TL: Hua
Chapter 100: New Year’s Eve – “Happy New Year.”
It was the eve of the New Year. Zong Suiyang had to preside over a memorial ceremony, so Pei Xiting, being lazy, stayed in the palace to make a fresh start for the new year. He organized the palace servants to hang up the small red lanterns they had prepared.
They were having a reunion dinner tonight, and Zong Suiyang had told Pei Xiting to invite whomever he wanted. That’s why Bu Suying had already arrived and was in the kitchen, making dumplings.
When Pei Xiting directed the staff to the pantry, he peeked inside and saw Bu Suying learning how to make fish-shaped dumplings from a palace servant. He quietly slipped away.
Yuan Fang was hugging a stack of red New Year decorations, darting from tree to tree. Little King was on the ground, following him, getting run around in circles.
“Pei-wenshu,” a palace servant hurried over to Pei Xiting, who was on a ladder hanging a lantern under the eaves. “Someone from the Pei residence is here, asking you to return for the ancestral worship. When His Highness left, he instructed us that if you don’t want to go back, we should tell them you went out with him and are not in the East Palace.”
“Oh, then just tell them that. Also,” Pei Xiting looked down at the servant, “you go with them and help me deliver the New Year gift box to the second young master of the Pei family.”
The servant replied with an “Aye” and turned to leave.
A moment later, Yuan Fang, who had finished hanging the red decorations, landed on the roof, took a lantern from Pei Xiting, helped him hang it, and said, “I think there must be one dish at the New Year’s Eve dinner.”
“And that is—” Pei Xiting confidently said the answer, “mutton buns!”
Yuan Fang clapped in agreement.
“Don’t worry, how could I forget your favorite? I already ordered ten cages of mutton steamed buns from Zhou’s Kitchen. I’ll have someone pick them up later,” Pei Xiting said.
Yuan Fang said with satisfaction, “Not bad, not bad.”
“By the way, where is Corridor Master Fu celebrating the New Year?” Pei Xiting asked.
“He—”
Before Yuan Fang could finish, Pei Xiting heard a gentle and pleasant voice behind him, saying in a low tone:
“Oh, Pei-wenshu, you care about me that much?”
The voice was so close to his ear it was like a ghost whispering, causing Pei Xiting to shudder. His foot slipped, and he tilted backward. Yuan Fang reached out like lightning, but Pei Xiting had already stopped falling, propped up in mid-air by Fu Wei’s back.
At the same time, Fu Wei looked at the eight hidden guards who had simultaneously appeared next to him and chuckled, “What a big show.”
Pei Xiting, supported by Fu Wei’s back, looked around, also a bit surprised. Although he knew Zong Suiyang had assigned hidden guards to him, eight seemed a bit excessive.
“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Pei Xiting said after getting back on the ground. “Everyone, please… uh, return to your original state.”
With a “swoosh,” the eight hidden guards disappeared again. Yuan Fang jumped down from the roof and said, “Why did you scare him, Master?”
“I truly didn’t mean to. I’m just used to talking to you this way,” Fu Wei said, looking at Pei Xiting. “Pei-wenshu, please don’t be offended.”
“It’s nothing,” Pei Xiting said. “I was just about to ask where you were so I could send Yuan Fang to invite you.”
Just as Fu Wei was about to speak, he saw Pei Xiting’s eyes light up. He turned his head and saw that Zong Suiyang had indeed returned.
Zong Suiyang strode over, handed a string of four small candied hawthorns to Pei Xiting, and reached out to smooth his hair. After Pei Xiting took a bite and crunched it, he asked, “Is it good?”
“Mmm, there are grapes inside.” Pei Xiting held it up. “You have a bite.”
Zong Suiyang leaned in and took a bite. He glanced at Fu Wei, who was staring at him but didn’t react. He just nodded to Pei Xiting and broke the stick in half, making it easier for him to eat the remaining two.
After finishing the candied hawthorn, Zong Suiyang tapped Pei Xiting’s cheek with his knuckles. “Does your throat or body hurt today?”
“No, it doesn’t hurt, not at all.” Pei Xiting, realizing he had a low credibility score, quickly added, “Really, I’m not lying to you.”
