jdhmnovel Chapter 168 Chinese New Year
Chapter 168 Chinese New Year
Time flies, and it’s the end of the year in the blink of an eye.
The whole general's mansion was busy, starting to buy New Year's goods, clean up, and decorate the house and yard. The atmosphere was immediately set off.
Even Yunxi felt the pre-holiday nervousness. To be honest, it was quite novel.
In the past, people didn't attach much importance to the festival itself, but rather the vacation brought by the festival. It gave workers time to rest and travel, and it was lively, but not the kind of lively that a festival brings.
The Spring Festival, which is the most important festival for Chinese people, sometimes even becomes the time when "family conflicts" break out. Elders try their best to urge their children to get married, and children try their best to escape. Family problems have gradually evolved into social problems.
There are no such situations in their family, but the atmosphere of the New Year is not very strong either.
Seeing everyone's happy faces, Yun Xi also joined in the fun and gave all her subordinates a "year-end bonus", the amount of which was equivalent to the total of their monthly salary for half a year. She had been married for less than a year, and everyone in the Mu family treated her very well, which was what they deserved.
The employees in the shop, the kiln factory, the winery, and the farm workers, as long as they were involved in her affairs, also received a considerable amount of bonuses, so that everyone could have a relaxed New Year. For a time, the atmosphere became more festive and lively.
Yun Xi was also deeply infected and was in a good mood every day.
Mu Sheng had a lot of things to deal with before the New Year and was busier than usual.
Yun Xi had nothing else to do, so she personally prepared some practical New Year's goods for Yun Zhen and sent them over in advance.
The Marquis's Mansion is also preparing for the festival.
Life has changed a lot. Mr. Yun is beaming with energy and the whole family is filled with joy and peace. They are all very happy when they see Yun Xi.
Old Master Yun smiled so hard that his teeth were exposed and asked, "Why did you come back in person? Don't you need to help at home?"
"It won't take half a day. Is there anything you need at home? I can help you prepare it."
Yun Zhen smiled and said, "We have everything we need, so don't worry. Just take care of yourself, your uncle and the children."
After a pause, he continued, "You also need to take good care of your body and have a baby soon."
He had mentioned this matter once before, but it seemed that his daughter didn't take it seriously.
Yun Xi said, "Why are you in such a hurry? I've only been married for a short time. Many people have been married for two or three years but still haven't had a child."
Yun Zhen snorted and laughed, "Do you know what kind of life those people who have been married for two or three years without having children live? In farmers' homes, being beaten and scolded by their mother-in-law and husband is a common occurrence. In wealthy families, they will start taking concubines."
Yun Xi: "The Mu family won't do that."
She didn't think so. If they dared, she would divorce them.
"I know the Mu family won't do that, but having a child is for your own good. You should have a child of your own after all. If a couple doesn't have children, then the relationship is a level lower."
Yun Xi: "Dad, don't worry about me all the time. I'm fine. Ah Yan is still young, and I'm still young too. There's no rush to have a child. Let nature take its course."
Essentially, she didn't want to have a baby at all. Under current medical conditions, having a baby is like going through hell, and she didn't want to risk it. She had been secretly taking birth control pills before, otherwise she would have gotten pregnant long ago.
Moreover, Mu Sheng already has a son, so she doesn't have any pressure to continue the family line.
The system took advantage of the opportunity and said, "Host, the system will provide a protection mechanism to ensure that everything goes smoothly for the host to give birth."
Have children quickly, it would be best if you could have a football team so that they can all be part of the labor force!
Yun Xi immediately saw through the system's trick and threatened: "If you dare to tamper with my contraceptive pills, we will both be finished."
System: "Haha, no."
Father Yun said, "Just be aware of this, and there's no need to feel too stressed. When the old general came to our house to propose marriage, he said that the Mu family doesn't have a rule of taking concubines, so you don't have to worry about Mu Sheng taking a concubine."
Yun Xi smiled and said, "I'm not worried."
