Chapter 883: The Beginning of the New Year
Editor: Henyee Translations

Tang Jinghong brought over a variety of snacks for Chu Qingzhi, “I’m going to set off the fireworks.”

Chu Qingzhi responded, “Okay.”

“Boom—” A streak of fire soared into the sky at a high speed, exploded, and the scattering sparks formed a firework. The red fireworks were passionately vibrant, splendid, and diverse.

“Boom—”

“Boom—”

Continuous streaks of light shot into the sky, igniting new fireworks one after another, each bursting with dazzling brilliance.

Chu Qingzhi slightly tilted her head to watch the fireworks. They were truly beautiful; if only time could stand still a little longer.

Tang Jinghong came over and sat beside Chu Qingzhi, silently accompanying her to watch the fireworks.

Chu Qingzhi peeled roasted peanuts while watching, then handed the peeled peanuts to Tang Jinghong, “Peeled especially for you.”

Tang Jinghong slightly lifted the corners of his mouth, “Thank you.”

Children cheered…

“The fireworks are so pretty, much more beautiful than the ones I’m holding.”

“It’s so beautiful, if only we could see this every day.”

“The most beautiful thing is the fireworks.”

Chu Lianghong said to those around him, “It’s the first time our village has set off fireworks like this, the first time it’s been this lively. It’s really nice.”

The old master sighed, “To experience such a festive New Year’s Eve in my lifetime, I’m content.”

The village head smiled and said, “Next year will be even better.”

Others also whispered to those around them, deeply etching this beautiful scene in their hearts.

The fireworks display lasted a long time before it ended, and afterward, the children continued to play and frolic.

The villagers sat together, chatting and socializing.

There was still more than an hour left until the early morning, and the time seemed especially long.

Chu Xuyan and Chu Xuyao brought over their instruments, Chu Xuyan said, “I and the ninth brother will play the qin for you, to celebrate New Year’s Eve together.”

The village head loudly said, “Everyone, be quiet and listen to Xiaoqi and Xiaojiu play the qin.”

As the guqin music started, the noisy scene gradually quieted down.

Chu Xuyan played for a while, then Chu Xuyao joined in. The brothers performed a piece called “Celebrating the New Year.” Under the bright moonlight and clear waters, the qin music sounded like a babbling brook, light and joyous.

After the piece ended.

The villagers applauded, “Good, it’s really nice to listen to!”

“Xuyan, Xuyao, play another piece.”

“Another one, please.”

“Alright.” Chu Xuyan and Chu Xuyao obliged the crowd’s request and continued to play, spreading the beautiful music once again.

Time slowly passed, and early morning arrived.

Each household returned home to set off firecrackers, welcoming the new year.

Not just in Chu Village, the sound of firecrackers could be heard from the surrounding villages as well, “Crackling,” the whole land came alive with festivities.

Chu Qingzhi’s home also set off firecrackers, once on the main house side and again on the side where Chu Xuhua and Chu Xujin were. After setting off the firecrackers, everyone went back to their rooms to rest.

Chu Qingzhi returned to her room, lay on the bed, and Shuang’er flew over, “Qingzhi, that scared me.”

Chu Qingzhi turned to look at Shuang’er, “If you’re scared, you can sleep by my bed.”

Shuang’er exclaimed with delight, “Okay, okay.”

Snow fell again in the latter half of the night, and by morning, the world was a blanket of white, as if the land was cloaked in a white cape, elegant and beautiful.

Chu Qingzhi looked at Shuang’er beside her and couldn’t help but smile. Shuang’er lay there softly, sleeping sweetly. She wondered if birds dream, and if they do, Shuang’er must be having a wonderful dream.

She stroked Shuang’er’s head, got dressed, took the gifts she had prepared for Tang Jinghong, and went downstairs.

Heading straight to Tang Jinghong’s house, Tang Jinghong, too, was bringing gifts for Chu Qingzhi.

Thus, they met in the middle of the road, their smiles blending many unspoken emotions.

Tang Jinghong handed a box to Chu Qingzhi, “A New Year’s gift.”

