My humble days in ancient times

Over the past few days, the village has been filled with a festive atmosphere and a bustling atmosphere. Everyone is busy preparing for the New Year. Every household is making dumplings and frying meatballs, and the rich aroma fills the air, bringing joy to the heart just by smelling it.

Xu Qinghe was also busy shopping for New Year's goods, carrying large and small bags home. The cook at home was even more busy, making dumplings, frying meatballs, and carefully preparing various delicious cakes.

This year, during the Spring Festival, there were many more people in the courtyard than last year. The two cooks were so busy that they were overwhelmed. Xu Ruyuan and Du Xiaoyue helped out every day, chopping vegetables, washing vegetables, and passing things around. They were very busy and happy.

In the evening, Xu Ruyi said to Xu Qinghe, "How about inviting everyone over to have some fun during the New Year this year?"

"Who are you talking about?" Xu Qinghe asked puzzledly.

"The servants in our house and the people who work for us. For example, those who work in the chili shop and the chicken coop, we invite them to come and celebrate the New Year with us on Chinese New Year's Day." Xu Ruyi explained patiently.

"Who are they?" Xu Qinghe continued to ask.

"They are the five people in the chili shop, Zhang San, Xu Shi, Xu Baolin, Da Niu and Da Hu. Plus the five people in the chicken coop, Xiong Da and Xiong Er, Yuan Dongming, Aunt Li and Jiang. And Brother Zhuzi and his family." Xu Ruyi counted them one by one on his fingers.

"It's okay with these dozen more people!" Xu Qinghe responded after thinking for a moment.

Xu Ruyi thought for a moment and said, "The chicken coop needs people. It seems that only one of the two brothers, Big Bear and Little Bear, can come."

Xu Qinghe said: "We have to guard it on New Year's Eve, so we have to pay some money."

Xu Ruyi nodded: "Just give them two brothers 500 coins!"

Xu Qinghe thought it was okay and nodded.

The shop managers were paid one tael of silver a month, but at the end of each year they received bonuses based on their income. Their wages were transparent and easy to understand.

On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, Meng Xiaotian, Lei Da and the others all came back.

The day soon arrived and it was New Year's Eve.

In the morning, Xu Ruyi got up early and was busy wrapping New Year's red envelopes. Each red envelope was exquisite and festive, and was filled with good wishes for the New Year.

After lunch, everyone worked together to help hang lanterns and post couplets. With the red lanterns hanging high and the festive couplets posted on the doors, the whole yard was instantly filled with the rich flavor of the New Year.

Xu Qingyan was unusually relaxed, busy chasing the puppy.

The last time Guo Huai went to the county town and bought ten dogs, he only had two big ones, which he gave to Xiong Da and Xiong Er. The rest were puppies around two months old.

The puppy in Wutongyuan is a small local dog with gray fur and a cute and fierce look.

Xu Qingyan especially likes to tease it, and every time he teases it, the puppy barks.

A warm doghouse was built in the yard of Wutong Courtyard. Xu Ruyuan put a lot of soft dry grass in it and made a thick quilt for the dog to sleep on.

Jiang Jingchen, Meng Xiaotian and the other six were planning to play cards tonight, but since there were only six of them, Jiang Jingchen frowned and suggested, "Why don't we go find Xiong Da and Xiong Er? Oh, we'll be betting money then."

Meng Xiaotian's face flushed with excitement, and he said excitedly, "Okay, it's settled."

Ever since they learned to play cards, they've been obsessed with it, constantly thinking about playing. These past few days, they've gotten their hands on the cards and have been playing them at the racecourse every day, having a blast. They've even taught Guo Qing, the racecourse keeper, how to play.

Seeing this, Xu Qinghe couldn't help but often warn them: "You're not too old to gamble. Just a little bit of gambling will do."

They nodded repeatedly like chicks pecking at rice.

After discussing it, a few people went to help. After all, tonight was New Year's Eve, and the yard was bustling with people coming and going.

