For the next few days, Yang Sichen stayed in his Jade Wave Courtyard every day. Other than practicing internal energy, he had to rack his brains to dig out the elementary school natural knowledge that he had returned to his teacher long ago and write it down in a language that people of this era could understand. After a few days, he looked haggard. On the twelfth day of the first lunar month, Yang Sichen went to pay his respects to Madam Zheng. Seeing Yang Sichen like this, Madam Zheng's heart ached for him and asked him what he had been doing these past few days. Yang Sichen answered vaguely that practicing internal energy consumed a lot of energy and was unwilling to say more. Madam Zheng knew that her son was a tight-lipped person. If Yang Sichen didn't want to say anything, she wouldn't be able to get anything out of him no matter how hard she tried. She decided not to ask and only reminded Yang Sichen that it would be the Heavenly Yuan Festival in a few days. It would be great to go out and play and relax.
The Shangyuan Festival in this era was also the Lantern Festival in the future, but the customs were still a little different from the later generations.
In this era, lights were lit from the eighth day of the lunar month until the night of the seventeenth day of the lunar month. It lasted for ten days to show the peace and prosperity of the country. It was the longest Lantern Festival in history. Of course, the most lively time was on the night of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. On this night, the city gates were not closed all night, allowing the people to come and go. The soldiers and lieutenants patrolled all night to maintain order.
As for eating glutinous rice balls, it was not much different from the later generations.
In addition to enjoying lanterns and eating glutinous rice balls, there were also two very interesting customs-putting out sky lanterns and walking all kinds of illnesses.
The custom of lighting sky lanterns began at the end of the Song Dynasty. It was said that after people fled in all directions to avoid the invasion of the Tartars, they would light sky lanterns as a signal to each other to report their safety. Since the day they took refuge and returned home was the Heavenly Lantern Festival, from then on, every year on this day, people would use the ceremony of releasing the sky lanterns to celebrate. Therefore, the sky lanterns were also called "blessing lamps" or "safety lamps". Later, it gradually evolved into a folk activity of praying to the heavens. The sky lantern was filled with all kinds of wishes, hoping that the sky lantern could reach the celestial heavens and bring endless hope and light to people.
Walking all kinds of diseases was also called traveling all kinds of diseases, dispersing all kinds of diseases, roasting all kinds of diseases, walking bridges, etc. It was an activity to eliminate disasters and pray for health. On the night of the Lantern Festival, women made an appointment to go out and travel together. They would cross the bridge when they saw it, thinking that this could cure illness and prolong life.
Walking for all kinds of diseases was a custom that had been passed down from the north since the early Ming Dynasty. In the north, some people would do it on the 15th day, but most of them would do it on the 16th day. On this day, women dressed in festive attire walked out of their homes in groups, crossed the bridge, climbed the city, and prayed for children. They only dispersed in the middle of the night.
However, Song Jiang's walking sickness was connected to the sky lantern. After the sky lantern was released, the women dressed up in groups of three or two. They walked the bridge to cross the danger, climbed the city to seek wealth, and touched the nails to find children.
The Lantern Festival was also a very romantic festival in China. The Lantern Festival was an opportunity for unmarried men and women to get to know each other. In this era, young girls were not allowed to go out freely, but they could go out and play together during festivals. The Lantern Festival was an opportunity to make friends. Unmarried men and women could also find a partner for themselves by admiring the lanterns. During the Lunar New Year, it was also the time for young men and women to meet their lovers.
On the morning of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Yang Sichen was woken up by the sound of firecrackers. Seeing that it was still early, he turned over and passed out again. However, not long after, the crackling sounds of firecrackers came from outside again. This time, Yang Sichen could no longer fall asleep. He sat up on the bed and Granny Zhao, who was waiting outside, heard the commotion and came in to help Yang Sichen get up. Every time this happened, Yang Sichen couldn't help but reminisce about the clothes of the later generations. They were simple and easy to wear, unlike this era, where one had to wear two layers of clothes even during the hottest days of summer. Furthermore, there were no buttons, and they relied solely on laces and buttons. It was so complicated that it gave one a headache. The undergarment was still alright. He just needed to put it on and tie it with a few straps. As for the outer garment, Yang Sichen would never be able to put it on without the help of a servant.
Yang Sichen secretly swore to himself,'When I get to Zamboyan, I'll definitely get a pair of jeans and a pullover!' Humph…
By the time Yang Sichen finished dressing and washing his face, it had already been almost 15 minutes. The sound of firecrackers outside could be heard continuously. This made Yang Sichen a little upset.
Yang Sichen saw that he was almost done cleaning up, so he brought the purple handkerchief and walked towards the entrance of the Jade Wave Courtyard. He stopped before he reached the entrance. In the middle of the door was a pot of wine and a plate of cooked meat. There was also a pair of chopsticks on the meat. Yang Sichen thought for a long time before he remembered that they were at the Sacrificial Door and Sacrificial Household.
Yang Sichen shook his head, took the purple handkerchief, and walked around to the side. He hurried toward the Blue Sea Hall.
When Yang Sichen entered the main hall of Cang Hai Hall, he realized that he was the last one to arrive. So he quickly went forward to pay his respects to Old Master Yang and said,"Greetings, Grandfather! Grandson is late, please forgive me.”