Zong Suiyang smiled and put his arm around Pei Xiting, walking forward as if Fu Wei and Yuan Fang weren’t even there.
After the two of them had walked a distance, Fu Wei clicked his tongue. Yuan Fang, who was already used to it, said, “Master, let’s go to Zhou’s Kitchen. I can’t wait to see the mutton buns.”
“What a promising future.” Fu Wei sighed with a smile, followed Yuan Fang, and took two steps. The two of them disappeared in the cold wind at the same time.
Pei Xiting was nestled in Zong Suiyang’s arm, taking one step at a time, with one candied hawthorn left in his hand. As they walked, the palace was brightly decorated, and the palace servants looked joyful, truly giving off a festive New Year’s atmosphere.
Up ahead, a flurry of snow and stones flew up as Little King came charging toward them. It tried to stop suddenly but failed, rolling over on the spot.
This was a serious blow to the dignity of the Tiger King. Little King buried its face in its paws, refusing to look up.
Zong Suiyang clicked his tongue and said, “Looks like it’s been fed too well recently.”
“It’s a child; it should be well-fed.” Pei Xiting bent down to brush the snow off Little King. He hugged Little King, who took the opportunity to purr and act spoiled. After a bit of kneading and a pat on the back, he let it go to continue its mischief.
“Oh, by the way, where is the Empress? You two should have returned to the palace together, right?” Pei Xiting asked as he stood up.
Zong Suiyang handed the candied hawthorn back to him and said, “She went back to her palace to change her robes. She’ll be here soon.”
Pei Xiting ate the last candied hawthorn and mumbled indistinctly, “The time is just right. If we walk from here to the Hongnian Palace, it will be time for our New Year’s Eve dinner.”
Zong Suiyang hummed in agreement, taking Pei Xiting’s hand and walking forward. It wasn’t snowing anymore, but it was still cold. Pei Xiting blew a puff of white air and then reached out to scatter it. He found it quite interesting to do it over and over again.
He tried to blow a heart shape, but his skill wasn’t up to par, and he only managed to make something that looked like neither. Zong Suiyang reached out and poked it, breaking it apart. Pei Xiting, slightly irked, bumped Zong Suiyang with his hip.
Zong Suiyang calmly appraised Pei Xiting’s hips and waist, saying, “Is that an invitation?”
“Clean your brain.” Pei Xiting said, pointing to the small yellow lantern on the pine tree nearby.
Zong Suiyang didn’t argue. “You become like the company you keep.”
They met a group of palace servants carrying lanterns. The last two people were pushing an empty small wooden tricycle. Pei Xiting decided not to continue their witty banter. He stopped the servant, claimed the small tricycle for himself, and lifted his leg to sit inside.
Zong Suiyang quickly took hold of the handle. After Pei Xiting sat down and wrapped himself in his cloak, he pushed it forward.
Pei Xiting put on the hood of his cloak, leaned back, and looked up at Zong Suiyang. “Is it easy to push?”
“Easy,” Zong Suiyang replied. “Are you cold?”
“Not at all. I wore an extra layer today and am all bundled up. When I looked in the mirror this morning, I felt like my figure wasn’t that handsome,” Pei Xiting said with a hint of distaste in his voice.
Zong Suiyang chuckled. “It’s freezing. Keeping warm is the most important thing. You don’t need to care about that.”
“But you’re wearing fewer clothes than I am.” Pei Xiting’s gaze slid up and down Zong Suiyang’s waist, both sour and passionate.
“I’ve been used to it since I was little. I used to practice martial arts, and I would get up before dawn in the winter to train in just a single thin shirt. Later, I just felt that wearing too many clothes was inconvenient and got in the way,” Zong Suiyang said, looking at Pei Xiting. “Why are you comparing this with me?”
He smiled and said, “Don’t blame me for punishing you if you catch a cold.”
Pei Xiting pouted and said, “Oh… blah blah blah…”
Zong Suiyang freed one hand, cupped Pei Xiting’s chin, and said, “Mumbling? Do you think I can’t hear you?”
“Who’s mumbling?” Pei Xiting said to himself. “I am mumbling. So what?”
“Hold on tight,” Zong Suiyang suddenly said.
“Alright,” Pei Xiting immediately replied.
