The first time in history

"We can't just sit there and do nothing!" Qian Mingduo hugged Li Shishi and watched the fireworks outside together. "Should I write something else?"

"So what are you going to write?" Li Shishi kissed Qian Mingduo on the cheek. "I've told you a long time ago that we have enough money to use. As long as we don't waste it, it will be enough for several lifetimes."

Qian Mingduo looked at Li Shishi and said, "I still have many new and interesting stories in my mind. If I write them down slowly, I can also exchange them for silver. Don't touch your money. Use the money I earn from selling calligraphy first!"

"The more than one hundred taels of silver you brought back a few days ago are enough for us to use for several years." Li Shishi said, "Don't work so hard. I feel sorry for you!"

Qian Mingduo smiled and said, "This is mental labor, which is better than physical labor. It uses up some brain cells, but it's fine in other ways."

“What are brain cells?”

"Our brain is made up of countless brain cells. There are so many of them. Just like the stars in the sky."

"How many stars are there in the sky?"

Qian Mingduo pointed to the sky and said, "Too many to count. There are almost 10 trillion planets in the Milky Way alone. I can't explain it to you."

Li Shishi nodded and leaned on Qian Mingduo's shoulder. "I'm cold, I want to wash my feet and go to bed. Carry me to the kang!"

On the morning of the second day of the Chinese New Year, Qian Mingduo came to the bookstore. The shopkeeper was worried about not being able to contact Qian Mingduo. When he saw him, he was very happy.

"Sir, Happy New Year!" said the shopkeeper with a bow.

"Happy New Year, shopkeeper!" Qian Mingduo also returned the greeting, "You don't even take a break during the New Year. Are you crazy about making money?"

"No! No!" The shopkeeper led Qian Mingduo into the bookstore. "The one thousand books I have printed have been sold out. The second print run is coming out today. Then I sent the clerks home to celebrate the New Year. Fortunately, these two clerks are from Lin'an Prefecture, so they don't need to go home as soon as the twelfth lunar month comes like other clerks."

Qian Mingduo looked at the shopkeeper and said, "It seems that the shopkeeper has made a fortune. Can you give me some dividends?"

"Sir, you are joking!" The shopkeeper smiled, "Sir, do you have any new works recently?"

"I won't give it to you even if I have it." Qian Mingduo rolled his eyes at the shopkeeper.

"Why is this?"

"Your price is too low. You make a lot of money, but I can only have a mouthful of soup."

The shopkeeper stroked his beard and said, "Can we talk?"

"Let's not talk about the new work for now." Qian Mingduo said seriously, "I came here today to ask the shopkeeper for a favor."

"Sir, please tell me what I can do."

Qian Mingduo thought about it and asked, "What kind of books do I need to read to pass the imperial examination?"

"What?" The shopkeeper was surprised. "Sir, don't you have the title of scholar? How come you don't know what books you need?"

"It's not that I don't know what kind of books they are," Qian Mingduo said with a slightly embarrassed look, "I just want to know if there are any new books out now, books that can help me pass the imperial examinations."

The shopkeeper glanced at Qian Ming and thought to himself, "It seems that this scholar is crazy about fame and fortune. How can he have any new books?"

"Since the imperial examination was established, I don't know of any new books other than the Four Books and Five Classics." The shopkeeper pointed at the shelf, "These few books are enough to overwhelm the scholars. If a few more books are published, it will be even more difficult to pass the exam."

Qian Mingduo stood up and said, "Please give me a set of your latest Four Books and Five Classics. I will go home and take a good look at them."

When Li Shishi saw Qian Mingduo coming back with a bunch of books, she asked, "What happened? Why did you buy so many books?"

"I want to pass the imperial examinations. If that doesn't work, I'll rebel and make myself king. I'll make you my queen."

Li Shishi looked at Qian Mingduo in surprise, "Are you crazy? Why are you talking nonsense in such a good time?"

Qian Mingduo smiled, "I was just kidding." He pointed at the books on the table, "If passing the imperial examination only requires reading basic books, I will work hard to study hard. Maybe I can pass the imperial examination."

"Why do we have to take the imperial examination?"

"If I can become an official of a certain rank, I will confer upon you the title of Lady of Imperial Concubine. No one will be able to bully you in the future." Qian Mingduo dreamed of Diao Chan last night. He felt that if he suddenly traveled back in time, Li Shishi would not only be lonely but also a weak woman who would be easily bullied by others.

"With you by my side, I don't believe anyone would bully me."

Qian Mingduo nodded, "Of course no one dares to bully you when I'm here. If anyone dares to bully you, I will kill him. But..."

"but what?"

"What if I'm not by your side?" Qian Mingduo said, "I think it's safer to give you an imperial decree."

"Who cares about being an imperial edict?" Li Shishi walked to Qian Mingduo's side, because in his arms, "I just care about you!"

"Okay, okay, okay..." Qian Mingduo patted Li Shishi on the back, "As long as you care about me, I'm glad."

"Tomorrow is the third day of the Lunar New Year, which is Red Dog Day. We are going to put red paper on the door. You write it first, and we will put it on the door early tomorrow morning." Li Shishi took out a large piece of red paper and cut it into strips that were one inch wide and seven or eight inches long.

"I remember just writing 'safe entry and exit', right?" Qian Mingduo asked.

“Yes, there are only four words written on it.”

The Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month is coming soon.

As the dawn broke, Qian Mingdu slowly got up and called softly to Li Shishi who was still sleeping: "Shishi, today is the Lantern Festival. Let's go to the street together to buy some festive items." Li Shishi woke up slowly. She was a little tired after the several pleasures last night.

The two began to dress up carefully. Qian Mingdu wore a dark blue robe, an exquisite belt around his waist, and a delicate jade pendant, showing his elegance.

He tied his hair up neatly and put on a small hat, which made him look more handsome. Li Shishi chose a light pink silk dress with fluttering sleeves, like a fairy descending from the earth.

She carefully combed her long hair into a beautiful bun, inserted a few exquisite hairpins, and hung a pair of small pearl earrings on her earlobes. After applying a little makeup, her face was even more charming and beautiful.

Everything was ready, and they walked out of the house hand in hand. The streets were bustling with people coming and going. Qian Mingdu held Li Shishi's hand tightly, fearing that they would be separated in the crowd.

They first came to a stall selling lanterns, where the colorful lanterns were dazzling. Li Shishi picked a lantern with a picture of Chang'e flying to the moon, while Qian Mingdu chose a unique dragon lantern.

Then, they went to a shop selling Yuanxiao and bought several Yuanxiao with different flavors, preparing to taste them during the festival.

Along the way, they also bought some incense, candles, red paper and other items to add a festive atmosphere to the Lantern Festival. While selecting items, the two chatted quietly, with happy smiles on their faces.