PNB Chapter 304 New Year’s Eve
Chapter 304 New Year’s Eve
The old marquis and the men of his family gathered in front of the ancestral hall. They were dressed in solemn dark robes, with wide belts tied around their waists, and their faces were solemn. The door of the ancestral hall was open, and incense was curling inside, with tablets of ancestors from all generations enshrined.
This ancestral hall was newly built after they came to Ningzhou.
The old marquis, Xiao Zhen, held three incense sticks and respectfully inserted them into the incense burner, then led everyone in the ritual of kneeling three times and knocking nine times. Each kneeling was full of piety and respect, with the forehead gently touching the ground, expressing gratitude and remembrance for the ancestors.
Then, the elders began to recite the sacrificial text, their voices steady and powerful, echoing in the ancestral hall. The sacrificial text tells the family's history, glory and heritage, reminding the descendants not to forget their roots and to forge ahead.
After the ceremony, everyone came forward one by one to offer sacrifices.
"came back!"
The servant at the door saw his masters coming back and hurriedly reported to Sun who was still waiting.
Every year at this time, the concubines in the Marquis's mansion would grit their teeth in hatred. They were obviously descendants of the Xiao family, but they didn't even have the qualifications to step into the ancestral hall.
"Notify the kitchen and prepare to serve the food. Xiaomi, let's go and greet them."
When she arrived at the door, she saw her father-in-law coming back and smiled appropriately: "Dad, you're back. You must have had a hard time on the journey. The banquet is ready, and we're waiting for you to start the meal!"
The old marquis nodded slightly, "Well, go in."
In the old man’s main courtyard, this meal was for the clan members and relatives who were offering sacrifices to the deceased to have together.
Sun quietly told the servants to serve the dishes, and for a moment, the whole hall was filled with fragrance.
After everything was arranged, Sun and Lin Xiaomi had time to eat. They had a separate table for the two of them, so they ate in a small private room.
"You must be hungry. Eat quickly. Once you are full, go back and rest for a while. We still need to stay up all night after the New Year's Eve dinner."
"I know, mother. You too, go to bed late at night, so take a rest in the afternoon."
"Ai!"
Sun picked up a piece of squirrel fish with chopsticks and gave it to her...
New Year’s Eve…
The hall was warm as spring.
The blazing charcoal brazier emitted bursts of hot air, driving away the severe cold outside.
As soon as Lin Xiaomi entered, Xi Que immediately came forward and helped her take off her cloak.
The sandalwood tables and chairs were neatly arranged, covered with brocade cushions embroidered with auspicious patterns.
Lin Xiaomi naturally sat next to Sun, and everyone chatted with each other, with laughter in the room. At today's banquet, everyone was much more relaxed than usual.
After the old marquis arrived, everyone fell silent and looked at him. The old man had a dignified face, but a hint of kindness.
"Today is New Year's Eve, and our family is gathered here to celebrate the festival together. In the new year, I wish my family prosperity, my descendants progress, and peace and success."
Everyone responded in unison: "We will follow Daddy's (Grandpa's) teachings!"
Then, the banquet officially began.
Delicious dishes were served on the table. Lin Xiaomi looked at the dishes curiously. What was the difference between what the rich and powerful people ate on New Year's Eve and what the common people ate?
The first thing that caught my eye was the braised lion's head, which was bright red and round. The squirrel mandarin fish next to it was unique in shape, fried to a golden crisp, and topped with a sweet and sour sauce. And the eight-treasure duck, the duck meat was soft and tender, and the belly was filled with various precious ingredients, exuding an enticing aroma.
The old marquis nodded slightly, took the lead in picking up his chopsticks to taste the braised lion's head, and praised: "It tastes good." Everyone then picked up their chopsticks and slowly ate the reunion dinner...
After dinner, servants came in carrying several boxes of gold and silver ingots.
Lin Xiaomi raised her eyebrows, it was time to give out New Year’s money.
It was the first time for her to see the New Year's money being carried in a box.
Seeing the silver coming, the hall suddenly became lively. The children opened their eyes wide with excitement and chattered about how to spend the silver.
As the eldest grandson, Xiao Ran was the first to receive the money.
"Xiaomi, come here."
"I wish Grandpa a happy new year and good health!" Kneel down and kowtow.
"Be good, be good!"
Five heavy gold ingots were obtained.
Grandpa is so generous!
Others were not willing to be left behind and took the initiative to kneel down and wish a happy new year.
"Let's go find our parents."
Lin Xiaomi: ...
Xiao Zhen and Sun gave them two pairs of gold ingots each.
After one round, I gained a lot.
"Sister-in-law, New Year's money!"
Xiao Yi stretched out his chubby little hands and spoke in a baby voice.
"Our Xiaoyi got so much money! How are you going to spend it?"
"Buy wooden swords. Lots and lots of wooden swords!"
Well, men, no matter how young they are, deep down they all like to wield swords and spears.