Chapter 48 – New Year’s Eve (2)
Fengning was thinking that she should say something to Long San but she was not as capable as Long San in speaking those sappy words. She felt she should say something not so sappy but at least it should be words that would make him feel happy. As she thought and thought, she soon fell asleep because his arms were too comfortable.
When Fengning woke up she found herself lying on the big bed in the room while Bao’er was counting in the outer room. Someone was talking to her in whispers so a maid must be playing with her. She smiled as she lay on the bed and feeling lazy, she did not want to move. She thought of Long San and her performing the salutations in front of the Ancestral Shrine in the morning. Although there were no guests and her parents were not present, she still felt very satisfied. She remembered the words that Long San spoke……. treat her sincerely and wholeheartedly until we grow old and never part.
She pulled up the quilt to cover her face and then started to chuckle.
While she was laughing gleefully, someone pulled the quilt away. She jumped with fright and froze then discovered it was Long San.
Long San stared at her foolish and shocked expression and said helplessly. “Why did you bury yourself under the quilt? You gave me a scare.” When he pulled the quilt off her, he saw her distorted face and did not know whether she was laughing or crying which made him dumbfounded.
Fengning got up and muttered that she was the one who was given a fright.
“What were you doing under the quilt?”
How can she tell him that she was recalling his words of love?
Without replying, Fengning laughed then got dressed and went out to carry Bao’er.
Long San thought about it but could not think of anything and sighed. He really could not do anything with her.
The New Year’s Eve dinner is the time for a family reunion which is festive and lively.
""
Fengning had no idea how to behave at New Year’s Eve dinner nor did she know how many rules there were in the Long Family. Perhaps she was moved by Long San or perhaps it was her first time meeting Long Da or perhaps she had Bao’er with her so she had scruples. As a result, Fengning behaved obediently, followed everyone, and did not dare to create any trouble.
Long San was carrying Bao’er on one arm while holding Fengning’s hand with his other hand as they followed the two elder brothers into the main courtyard. There was already a large table laid out with wine and food and Fengning was very happy when she saw the laden table.
However, Long Da and Long Er did not stop and proceeded to the main hall.
When they entered the hall, Long Da and his wife sat on the main seat while Long Er sat beside Long Da. Long San put Bao’er down and holding her small hand, they stood at the side. Fengning did not understand what was going on and Momo Yu who was standing beside her handed her a tray with two cups of tea sitting on it.
Long San said to Fengning. “We are taking advantage of this New Year to hold our wedding ceremony. There won’t be any big celebration but the necessary ceremonial rituals can’t be ignored. After today, you will officially be the Third Daughter-in-law of our Long Family. This is the time for you to serve tea to my brothers and sister-in-law.”
Fengning took over the tray with a little nervousness.
No wonder Long San was extremely worried they would not make it back in time while on their way back……no wonder the mansion was fully adorned in festive decorations……no wonder they were dressed in bright red clothes.
All the while she thought it was to usher in the New Year and did not expect that everything was done following customary rites for her to re-enter the family.
There were no guests present, the Feng Family’s parents were not around but for some reason, Fengning did not feel it was inappropriate. She committed a wrong, had a child, and was divorced by the family but she came back.
Now the Long Family is still willing to accept her and Long San treats her even better than before. Bao’er is also very happy and gets along well with Long San, calling him ‘Father’ all day long.
Fengning looked at the tray in her hands and then looked at Long San who was at the side smiling encouragingly at her. Beside him, although Bao’er did not understand what was going on, and since her father was smiling at her mother, she smiled as well.
Fengning turned to look at Momo Yu again. Momo Yu was expressionless and it seemed she did not have any ill feelings for Fengning and since her masters had already informed her, she did not show any unkindness either.
""
Suddenly, Fengning beamed a wide smile and said loudly. “Thank you, Momo!”
Momo Yu was startled by her words and froze. Fengning smiled and then holding the tray, she walked towards Long Da and his wife.
