dognovel Chapter 332 New Year’s Eve
Chapter 332 New Year’s Eve
The intermittent crowing of roosters, accompanied by a few barks of dogs, broke the tranquility of the night.
As the first rays of dawn broke through the sky on New Year's Eve, the tranquil earth was completely awakened from the darkness.
The festive atmosphere of the New Year in Beijing is already so strong that it's hard to believe it; the smoke rising from every household blends seamlessly with the morning mist.
Everywhere you look, there are lively scenes and busy figures. Every household is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and everyone is beaming with joy. Some people are hanging lanterns, some are putting up couplets, and some are preparing today's delicacies in the kitchen.
Cheng Mansion
In the main hall, the Cheng family sat around the main table.
There was Master Cheng, Madam Cheng, Aunt Xu, Second Young Master Cheng, Second Young Mistress, Eldest Young Master Cheng, Eldest Young Mistress, as well as Master Cheng's youngest daughter and granddaughter...
In previous years, the families would gather together for the New Year. However, since learning that the Second Young Master Cheng was poisoned by the Second Madam, the Third Master Cheng and the Second Master Cheng's family have become estranged. Once there is a rift, it is impossible to sit together without any resentment. So this year, the families will celebrate separately.
A table laden with dishes, the family sat together. Uncle Cheng raised his glass and said, “The most joyful thing this year is seeing Chuan’er’s health gradually improve. As his father, I am very gratified. Let the gloom and misfortune of the past dissipate with the old year! I wish Chuan’er good health and all the best in the future, and I also wish our family will always be of one mind, and that we will live happily ever after.”
After a period of rest and recuperation, Young Master Cheng's health has improved significantly. His previously thin frame is gradually recovering at a visible pace, and he no longer appears sickly.
Young Master Cheng smiled and said, "Father is right. The toxins in my second brother's body have been basically cleared. With careful recuperation, he will surely recover to his original health in time."
The second young master Cheng said, "Thank you for your concern, Father, Mother, Elder Brother and family. I will get better as soon as possible and will not let my family worry about me anymore."
Madam Cheng gently patted the second young master of the Cheng family on the shoulder and showed a gratified smile.
Seeing my son sitting together in such good spirits for the New Year is more joyful than anything else, and I hope our family can continue to live in such harmony in the future.
Everyone raised their glasses to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
-
"Sixth Brother, what are you carrying in your hand?"
After meeting at the palace gate, the King of Jin, the King of Xuan, the King of Qi, and the King of Qin walked together toward the Empress Dowager's Cining Palace.
Of the four, only King Xuan was carrying something; the other three went empty-handed. King Jin couldn't help but ask.
Prince Qi and Xiao Han were taken aback at first, then noticed that Prince Xuan was carrying a gift box.
Prince Xuan glanced down at the gift box in his hand, then held it up to the front of him: "Oh, this! I recently acquired a fine fox fur shawl, which I'd like to present to my grandmother. Didn't you prepare a gift for her?"
Prince of Jin: "..."
Prince Qi: "..."
Xiao Han: "..."
This kid even secretly prepared a gift for his grandmother!
The three of them said in unison, "No."
Since there was no such rule in previous years, everyone assumed that they would go empty-handed.
The Prince Xuan said with a proud look, "It has to be me. I think about my grandmother all the time."
Upon hearing this, Prince Jin, Prince Qi, and Xiao Han all glared at him with a sharp look, their eyes filled with resentment, reproach, and even an urge to hit him.
Feeling several menacing gazes, King Xuan trembled, feeling the already chilly temperature around him drop even further.
Did he say anything wrong?
"Why are you all looking at me like that?"
This remark earned him a sharp rap on the head from both Prince Qi and Prince Jin. Xiao Han dared not disrespect his elder brother, so he did not retaliate, but instead glared angrily at Prince Xuan.
Xiao Han narrowed his eyes slightly: "Sixth Brother, are you saying that none of us three are filial?"
Prince Qi glared at Prince Xuan: "Good heavens, you're the only one who brought a gift for the Empress Dowager. My third brother, seventh brother, and I all came empty-handed. You should at least have discussed it with us or informed us so we could have made some preparations."
The Prince of Jin said, "You make it sound like the three of us are heartless! I think you're just asking for a beating."
The Prince of Jin couldn't resist giving him a tap on the head again.
King Xuan felt a little wronged, rubbed his head resentfully, and quickly explained after realizing what had happened.
"Oh dear, I didn't think that much about it. It's just a shawl. I got it a couple of days ago, and I brought it along today because I'm here to pay my respects to the Queen Mother."
Xiao Han said, "Sixth Brother, you could actually choose to deliver it when someone goes to pay their respects."
Prince Qi chimed in, "That's right, couldn't you have sent it another day? Why did you have to choose today to show off?"
Prince Xuan said aggrievedly, "I was just thinking about celebrating the New Year. My grandmother would need it. I really didn't think that much about it."
Prince Jin pulled Prince Qi and Xiao Han aside: "Fifth Brother, Seventh Brother, let's go, we won't travel with him."
Xiao Han: "Sixth Brother, I can't stand by your side this time."
"Oh no! I was wrong..." Prince Xuan hurriedly chased after him, carrying the gift box. "Third brother, fifth brother, seventh brother, wait for me..."
Inside Cixi Palace, the Empress Dowager sat in the main seat, with Emperor Sukang by her side. A group of princes and grandsons paid their respects to the Empress Dowager in turn.
“Grandmother, this is a fox fur shawl that I recently acquired. It’s especially warm to wear around the neck when it’s cold.”
Under the watchful eyes of Prince Jin, Prince Qi, and Xiao Han, Prince Xuan tremblingly handed the prepared gift to the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager stroked the snow-white, soft fox fur shawl and said, "Can'er is so thoughtful. Your Majesty likes it very much."
The Empress Dowager then handed the gift to Aunt Ningmeng, who was standing nearby.
Prince Yu and his wife, along with the young princess, arrived and paid their respects to the Empress Dowager and Emperor Sukang.
Prince Yu and Princess Yu knelt and bowed: "Your grandson/granddaughter-in-law greets the Empress Dowager, and your son/daughter-in-law greets the Emperor."
The young princess knelt and bowed: "Rou'er greets the Empress Dowager, wishing her health, happiness, and eternal youth. Rou'er also greets the Emperor, wishing him long-lasting blessings."
Prince Yu's daughter speaks much more fluently than she did two months ago, and she has also grown taller.
No wonder everyone says kids grow up fast.
Emperor Sukang: "No need for formalities, please rise!"
The Empress Dowager looked at the little princess with affection: "Good, good, get up quickly. Rou'er has such a sweet mouth. Come here and let your great-grandmother take a good look at her."
The young princess stood up with her little legs and ran happily toward the Empress Dowager.
Prince Rui and Princess Rui stepped forward. Princess Rui is now pregnant, which indicates that the royal family will have a new member next year.
The Empress Dowager said, "Princess Rui, you are exempt from kneeling. Now that you are pregnant, you must be more careful."
"Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. Your granddaughter-in-law will be careful in everything she does."
Princess Rui knelt and bowed to the Empress Dowager and Emperor Sukang respectively.
Prince Rui then performed the kowtow on behalf of Princess Rui.
The Empress Dowager beckoned to Princess Rui: "Quickly, sit down to the side."
Princess Rui: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager looked at Emperor Sukang beside her: "Zheng'er didn't return to the capital for the New Year. I wonder if he is doing well on the border."
Emperor Sukang replied, "Mother, rest assured, the Fourth Prince sent a letter back some time ago, and everything is fine."
"That's good, as long as you're safe."