C159 (1/2)
On New Year's Eve, Ling Chaofeng who had just recovered from a serious illness and stood on the roof with his cloak wrapped around him.
Although in the eyes of his family, he was on the verge of death, he didn't suffer any pain. He only had a long, long dream, in which he dreamt of the Peach Blossom Forest, the Lotus Pond, and a delicate figure.
However, other than this, he was unable to recall anything else. Furthermore, he was also unable to recall whether that figure was related to him or not.
”Father …” The chubby little guy stood downstairs with his head held high, ”Father, Little Pei also wants to go to the roof.”
Ling Chaofeng lightly jumped down, and looked at the little kid with disdain: ”Didn't I already say, you're not allowed to call me dad?”
Aunt Zhang came out from the back door with steaming hot dishes in her hands, and laughed: ”You're not calling me father, what are you calling me? This is a child that you picked up yourself, and you're unwilling to get married.
She smiled and called out to Little Pei. ”It's so cold in such a high place, go eat delicious food with Grandma. Aunt Susu has brought her little sister here.”
Little Pei tugged on Ling Chaofeng's clothes and said, ”Daddy is also going. We're going to eat.”
Ling Chaofeng bent over and carried the little fellow, purposely saying, ”Since you're so fat, you should eat less.”
Little Pei pursed his lips, but nodded obediently: ”Daddy, Little Pei will eat one mouthful.”
Ling Chaofeng softened his heart and kissed her son, ”So obedient. Tomorrow morning, your father will bring you to the market to buy candied fruits to eat.”
They walked in, the shop was bustling with activity, Susu's family of four brought along their baby, the Uncle Biao was busy cooking, Ershan and Lian Yi returned from the capital and brought the Mrs. Meng over.
Everyone sat together and raised their cups in congratulations. Aunt Zhang laughed: ”Why do I feel like it's missing something.”
The table full of people looked at each other, without a single missing person. Auntie Chen laughed: ”It must be because Ershan and Lian Yi are not married yet, and lost a cup of daughter-in-law tea.”
Aunt Zhang smiled at Mrs. Meng: ”It's rare for you to come here, since both children are here, I wonder when Ershan will be able to return to the capital. How about we settle the marriage? ”I've already prepared everything, come and take a look later.”
Although Ershan didn't manage to become the top scholar, he was still an outstanding talent. The Emperor personally bestowed upon the Residence, bestowed him the title of assistant minister in Ministry Of Justice, and after four or five years, became a Minister. His future was truly limitless.
Mrs. Meng had already been willing for a hundred thousand years, but when he heard Aunt Zhang say this, he said, ”Do it, do it. Take advantage of their presence to arrange the marriage.”
The whole family happily ate their New Year's Eve meal, and after the meal, they set off fireworks at the back door. Looking at the colorful fireworks, Ling Chaofeng's heart inexplicably sank.
He felt as if he had promised someone that he would go to the capital to see the fireworks, but he couldn't remember who.
”Little Pei, be careful...” Suddenly hearing Aunt Zhang's shouts, the three-year-old kid jumped towards the exploding cannon while the adults weren't paying attention.
Ling Chaofeng rushed up, and before the firecrackers could explode, he grabbed the little thing and slapped it a few times on the butt, causing Little Pei to cry out loud.
Aunt Zhang carried the child and said, ”Seriously, it's the new year, so a child without a mother is really pitiful. Little Pei is good, but Little Pei won't cry. After mom, grandma will definitely find a mom for you, okay? ”
The little guy spasmed for a bit, but then it ran back to Ling Chaofeng's lap. Reaching out to hug its father, Ling Chaofeng put it on his shoulder and rubbed its little butt, ”Is it still painful?”
Little Pei whimpered, then said: ”Father, Little Pei also wants mother.”
Ling Chaofeng laughed: ”What do you think mom is?
Little Pei said: ”I'll go buy some in town.”
”Silly boy …” Ling Chaofeng carried him back to the shop, ”It's very late, sleep early.
Xiaowan was unable to sleep soundly, her body was cold and aching. In the morning, when she was still in a daze, she was woken up by a burst of firecrackers. When she saw that it was already dawn, she quickly got up and went to work.
Burning the fire and fetching the water, cleaning the fragments of the firecrackers in the courtyard. The sun gradually brightened, shining a little warmth on his body.
”Xiaowan.” The Master Mu opened the door and stood inside the door while wearing his clothes to take care of his daughter.
”Dad, happy new year.” Xiaowan ran over and said.
”Alright, alright.” Master Mu took out some copper coins. Xiaowan thought that his father wanted to give her new year's money and was feeling happy, but his father said, ”Your mother ate until she was full last night and caught cold, so she is very impatient. Go take a look at the town's infirmary, if anyone opens the door, bring her some medicine. More money... Buy yourself something to eat. ”
The Master Mu whispered the last sentence. He handed the copper coin to his daughter and reminded her to go back early.
Although she didn't take the New Year's money, she unexpectedly went to the town on the first day of the new year to get medicine. It had been so many years since she went to the town, so she immediately felt happy.
”Come back early and get someone to write you a note saying how much it will cost. If you want to steal the money, I'll cut off your hand.” Madam Xu lied down by the window and shouted, ”Go quickly!”
Xiaowan returned to the firewood house and changed into a clean cotton-padded jacket. Although the cotton-padded jacket was very thin, and there were flowers inside, and there were a lot of patches on face, it was already the best outfit in Xiaowan for winter.
Her favorite thing was two pieces of red cloth at the bottom.
To go to town, one had to walk ten miles. Xiaowan jogged all the way, sometimes stopping to take a look at the scenery of the mountains in the distance, and then took a deep breath of cold air.
Walking out of the Qingling Village, her heart was especially open. Even though her stomach was still starving, even though her body was still aching, and she was at least satisfied with one good thing.