My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Lunar New Year's Eve.

The new calendar marks the beginning of a new year.

As winter draws to a close and the world turns white, night falls, and the last rays of the setting sun disappear behind the mountains. Then, the lights of every household are lit up, like stars falling to earth, dazzling and radiant.

Red ribbons hung high in the streets and alleys, and lanterns swayed, illuminating faces beaming with joy.

Children, dressed in new clothes, chatted and laughed as they moved through the bustling crowd, their laughter clear and melodious.

Within the ancient city, lights shone brightly, the precious ribbons flourished, a tapestry of beauty unfolded, and fragrance permeated every corner. (Note 1)

Every household is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and Spring Festival couplets hang high above the doorways, written in a flowing, vigorous style, all expressing wishes for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and longevity in the coming year.

The upside-down "福" (Fu, meaning good fortune) character symbolizes lasting blessings and continuous good luck in the new year.

Every household was filled with the smoke of cooking fires, as they meticulously prepared their New Year's Eve dinner. The dishes were dazzling, colorful, fragrant, and delicious, including both delicacies and simple home-style stir-fries.

Around the round table, family members sat, laughing and chatting, enjoying the delicious food and wine, and raising their glasses in celebration.

At this time, the city square was bustling with activity.

Dragon and lion dance troupes weaved through the crowds, accompanied by the deafening sounds of gongs and drums.

The dragon's body tumbled and the lion's head was fierce, and cheers and applause erupted from the crowd from time to time, pushing the festive atmosphere to a climax.

It was late at night, but people's enthusiasm remained undiminished.

Fireworks burst in the night sky, their dazzling display illuminating the entire night.

At this moment, it seems that all worries and sorrows have vanished, leaving only joy and anticipation for the new year.

……

Although it is another world, the customs of the Great Xia are extremely similar to those of my previous life.

The interior and exterior of Songlin Xiaozhu have been transformed from their usual quiet and secluded atmosphere into a festive and cheerful ambiance.

The door was decorated with paper-cut window decorations made of green bamboo, as well as Spring Festival couplets written by Lu Danshi himself, with vigorous and powerful characters.

Inside, a round table was laden with all sorts of delicacies, their aroma filling the air. Among them was Lü Yun's signature steamed fish, symbolizing abundance year after year. There was also Master Lu's special stewed chicken with medicinal herbs, a unique dish that was not only delicious but also believed to have health benefits.

Ah Xing helped set out the tableware, a happy smile on his face.

While everyone else was busy, Chu Lengyu quietly took a break, doing nothing but sitting on the rooftop, gazing at the lights of thousands of homes.

Memories of the past flashed before her eyes like fleeting shadows, giving her a feeling that was both strange and familiar.

In her previous life, the Spring Festival had long lost its festive spirit, while here, the lively and bustling atmosphere made her feel somewhat out of place.

She has noticed more than once that there is a barrier between herself and the world, and it is especially obvious now.

"Sigh." Chu Lengyu let out a soft sigh, but she herself couldn't figure out why she was feeling so sentimental.

The Wisdom Lamp Glass Cup sensed her emotional fluctuations, but merely swayed slightly without emitting any Buddhist light.

Is this an inner demon? Obviously not.

After a moment of silence, Chu Lengyu shook her head, cutting off these wild thoughts, and jumped off the rooftop, returning to the human world.

On New Year's Eve, she changed into an apricot-colored dress, adorned with ivory and coral, which looked soft yet bright.

Lu Yun carefully dressed and styled her early in the morning, and Chu Lengyu naturally let her do as she pleased.

It's a rare occasion to celebrate the New Year, so it's good to be festive.

She used to love wearing white, a habit she carried over from her previous life, rather than being stubborn about this color.

Chu Lengyu had long realized that she had not deliberately concealed or imitated the changes in her personality and preferences. As the original owner's personal maid who had been by her side since childhood, Lüyun was definitely the first to notice.

However, Lü Yun never mentioned it, nor did she express any doubt whatsoever.

Since she doesn't bring it up or ask, let's leave this unspoken understanding for now.

The same applies to the emperor; both sides tacitly understand each other.

Meanwhile, outside the Pine Forest Cottage.

The night is deep, there is no moon tonight, and the starlight can only vaguely outline the shape of the pine forest.

But the red lanterns hanging high were particularly eye-catching here.

