After crossing, I was forced to hold on to my thighs and build a kingdom

After breakfast on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, Jinchu and Huanyan prepared the writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone early. Wang Weiyuan changed his clothes, tied his sleeves tightly, and came to the high table.

He stood still and wrote a lot of Spring Festival couplets with his brush. Jinchu and Huanyan hung the couplets to dry one by one. Even Zhaoer followed Wang Weiyuan and ground them seriously.

When the four people were busy, there was a knock on the door. It turned out that Qin Shijun came with Li Jichang, the young master of Quyang Hou's family.

The two of them carried a few bags of snacks and walked into the backyard with smiles on their faces. When they saw that Wang Weiyuan was really writing, they smiled at each other and showed happy expressions.

"A Chang, I told you that if you come to A Yuan's place today, you will definitely be able to take away his calligraphy, but you still don't believe me." Qin Shijun stretched out his hand and pointed at the couplets hanging out to dry. "As the saying goes, 'It's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early.' Look at how much A Yuan has written. This time, we will definitely be able to steal a few!"

Hearing Qin Shijun's words, Wang Weiyuan's brushstrokes flew, and without even looking up, he made a decision: "Three paintings per family, no more!"

Li Jichang showed surprise on his face and nodded repeatedly to express his gratitude.

The main reason he came this time was to keep in touch with Ayuan and see Ayuan write with his own eyes. If he was lucky enough to get a pair of Spring Festival couplets to take home, then it would be worth the trip.

Unexpectedly, Wang Weiyuan gave him three couplets right away. This was a huge surprise for him who just wanted to get one couplet!

Qin Shijun's attitude was completely different. He stepped forward, tutted twice at Wang Weiyuan, and said, "Ayuan, did I hear you right? You're being too stingy, aren't you? Why are you only giving me three? Given our relationship, ten wouldn't be too much, right?"

"Your Qin family is vast and prosperous, with numerous residences. Are you planning to have me personally write on every doorframe?" Wang Weiyuan bluntly retorted to his friend. Finally, he glanced up at him. Although his words were harsh, he finally made a concession. "Five at most, no more!"

"Okay, okay, five is five!"

Qin Shijun knew when to stop and smiled as he stepped forward to take over the pair of Spring Festival couplets written by Wang Weiyuan and put them up to dry.

Jinchu and Huanyan watched them joking with each other, so they pulled Huanyan aside.

"Since I'm writing this for you, tell me what you two want to write!" Wang Wei looked at the slightly reserved Li Jichang from afar and smiled, "Achang, there's no need to be so formal. I'm very casual here. It happens that Ajun and I chatter a lot. You'll get used to it after a while."

"Yes, Ah Chang, Ah Yuan and I often bicker. He seems easygoing, but once you get to know him, you'll realize he's not one to take a loss. From now on, when you interact with him, you'll inevitably get a few sarcastic remarks from him. He also has the inherent noble character of a scholar. You'll get used to it in the future!"

Qin Shijun patted Li Jichang's shoulder generously, and while explaining, he did not forget to flatter his friend.

Wang Weiyuan was used to it and didn't bother to refute him. He turned to Li Jichang and asked, "A Chang, what kind of couplet do you want?"

"Can I really choose?" Li Jichang raised his eyebrows, with a hint of uncertainty in his expression.

"Of course. Since it's a gift for you, it naturally needs to suit your preferences. Please tell me about the font and content."

After getting a positive answer, Li Jichang happily ran to Wang Weiyuan to discuss the content and writing method of the Spring Festival couplets.

Seeing that the three of them were getting along well, Jin Chu pulled Huan Yan back into the house. Qin Shijun's protest was heard in his ears: "Where's mine?

"It's not your first time here. Let Ah Chang come first and I'll write yours later."

"Ayuan, I think you are partial to Achang!"

"A Chang is indeed not as talkative as you!"

"Humph!"

Jin Chu smiled and said to Huan Yan, "Brother Qin and Master Li are here today. Let's have lunch together. The weather is cold, so let's eat hot pot around the stove."

Huanyan nodded and said with a smile: "Sister, I will go to the stove to prepare the ingredients first."

"Okay, I'll stay with you later."

Huanyan nodded again and went to the kitchen in the front yard to work.

Jinchu first wrote a letter to Huizhen in Lincheng to express his safety, and then wrote a letter of New Year's greetings to Li Meiniang.

By the time she left, Wang Weiyuan had almost finished writing and was entering the final stage.

Qin Shijun and Li Jichang were busy arranging the spring couplets they had written earlier. When they saw Jin Chu coming out, they hurriedly greeted her, "Miss Jin'er, these were written by Brother Wang."

Jin Chu took the couplets and turned to invite the two of them, "It's almost noon. If Master Qin and Master Li don't have anything important to do, why don't you have a hot pot meal at home?"

"It's already rude to bother you so suddenly, how can I continue--" Li Jichang was interrupted by Qin Shijun who was standing beside him before he could finish his words: "A Chang, if you want to leave, then go ahead! I'm too lazy to go home on an empty stomach. I'll just have dinner at Miss Jin'er's house today."

"How can I feel comfortable doing this?" Li Jichang stammered.

"If you don't mind, please stay and have a simple meal with us!" Wang Wei looked at Li Jichang from afar and invited him seriously.

"Okay, Ah Chang, I understand that you admire Ah Yuan, but we're all about the same age, and Ah Yuan isn't the type to put on airs. He treats you as a friend. So, don't be so polite and distant all the time, or else Ah Yuan will get angry and stop associating with you in the future."

Having said this, Li Jichang naturally obeyed.

Jinchu went in and helped Huanyan put all the ingredients on the table. She also stewed a pot of pork ribs soup base. Then everyone sat down and started eating the hot pot.

After eating and drinking, several people wrapped up the Spring Festival couplets, and Qin Shijun brought a few extra couplets to send to Jingchuan Hou Mansion.

After the two left excitedly, Jinchu, Huanyan and Wang Weiyuan worked together to paste Spring Festival couplets all over the house.

The next morning, Jin Chu had just finished breakfast when he received a return gift sent by Jingchuan Marquis Mansion.

It is said to be a return gift, which is almost equivalent to a New Year's gift.

The person who came was the nephew of the steward. He filled half of the car with food, clothing and other daily necessities, which was enough for Jinchu and his three companions to eat for about a month.

Jin Chu did not dare to accept such a generous return gift. He just politely invited the steward to his home to sit down and drink tea, while he asked Zhao'er to call Wang Weiyuan back.

A moment later, Wang Weiyuan strode in. Seeing the return gift on the ground, he was stunned for a moment before he came to his senses.

When the steward saw Wang Weiyuan enter, he quickly stood up and saluted him, muttering to himself, "Yesterday, Young Master Wang asked Young Master Qin to deliver the Spring Festival couplets to the Marquis' Mansion. The Marquis and his wife have seen them and are both very happy. Therefore, I have specially sent me to bring you some food and daily necessities today. Please don't be polite. After all, compared to your calligraphy, these ordinary things in the mansion are not worthy of being presented. Please don't refuse them again."

Having said that, Wang Weiyuan could only respectfully obey.