Chu Qingzhi handed a box to Tang Jinghong, “A New Year’s gift.”

They exchanged boxes.

Chu Qingzhi smiled slightly, “Come over for breakfast later. I’ll cook personally for you.”

Tang Jinghong responded, “Okay, I’ll go back and get ready.”

They turned and headed back to their homes.

Upon opening the box, Tang Jinghong found a purse, adorned with a little girl and boy made from colored cords. That day at the charity hall, he had asked Chu Qingzhi for a doll made from colored cords. He thought Qingzhi had forgotten, but to his surprise, she gifted it to him today, and even made an additional little boy.

The purse was personally embroidered by Chu Qingzhi. In both her past and present life, this was the first time she had embroidered a purse. The base was black, with dark-colored patterns, looking very sophisticated, yet the addition of the little girl and boy made it instantly cute.

Chu Qingzhi always had such creative ideas.

The Emperor looked at the purse with envy and asked the Empress, “Yu Ni, did you prepare a gift for me?”

The Empress doted on the Emperor, “I did.” She pulled out a pristine white handkerchief from her sleeve, embroidered with a little boy, a little girl, and a horse. The boy was riding the horse, with the girl standing beside, holding the reins.

The Emperor was truly happy when he saw the handkerchief, but his smile froze a bit when he saw the pattern, “Empress, at that time, I didn’t know you were a maiden, did I? You still remember that?”

The Empress glanced at the Emperor, “Such an impressive event, of course, I remember.” She reached out to take the handkerchief, “If you don’t like it, give it back to me.”

The Emperor moved his hand away before the Empress could reach the handkerchief, “A gift given cannot be taken back.”

The Empress stopped trying to take the handkerchief, stood in front of the Emperor, “Then, where is my gift?”

The Emperor had prepared, pulling out a rectangular box from his sleeve, “I had prepared the gift a long time ago.”

The Empress took the gift, “I thought you had forgotten.”

“How could I forget the Empress’s gift? It was prepared from the beginning.”

“I’m going to get ready,” said the Empress, holding the gift and joyfully going upstairs.

The Emperor turned to look at Tang Jinghong somewhat awkwardly, “Women are quite easy to please.”

Tang Jinghong didn’t know what to say, so he just nodded and agreed, “Yes.”

After getting ready and having breakfast at Chu Qingzhi’s, people came to pick up the Emperor and his family.

Tang Jinghong rode his horse, setting off for the capital with them.

Chu Qingzhi escorted them to the village entrance before returning home to inform her family about her departure to the eastern border on the third day of the lunar month.

The happy atmosphere at home became solemn with the news of Chu Qingzhi’s departure.

Li Qingyu held Chu Qingzhi’s hand, “Qingzhi, you are not like ordinary girls. I won’t stop you, but no matter what, take good care of yourself.”

“Yes,” Chu Qingzhi said, “Mom, I’ll return as soon as I finish my tasks, and I’ll write to you often.”

Li Qingyu managed a smile, reluctantly saying, “Okay.”

The news of Chu Qingzhi’s departure cast a shadow over the family’s mood, dampening their spirits.

During dinner, Chu Qingning mentioned she would accompany Qingzhi to the eastern border but didn’t mention it was to find Jiang Zhaoyong, to avoid worrying the family. She just said it was to help and meet up with Zhaoyong incidentally.

With Chu Qingzhi there, the family felt reassured about Chu Qingning going, so they did not object.

In the remaining days, Chu Qingzhi carefully handed over the matters of the school to Chu Rong and the Wang brothers. The plan was already laid out; they just needed to follow it.

She entrusted Chu Feng with the expansion of the paper mill, providing him with the design and plan. Following it would suffice.

Lastly, she gave a new product plan to Tian Xiaoqiu. Unable to teach Xiaoqiu personally, Chu Qingzhi hoped she could figure it out on her own, but the plan was detailed, and Xiaoqiu should be able to handle it.

After hastily arranging everything, the day arrived for her departure on the third day of the lunar month.

Tang Jinghong returned to the village on the evening of the second day and left with Chu Qingzhi and Chu Qingning early on the third day to meet up with the main force.