Chapter 878: A Pair of Couplets
Editor: Henyee Translations

Watching the performance on stage, Chu Qingzhi felt Tang Jinghong’s affection for her. If possible, she too wanted to try living this different kind of life.

She reached out to hold Tang Jinghong’s hand, promising, “Jinghong, I will strive to live such a life with you.”

Tang Jinghong looked down at their intertwined hands and nodded gently, “I believe.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled reassuringly, “Don’t worry.”

Tang Jinghong looked up at Chu Qingzhi’s captivating face, wishing he could hide her away, where no one else could find her.

The play lasted a long time, and by the time they left Guangxi Garden, it was already the afternoon. Having no other plans, the two returned directly to the village.

…

The afternoon of the twenty-ninth of the twelfth lunar month was the time to distribute wages at the workshop.

Today, after distributing the wages, a two-day holiday would follow, with work resuming next year.

The task of distributing the wages was entrusted to four children by Shen Ruyue.

The four children did not disappoint her. After some time, they had grown significantly and could now stand on their own.

Today’s wage distribution was a bit different from usual. The wages remained the same, but the bonus was doubled. There was also a New Year’s gift package, similar to what was given at the paper mill, plus one additional item – copper coins.

The copper coins, returned from the children at the charitable hall, were given to everyone as a memento.

“Chu Xuede…”

After stopping ice cream sales, Chu Xuede joined the delivery team, becoming a short-distance manager, quite earnest and responsible.

Walking up to Xu Songnian, Chu Xuede received his silver and New Year’s gift package, then thanked Shen Ruyue and Chu Qingzhi standing by before returning to his place.

“Du Xiue…”

She had become the main manager for brewing beer. Chu Qingzhi hadn’t misjudged her. Du Xiue taught herself to read and later learned accounting, showing exceptional talent. The beer had never been faulty under her management.

She came forward, took her wages and gift package, thanked Chu Qingzhi and Shen Ruyue, and then went back.

After watching for a while, Chu Qingzhi moved on to the breeding area.

Here, too, wages were being distributed, similar to the workshop: wages, double bonus, and New Year’s gift package.

Wan Haonan was overseeing, “Miss, you’re here.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, “How’s it going?”

Wan Haonan smiled, “Almost done, just a few left. Is the workshop finished?”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “The workshop isn’t done yet. I came to see how you’re doing.”

Wan Haonan offered a chair, “Want to sit and watch?”

“No need, I’ll just look around for a bit before heading to the county office.” Chu Qingzhi stood and watched for a while before leaving.

Only a few people were in the county office, waiting for Chu Qingzhi to arrive before starting the salary distribution.

Chu Qingzhi joked, “There are only a few of you, and you’re still going through the motions?”

Wang Yuanlin bowed slightly, smiling, “Miss, it makes us feel more at ease if you’re here.”

Chu Qingzhi laughed, “Then start the distribution, I’ll watch.”

“Yes.” Wang Yuanlin then distributed the wages or salaries to the five individuals.

Chu Qingzhi added, “You also have a two-day holiday starting tomorrow. Spend some quality time with your families.”

The five were pleasantly surprised, “Thank you, Miss.”

Chu Qingzhi instructed, “Clean up the county office, and when locking up, check the doors, windows, and fire and water. Be careful.”

“Yes.”

After finishing at the county office, Chu Qingzhi went back home to help prepare for the New Year’s feast.

…

At the Wang family’s home.

Upon returning home, Wang Yuanlin handed his money pouch to Du Qiaolan, “This is my salary and bonus. Take a look.”

Du Qiaolan smiled sweetly, opening the pouch to see, “Thirty taels of silver?”

“Yes, my salary is ten taels, and the end-of-year double bonus makes it thirty taels. Plus, there’s a gift package.” Wang Yuanlin was very happy, “Qiaolan, we finally have hope of building our house.”

Du Qiaolan touched Wang Yuanlin’s much thinner face, “I know. I’ll save the money, aiming to buy land and build our house sooner.”

Wang Yuanlin hugged Du Qiaolan tightly, gratefully saying, “Qiaolan, thank you for sticking with me. I will definitely treat you better in the future.”

Du Qiaolan smiled happily, “I believe you.”

…

After the wages were distributed, the entire Chu Village was imbued with a joyful atmosphere, especially with the New Year approaching, making the ambiance exceptionally festive.

Chu Qingzhi went to the kitchen to help, but Li Qingyu wouldn’t allow it. Thinking it over, she decided to write couplets for the household instead.

While writing the couplets, Li Qingyin came to deliver New Year’s gifts, “Qingzhi, your handwriting is beautiful. Can you write a pair for our family?”

“Sure.” It was a small effort for Chu Qingzhi, who began writing. This set off a chain reaction, with villagers seeking her out.

“Xiao Wu, can you write us a couplet? We’ll pay you.”

“If I write for you, how will you explain it to the elder? He’s the one who writes them every year. If I do it, won’t that be undermining him?”

“The elder hasn’t been feeling well lately and can’t write. He asked us to find you. Seeing you writing, could you help us?”

“Alright then.”

Chu Qingzhi prepared the paper, thought for a moment, then wrote effortlessly, “Upper Couplet: Three Rams Herald the Auspicious; Lower Couplet: Twin Swallows Dance in the Spring Breeze.”

A pair of couplets cost one silver due to the high price of red paper during the New Year.

Chu Qingzhi continued writing, “Upper Couplet: Three Rams Usher in a Prosperous Day; Lower Couplet: All Endeavors Flourish Throughout the Year.”

“I want this pair.” Chu Laipi grabbed it, “I’ll hang this couplet first thing tomorrow, hoping to share in Sister Qingzhi’s good fortune.”

Chu Bapi exclaimed, “Sister Qingzhi, I want to buy a pair too.”

Chu Qingzhi wrote another set, “Upper Couplet: Three Rams Usher in a Prosperous Day; Lower Couplet: All Endeavors Flourish Throughout the Year, for you.”

Chu Bapi jubilantly took it, “I feel like mine is better than Laipi’s.”

“They’re the same.” Chu Qingzhi said, then continued writing for others.

Thus, the morning passed.

Tang Jinghong came over to count the silver for Chu Qingzhi, “You’ve earned over fifty taels just by writing couplets; you’re really good at making money.” His fiancée was so capable, making him feel somewhat superfluous.

“Everyone asked me to write, so naturally, there was more money.” Chu Qingzhi playfully winked at Tang Jinghong, “Do you want a New Year’s red envelope? I can prepare one for you.”

Tang Jinghong laughed, “If you’re giving it, of course I’ll accept it.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled warmly, “Alright, I’ll make sure to give you a big red envelope.”

Tang Jinghong gently stroked Chu Qingzhi’s head, his gaze and actions full of affection, “I’ll also prepare one for you.”

“Deal.”

The emperor’s family of three came over.

“Sister Chu.” The little prince, bundled up like a fluffy bunny, ran towards Chu Qingzhi and hugged her legs, acting coy.

Chu Qingzhi touched the little prince’s hat, finding him adorable, “Qi’er, why are you coming out just now?”

The little prince said sweetly, “I slept in.”

The empress looked at her son with overflowing affection, “He insisted on having me read him picture books last night. After reading to him, he couldn’t wake up this morning.”