Chapter 585 - 297 Enjoyment_1
On the thirtieth, Lord Xiangen’s mansion was all lit up and decorated, brimming with joy. Dressed in new clothes, the Qian family members arrived at the main courtyard early in the morning to place offerings and kowtow to their ancestors. Old man Qian reported to the ancestors with excitement. He had been enjoying a life of luxury in the Capital City with the third branch of the family, something he couldn’t even dream of back in the countryside. He was working hard to bring the other branches to enjoy the prosperity of the Capital City as well.
The New Year’s feast was still held in the side room. Qian Sangui, Old man Qian, and Old woman Qian ate at the Kang table while the rest of the family members ate at the tables on the floor. Following countryside tradition, a separate table was also set for Sean, Qian Hua, Wong Shou, Old man Cai, and Huang Tie to dine at. Qian Hua and the others were used to this arrangement, but Wong Shou seemed somewhat taken aback and couldn’t quite relax.
At the feast, Qian Manjiang and Pan Yue also toasted Wong Shou to thank the wet nurse for her kindness to Pan Yue.
The New Year’s meal lasted from noon until dark, and the sound of firecrackers outside was incessant, popping sporadically from one household to the next without a break.
Old woman Qian sighed, "Citizens of the capital are indeed wealthy. They treat firecrackers like pebbles that cost nothing, continually throwing them into the water."
Qian Manjiang laughed, "Grandma, the families around us are either officials or wealthy merchants. Commoners don’t squander like this."
Old man Qian said, "Even the commoners in the capital live better than the landlords in Xishan County. Otherwise, why would Mother Duo not return to her hometown and prefer to live in a village on the outskirts of the capital? It’s because life in the capital is good, which even extends to the countryside around it."
The old master was now fixated on the idea that everything was better in the Capital City, no matter the topic of conversation.
Qian Sangui turned to Huang Tie and asked, "Did you deliver the letter to Mother Duo?"
Huang Tie stood up and replied, "Reporting to the master, I did. My aunt said they will set off before dawn on the second day and should arrive at the mansion before noon."
A few days earlier, Qian Sangui had sent a letter to Qian Mandua, inviting her family to stay at the mansion for a few days.
In the evening, after everyone had eaten dumplings, they each returned to their respective quarters to rest. After escorting Pan Yueniang and her group back to Xiyue Garden, Qian Manjiang went to the front courtyard. He was to join Huang Tie and a few other respected young servants to play horse hangings and keep watch through the night.