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Chapter 249: New Year's Eve Dinner
🕑 Added 2024-09-26 05:28:09 +0000 UTCAt that moment, a delicate, pure white snowflake drifted down, gently landing on a piece of braised pork at the center of the table, its contrast against the rich red meat making it stand out.
Lin Ying, who had sharp eyes, was the first to notice it. Pointing at the snowflake on the juicy pork, she exclaimed, "Look, it's snowing!"
Even as she spoke, the snowflake had already melted away from the heat of the braised pork. But soon after, countless snowflakes followed, descending gracefully in a flurry.
Seeing this, Liao Pantou waved his hand, setting up an invisible barrier above their heads to block the falling snow.
Not to be outdone, Mo Yuanjiao quickly placed a warming array beneath the table, ensuring that the food would stay hot.
Once Jiang Youfu finished serving all the dishes, he hurried over to take his seat.
Today, Sun Yigao's father, the landowner Sun, had brought up plenty of good wine from the village. He was now busy pouring it for everyone. Even Liu Shengsheng and Lin Ying, the two youngest girls at the table, were each given a cup of fruit wine.
No one touched their chopsticks; instead, they all turned their gazes expectantly toward Lin Xiao.
Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Lin Xiao smiled and raised his cup of wine, saying, "In this new year, let's all wish for our cultivation to reach new heights, for our lives in the village and sect to improve even more, and for Lingxian Sect to flourish and prosper!"
As if in response to his words, the sound of firecrackers suddenly echoed up from Xiushui Village below. It was also the time for villagers to have their New Year's Eve dinner. They liked to throw a bunch of firecrackers into the fire before eating to add to the festive atmosphere.
The continuous crackling of firecrackers in the village reached the ears of those on the mountain.
Liu Yunan slapped his forehead in frustration and said, "Oh no, I forgot to prepare firecrackers!"
Normally, his mother would take care of all the New Year's preparations, and with their family being poor, just having a slightly better meal for New Year's Eve was a treat. There was no thought given to firecrackers. As a result, he hadn't even considered getting any. He had bought plenty of spring couplets and sunflower seeds, imitating others he saw preparing in the town and county, but firecrackers had slipped his mind.
At his words, everyone around the table burst into laughter.
Lin Xiao waved his hand and said, "No worries, let's enjoy the sound of the village’s firecrackers while we eat. Everyone, dig in! You better hurry, or you’ll miss out on Jiang Youfu's cooking!"
No sooner had he spoken than he grabbed a serving for himself, setting off a rush as everyone else eagerly reached for their chopsticks, ready to feast.
——
In the Liaojufu.
In the backyard of the government office, Tong Shuzheng was having his New Year's Eve dinner with his advisor, Xue Chengfeng.
Xue Chengfeng found the food, prepared by their hired cook, somewhat bland. He looked up and asked Tong Shuzheng, "Sir, when will Madam be joining us?"
At this question, Tong Shuzheng knew Xue Chengfeng was missing the variety and flavor of dishes that his wife used to prepare. She was an excellent cook who always added a special touch to their meals, especially during the holidays, making them delicious and innovative.
Seeing Xue Chengfeng’s lack of enthusiasm for the meal, Tong Shuzheng smiled and replied, "You might have to wait a while. Our daughter is still young, and my wife is reluctant to leave her. Traveling far with a young child is inconvenient. Maybe in a couple of years, or if I get reassigned closer to home."
Xue Chengfeng knew all this but still felt a bit disappointed as he poked at his food, saying, "Perhaps we should hire a new cook? It might be nice to change things up."
Seeing his advisor's sudden childlike behavior, Tong Shuzheng chuckled and said, "But remember, Ann's family is poor, and they rely on her salary to survive. You were the one who saved her, and now you want to take that lifeline away?"
Xue Chengfeng knew he was being unreasonable; he just felt a bit out of sorts and wanted to vent his frustration.
Tong Shuzheng, noticing his advisor’s mood, teased him, "Speaking of which, Chengfeng, you're not getting any younger. When are you going to find yourself a wife? With a wife, you could have someone to cook up a variety of dishes whenever you want."
But before Xue Chengfeng could respond, a servant came in and reported, "Sir, there's an urgent dispatch from the court. They request your immediate presence."
Hearing this, Tong Shuzheng immediately set down his chopsticks and said to Xue Chengfeng, "You keep eating; I’ll go check it out."
But Xue Chengfeng had lost his appetite as well and quickly followed, saying, "I'll come with you!"
The two made their way to the front of the office, where a man dressed in military attire was waiting. Upon seeing them, the man saluted Tong Shuzheng and presented his credentials for verification before handing over the official dispatch.
After accepting the dispatch, the messenger excused himself, leaving Tong Shuzheng and Xue Chengfeng to return to the study in the back courtyard.
They quickly opened the letter and read through its contents together, their faces lighting up with delight as they finished.
Tong Shuzheng put down the letter, stood up straight, and said, "So, that immortal sect is called Lingxian Sect."
Xue Chengfeng, after skimming the letter, went back to carefully reading each word. He nodded and said, "Indeed, it’s a legitimate sect. From now on, we can interact with them openly."
Excitement clear in his voice, Tong Shuzheng clapped his hands and said, "Given that it's New Year's, don't you think we should send them a gift?"
Xue Chengfeng thought for a moment and agreed, "You're absolutely right, Sir. The court's directive is for us to maintain a good relationship with Lingxian Sect. Sending a New Year’s gift is a gesture of goodwill. And given the character of that young immortal, I believe this sect is one worth fostering a relationship with. They’re likely to reciprocate, and this could help us build a strong connection over time."
Tong Shuzheng, unable to stand still, began pacing the study as he continued to contemplate. "I get the sense that the court’s stance towards this sect is somewhat different from how they’ve approached the three major sects in the past."
Xue Chengfeng, re-reading the letter, was surprised by the subtle implications and said, "You’re right, Sir. It does seem that way."
He paused, considering the implications. "Does this mean the court is looking to change its approach to dealing with these sects?"
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