The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

Chapter 418 The First Day of the Lunar New Year

As the saying goes, three women make a drama, let alone a large family with a large population.

It can't be said that there is intrigue, but there is definitely some secret competition between each other.

It's much simpler for the men and children.

Zhang Ping'an asked the servants to prepare some toys that children like to play with in advance, such as spinning tops, wooden horses, etc. It just so happened that there were a few new puppies in the mansion, and they were so cute that the boys couldn't let go of them and couldn't sit still.

The men played cards, bragged and chatted, and from time to time went to the side hall to smoke a pack of good cigarettes, where they were served with good tea and water. The hall was warm and it was very leisurely and comfortable!

After staying with him for a while, Zhang Ping'an handed the matter over to his father and went back to his room. After all, it was still too early to go out to celebrate the New Year's Eve.

When I returned to the room, Qian Youyi had already washed up and lay down.

I was quite surprised to see Zhang Ping'an coming back: "Are all the relatives settled?"

"Well, they are all having fun. My parents can take care of it for now. I don't have to worry about it," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

Then she was a little worried: "I see you didn't eat much at night, why don't you ask the kitchen to send some midnight snacks over!"

"No need, I have always had a small appetite. I only ate two pieces of snacks and drank a bowl of bird's nest. It's not too little," Qian Youyi said softly.

"My dear husband, you have been studying hard recently. I know my father's character. He is very serious about things. I believe he disciplines you very strictly. You deserve to take a good rest during these two days."

"Dad, you're doing this for my own good. I know this. After the imperial examination is over, the peach blossoms will be in bloom in early spring. Then I'll take our whole family for an outing in the countryside," said Zhang Ping'an.

Since getting married until now, he has been busy with his studies and has never taken his wife out for a walk. He feels a bit guilty when he thinks about it.

New Year’s Eve is always special, and people’s mood will be much calmer than usual.

It was a rare opportunity for the couple to have some private time to talk quietly.

The sense of distance is also shortened a lot.

Everything will fall into place naturally.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

"My bath was in vain," Qian Youyi said coquettishly afterwards.

"Let the nanny wipe it for you again," Zhang Ping'an touched his nose and said a little embarrassedly.

Just as he finished speaking, a maid's voice came from behind the screen: "Master, the old master said it's almost midnight, and asked you to go to the front hall so that we can go out together to light a bonfire later."

"Okay, I understand," Zhang Pingan responded loudly.

I was just about to say sorry to my wife.

Qian Youyi said tactfully, "Go quickly, I need to wash up!"

Nanny Rong was very considerate and brought in some hot water. After Zhang Ping'an washed himself and changed his clothes, he gave a few instructions to his wife before going to the front hall.

At this time, Boss Zhang was full of fighting spirit. He was the only one who lost among the three brothers, and he almost got angry.

Zhang Laoer, who looked silent, won the most.

Zhang Laosan is second.

Li was listening to the noise next door and felt so disappointed.

It turned out that she had been trying so hard to win money from Xu that she had ended up filling the hole for her man. Wasn't it a draw here? It was like she had been working hard for half the night, which made her so angry!

Zhang Ping'an ordered his servants to go out and build the bonfire, then said, "Dad, uncle, uncle, it's almost time, shall we go out now?"

"Well, go out," Zhang Laoer put down the cards simply after hearing this.

Zhang Laoda was very reluctant. He put on his shoes and said, "Let's go back and play after we finish setting off the firecrackers. I have to get back to where I started."

"Chenyang, let's go," Erzhu shouted.

"Dad, I'm here." The boys were still energetic and not sleepy at all.

Dazhu took his son from Mei Zi and carried the child out.

"I just blocked the child's ears with cotton. Be careful when you go out and don't scare the child," Mei Zi reminded.

She loved the child to her core and was afraid that the child would be hurt in the slightest. She carried the child wherever she went and carried him on her back when she was working.

"I understand," Dazhu nodded, his eyes almost melting as he looked at the child.

As soon as I got outside, it became much colder.

A bonfire had been built outside the door, and Zhang Ping'an handed the torch to his uncle.

Boss Zhang lit the bonfire.

Then Zhang Laoer lit firecrackers nearby.

The crackling sound suddenly rang out, and together with the crackling sounds from other neighbors' houses, the east side of the city suddenly became lively in the middle of the night.

After the firecrackers were all set off, everyone went in together.

As soon as they arrived at the main hall, the boys began to kneel down and kowtow to wish all the elders and uncles a happy new year.

Of course, the main target is Zhang Ping'an, the younger cousin. Everyone knows that he is the most lenient and treats the children the best.

"Let's celebrate the new year and say goodbye to the old year in one night! I wish my uncle great success in the new year and success in the imperial examination!" Zhang Chenyang was the eldest grandson and took the lead in congratulating.

"Oh, it seems that your studies have not been in vain. You can recite poems and say auspicious words well. Here, a red envelope for each of you, keep it well," Zhang Pingan said with a smile, and looked at his little nephews with some admiration.

"Uncle, there are us, there are us", at this time several girls heard the noise and ran out.

Zhang Ping'an distributed the prepared red envelopes to his nephews and nieces.

Even the son of my cousin Dazhu, who couldn't walk yet, was not left out.

Dazhu was deeply moved.

Zhang Pingan patted his nephews' heads again and admonished them, "You all need to study hard, okay?"

"I know!" Several children looked up and said in unison.

As grandfathers, Zhang Lao Da and Zhang Lao San also felt proud and straightened their backs instantly.

Tomorrow is the first day of the Lunar New Year, and I have to visit people everywhere to wish them a happy new year.

After Zhang Pingan finished all this, he prepared to go back to his room to rest.

Zhang Laoer was also preparing to go back to his room to sleep, but Zhang Laoda was still thinking about returning to his base and wanted to drag his two younger brothers to continue fighting. However, Li persuaded him to go back to his room.

Everyone rested.

The next day, everyone got up before dawn.

Time flies, and it is a new year again.

As the mistress, Qian Youyi cannot stay in bed today and has dressed up extra formally.

This is the upbringing that is ingrained in her: she must dress appropriately on big days.

"Let's go, let's go and wish our grandparents, parents, and all the elders a happy new year together," Zhang Ping'an said, and helped his wife put on the last kingfisher hairpin.

"Well, it suits you very well!" Zhang Ping'an took a look and was very satisfied.