Lou Qing, Lao Wu, Xiao Zhang, Sister Qiao, and Cheng Zi, the five members of the Night Guard team, held carefully prepared gifts in their hands, looking at the tightly closed door with trepidation in their hearts.

"Isn't it a bit too abrupt for us to come here so suddenly?" Lou Qing asked in a low voice, his eyes glancing at the closed door from time to time, his palms slightly sweaty.

Xiao Zhang hesitated for a moment, then suggested in a low voice, "Yes, it's the New Year, and it's really inappropriate for us to disturb you like this. Why don't we come back tomorrow?"

Old Wu said firmly, "It's not easy to ask for leave. We're already here, so why not give it a try?"

Sister Qiao looked around and encouraged the group, "Don't worry, we didn't come empty-handed. Besides, with Huang Yi's notification, we weren't being too abrupt."

Chengzi remained silent, constantly rehearsing in his mind what was about to happen, trying to find the most appropriate words to express their feelings.

Lou Qing was still unsure after listening to his teammates, but he nodded and signaled everyone to continue.

Chu Lengyu is already the Imperial Advisor, and His Majesty the Emperor no longer insists that the Night Guards follow her movements. If they miss today, there may never be another suitable opportunity to visit her.

When they finally mustered the courage to step onto the stone steps of the Pine Forest Lodge, each step felt unusually heavy. The feeling of both anticipation and fear made their breathing rapid.

Hearing the commotion, Huang Yi went to the door, asked them why they were there, and then went back to report.

A moment later, the door slowly opened.

A ray of warm light shone through the crack in the door, illuminating their tense yet expectant faces and dispelling the chill of the winter night.

They exchanged a glance, then took a deep breath and stepped into the Pine Forest Cottage.

Before crossing the threshold, Chengzi clasped his hands together and respectfully bowed to the two door god pictures on the door.

The moment they stepped into the small house, they felt as if they had entered a completely different world.

All the wind, frost, rain, and snow are kept out, and an indescribable tranquility and elegance permeates the air, instantly dispelling all anxiety.

As Lü Yun carried steaming dumplings out of the kitchen, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes when she saw them from afar.

She asked, puzzled, "Why are these people here?"

These Night Guard members, who are usually always in a hurry, were here on the eve of the Lunar New Year, which really surprised her.

Although she hadn't met them many times, Lü Yun had a deep impression of them. She had received their help when she and Huang Yi and others were doing disaster relief in Shenjing City.

She had long since forgotten the initial misunderstanding, but the fact that the person had made a special trip during the Chinese New Year and brought gifts made her feel more respectful.

Upon entering the hall, Lüyun placed the dumplings on the table and asked, "Miss, the Night Guards have arrived. Should we add a small table for them?"

Chu Lengyu replied, "You decide on this matter."

Lüyun was busy in the kitchen all day, so whether or not to entertain other guests was naturally up to her.

Upon hearing this, Lüyun seemed to be deep in thought. She lifted her skirt slightly, turned around, and left.

"Everyone, it's New Year's Eve today, a rare occasion for us all to gather together. Why not come inside and join in the festivities?" Green Bamboo's voice was gentle and sincere.

Her words were like a gentle spring breeze, instantly dispelling most of the concerns in Lou Qing and the others' hearts.

Lou Qing looked up at Lü Yun, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes.

He turned to look at his teammates, and saw that everyone had a smile on their face and their eyes were shining with anticipation.

"In that case, we shall respectfully comply," Lou Qing finally said, a hint of joy in his voice.

Seeing this, Lü Yun smiled with satisfaction.

She turned around and calmly led Lou Qing and the others to the front hall.

Back in the hall, the lights were on, and everyone took their seats. Chu Lengyu was already sitting in the main seat, smiling at them as if nothing had changed.

She was so radiant and stunningly beautiful.

In her presence, Lao Wu and the others suddenly felt ashamed, and even the gifts they had carefully prepared seemed inadequate.

Green Bamboo urged, "Sit down quickly, what are you standing there for?"

After a short while, everyone took their seats, some with joy and some with restraint, but the atmosphere finally had a lively and festive feel.

Chu Lengyu raised her cup and said, "Let us celebrate the passing of the old year and welcome the new in this one night." (Note 2)

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Note 1: Adapted from Artur Schopenhauer's "The Wisdom of Life".

Note 2: From Li Shimin's "Staying Up Late on New Year's Eve".