Chapter 71 Special New Year's Eve Dinner
As the end of the year approaches, the weather is still bitterly cold, heavy snow falls day and night, and more and more disaster victims are flocking to the shelters.
The imperial court had anticipated this and allocated funds to expand the shelters so that the victims would not be left with nowhere to go.
The victims who first arrived at the shelter would be shocked by the scene before them and their mouths would open wide.
Rows of greenhouses are neatly arranged, and everyone is wearing brand new cotton-padded clothes. Men are burning charcoal or helping to build new greenhouses, while women are sweeping snow, lighting fires, and cooking. As for children, they are making snowmen and having snowball fights in the snow.
Everyone had a smile on their face and a glimmer of hope in their eyes.
The originally barren land was transformed into a bustling scene by everyone’s concerted efforts.
The snow was still falling, but it was no longer scary at this time, but became an embellishment of the magnificent scene.
At this moment, peace and prosperity in the country and the well-being of the people seem to have taken shape.
In a blink of an eye, New Year's Eve arrived quietly.
Xiao Yanci ordered his men to exchange dozens of baskets of copper coins and placed them neatly in front of the greenhouse. The scene was so spectacular that all the people stared in amazement.
Xiao Yanci stood on the high platform, his black clothes making him look tall and straight. A green beard sprouted from his chin, which made him look a bit sloppy, but also carried a broad and upright demeanor.
After this period of experience, the rumored seventh prince, who was cruel, ruthless and unkind, has become a living, flesh-and-blood person.
He spoke loudly, "Today is New Year's Eve. The Emperor has been thinking of you all, and has specially ordered me to prepare this money for the celebration, as well as delicious food and meat. Today, let's collect the money together, have a reunion dinner, and celebrate the New Year in a lively and festive manner!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone cheered.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Having such a wise leader is a blessing for the Great Qi, and even more so for us!"
Everyone knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly towards the imperial palace, their eyes filled with piety and emotion.
Xiao Yanci looked at the people kneeling on the ground below, and Lu Zhiran's face involuntarily appeared in his mind.
She has a beautiful appearance and is unparalleled in beauty.
Ripples surged in my heart, an indescribable burning sensation flowed through my body, and my blood began to boil.
What the world does not know is that her inner self is far more charming than her appearance.
Today, she deserves half the credit for the fact that her father is worshipped devoutly by the people.
Everyone lined up in turn to receive the wedding money, each person grabbed a handful, and the rustling sound was particularly pleasant.
The money was not much, just a dozen copper coins, but it was enough to make them smile brightly.
After receiving the wedding money, they lined up with their bowls to get the food.
Dozens of large pots were filled with stewed meat, including braised pork trotters, fried meatballs, steamed crucian carp, freshly braised chicken, duck and beef, as well as plump and round dumplings. They were steaming and smelled so good that everyone was drooling and stretching their necks to wait.
The big man who was serving the food swung a big spoon with great strength and force, but the spoon did not shake. Everyone got a big bowl full of meat, even the children were no exception.
A child was holding a pig's trotter that was bigger than his face and chewing it until his mouth was full of oil.
An old man with sparse teeth held a bowl and ate the soft braised pork, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out.
The rest of the people were either standing or sitting, gathered in groups of three or four, concentrating on their meals and eating with great relish.
Xiao Yanci also personally ordered a bowl of meat, found a place to sit down and started eating without any hesitation.
He was never picky about food, clothing, housing and transportation, and he didn't seem like a pampered prince.
Who made him born to be poor?
Every time I go out, I can make myself very embarrassed, and this has cultivated my hard-working qualities.
I have to say that the chef’s cooking skills today are really good. It tastes much better than the cold New Year’s Eve dinner in the palace.
While eating, some people started crying.
"This New Year's Eve dinner is the best I've ever had in my life. If my mother were still alive, she would have been able to enjoy a good meal of meat."
These words made many people's eyes red, and an indescribable bitterness welled up in their hearts.
"I thought our family wouldn't be able to survive this winter, but I didn't expect to be able to wear such warm clothes and eat such delicious meals. Even if I die, I can rest in peace."
"Me too. Even if I die now, I will have no regrets."
Someone immediately let out a few "Pah, pah, pah" noises. "It's New Year's Day, and you're talking about death? The court and those nobles have spent money and effort to keep us warm and fed, just so we can say such depressing things?"
"Yes, we have finally managed to save our lives. We must live well no matter what. Otherwise, wouldn't we be letting down the court and the nobles for their efforts?"
"We should learn to be grateful, work hard, live well, and not cause trouble to the court."
Xiao Yanci did not speak, but just listened quietly.
A hunchbacked woman walked up to him. She was very old, with wrinkles all over her face and her hands were as dry and withered as old tree bark.
"This humble woman pays homage to the Seventh Prince."
Xiao Yanci extended his hand and gave him a helping hand, "No need to be so polite, old man."
The woman stopped and took out a pair of knee pads. They were made of brand new cotton material, very thick, and the stitching was very fine.
She handed it to Xiao Yanci with some trembling hands.
"This is the kneepad I've been sewing these days. I used a new cotton-padded jacket, so the needlework is crude, but it's a small token of my appreciation. If the Seventh Prince doesn't mind, please accept it."
Seeing this, Xiao Yanci was stunned for a moment.
Seeing that he didn't answer, a man stood up and hurriedly explained.
"Seventh Prince, my mother saw that you had injured your knee a while ago, so she made you this pair of kneepads. She thought that wearing them would keep you warm and prevent your knees from being injured again. I apologize for being so presumptuous. Please forgive me."
As he said this, he wanted to pull his mother away to avoid upsetting the noble man.
A pair of hands reached out and took the knee pads directly.
The tall man stroked the knee pad. The material was nothing compared to what he usually used, but now in his hand, it was warm and comfortable to the extreme.
From childhood to adulthood, his clothes were prepared by special embroiderers. Although his mother treated him well, her needlework was very poor and she had never embroidered clothes for him personally. This was the first time someone had done needlework specifically for him.
"The king's knees have been cold these days, and these knee pads are perfect for you. Thank you, old man."
His attitude was friendly and there was no blame, but rather sincere gratitude.
The man heaved a sigh of relief, and the wrinkles on the old woman's face widened into a smile as she said repeatedly, "It's good enough, it's good enough."
I thought it was just an unexpected incident, but unexpectedly, someone else came forward and offered something they had prepared.
He sewed his own socks and soles, and made a special ointment that was said to cure frostbite - his hands had already developed red and swollen frostbite in recent days.
He even received a facial cream from a girl.
"This, this is our homemade stuff, made with almond oil and honey. This is all we have left. If you don't mind, you can use it to wipe your face. It won't be dry and cracked after you use it."
After saying this, the girl blushed and quickly turned around and ran away.
Xiao Yanci touched his face and found it was indeed dry and flaky.
It's time to take care of it, otherwise after finishing this task, he will not be able to go back to see his mother.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
