Han Tianci and Chu Yu were invited as the most honored guests and were seated to one side. Many people, emboldened, came forward to offer toasts—even the young ladies, their faces blushing with shyness.
Chu Yu’s face looked somewhat unhappy.
Han Tianci covered his mouth and snickered secretly.
Dish after dish was served, all piping hot. Seeing Yun Jinnian graciously and gently smiling, never refusing anyone who came by, Chu Yu felt a pang of jealousy.
But he dared not speak thoughtlessly, for fear of embarrassing Yun Jinnian, and so he drank sullenly alone.
Glass after glass, he drank.
Yun Jinnian looked over, her smile gentle. Chu Yu happened to look up at the same moment, and her smile became even warmer.
She gently lowered her head, the image of ethereal grace, blushing with demure charm.
Then, she picked up her wine glass and toasted Chu Yu.
Chu Yu was overjoyed, quickly raising his glass and toasting Yun Jinnian from afar. In his excitement, some wine splashed out.
He hurriedly took a sip to cover up the spill, then coughed because he had drunk too hastily.
Han Tianci quickly stood up to pat his back.
Yun Jinnian watched, her smile growing even more tender.
If she could make a wish today, it would be for the one she loves to always be healthy and get his heart’s desires and for the one who loves her to always love her.
She sipped from her cup. After a moment of thought, she finished the rest in one gulp.
There were still many others coming forward to drink a toast with her, but Yun Jinnian continued to smile gently, occasionally glancing at Chu Yu and offering him a toast.
Yet, she subtly soothed Chu Yu’s restless heart.
Yun Jinnian was actually a bit tired, but everyone was still very excited, insisting on pulling her to dance around the bonfire. With her leg injury not fully healed, she let Chu Yu and Han Tianci go dance in her stead.
Initially, Chu Yu was somewhat reserved, but as he got swept up in Han Tianci’s screams and shouts, he too let loose and began to enjoy himself, his eyes shining brightly whenever he turned to look at Yun Jinnian.
Yun Jinnian smiled, picking up the sweet soup that had just been served and sipped it slowly.
This was the happiest new year Yun Zihan had ever had because she had brought her mother, Auntie Cui, to Liao Residence to celebrate the New Year together, free from pressure and schemes.
Feng Wushuang and her mother were by themselves at home, and given the good relationship between Feng Wushuang and Liao Shijie, Yun Zihan suggested, and after Liao Shijie agreed, as did Feng Wushuang and the elder Madame Feng, they invited Feng Wushuang and the elder Madame Feng to the Liao Residence to celebrate the New Year together.
A dozen small dishes and a hot pot without too much formality made up their meal. They all sat at one table, three women chatting softly and gently, leisurely enjoying their meal, and the two men sipped their liquor, discussing inconsequential political matters.
Liao Shijie offered some suggestions, which Feng Wushuang greatly admired after hearing them.
Liao Shijie indeed had talent.
Without a civil examination this year, they would have to wait three more years. Feng Wushuang wondered, if he competed against Liao Shijie, who would emerge as the top scholar?
"Madame Liao is truly wonderful. I wonder if the Madame has any sisters of marrying age who are yet to wed?" Madame Feng asked with a smile.
Her son often visited the Liao’s and was even willing to spend New Year’s there; there had to be a reason.
Yun Zihan was taken aback upon hearing this.
She turned to look at Auntie Cui, who started laughing, "Elder Madame, the oldest lady of the family is already betrothed, and the other girls are still too young!"
Plus, the oldest unmarried lady was the fourth young mistress, and since Feng Wushuang was already twenty, considering the second wife’s character who doted on her daughter, she would certainly not agree.
Madame Feng looked rather disappointed, but then said, "If a suitable match does arise, my son Wushuang can wait another two years!"
With Madame Feng putting it that way, Auntie Cui was unsure of how to respond.
Feng Wushuang quickly said, "Mother, please don’t speak . If it ruins the reputation of the Yun Family’s young lady, it would be most improper!"
"I was thoughtless, my apologies!" Madame Feng chuckled, chagrined.
Yet in her heart, she considered that if the Yun Family could marry their daughter to Liao Shijie, her son, now a government official, should surely be a suitable match too, but she wondered which Yun daughter her son had taken an interest in.