in his ear with a smile, "Godfather, with this wig, you won't have to worry about being bald anymore."
Sang Hongyang's face darkened, but his eldest son raised his little face with a smug look. He endured it again and again, and finally said with a stern face, "Thank you, Yan."
Thinking of his younger brother's blind self-confidence at that time, Huo Qubing's lips curled up.
Sure enough, Huo Yan waved his hand and said, "You're welcome, thank you."
As he spoke, he pulled Huo Qubing and spread out his hands, "Godfather, Happy New Year!"
Sang Hongyang could no longer bear it and slapped Huo Yan's raised hand. He didn't hit him hard, so Huo Yan just hummed in confusion at first. Finally, he reacted and whimpered, "I came here to give you a gift and relieve your worries, and you hit me! You hit me! Pay me! Give me back my wig! I won't give it to you anymore!"
His shout attracted the attention of everyone on the street. Sang Hongyang immediately pulled him up by the roots as he was about to make a scene and carried him into the Sang Mansion. Under Huo Yan's shocked, confused and suspicious gaze, Huo Qubing finally couldn't help laughing and bent over.
He has been waiting for this day for the past six months.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, society had relatively clear gender norms. Masculinity and strength were considered aesthetically pleasing for men, and their hairstyles were typically simple and neat, suited to military and government activities. Wigs were often associated with women's adornment or special court performances.
[Giving a wig to a man may imply associating him with a feminine image, so what is Yan thinking?]
[Isn’t Ah Yan a joke?]
[Really? His brother tried to persuade him, but he didn't listen.]
[Why on earth did Ah Yan think Sang Hongyang would like wigs?]
[Because Sang Hongyang lost his hair.]
[Uh, very Ayan.]
【Author’s words】
A Yan’s train of thought, if you need it, I will give it to you.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
