"Your Highness, could it be poisoned?" Yun Xiu couldnât help but remind, "Should this subordinate..."
"Heâs not that stupid," Qi Jingyun replied indifferently, then walked away with big strides.
Leaving aside the palace intrigue, letâs talk about Yang Ruxin, who had a very enjoyable Lunar New Year. The Imperial Courtâs ban on banquets was aimed at large families and didnât impact the village much since there werenât any formal banquets to be set up here, mostly a chicken from one household or a piece of meat from another. How could those be considered banquets?
Yet, Yang Ruxin gathered the whole village for a lively event, like a community festivity where everyone entertained themselves by singing songs or telling stories. Anyone who performed would receive a reward.
This wasnât about reputation or status; it was all about having fun. Moreover, Yang Ruxin enthusiastically led everyone in the Little Apple dance, then Yang He played an original piece called the Rice Field Tune. There were even martial arts performers who showed sword dancing. Afterward, everyone felt at ease, some going up to speak a few words, like the village chief, or singing tunes, like Aunt Xinghua and the other women, or telling jokes, like the old men such as Yang Zhenli... In short, everyone did what made them happy.
After the performances, people could go to Du Chengxiuâs place to claim their prizes, which could be a bag of rice, a bag of flour, a piece of pork, or even some pastries, fabric scraps, candy, all things useful for everyday life.
The festivity lasted for three days, with childrenâs joyful cries and shouts echoing throughout the village, improving the adultsâ spirits as well.
Soon, the fifteenth arrived, and there was a lantern festival in town.
Yang Ruxin took her family to the town to see the lanterns, also inviting some village kids like Li Xiang and Liang Xiaoyu siblings, though Liang Tie, as she had expected, didnât come.
"My brother is really something," Liang Xiaoyu puffed her cheeks, "Not even sure what heâs busy with."
"Maybe heâs looking for a sister-in-law for you," Sanni remarked.
"That would be great; my mom wouldnât have to worry all day," Xiaoyu sighed.
Yang Xiaoliu wanted to say something, but was stopped by Yang Ruxinâs look, so he could only sigh and look away.
Yang Ruxin chuckled, "Brother Tie Dan is an adult now; he surely knows whatâs up. If he doesnât come, itâs his loss. Besides, you have Brother Xiaoliu with you, what are you worried about?"
Liang Xiaoyuâs face turned red instantly but quickly returned to normal, "Xinxin, Iâm not overthinking it, itâs just that my brother has changed somewhat. A while back, he even argued with Brother Xiaoliu."
Originally last autumn, Yang Xiaoliu and Xiaoyu were supposed to get married, but since they were making good money with the transport team, both families decided to postpone it, planning to hold the wedding after the New Year. The good part was that Little Liuzi built a new house for himself, right behind his familyâs old house.
Eighth Uncle and Eighth Aunt were very open-minded; they were still young and didnât need their son and daughter-in-law to serve them. Which young couple wouldnât want to live on their own?
Besides, being so close made it easy to take care of each other.
Uncle Daliang and Aunt Xinghua were also happy. They were worried that since Xiaoyu was pampered and raised at home, if any conflicts arose with her in-laws, it might affect the relationship between the two families. Living separately was the best.
"Isnât arguing pretty normal?" Yang Ruxin tapped Liang Xiaoyu on the head, "But you havenât even married yet and youâre already siding with your husband and dissing your brother?"