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As the evening approached, Chu Lingxuan wrapped Chu Hanyan in a cloak and carried her back to Tangyuan, they had to stay home to welcome the New Year.
Chu Hanyan, tearful and unhappy, wanted to watch her brother and cousin set off firecrackers. Although there were people setting off firecrackers in Tangyuan, they were servants, and she couldn’t join in their play.
In a soothing tone, Chu Lingxuan said, “This is our last New Year’s Eve alone together. On this day next year, Auntie and your brother will be here at Tangyuan to celebrate with us.” Calculating the time in his mind, he added, “Who knows, by this time next year, Hanyan may have a little brother or sister, making our home even livelier.”
Upon hearing the possibility of having a sibling, Chu Hanyan set aside her sadness and asked, “Really? Is Daddy telling the truth? Will Sister also have a brother or sister?”
Chu Lingxuan confidently replied, “Of course it’s true. Daddy wouldn’t lie to you.”
The little girl grinned, forgetting her sorrows. In her mind, tomorrow was indeed just around the corner, as her brother had told her.
Later, as the night deepened, Dabao, Lu, Wang Laowu, and a few male servants were still in the courtyard, enjoying the festivities, with the New Year’s Eve feast still ongoing.
Chen Feng stood up and told Mrs. Wang and Chen Ming, “It’s getting late, Dabao should go to bed.”
Chen Ming nodded and invited Old Zeng and Zeng Shuang to the main room, where they all continued drinking.
Reluctant to leave, Dabao was eventually ushered away by Chen Feng and they both went to Fengyuan.
Once she saw Dabao asleep, Chen Feng returned to the main room. She had been thinking about the sensitive Golden Swallow, fearing it might be upset again this year. In a rush, she entered the space, carrying a bowl of shelled pine nuts and melon seeds.
Looking around and not finding the Golden Swallow, she assumed it was hiding in the Golden Room, calling out to the tree, “Baby, baby, come out quickly. Mommy is here to celebrate the New Year with you.”
From below, the Golden Swallow responded, “Mommy, I’m here, not up in the sky.” It dropped a few swallow plushies and emerged, saying, “From now on, call me ‘Baby,’ not ‘Sweetie.’ ‘Sweetie’ is not just for me, but for it too.” pointing to a golden bead in its wing.
Quite demanding, indeed.
……
Early in the morning, Chen Feng wore a red jacket and skirt, red embroidered cotton shoes, and went to wake up Chen Dabao in the East Wing, exclaiming, “Happy New Year, son.”
Still groggy, Dabao woke up, embraced Chen Feng, and wished her a happy New Year.
After dressing him in a bright red robe and hat, they headed to Luyuan.
They paid their respects to Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang, receiving red envelopes. After breakfast, Chen Lu and Dabao, accompanied by Xue Dagui and Chu Xiaoniu, first visited Tangyuan and then the village to offer New Year’s greetings.
As more visitors arrived, Luyuan became lively. By midday, Chu Hanyan came for New Year’s greetings, bowing to Chen Feng, Chen Ming, and Mrs. Wang. Surprisingly, she also bowed on behalf of Chu Lingxuan to Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang.
Both Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang were delighted. Despite his noble background, their son-in-law showed no hint of arrogance. They not only gave the little girl a red envelope but also handed a large red envelope to Chu Lingxuan through her.
Chu Hanyan had completed her father’s instructions and eagerly dragged Chen Feng to examine her belly. Feeling satisfied, she patted her belly and whispered a few words.
Perplexed, Chen Feng asked, “What did little Yan say?”
Chu Hanyan replied, “Auntie’s belly is too small, it can’t fit a little brother or sister.”
Even with her thick skin, Chen Feng blushed at the girl’s words, scolding, “Nonsense.”
Tears welled in Chu Hanyan’s eyes as she explained, “Hanyan didn’t make it up, it’s what Daddy said. He mentioned that next year, Auntie would give birth to a little brother or sister for Hanyan. But today is already next year, why hasn’t Auntie given birth to a sibling for Hanyan?”
The room burst into laughter, with Chen Feng turning even redder. She took the little girl to the West Wing and patiently explained, “Next year refers to a whole year, which has over 300 days, while tomorrow is just one day…”
After explaining for a while, the little girl finally understood.
After dinner, Chu Hanyan went home and complained to Chu Lingxuan, “Daddy didn’t explain clearly, so Hanyan became happy for no reason for so long.”
Chu Lingxuan blushed. It wasn’t that he hadn’t explained clearly, it was simply that she hadn’t listened carefully. She didn’t listen properly and still mistakenly spoke in public.
Looking at the pitch-dark night outside, Chu Lingxuan asked, “Would Hanyan like to sleep with Auntie tonight?”
“Yes.” the little girl nodded.
The main room in Fengyuan was brilliantly lit, with glass palace lanterns on the roof, candles burning on the table and high stands, and two charcoal pots lit. To Chen Feng, celebrating the New Year meant having a brightly lit and festive atmosphere.
She sat on the Buddha bed, with Dabao nestled in her arms, laughing and playing.
Chu Lingxuan entered with Chu Hanyan in his arms, saying resignedly, “Hanyan wanted to sleep with her Auntie, so I had to bring her.”
Thinking about his nonsense with the little girl, Chen Feng glared at him, then smiled and took the little girl. She said, “Alright, Auntie also misses you.”
The two children played on the Buddha bed, while the adults sat at the table chatting. The servants, having poured tea, tactfully retreated to the East Room.
Chu Lingxuan quickly repeated his original words to Chen Feng.
In truth, what Chu Lingxuan said was something Chen Feng had thought about many times. She loved children and desired to have a child soon, wanting the house to be filled with the laughter of children. If she were to conceive soon after marrying, by the year’s end, she would truly become a mother, fulfilling her lifelong wish.
Under the candlelight, Chen Feng’s cheeks blushed like rouge. She remained silent, unable to express that she shared the same thoughts.
Seeing her radiant beauty, Chu Lingxuan felt an urge. He leaned closer to Chen Feng, wanting to make a move, but feeling guilty, he noticed Dabao looking at him. Hastily, he averted his gaze and composed himself.
That boy was deliberately challenging him.
Chu Lingxuan played with Chu Hanyan until she grew drowsy and yawned before reluctantly getting up to leave.