Xu Ruyi thought of something else, so she turned to ask Xu Qinghe, "Should we invite the village head and Zhou over?"

"Or please come in! That would be better." Xu Qinghe thought for a moment and replied.

Xu Ruyi nodded.

Xu Qinghe thought about it and went to invite them personally. Then he called Xu Dachuan and his family over.

Xu Ruyi had built a spacious shed in the backyard early on. There were several roaring stoves in the shed, creating steam so that no one would feel cold.

A higher stage was built on the opposite side.

The yard was hung with red lanterns and many bright candles were lit. It was as bright as day and felt particularly bright.

By evening, six tables of sumptuous meals were served, and everyone had arrived, happily sitting down.

Everyone was very excited. Da Niu and Da Hu were grinning from ear to ear. They had never been so happy.

Jiang took Aunt Li's hand and said, "I didn't expect it to be so lively today. So many people are celebrating the New Year together."

Aunt Li looked at the people in the yard, her eyes full of joy, and said, "Yes, this feeling is different."

The head of the village and Zhou were also filled with joy, their smiles as bright as blooming flowers.

Xu Shi's face remained calm, as if the lively scene had no effect on his mood at all, but Zhang San and Xu Baolin were still quite excited, with excitement gleaming in their eyes.

Big Bear didn't come over, but Second Bear did. At this moment, Big Bear's wife was staying with Big Bear in the chicken coop.

Xu Qinghe strode over and said, "The New Year's Eve dinner will begin soon. There will be several performances tonight, and everyone can watch them while eating. Okay, since everyone is here, I declare it will begin now."

The village head Zhou and the villagers were all stunned. They originally thought they were just here to have a simple meal, but they didn't expect there would be such exciting shows to watch.

Xu Ruyi, dressed in festive attire, walked gracefully onto the stage, her rosy lips parted as she sang a song wishing prosperity. Jiang was mesmerized by her melodious voice, and the village head, Zhou, nodded repeatedly, her face full of admiration.

The other villagers also watched intently, not daring to blink.

Next came Xu Ruyuan’s pipa solo, the clear and melodious sound of the pipa seemed to penetrate people’s hearts.

Then came a flute piece by Xu Qingyan, which was so melodious and charming that it made people intoxicated.

Jiang couldn't help but exclaimed, "How come Xu Qingyan can play the flute at such a young age?"

Aunt Li smiled slightly and said, "Don't make a fuss. I heard that the four brothers and sisters have a musician teaching them personally."

"So that's how it is. Oh, I feel like I've lived my life in vain. I don't know anything." Jiang's face was full of emotion.

"I agree." Aunt Li agreed.

After Xu Qingyan's performance, it was the turn of Jiang Jingchen and six other people to perform martial arts. Their agile posture and neat movements drew cheers from the crowd.

Then came Xu Qinghe's calligraphy performance. Xu Qinghe wrote the four big words "Happy New Year" with vigorous and powerful strokes, which made everyone exclaim in surprise.

Next came the dance performance by Du Xiaoyue, Xu Xiaohua, Xu Ruyuan and Xu Ruyi. They had graceful figures and light steps, like fairies descending to earth.

Finally, Xu Ruyi sang another song while playing the guzheng, and it got better and better.

This night, the village head and other villagers were extremely happy and moved.

They ate delicious dishes and watched wonderful performances, feeling very happy.

Aunt Li looked at Xu Ruyi on the stage and said, "I didn't expect these four siblings to be so talented. We are really feasting our eyes today."

"Yes, I came here thinking the food would be delicious and I would eat more, but I didn't expect to just watch the performance. Oh, I couldn't take my eyes off it for a long time." Aunt Zhang agreed.

"She's really pretty," Li Hehua said enviously. "After seeing her, how many people realize their own shortcomings? Only then do they realize how far behind they are?"

After the performance, everyone finally relaxed and began to eat and drink. For a while, the cups and plates were clinking and the laughter and joy were endless.