As long as she treats others sincerely, she will be duly rewarded. No matter what she used to be in the past, Fengning had decided that now she wants to be a woman who has a clear conscience. If she treats others sincerely, others will surely be able to feel it.
Fengning knelt on the mat prepared by the maid and raised the tray high. She said loudly. “Eldest Uncle, Eldest Sister-in-law, please have tea!”
(Eldest Uncle is the title that the children of his younger brothers will use to address him and it is the formal title that Fengning will have to use to address him as well. If Long Da permits, she can also call him Eldest Brother like the way Long San calls him.)
Her voice was loud and she had a forthright and bold expression. The way she said the words was so forthright that it looked more like she was performing a ceremony of sworn brotherhood in Jianghu rather than a daughter-in-law performing a ceremony to enter a family which made everyone burst into laughter.
After Long Da and his wife drank the tea, he placed a gift on the tray and when Bao’er saw it, she quietly tugged at Long San’s clothes.
Long San picked her up and she asked. “Father, did Mother ask for New Year’s money?”
“No.” Long San touched Bao’er’s little face gently.
“Mother is performing a salute. Those two people are your Eldest Uncle and Eldest Auntie. Bao’er must learn to recognize people and when you see them, you have to greet and salute them.”
As Bao’er listened, she nodded obediently and stared at the Long Da couple earnestly. She took a good look at them and carefully noted their faces.
At this time, Fengning had turned to Long Er to offer tea. After Long Er had drunk the tea, he placed a beautiful brocade box on the tray for Fengning.
AD
Long San taught Bao’er. “This is Second Uncle, Boa’er must remember him too.”
This time, Bao’er became spirited and asked excitedly. “Is he the Second Uncle that has the ‘hat money’*? The Second Uncle from whom Bao’er must ask for New Year’s money?”
(Hat money is just a description of the shape of an ingot and to a child, it looks something like a hat.)
Whenever Bao’er feels happy, she could not control the volume of her voice so her words were spoken quite loudly. Long Er was close to them and could hear her very clearly. The corner of his eyes twitched and he almost forgot to withdraw his hand that was handing out the gift.
How did this Long San and his wife teach the child? The first thing that she thinks about upon returning home is to ask for New Year’s money?
Long Er threw a glance over at Bao’er and when she saw him looking over, she hid shyly in Long San’s arms. However, she did not forget to confirm with Long San and asked next to his ear. “Father, is he that Second Uncle?”
Long San laughed and stroked her little head. “Yes, that’s Second Uncle.”
Bao’er listened and seriously tried hard to remember as she stared intently at him.
After the tea ceremony, the family took their seats around the dinner table. Long San carried Bao’er and taught her to recognize everyone.
“Bao’er, this is Eldest Uncle and Eldest Auntie. Bao’er must learn to recognize people and must salute them whenever you see them.”
After Bao’er heard, she nodded obediently and stared at Long Da and his wife earnestly.
Long San taught Bao’er again. “This is Second Uncle…….Bao’er must also remember him.”
AD
Even after the tea ceremony was completed when everyone had moved to the dinner table in the main courtyard, Bao’er kept looking at Long Er. Long Er felt very uncomfortable when the little child stared at him and felt goosebumps rising all over his body.
Fengning noticed Bao’er’s behavior and also Long Er’s awkwardness. Feeling gleeful in her heart, she hugged Bao’er and kissed her hard. “Bao’er is awesome!”
After being praised by her mother, Bao’er felt both happy and shy and giggled as she buried her head in Fengning’s arms.
Long Er glanced at the mother and daughter and Fengning glared back at him.
When a family eats together, it tends to be very lively. Even Momo Yu and Chief Steward Tie sat at the same table with their masters for the Long Family’s reunion dinner. The group of people ate and drank happily as everyone recounted what they had seen and heard outside during the year and the person who talked the most was the Eldest Madam Long, An Ruochen.