Zong Suiyang gripped the handles and pushed the small tricycle forward, picking up speed.
Pei Xiting slightly raised himself to look ahead at the long, straight path. Suddenly, the wind began to roar past his ears. He let out a “whoa” and tilted backward in the fast “ride,” his head hitting Zong Suiyang’s waist with a “thump.”
Empress Qu had just arrived in front of the Hongnian Palace when she heard the sound of wheels rapidly rubbing against the stone pavement. She thought some unknown weapon was rapidly approaching and had already cautiously hidden behind her guards. But then she heard Pei Xiting’s excited cheers.
She regained her dignified and graceful composure and saw Zong Suiyang running toward her, pushing the small wooden tricycle with Pei Xiting in it.
If time were to rewind, Empress Qu would never have dared to dream of such a scene; it was too “shocking.” But now, this beautiful scene—even more wonderful than what she had hoped for and imagined—was vividly rushing toward her. Along with her surprise and comfort, she felt a little choked up.
Young people should be this full of life.
A young couple should be this sweet and loving!
The small wooden cart braked in front of Empress Qu. Pei Xiting took off the hood that was covering half of his face and saw her. He quickly called out to her.
Empress Qu came back to her senses, stepped forward, and took Pei Xiting’s struggling hand to help him out of the cart, smiling as she said, “Are you cold?”
“Not at all,” Pei Xiting said with a smile. “I’ve even started to sweat a little.”
Zong Suiyang handed the small wooden cart to a servant who came forward and helped Pei Xiting straighten his hair. “Let’s go inside the hall and have a warm drink to moisten your throat.”
“Sounds good,” Pei Xiting said, taking Empress Qu’s arm to go up the steps and into the Hongnian Palace. “What would you like to drink?”
Empress Qu took off her cloak and said, “Anything is fine.”
“Then how about plum blossom soup?” Pei Xiting asked. After Empress Qu nodded, he instructed a servant to bring the soup.
Zong Suiyang helped him take off his cloak, and Pei Xiting lifted his robes to sit down. “When the plum blossoms bloom this year, I’m going to pick some and save them to make plum blossom soup cakes and plum blossom wine.”
“Plum blossom relish is also very good. It’s the best with porridge,” Empress Qu said.
Pei Xiting, who had been eating porridge for three days in a row, gave her a look that said, “Please, no more.” Empress Qu laughed heartily.
A servant brought in a thermos and a tray, poured three bowls of plum blossom soup, and left the thermos on the table for later use.
Zong Suiyang sat down next to Pei Xiting and asked, “Are you returning to Fengyi Palace tonight?”
“I’m not going back.” Empress Qu took a sip of her soup and said, “Your uncle invited me back to the Qu Mansion to spend New Year’s Eve with the children. Those little brats are all eagerly waiting for my big red envelope!”
As she spoke, she pulled out two thick red envelopes from her sleeve and handed them to the two of them. “These are for you two. And this one is for Lu’er; I’ll give it to him when he arrives.”
Zong Suiyang and Pei Xiting took the red envelopes and thanked her in unison.
Empress Qu looked at Pei Xiting and said with a smile, “Calling me ‘Empress’ sounds so formal.”
Pei Xiting was stunned. He glanced at Zong Suiyang and then changed his address readily. “Mother Empress.”
Empress Qu was shocked. She had meant that he could change it to something like “Aunt,” since she hadn’t given him a formal red envelope for changing the address yet!
This… what an unexpected surprise. Wasn’t she taking advantage of him?
Zong Suiyang and Empress Qu exchanged a glance, and Zong Suiyang said, “I gave Xiting the bracelet my mother left for me.”
“What?” Empress Qu was shocked again. “When did you give it to him? I wasn’t even there!”
Isn’t that a little too casual and undignified? What if the child thinks we’re being too frivolous?!
“You couldn’t be there,” Zong Suiyang said cryptically. “It wouldn’t have been appropriate.”
Empress Qu instantly understood and smiled shyly and with pleasure.
Zong Suiyang and Pei Xiting: “…”
“Alright, alright, you’re a man of your own mind. I’ve never had to worry about you.” Empress Qu sighed and abruptly reached out to snatch Zong Suiyang’s red envelope, putting it in Pei Xiting’s hand. She said with a laugh, “You can have both. I’ll go back and wrap one that’s a hundred times thicker for you.”