When she returned to the general's mansion, Mu Sheng had just returned from outside. Upon learning that she had returned to her parents' home, he asked, "Is my father-in-law okay? Why didn't you ask me to go with you? What if my father-in-law doesn't like me in the future?"
Yun Xi smiled and said, "How is that possible? He is very satisfied with you. Besides, you have a lot of things to do before the New Year, so don't worry about these little things. Anyway, you have to go there to pay New Year's greetings after the New Year. You can go then."
Yun Xi thought about it and realized that the old man was very happy to see his daughter and didn't even think about his son-in-law. But could she say that? Of course not.
On New Year's Eve, the emperor and all government offices sealed the doors and the annual holiday officially began. This dynasty had a "Holiday Order" that stipulated a seven-day holiday for the Spring Festival.
At noon on New Year's Eve, the emperor entertained his ministers in the palace, and the empress entertained the female relatives, with men and women entertained separately.
Yun Xi now has the status of a first-rank imperial concubine and a princess, so she naturally has to dress up according to her rank and go to the banquet. There are regulations for imperial concubine clothes, which were delivered to her on the day of her canonization, and she has never worn them once.
Yun Xi wanted to go but didn't want to go at the same time.
I wanted to go because of curiosity. When I came to ancient times, I naturally wanted to see what the imperial palace and palace banquets were like, and how the ancient noble ladies chatted and socialized.
She didn't want to go because she didn't know anyone and had no need to socialize. She had attended many modern banquets and had hosted many of them herself, but there were always a few close friends with whom she could chat or had things to discuss, so attending banquets was still meaningful.
But she really had no say in this matter.
With the help of her maid, she put on her clothes and headgear, and the moment she walked out the door, she amazed everyone.
Yun Xi usually dressed simply and casually and didn't dress up much, but when she suddenly dressed up, she seemed like a different person, and Mu Sheng was stunned.
He watched Yun Xi walk towards him steadily, step by step. Every step seemed to step on his heart, making his heart beat fast.
"Xixi, it's so beautiful!"
"Don't you look good normally?"
"It looks good too! It looks good in a completely different way."
"The general is also very heroic today!"
Let’s learn about business mutual promotion.
The five adults of the Mu family were all going to the banquet, so the child was left at home. This occasion was not very suitable for him.
Sitting in the carriage, Yun Xi's mind was full of thoughts. No wonder the noble ladies in ancient times were so dignified. Wearing such formal clothes and such heavy head ornaments, it would be impossible for them not to be dignified. Any big movements would probably make things messy.
They arrived neither too early nor too late. Some people had already arrived and everyone took their seats one after another under the guidance of the palace servants.
Madam Mu and Yun Xi were both of high rank, and their seats were arranged very close to the queen. As soon as they entered, a young woman came over to greet the old lady, and the old lady responded with a smile. She introduced Yun Xi, "This is the wife of the prince of Dingyuan." She then introduced her to the woman, "This is my eldest daughter-in-law, Yun."
The eldest sister-in-law of the original wife. This is how Yun Xi positioned Madam Xie. She is someone who is not easy to get close to, and you can just be polite to her.
Madam Xie took the initiative to greet Yun Xi. Xie Lang was only a third-rank official now, and her imperial rank was a third-rank lady, which was lower than Yun Xi, a first-rank lady, so she had to greet her when they met.
Yun Xi smiled and said, "Madam Xie, there's no need to be so polite."
In her heart, she gave Madam Xie a high evaluation. As a person from the later generations, she didn't pay much attention to these etiquettes. If Madam Xie didn't take the initiative to perform the ceremony, she wouldn't have thought of it at all. Outsiders might laugh at her for "not looking like a prince in a dragon robe."
However, Mrs. Xie, who came from a prominent family, observed etiquette and saved her face.
Afterwards, Madam Xie smiled and said to Madam Mu: "The old lady at home still misses you, and it just so happens that she saw you today."
As they talked, the three of them walked towards their seats.
Below the Mu family was the Xie family's seat. Old Madam Xie had already taken her seat, but now she stood up and greeted Old Madam Mu.