After Fengning thought over it, she felt that it was also right since General Long was not talkative and it was this couple that stayed away from home the longest. Therefore, someone must narrate their experiences, talk about the situations and ask questions. One must not look down on An Ruochen’s fragile and delicate appearance for she could hold her own on any occasion. The way she spoke was well-organized, unhurried, and funny which made her listeners feel comfortable and Fengning felt slightly ashamed of herself.
When they were almost done with the dinner, An Ruochen engaged Fengning in a talk on children and Long Qingsheng jumped down from his chair. Without showing any courtesy, he ran to Long Er, stood in front of him, and stretched out his hand as he called out. “Second Uncle, New Year has arrived!”
The adults started to laugh. Long Er smiled as he shook his head then he turned around and spoke to the servant behind him. Soon the servant returned holding a tray that contained something long wrapped in a red cloth bag. Long Er picked up the red cloth bag and tapped Long Qingsheng’s head with his fingers before placing the bag in his hand.
“Little devil, your thoughts are all about this.”
Long Qingsheng grinned then took the bag and opened it to reveal a dagger. It was extremely exquisite. The handle and scabbard were covered and embedded with pieces of cyan gemstones. Long Qingsheng showed a look of excitement and shouted. “It’s really the Qinglin Sword! Thank you, Second Uncle!”
Fengning looked at the scene and was secretly speechless. With just a glance, it could be seen that the dagger was extremely valuable. To give such an item for the New Year is a great expense. She secretly regretted that she has indeed never seen the world*. She felt angry with herself as she had taught Bao’er for a long time to ask for ingots which really could not even compare to a minute fraction of that dagger.
(Never seen the world means lacking in knowledge, wisdom, and experience. It also describes a person who is isolated and ignorant or has little knowledge.)
AD
If she had known earlier……if only she had known earlier……Fengning was choked into silence momentarily and did not know what she should let Bao’er ask for.
On this side, Long San gave Long Qingsheng a set of gold armor while Fengning covered her forehead and could not bear to look. It was an extremely precious protective armor that could not be bought with money. Even if it could be bought, the person must be very rich. Anyway, as she watched Long San giving it away, she felt an aching pain in her heart.
Bao’er did not know about the precious items her Father and Second Uncle had given to her elder brother and she was not interested. She was only thinking that since her elder brother had made his move to ask, should she do so as well?
She made an effort to climb down from the chair and ran over to Long San. While she was staring at Long Er, she asked Long San. “Father, can I go over and ask from Second Uncle?”
At this time, no one was speaking, so Bao’er’s voice was heard by the adults. Moreover, the way she was staring at Long Er could be described as a tiger watching its prey, so even if Long Er wanted to ignore her, he could not do so. Therefore, without waiting for Long San to speak, Long Er waved at Bao’er.
“Come……..come…….”
Bao’er glanced at Long San and then looked at Fengning. When she saw both her parents had nodded, she bit her lip and timidly went near to Long Er with a red face. In a soft voice, she said. “Second Uncle……”
Long Er asked. “Do you have something to say to Second Uncle?”
Bao’er was feeling very nervous as she nodded and said. “Second Uncle……”
Long Er raised his eyebrows and waited.
In the end, the little child was silent again after saying ‘Second Uncle’.
Long Er pursed his lips and asked again. “What’s the matter?”
AD
Bao’er widened her eyes and replied in a baby voice. “Second Uncle……”
Long Er’s face was starting to turn dark……..is this baby here to play with him or what?
An Ruochen covered her mouth and smiled. Then she said to Fengning who was secretly feeling worried. “Bao’er is so cute.”
Long San kindly helped Long Er out of the situation. Long San hugged Bao’er and stroked her little head.
“Bao’er, don’t be nervous, speak slowly. Second Uncle is not in a hurry.”
Long Er twitched his lips…….
He is indeed not in a hurry and doesn’t have the urge to hurry.