Pei Xiting chuckled. “How could a red envelope be that big?”
Empress Qu replied, “I’ll use a red silk cloth to wrap it for you!”
Pei Xiting laughed and said, “There’s no need,” while Empress Qu laughed and said, “Yes, there is, yes, there is.” The two of them playfully went back and forth for a dozen rounds before Zong Lu’s appearance finally brought the exchange to an end.
“Lu’er, come here!”
Empress Qu beckoned Zong Lu over. Zong Suiyang seized the opportunity to recapture Pei Xiting’s attention. He put his arm around Pei Xiting’s shoulder and pinched his smiling face.
Pei Xiting secretly slipped the red envelope that had belonged to Zong Suiyang back to him and whispered conspiratorially, “Take it.”
Zong Suiyang laughed. “Mother gave it to you. It’s yours. You don’t have to give it to me.”
Pei Xiting said in a generous tone, “Hey, don’t be so modest with me.”
Zong Suiyang looked at Pei Xiting, unable to resist pinching his cheek and leaning in for a kiss. “Stop messing around. Take the money. Didn’t you complain yesterday that you didn’t have a single coin in your pocket?”
Pei Xiting said, “I have some again today.”
“Oh?” Zong Suiyang said. “Where did Boss Pei get so lucky?”
“In the bedroom,” Pei Xiting said. “I was cleaning the small desk, and I accidentally found your secret stash.”
Zong Suiyang looked puzzled. “I don’t have a secret stash.”
“Two silver ingots, worth fifty taels,” Pei Xiting said proudly. “Of course, they’ve all been confiscated by me now.”
“You silly goose,” Zong Suiyang sighed. “Last month, when you changed your purse, you took the leftover money out and put it on the desk. I put it in the box for you.”
“Huh?” Pei Xiting scratched his head and then remembered. “Oh, I completely forgot.”
Zong Suiyang shook his head and rubbed his face.
Pei Xiting rubbed against Zong Suiyang’s hand and had someone bring him the small cloth bag he had prepared earlier. When Zong Lu came over, he handed him a large red envelope he had prepared and said, “Happy New Year.”
Zong Lu wasn’t modest. He took it and said, “Thank you, Uncle Pei.”
Pei Xiting said, “You’re making me sound old.”
“This is based on seniority,” Zong Suiyang said, feeling a little mocked. “If he doesn’t call you ‘uncle,’ then you’d have to call me ‘uncle.'”
Pei Xiting thought to himself, I’ve even called you ‘daddy.’ ‘Uncle’ is nothing. And when I called you by a more inappropriate name, I didn’t see you being so particular.
Their eyes met. Zong Suiyang saw the reproach and accusation in Pei Xiting’s eyes and instantly knew what he was thinking, so he couldn’t help but smile.
What are you smiling about, you shameless jerk? Pei Xiting shot Zong Suiyang a glare.
“No, you have to call me ‘older brother,'” Pei Xiting argued. “We’ll follow separate lines of seniority.”
Zong Suiyang had no objection, so Zong Lu obediently changed his address. Pei Xiting was finally satisfied and had Zong Lu sit down next to Empress Qu.
A moment later, Bu Suying came over. Pei Xiting quickly got up and had her sit on his other side, right next to Empress Qu.
Zong Lu greeted her. After Bu Suying sat down, she took a red envelope from her sleeve and handed it to him, saying a little shyly, “It’s just a small red envelope. I hope you won’t mind.”
Zong Lu stood up to show he didn’t mind, thanked her sincerely, took the red envelope, and then sat down.
Bu Suying turned to Pei Xiting and took out red envelopes for both him and Zong Suiyang, one for each. Zong Suiyang said, “Thank you for your generosity, Auntie.”
“It’s the New Year. It’s for good luck. Please don’t mind,” Bu Suying said.
Zong Suiyang said gently, “Auntie, you can just call me by my courtesy name.”
“That’s right, don’t be so polite. He’s the younger generation. Just call him Fuchuan,” Empress Qu said.
