Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law-Chapter 427: Bidding Farewell to the Old and Welcoming the New—The New Era Name Yong’an
The eleventh year of Xuanhe, the first day of the New Year.
In fact, to be precise, it is the first year of Yong’an.
The day before the first day of the New Year, a piece of news reached Linzhou, coming from Luonan.
The news stated that after discussion among the civil and military officials, the Emperor graciously approved the change of the year name on this first day of the new year, from the ten-year used name Xuanhe to "Yong’an".
Yong’an, Yong’an, eternal peace, world peace.
For some people with ulterior motives, the decision to change the year name was directly attributed to Xu Guozhong.
Those who held a grudge against Xu Guozhong began to curse, saying that as long as the Xu Thief held power, the world would not be at peace.
However, for the common people, Yong’an represented something good, and they liked it very much.
As for Chen Mo, he had no particular opinion on the change of the year name.
In his past life’s history, there was a period when the year name changed every few years.
Xuanhe had been used for ten years now, changing it might perhaps dispel some bad luck.
After Chen Mo took over Huai State, the tense "political atmosphere" between Huai State and Linzhou disappeared, allowing the two states to interact with each other, whereas previously only merchants with permits could interact.
This led to a vibrant Xiangyang City on the first day of the New Year, as people who had worked throughout the year gathered in the streets to listen to opera, storytelling, watch acrobatics, and perform arts, or set up small stalls to earn some pocket money.
Xiangyang City, as the state city of Linzhou, was populous and full of New Year spirit.
Fu Ze Restaurant opened three branches in Xiangyang City, and on the New Year’s day, they were almost all packed; even lining up didn’t help.
In the end, they only served those who had the General Token.
This also gave those with the General Token a sense of privilege.
This move sparked a trend among the people to obtain the General Token.
To enjoy the New Year’s atmosphere, Chen Mo and the ladies did not stay at home and took them to stroll around the street.
At home, the ladies dressed lightly for Chen Mo’s convenience and appreciation, but outside, each was wrapped up tightly.
Xia Zhiqing sat in the sedan, occasionally lifting the curtain to peek at the lively scene outside.
As per Wu Mi’s diagnosis, Xia Zhiqing was due to give birth this month, and since it was inconvenient to move, sitting in the sedan also prevented her from catching a cold from the outside wind.
"Candied haws, candied haws on a stick, Miss, would you like a candied haw stick, the old man’s candied haws are really sweet."
"How much per stick?"
"I’ll take them all."
At the candied haw stand, Han Anniang asked for the price, but Yi Shiyin beside her said he would take them all.
The old man selling candied haws was overjoyed and sweetly said, "Miss, you are truly beautiful and kind-hearted, that will be two taels of silver in total."
"What? Two taels of silver for just these few sticks of candied haws? Since when have candied haws become so expensive? Boss, don’t think you can take advantage of our ignorance." Despite not being the primary wife, Han Anniang, due to her poor origins and later learning business from Ning Wan, was very frugal. Even though Chen Mo’s family was now big and thriving, Han Anniang still lived with the mindset of saving where she could.
To enjoy the New Year’s atmosphere, Chen Mo’s outing this time did not involve much fanfare, only letting Sun Meng select dozens of personal soldiers in civilian clothes to accompany them.
However, they were all dressed in luxurious brocade and jade robes, making it clear they were either rich or noble, and people nearby dared not approach them recklessly.
"Not expensive at all, these hawthorns are good stuff from Jiangnan."
"No matter how good they are, they shouldn’t be this expensive; make it cheaper." Han Anniang haggled.
"Miss, the old man can tell you don’t seem like someone who would fret over money..."
"It’s not about fretting over money, it’s just not worth that price."
"Alright, Ms. An’niang, two taels it is." Yi Shiyin saw Han Anniang getting into an argument with the old man and immediately paid the two taels of broken silver, letting Xiaoling take all the candied haws.
Chen Mo stood by Wu Mi’s side watching and didn’t intervene, finding the scene quite amusing.
"Husband, husband, have some candied haws." Xiaoling distributed the purchased candied haws to Chen Mo and the sisters.
"Erlang, that boss is such a swindler, these cost two taels of silver, and they’re not even sweet, just sour." Han Anniang complained, cheeks puffed after eating one candied haw.
"An Niang, it’s the New Year, let’s just enjoy and not worry about some small losses; let’s not dwell on it." Chen Mo said as he took the candied haw from Yi Shiyin and spoke to Han Anniang.
Song Min then brought over a porcelain doll, placing it in Chen Mo’s hands.
The porcelain doll was in a pair, and Song Min gave the female doll to Chen Mo, while she kept the male doll, smiling as she said, "Brother Mo, do you like it?"
"What an adorable doll, I really like it." Chen Mo put the doll away and patted Song Min’s little head.
Song Min’s face flushed red, basking in Chen Mo’s touch with fondness.
Noticing that they had strolled for quite a bit, Chen Mo bought some snacks and approached the sedan, lifting the curtain slightly, "Zhiqing, are you hungry? I just bought some Peach Blossom Cake, why don’t you try and see if it’s good?"
A delicate hand reached out from the sedan, taking the Peach Blossom Cake inside.
Soon, a soft voice came out, "The taste is not bad, just a bit heavy if eaten too much. Husband, I have a craving for something spicy."
Chen Mo looked at Wu Mi.
Seeing Wu Mi nod, he said, "Then let’s have hotpot later, but don’t overeat since you’re still pregnant."
"Thank you, husband." Xia Zhiqing’s delighted voice came from inside the sedan.
Chen Mo’s gaze shifted to Xia Zhining standing by the sedan, "Zhining, take good care of your sister."
"No need for you to say that." Xia Zhining pouted.
Finding a blind spot where no one could see, Chen Mo pinched Xia Zhining’s waist, "It’s New Year’s, behave."
Xia Zhining lightly spat at Chen Mo.
After ensuring everything was fine with Xia Zhiqing, Chen Mo noticed the somewhat reserved Xiao Yunxi ahead and promptly walked to her side, smiling, "Has it just been a while since the Princess Consort has strolled the market, why do you seem a bit restrained?"
"Oh, dear," Xiao Yunxi teased, and if Xiao Zheng hadn’t been standing by, she would’ve hit Chen Mo.
Out and about, with people coming and going, he even called her Princess Consort.
Mmm, Chu Zheng officially changed his surname to Xiao.
"Wan’Er, accompany the Princess Consort for a walk. You two might have things to talk about." Chen Mo called over Ning Wan.
This made Ning Wan somewhat want to hit Chen Mo too.
Wu Mi, meanwhile, proactively engaged in conversation with Liang Xue and Chu Juan.
The three of them came from notable backgrounds and managed to find common topics.
...
Even though the three Fu Ze Restaurants were packed and had no seating, that was from the perspective of ordinary people.
When Chen Mo and his group arrived, there was always a table available, no matter when, and no waiting was needed.
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