Chapter 48 – New Year’s Eve (2)
Fengning was thinking that she should say something to Long San but she was not as capable as Long San in speaking those sappy words. She felt she should say something not so sappy but at least it should be words that would make him feel happy. As she thought and thought, she soon fell asleep because his arms were too comfortable.
When Fengning woke up she found herself lying on the big bed in the room while Bao’er was counting in the outer room. Someone was talking to her in whispers so a maid must be playing with her. She smiled as she lay on the bed and feeling lazy, she did not want to move. She thought of Long San and her performing the salutations in front of the Ancestral Shrine in the morning. Although there were no guests and her parents were not present, she still felt very satisfied. She remembered the words that Long San spoke……. treat her sincerely and wholeheartedly until we grow old and never part.
She pulled up the quilt to cover her face and then started to chuckle.
While she was laughing gleefully, someone pulled the quilt away. She jumped with fright and froze then discovered it was Long San.
Long San stared at her foolish and shocked expression and said helplessly. “Why did you bury yourself under the quilt? You gave me a scare.” When he pulled the quilt off her, he saw her distorted face and did not know whether she was laughing or crying which made him dumbfounded.
Fengning got up and muttered that she was the one who was given a fright.
“What were you doing under the quilt?”
How can she tell him that she was recalling his words of love?
Without replying, Fengning laughed then got dressed and went out to carry Bao’er.
Long San thought about it but could not think of anything and sighed. He really could not do anything with her.
The New Year’s Eve dinner is the time for a family reunion which is festive and lively.
""
Fengning had no idea how to behave at New Year’s Eve dinner nor did she know how many rules there were in the Long Family. Perhaps she was moved by Long San or perhaps it was her first time meeting Long Da or perhaps she had Bao’er with her so she had scruples. As a result, Fengning behaved obediently, followed everyone, and did not dare to create any trouble.
Long San was carrying Bao’er on one arm while holding Fengning’s hand with his other hand as they followed the two elder brothers into the main courtyard. There was already a large table laid out with wine and food and Fengning was very happy when she saw the laden table.
However, Long Da and Long Er did not stop and proceeded to the main hall.
When they entered the hall, Long Da and his wife sat on the main seat while Long Er sat beside Long Da. Long San put Bao’er down and holding her small hand, they stood at the side. Fengning did not understand what was going on and Momo Yu who was standing beside her handed her a tray with two cups of tea sitting on it.
Long San said to Fengning. “We are taking advantage of this New Year to hold our wedding ceremony. There won’t be any big celebration but the necessary ceremonial rituals can’t be ignored. After today, you will officially be the Third Daughter-in-law of our Long Family. This is the time for you to serve tea to my brothers and sister-in-law.”
Fengning took over the tray with a little nervousness.
No wonder Long San was extremely worried they would not make it back in time while on their way back……no wonder the mansion was fully adorned in festive decorations……no wonder they were dressed in bright red clothes.
All the while she thought it was to usher in the New Year and did not expect that everything was done following customary rites for her to re-enter the family.
There were no guests present, the Feng Family’s parents were not around but for some reason, Fengning did not feel it was inappropriate. She committed a wrong, had a child, and was divorced by the family but she came back.
Now the Long Family is still willing to accept her and Long San treats her even better than before. Bao’er is also very happy and gets along well with Long San, calling him ‘Father’ all day long.
Fengning looked at the tray in her hands and then looked at Long San who was at the side smiling encouragingly at her. Beside him, although Bao’er did not understand what was going on, and since her father was smiling at her mother, she smiled as well.
Fengning turned to look at Momo Yu again. Momo Yu was expressionless and it seemed she did not have any ill feelings for Fengning and since her masters had already informed her, she did not show any unkindness either.
""
Suddenly, Fengning beamed a wide smile and said loudly. “Thank you, Momo!”
Momo Yu was startled by her words and froze. Fengning smiled and then holding the tray, she walked towards Long Da and his wife.