Bu Suying said, “yes,” and then called him “Fuchuan.” She had originally been worried that Pei Xiting would be bullied after getting together with the Crown Prince. These favored sons of Heaven were all born with silver spoons in their mouths, especially since he was royalty and the current Crown Prince. The difference in their status was as vast as a cloud and mud, and it could easily create a thousand different kinds of conflicts.
However, after observing them these past few days, she saw that Pei Xiting was thriving in the East Palace. No one treated him with contempt; on the contrary, everyone respected him. This must be because the Crown Prince, as the master of the East Palace, had given specific instructions and managed his subordinates well.
Even more shocking was that there was no distinction of seniority or status between Pei Xiting and the Crown Prince. They shared the same bedroom and the same bed. Sometimes they would drink from the same cup of tea. Pei Xiting would sometimes jump on the Crown Prince’s back as they walked, and the latter would habitually catch him and continue walking with him on his back… When they whispered and shared intimate moments, they often did so as if no one else was there, not afraid of anyone’s gaze or rumors, with only each other in their eyes.
Love shines through the eyes, and many things can be revealed through daily words and actions. The Crown Prince hadn’t wronged Pei Xiting. They were doing very well.
This is so good. Bu Suying thought, watching Pei Xiting whispering to the Crown Prince, a smile on her lips.
After a while, Yuan Fang came back with ten baskets of mutton buns, followed by Fu Wei; both of them smelled delicious.
“You really couldn’t wait,” Pei Xiting said, giving a thumbs-up. He leaned in and sniffed Yuan Fang’s waist, then turned his head and met Zong Suiyang’s gaze. He quickly looked away, cleared his throat, and changed the subject. “We were just waiting for you! Please, take a seat!”
Fu Wei sat down next to Zong Suiyang, and Yuan Fang sat down next to him.
A moment later, Yu Shaoyun came in, followed by You Zong. You Zong had no family left, so he had spent the past New Year with Zong Suiyang in the East Palace.
Lord You was wearing a rare light cloud-colored robe today, looking very much like a refined young gentleman. Pei Xiting gave him an admiring look. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Zong Suiyang finish his cup of tea.
“…” Pei Xiting leaned in toward Zong Suiyang and whispered, “In my heart, you’ll always be the most handsome one. I’ll always be mesmerized by you.”
Zong Suiyang said, “Am I that easy to placate?”
“Yes,” Pei Xiting said. “Who told you to fall for me? You might as well just accept it.”
Zong Suiyang couldn’t help himself. He held Pei Xiting’s wrist and gave his palm a fierce kiss. Pei Xiting, tickled, curled his palm and begged, “Hey, stop, stop.”
Only then did Zong Suiyang let go of him and order the meal to be served.
The palace servants from the kitchen came in one after another. The staple food for the New Year’s Eve dinner was hot pot and dumplings; in addition, there were hot dishes, cold dishes, soups, pastries, etc.
Pei Xiting was twisting his body to set up a special small food bowl for Little King. Zong Suiyang used a small spoon to scoop up a few dumplings for Pei Xiting. When he turned back, Zong Suiyang said, “Give your speech.”
Pei Xiting didn’t understand. “Huh?”
“The pre-meal speech,” Zong Suiyang said.
“Why me?” Pei Xiting whispered. “Even if you don’t say it, there’s still Mother Empress. It’s not my turn.”
Zong Suiyang persuaded him, “It’s supposed to be me, but don’t you want to be the head of the family? If you give the speech now, everyone will know you’re the boss.”
“Is that so?” Pei Xiting heard this, puffed out his chest, and decided not to be modest anymore. He poured a cup of wine, cleared his throat, and raised his glass. “Everyone, I’d like to say a few words.”
Everyone looked at Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting said, “Today is New Year’s Eve. This first cup is to toast our family gathering and bid farewell to the old and welcome the new.”
Everyone raised their glasses in celebration.
Pei Xiting turned and tapped his cup against Little King’s food bowl for a second time. After finishing his drink, he poured another, raised his cup, and said, “This is the first time we’ve all gathered together for a New Year’s Eve dinner. This second toast is to having a day like this every year.”
For the third toast, Pei Xiting said, “After tonight, tomorrow will be a new year. This toast is to wish everyone great luck, peace, and happiness in the new year.”
