After traveling through time, I was raised by a little brat

The day after the banquet was New Year's Day. Early in the morning, before daybreak, Tang Wenshu was woken up by her maid to dress up. She followed her mother to the ancestral hall in the mansion in a daze.

Tang Wenshu half-closed her eyes as she watched her uncle lead the way as they kowtowed three times and bowed nine times toward the ancestral hall. Afterward, she thought she could finally go in and burn incense. Instead, she saw Tang Zipan and the others, carrying food, enter the hall, led by her uncle.

Tang Wenshu was a little confused: "Huh? Girls can only wait in the snow?"

She looked around and saw that, like her, the other women standing in the snow were all the daughters-in-law and daughters of the Duke of Tang's mansion. They stood quietly, without a single complaint. Tang Wenshu was puzzled. Why couldn't they enter the ancestral hall to worship their ancestors like the men? This puzzled her about the family tradition.

Time passed slowly. Tang Wenshu felt like an eternity, but in reality, only half an hour had passed. She felt her legs begin to go numb, a chill creeping down from the soles of her feet, making her shiver. She wanted to squat down and sit for a while, or even just leave. But seeing that everyone else was motionless, and her mother still holding her hand tightly, using her body heat to keep her warm, she had no choice but to endure it.

Tang Wenshu stood there until her feet became numb and she lost all feeling, her stomach growling with hunger. She didn't know how long she had to wait for this torturous ritual to end.

Just as Tang Wenshu was about to collapse, his uncle and his companions finally emerged from the ancestral hall. Tang Zipan and the other young men, each holding a dish, headed straight for the dining hall inside the mansion. It turned out that these dishes were to be served for breakfast today. According to tradition, they were to be offered to the ancestors first before they could enjoy their turn.

After breakfast, the four of them, mother and son, went to Zeng Yuan's courtyard. Then, the three of them began writing and posting Spring Festival couplets. Tang Qi was in charge of his own courtyard and Zeng Yuan's, while Tang Zhengrong and Tang Wenshu each took charge of their own courtyards. This presented a dilemma for the two, as it not only required a solid foundation in literary writing but also demanded a high level of handwriting. Once posted, the couplets would remain in place for a year, and every visitor to the courtyard would scrutinize them.

Tang Qi quickly finished writing his own Spring Festival couplets. He took them to his yard and pasted them on the door. He looked at his masterpiece and smiled with satisfaction.

When he returned to Zeng Yuan's yard, he found that Tang Wenshu and Tang Zhengrong had not yet started writing the Spring Festival couplets. Tang Qi walked over to them and asked with a smile, "Why? You haven't started yet?"

Tang Wenshu shook his head helplessly: "I really don't know what to write, and my handwriting is not good..."

Tang Qi patted his shoulder and said, "Don't worry, take your time to think about it. Spring Festival couplets don't need fancy words, as long as they express good wishes. As for the handwriting, as long as you write carefully, it will always get better."

Tang Zhengrong also nodded: "Yes, I think it's difficult too. But I will try my best."

Tang Qi encouraged, "Keep going! I believe you can write beautiful Spring Festival couplets."

After a while, Tang Qi finished writing another couplet. He picked it up and walked towards Zeng Yuan's yard. He pasted the couplet on Zeng Yuan's door and then walked into the yard.

Zeng Yuan was sewing in the house when she heard footsteps and looked up. She saw Tang Qi and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Qi, you're here. Have you put up the Spring Festival couplets yet?"

Tang Qi nodded. "Yes, it's already been posted. I even wrote one specially for you."

As he spoke, he handed the Spring Festival couplet to Zeng Yuan. Zeng Yuan took it, unfolded it, and saw the following inscription: "Upper Line: A loving father carries the sun and the moon on his shoulders. Lower Line: My mother turns the world around with her hands. Horizontal Inscription: Five Blessings Come to the Door." She couldn't help but exclaim, "Aqi, your handwriting is getting more and more beautiful."

Tang Qi smiled and said, "Thank you for the compliment, mother. This is all the result of my regular practice."

Zeng Yuan looked at the Spring Festival couplets, her heart filled with joy. She knew they were more than just decorations; they were a symbol of blessing and hope. She looked forward to a peaceful and smooth new year, and to a harmonious and happy family.

Meanwhile, Tang Wenshu and Tang Zhengrong had finally finished their Spring Festival couplets. Though their handwriting was a little immature, it held a wealth of heartfelt sentiment. They posted the couplets on their respective gates, feeling a sense of accomplishment as they gazed upon them.

Tang Qi walked out of the yard and saw Tang Wenshu and Tang Zhengrong standing at the door, admiring his work. He walked over and asked with a smile, "How is it? It's pretty good, right?"

Tang Wenshu nodded excitedly: "Yeah, it feels quite fulfilling."

Tang Zhengrong agreed: "Yes, although I was a little nervous when I was writing it, it seems to be worth it now."

Tang Qi patted their shoulders and said, "Great! This is part of the fun of Chinese New Year. Let's work together to welcome the new year."

That afternoon, Tang Wenshu once again received gifts from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. These precious and gorgeous gifts made everyone in the Duke's Mansion envious.

After dinner, it was time for fireworks and firecrackers, and the entire Duke's Mansion was filled with laughter and joy. At Zeng Yuan's behest, Tang Qi took his brothers and sisters out shopping, ready to enjoy this joyful time. However, when they arrived at the Duke's Mansion, they were surprised to find His Royal Highness the Crown Prince personally welcoming Tang Wenshu for an outing. Thus, the originally planned shopping trip suddenly became something more special.

As night fell and the lights came on, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Tang Wenshu walked side by side in the bustling imperial city, their figures particularly eye-catching under the lights. Tang Qi and others followed closely behind, always vigilant, but not daring to disturb the couple's sweet moment.

Along the way, the Crown Prince was a graceful figure, meticulously introducing Tang Wenshu to every beautiful sight in the Imperial City, each building with its own unique history and story. Tang Wenshu listened with rapt interest, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. Seeing her happy expression, the Crown Prince's heart was also filled with joy.

They strolled through the night market, savoring a variety of delicious snacks. His Royal Highness carefully selected Tang Wenshu's favorite dishes, watching her devour them with a doting smile. Their laughter echoed in the night sky, seemingly lighting up the entire street.

Finally, the Crown Prince and Tang Wenshu arrived at an open area, a place dedicated to setting off fireworks. The Crown Prince smiled at Tang Wenshu and whispered, "I want to give you a special surprise." Then, she lit the fireworks herself.

Colorful fireworks burst into the night sky, illuminating their happy smiles. Tang Wenshu looked up at the fireworks, her eyes filled with wonder and emotion. She turned her head and looked at the Crown Prince's profile, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. At this moment, she felt like the happiest person in the world.

"Sister Crown Prince is so kind..." Tang Wenshu murmured softly. She knew that this night would become one of the most beautiful memories of her life. And His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would always be by her side, protecting her and giving her endless love and care.