As long as she treats others sincerely, she will be duly rewarded. No matter what she used to be in the past, Fengning had decided that now she wants to be a woman who has a clear conscience. If she treats others sincerely, others will surely be able to feel it.
Fengning knelt on the mat prepared by the maid and raised the tray high. She said loudly. “Eldest Uncle, Eldest Sister-in-law, please have tea!”
(Eldest Uncle is the title that the children of his younger brothers will use to address him and it is the formal title that Fengning will have to use to address him as well. If Long Da permits, she can also call him Eldest Brother like the way Long San calls him.)
Her voice was loud and she had a forthright and bold expression. The way she said the words was so forthright that it looked more like she was performing a ceremony of sworn brotherhood in Jianghu rather than a daughter-in-law performing a ceremony to enter a family which made everyone burst into laughter.
After Long Da and his wife drank the tea, he placed a gift on the tray and when Bao’er saw it, she quietly tugged at Long San’s clothes.
Long San picked her up and she asked. “Father, did Mother ask for New Year’s money?”
“No.” Long San touched Bao’er’s little face gently.
“Mother is performing a salute. Those two people are your Eldest Uncle and Eldest Auntie. Bao’er must learn to recognize people and when you see them, you have to greet and salute them.”
As Bao’er listened, she nodded obediently and stared at the Long Da couple earnestly. She took a good look at them and carefully noted their faces.
At this time, Fengning had turned to Long Er to offer tea. After Long Er had drunk the tea, he placed a beautiful brocade box on the tray for Fengning.
AD
Long San taught Bao’er. “This is Second Uncle, Boa’er must remember him too.”
This time, Bao’er became spirited and asked excitedly. “Is he the Second Uncle that has the ‘hat money’*? The Second Uncle from whom Bao’er must ask for New Year’s money?”
(Hat money is just a description of the shape of an ingot and to a child, it looks something like a hat.)
Whenever Bao’er feels happy, she could not control the volume of her voice so her words were spoken quite loudly. Long Er was close to them and could hear her very clearly. The corner of his eyes twitched and he almost forgot to withdraw his hand that was handing out the gift.
How did this Long San and his wife teach the child? The first thing that she thinks about upon returning home is to ask for New Year’s money?
Long Er threw a glance over at Bao’er and when she saw him looking over, she hid shyly in Long San’s arms. However, she did not forget to confirm with Long San and asked next to his ear. “Father, is he that Second Uncle?”
Long San laughed and stroked her little head. “Yes, that’s Second Uncle.”
Bao’er listened and seriously tried hard to remember as she stared intently at him.
After the tea ceremony, the family took their seats around the dinner table. Long San carried Bao’er and taught her to recognize everyone.
“Bao’er, this is Eldest Uncle and Eldest Auntie. Bao’er must learn to recognize people and must salute them whenever you see them.”
After Bao’er heard, she nodded obediently and stared at Long Da and his wife earnestly.
Long San taught Bao’er again. “This is Second Uncle…….Bao’er must also remember him.”
AD
Even after the tea ceremony was completed when everyone had moved to the dinner table in the main courtyard, Bao’er kept looking at Long Er. Long Er felt very uncomfortable when the little child stared at him and felt goosebumps rising all over his body.
Fengning noticed Bao’er’s behavior and also Long Er’s awkwardness. Feeling gleeful in her heart, she hugged Bao’er and kissed her hard. “Bao’er is awesome!”
After being praised by her mother, Bao’er felt both happy and shy and giggled as she buried her head in Fengning’s arms.
Long Er glanced at the mother and daughter and Fengning glared back at him.
When a family eats together, it tends to be very lively. Even Momo Yu and Chief Steward Tie sat at the same table with their masters for the Long Family’s reunion dinner. The group of people ate and drank happily as everyone recounted what they had seen and heard outside during the year and the person who talked the most was the Eldest Madam Long, An Ruochen.
