Chapter 1237 – Preparations for War, Rest and Recuperation (16)
Yang Si said, “In the end, eating won’t kill anyone. It’s all the same stuff, just out of season. The Lord must achieve what others cannot, so naturally, fruits and vegetables out of season fall into this category. Moreover, it gets hot after winter, and consuming too much meat and dried goods is harmful to one’s health. If there are downsides to fresh produce in the warm kang, it’s mainly the manpower it consumes, nothing more.”
Hearing this, Han Yu immediately recalled what Jiang Pengji had said when she recruited him.
Her ambition was to create a world beyond anyone’s imagination; could eating out-of-season fruit and vegetables really constitute a big deal?
Perhaps it was just an appetizer.
Han Yu replied, “It’s not that I’m worried about this, but rather concerned that the Lord might be criticized for extravagance.”
Warm kangs weren’t a novel invention in Wanzhou; they were quite popular in Beiyuan.
However, those who could afford warm kangs were mostly wealthy; common people could only dream of it.
With the warm kang, the warm shed technology can’t be far behind.
According to historical records, this technology existed hundreds of years ago specifically for the royal family.
Warm shed technology could overturn seasonal norms, allowing nobles to eat fresh fruits and vegetables out of season, but it was too costly. An emperor once deemed it overly extravagant and issued a ban, which led this practice to gradually fade into history.
Rather than resisting the “out of season” aspect and the saying that “abnormal occurrences must have demons behind them,” it was more about the perception that warm sheds were excessively luxurious.
Scholars had their pride; calling the warm sheds extravagant in front of their superiors was basically smacking their boss in the face.
Hence, they took a different approach and coined a new phrase.
“The Lord still counts as extravagant?” Yang Si chuckled. “No need to worry, Wen Bin. Xiaoyu said all the expenses for the warm shed are from the Lord’s personal treasury. The Lord merely wants to arrange a nice New Year feast so everyone can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables in winter; it’s not as serious as you think.”
If anyone thought that out-of-season fruits and vegetables were poisonous, then they could just not eat them.
Besides, Yang Si planned to indulge himself.
Han Yu was left speechless.
As long as the Lord was happy—
The New Year feast went off as scheduled.
Early that morning, Jiang Pengji was dug out of her blankets by Wei Ci, and the maidservants helped her into the prepared ceremonial garb.
Dressed in the heavy ceremonial attire, Jiang Pengji ascended the inner city gate to perform a skyward prayer for blessings, while a sea of people below called out to her.
Ceremonial attire, dark robes with scarlet accents, coral tassels, jade ornaments…
If it weren’t for the difference in attire, the common people might have even shouted for long life.
Though they didn’t, the thunderous commotion stirred excitement in everyone, sending shivers down their spines.
After the skyward offering, the day’s festivities officially began.
By day, the market bustled with activity, and by night, the streets were packed with common people.
The lights blazed brightly, like a forest of flames and silver flowers.
Performers paraded through the streets, some dressed in costumes on stilts, some dancing joyfully, others beating drums and singing along… Lantern festivals lit up various places in the city, vendors carted their goods through the bustling streets, and children laughed and played—
Even the most aloof scholar couldn’t resist joining the crowd when faced with such a vibrant scene.
With the outside clamoring, Jiang Pengji’s meticulously planned New Year feast was also kicking off.
Last year’s celebrations coincided with warfare, and many people had to make do outside.
This year, with power on the rise, Jiang Pengji was on the verge of donning a dragon robe and claiming the title of emperor; the meaning behind this New Year feast was particularly profound.
Xu Ke, Qi Guanrang, and others settled into their designated seats with a family or two in tow—those with wives brought their spouses, while those without brought their sons, daughters, or grandchildren. If anyone had neither—well, they came like Yang Si, with an empty stomach—
In such formal occasions, no fool would bring in an inconsequential concubine to spoil the mood.
Jiang Pengji glanced down at the tables and couldn’t help but chuckle.
Noticing the crowd revealed a shocking sight.
Among her subordinates, many were married, with kids almost everywhere; there were hardly any loners.
It seemed that Feng Zhen, the playboy, would be marrying soon after the New Year; if he kept at it, Wanzhou’s next generation might just grow stronger.
Jiang Pengji was not just a leader but also a figure of authority for these little brats.
She instructed the distribution of the pre-prepared red envelopes, acting as New Year gifts for the children. Each envelope contained a generous amount of gold nuggets shaped like adorable animals by the goldsmith, which were incredibly endearing.
Leading the group, Feng Yi brought the children to Jiang Pengji to pay their New Year respects.
“Happy New Year—”
The blessings echoed, some children stuttered through their words, yet their high-pitched voices were irresistibly charming.
“Happy New Year, may everything be auspicious.”
Jiang Pengji returned the greetings earnestly, while the older children blushed, and the younger ones twirled their heads in confusion, looking at their parents.
Watching this joyful and amiable scene, Han Yu was filled with indescribable feelings.
This time he brought his wife and their eldest legitimate son to the New Year feast.
His wife seemed distracted throughout, her smile flawless but her eyes cast disrespectfully at Jiang Pengji.
The eldest son joined the other kids in paying respects, returning to the table with a hefty red envelope in hand, cheeks rosy with excitement.
He was about to speak to Han Yu when his mother, Lady Qi, shot a sharp look at him, causing the boy to shrink back, silent as a quail.
Han Yu said, “At a New Year feast, don’t be impolite.”
Lady Qi did not look back, raising her napkin to cover her mouth as she replied, “I’m merely guiding our son not to be rude; where’s the fault in that?”
Han Yu countered, “The Lord’s intent is to foster bonds among the crowd; there’s no need for you to confine the child. As long as he doesn’t overstep, it’s fine.”
He noticed several children who had received red envelopes chatting happily with their parents, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
This New Year feast felt more like a family gathering; where were all those formalities?
Lady Qi retorted sarcastically, “Young Master should be more cautious; if something goes wrong later, even the smallest mistake will be a big issue.”
The eldest son felt uneasy watching his parents’ exchange.
Even if he didn’t understand their words, the tension between them was palpable and discomforting.
Han Yu chose to ignore Lady Qi for now.
After all, knowing her temperament, she wouldn’t make any outrageous moves during the New Year feast.
Whatever the matter, it would be addressed after the banquet.
The theater had arranged several lively performances, featuring the best actors, entertaining everyone thoroughly.
As the atmosphere reached its crescendo, the guests started their own entertainment segments.
Playing music, sword dancing, calligraphy, poetry, and compositions—
It wasn’t a big deal if someone messed up; the only thing awkward was failing to impress!
Lady Qi appreciated their literary talents but looked down on their public performances.
With a smile, she asked Han Yu, “Does Lan Ting Gong intend to join the festivities with the people?”
Jiang Pengji had remarkable hearing and naturally caught the commotion from the seats ahead.
She said, “Of course I will.”