Everyone raised their cups and drank. Zong Suiyang said, “Well said.”
After he spoke, he was the first to applaud, and everyone else followed, their applause loud and appreciative.
Head of the family Pei straightened his back, his expression dignified and graceful. He waved his hand and said, “Let’s eat!”
Everyone picked up their chopsticks.
Pei Xiting reached for the mutton dish and put some into the pot. Zong Suiyang picked up a piece of crispy fish and put it on his plate. “Try it.”
“Alright,” Pei Xiting gently poked the fish. The skin was crispy, and the inside was soft. He tasted a bite of the fish meat, and it was moist and flavorful. “Mmm, mmm, this is very good.”
Zong Suiyang gave Pei Xiting a candied crab. Seeing that the hot pot was almost ready, he scooped out the mutton and put it in a sauce bowl, telling him, “Let it cool down a bit before you eat it.”
Pei Xiting was in the middle of a battle with the crab. Without looking up, he hummed in response.
Fu Wei, watching from the side, leaned in and whispered, “Are you taking care of a child?”
Zong Suiyang said coolly, “Mind your own business.”
Fine, Fu Wei shrugged, no longer paying attention to the young couple. They were making his eyes hurt.
“Is the duck and goose platter something you’d like?” Zong Suiyang asked.
Pei Xiting looked at the dish, a hesitant expression on his face. “Is it good?”
“Given your taste, it should be quite good,” Zong Suiyang said. “Try it. If you don’t like it, you can just leave it.”
Pei Xiting picked up a small bowl and accepted a piece of the platter. He cautiously took a small bite, then ate the rest of the piece.
Seeing this, Zong Suiyang gave him another piece and said, “The dumplings are still hot. Let them sit for a bit. Eat the lily and shrimp paste first.”
Pei Xiting took a bite of the lily and shrimp paste, humming as he savored it. “Mmm, mmm, mmm. This doesn’t have as much flavor as the last time we had it. It’s a bit bland.”
“Then we’ll make sure to prepare it the same way as last time from now on,” Zong Suiyang said.
Pei Xiting nodded. “Stop constantly giving me things. You should eat your own food. I can’t accept it if I end up as round as a ball while you still look like an ethereal immortal—eat this.”
Pei Xiting pushed the dumplings he had previously scooped out toward Zong Suiyang and said, “There are six of them. Six means great luck. You eat them.”
Zong Suiyang had no objections. “Good.”
He then took a bite with his spoon, but his teeth bit down on something hard. He gently spit it out, only to find a copper coin inside.
“Wow, you got the lucky dumpling!” Pei Xiting quickly moved the dumpling bowl back, pointing at the copper coin. “This is the lucky dumpling. If you eat it, the new year will be extra smooth in addition to everything going well.”
“That’s wonderful,” Zong Suiyang said with a smile. “Your good fortune has been passed on to me.”
Pei Xiting raised his chin a little arrogantly. “You can say thank you and praise me in your heart. Now, let’s keep eating.”
Zong Suiyang nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering for a moment on Pei Xiting’s cheeks, which were stuffed with a big mouthful of mutton, before he looked away.
But while Pei Xiting was holding his wine cup and turning to lean down and tap it against the Little King’s food bowl, Zong Suiyang scooped another dumpling from the small bowl. And sure enough, he bit into another copper coin.
Zong Suiyang quickly spit it out and hid it under a piece of vegetable.
No matter which one he ate first, he would find a copper coin, because Pei Xiting, his lucky star, was soft-hearted and thoughtful, preparing a truly “doubly” good fortune for him.
“You little rascal, trying to steal my wine. Luckily I was quick,” Pei Xiting grumbled as he turned back, not noticing that one dumpling was missing from his bowl. He poured himself another glass of wine and turned to face Zong Suiyang. “After toasting my son, I’ll toast the father.”
Zong Suiyang poured wine and raised his cup.
“Happy New Year, Zong Suiyang,” Pei Xiting said with a smile. “This is our first New Year together. Next year, we can celebrate it from beginning to end.”
“…Mmm,” Zong Suiyang clinked his cup against Pei Xiting’s, holding his a little lower. “Happy New Year, Xiting. Thank you for coming to my side.”