After Fengning thought over it, she felt that it was also right since General Long was not talkative and it was this couple that stayed away from home the longest. Therefore, someone must narrate their experiences, talk about the situations and ask questions. One must not look down on An Ruochen’s fragile and delicate appearance for she could hold her own on any occasion. The way she spoke was well-organized, unhurried, and funny which made her listeners feel comfortable and Fengning felt slightly ashamed of herself.
When they were almost done with the dinner, An Ruochen engaged Fengning in a talk on children and Long Qingsheng jumped down from his chair. Without showing any courtesy, he ran to Long Er, stood in front of him, and stretched out his hand as he called out. “Second Uncle, New Year has arrived!”
The adults started to laugh. Long Er smiled as he shook his head then he turned around and spoke to the servant behind him. Soon the servant returned holding a tray that contained something long wrapped in a red cloth bag. Long Er picked up the red cloth bag and tapped Long Qingsheng’s head with his fingers before placing the bag in his hand.
“Little devil, your thoughts are all about this.”
Long Qingsheng grinned then took the bag and opened it to reveal a dagger. It was extremely exquisite. The handle and scabbard were covered and embedded with pieces of cyan gemstones. Long Qingsheng showed a look of excitement and shouted. “It’s really the Qinglin Sword! Thank you, Second Uncle!”
Fengning looked at the scene and was secretly speechless. With just a glance, it could be seen that the dagger was extremely valuable. To give such an item for the New Year is a great expense. She secretly regretted that she has indeed never seen the world*. She felt angry with herself as she had taught Bao’er for a long time to ask for ingots which really could not even compare to a minute fraction of that dagger.
(Never seen the world means lacking in knowledge, wisdom, and experience. It also describes a person who is isolated and ignorant or has little knowledge.)
AD
If she had known earlier……if only she had known earlier……Fengning was choked into silence momentarily and did not know what she should let Bao’er ask for.
On this side, Long San gave Long Qingsheng a set of gold armor while Fengning covered her forehead and could not bear to look. It was an extremely precious protective armor that could not be bought with money. Even if it could be bought, the person must be very rich. Anyway, as she watched Long San giving it away, she felt an aching pain in her heart.
Bao’er did not know about the precious items her Father and Second Uncle had given to her elder brother and she was not interested. She was only thinking that since her elder brother had made his move to ask, should she do so as well?
She made an effort to climb down from the chair and ran over to Long San. While she was staring at Long Er, she asked Long San. “Father, can I go over and ask from Second Uncle?”
At this time, no one was speaking, so Bao’er’s voice was heard by the adults. Moreover, the way she was staring at Long Er could be described as a tiger watching its prey, so even if Long Er wanted to ignore her, he could not do so. Therefore, without waiting for Long San to speak, Long Er waved at Bao’er.
“Come……..come…….”
Bao’er glanced at Long San and then looked at Fengning. When she saw both her parents had nodded, she bit her lip and timidly went near to Long Er with a red face. In a soft voice, she said. “Second Uncle……”
Long Er asked. “Do you have something to say to Second Uncle?”
Bao’er was feeling very nervous as she nodded and said. “Second Uncle……”
Long Er raised his eyebrows and waited.
In the end, the little child was silent again after saying ‘Second Uncle’.
Long Er pursed his lips and asked again. “What’s the matter?”
AD
Bao’er widened her eyes and replied in a baby voice. “Second Uncle……”
Long Er’s face was starting to turn dark……..is this baby here to play with him or what?
An Ruochen covered her mouth and smiled. Then she said to Fengning who was secretly feeling worried. “Bao’er is so cute.”
Long San kindly helped Long Er out of the situation. Long San hugged Bao’er and stroked her little head.
“Bao’er, don’t be nervous, speak slowly. Second Uncle is not in a hurry.”
Long Er twitched his lips…….
He is indeed not in a hurry and doesn’t have the urge to hurry.