According to the rank, Madam Xie, a second-rank county lady, should also pay respect to Madam Mu and Yun Xi, but because of their marriage relationship, she and Madam Mu did not care about these things and just greeted each other normally.
However, she only greeted Old Madam Mu and ignored Yun Xi, waiting for the junior Yun Xi to take the initiative to greet her.
That's impossible, Yun Xi doesn't know her!
When Madam Mu saw Madam Xie's behavior, she didn't even bother to introduce herself to her. She just said to Yun Xi, "Xi'er, Madam Xie is your elder, so don't ask her to bow to you."
This troublesome old woman.
Shouldn't a qualified elder smile and take the initiative to open up the situation and bring the two sides closer? Her Yun Xi is not a stingy person, who are you showing your stern face to? If you don't speak, how can Yun Xi know who you are? She is a first-rank imperial concubine and a princess, so why should she rush to greet you? Why are you so shameless! Even if you are Ah Yan's grandmother, this doesn't make sense!
Yun Xi smiled and said, "Mother is right. Madam Xie, there is no need to be so polite."
Mrs. Xie Lang lowered her head and said nothing. Old Madam Xie's face changed color, but she couldn't lose her temper. She didn't have the courage to do so in this situation.
Several ladies nearby saw the witty remarks and came over to greet and change the subject.
After this incident, everyone knew Yun Xi's status in the Mu family, and also roughly understood the temper of this princess. She would not take the initiative to cause trouble, but she was not a pushover either.
Yun Xi took the time to look around the palace. It was not luxurious, but it was indeed majestic.
After the greetings, everyone took their seats. After a while, the Queen Mother came over with the concubines, and everyone stood up and saluted.
The Queen Mother made a few congratulatory remarks as usual. The whole banquet was a bit stiff, with singing and dancing performances interspersed in between, but no young lady was invited to perform, nor was anyone singled out for a speech.
The meal was eaten peacefully.
This actually reflects the character of the harem. They don't try to be original, but pursue stability. Just finish the banquet, don't do anything fancy!
When the women finished the banquet, the ministers were still not done. After all, the men knew how to drink and had more things to talk about. So, Madam Mu and Yun Xi went back home first.
Mu Jinyan was waiting for her. The little girl, who was feeling a little aggrieved at first, forgot her unhappiness and ran up to help when she heard her complaining, "I'm so tired, my neck is about to break, please help me take them off."
Yun Xi smiled and said to him, "I'm going to take a shower first, and I'll come out later to get you a gift. It's a New Year's gift. Congratulations to Ah Yan for growing one year older."
Mu Jinyan smiled and said, "Okay, thank you, mother."
Yun Xi entered the inner room and went into the space to take a spiritual spring bath.
The old year passes and the new year begins.
Yun Xi stood in front of the window, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She hoped to have a greater sense of belonging to this era.
After adjusting her mood, she took out the New Year gifts she had prepared for Mu Jinyan, new clothes and new toys, as well as a purse with the word "Fu" embroidered by Yun Xi herself, filled with golden melon seeds.
At noon, the whole family went to a banquet, leaving the child alone at home. Yun Xi judged others by herself. If it were her, she would be a little unhappy. These gifts were originally planned to be given in the evening, but in order to make the child happy, they were given in the afternoon.
Mu Jinyan was extremely happy to receive the gift. He held it in his hands and looked at it over and over again. The more he looked at it, the more he liked it.
They had just played for a while when Mu Sheng came back. As soon as he entered the room, he said to Yun Xi, "I'm going to change my clothes first. I smell of alcohol and I don't want to bother you."
Yun Xi and Mu Jinyan cooperated by covering their noses and said, "Go quickly."
General Mu was rebellious after drinking and insisted on coming over to let them smell it to see if there was any smell.
Mu Jinyan covered her nose and said in a baby voice, "It stinks."
"Hey! Smell it again!"
“It just stinks.”
Mu Sheng left sadly and went into the inner room to take a bath and change clothes. When he came out again, Mu Jinyan stood in front of him and stretched out his hand: "Daddy, where is my New Year's gift?"