Old Master Yang waved his hand and said," Little Chenzi, I just heard from your mother that you've been so busy these past few days that your feet hit the back of your head. A few days ago, your mother was tired of seeing you and looked very haggard. Can you tell grandfather what you're busy with?"”
Yang Sichen smiled and said," Grandfather, I've been busy writing these past few days. As for what I wrote, I don't know for the time being. Anyway, I've already finished writing. I'll go back and tidy it up. I'll bring it back to you tomorrow. You'll know when you see it."”
Seeing this, Old Master Yang didn't ask about this matter anymore. He smiled and asked,"Little Chen, do you have any gifts for me today?”
Yang Sichen took out a two-and-a-half-inch square box from his sleeve pocket and handed it to Old Master Yang with both hands.""This is a pair of small toys that grandson grinded a few days ago. I hope grandfather likes it.”
Old Master Yang took the box and opened it. It turned out to be two black oval shaped stones that looked like pigeon eggs. They were polished to a bright light. He picked up one and brought out the other one. Old Master Yang tried to separate the two stones, but when he let go, the two stones stuck together again-- Old Master Yang secretly praised Yang Sichen's exquisite mind. He knew that he was old and his fingers were not very good. Ordinary grinding balls were too heavy and could easily fall off, so he grinded this pair of small toys. Looking at the delicate and smooth appearance, it was obvious that he had spent a lot of effort.
Old Master Yang nodded and accepted the gift."Little Chen is so thoughtful. Grandfather likes this gift very much.”Then, he said to Old Master Yang, who was sitting at the lower seat,"Xingrun, go and see if Ruozhu's Yuanxiao is ready.”
Yang Sichen raised his head to look at Old Master Yang. Seeing Old Master Yang smiling at the three of them, he took out two small boxes from his sleeve pocket and handed them to the sisters. The sisters opened them happily and saw that each of them contained a pair of golden plum blossom hairpins.
"Why aren't you two sisters thanking your Brother Chen?" Old Master Yang said with a smile.”
The two sisters bowed to Yang Sichen and said,""Thank you, Brother Chen."
At this time, Old Master Yang returned with Madam Zheng. Madam Zheng bowed to Old Master Yang and said,"Father, the Lantern Festival is ready. Wife asks father to move to the dining room."
……
After eating the Yuanxiao, the family chatted for a while more before Yang Sichen returned to the Jade Wave Courtyard to revise his introductory course. Zi Juan watched from the side and said,""Young Master, this servant knows how to write too. Why don't you change it and let this servant help you copy it? Otherwise, these eighty pages of content won't be finished before dark today.”
Yang Sichen raised his head and handed a piece of paper to Zijuan.""Write a few words for me to see."
Zi Juan picked up the pen and wrote a few words. Yang Sichen took it over to take a look-the purple silk was also written in regular script, but compared to his own handwriting, it was less elegant and more graceful, somewhat similar to running script. Therefore, he said,"You should still use regular script. You can't write this regular script." Let's sit down and copy together. We might be able to finish copying before dark. I don't want to miss the Lantern Festival. Also, tell Granny Zhao that if I don't go out at noon, don't call me out for lunch."
Zi Juan made a face at Yang Sichen, then responded with a crisp voice. She went out to bring a stool back and picked up a pen to help Yang Sichen write the revised manuscript on a piece of paper. After two hours, Yang Sichen had finished editing all the drafts in his hands and started to copy them together with the purple silk.
" It's finally done!!" Yang Sichen stretched and glanced at the purple handkerchief.
Zi Juan stuck out his tongue and rubbed his slightly numb wrist. He also put down his pen and said,""Young Master, you are much slower than this servant. This servant copied fifty-two pages while you only copied thirty-four pages.”
Yang Sichen scratched Zijuan's nose and said with a smile,""This Young Master knows that Little Zijian is the most capable. Tell me what you want. On account that this Young Master is in a good mood now, I'll satisfy you this time.”
Zi Juan grabbed Yang Sichen's hand and said,""This servant is hungry and wants to eat Yuanxiao. After eating Yuanxiao, I want to go see the lanterns with young master! Young Master, do you agree?"
Yang Sichen also felt hungry. He looked outside and realized that the sky was already a little dark, so he nodded and said,"Let's go! This Young Master will bring you, this little gluttonous cat, to eat Yuanxiao now!”After he finished speaking, he drank the tea on the table that had already cooled down in one gulp. Then, he left the study with Zijuan and walked out.
Granny Zhao was guarding outside the study room. When she heard movement in the study room, she quickly asked Yanhong to prepare Yuanxiao and then came back to continue waiting.
Unexpectedly, she bumped into Yang Sichen at the door. So she quickly said," Young Master, the Lantern Festival is already being prepared. It will take another two quarters of an hour to serve it. You will be going out to play tonight. I have already boiled some hot water. Do you want to take a bath first…"
Yang Sichen nodded." Thank you, Granny Zhao. I'll go take a shower now."”Then, he turned around and looked at Zijuan lecherously. He smiled and said,"Zijuan, are you willing to bathe this young master?”
Zi Juan pouted and asked weakly,""Can I say that I'm not willing?"
Yang Sichen smiled evilly.”
So Zi Juan stomped her feet helplessly, rolled her eyes, and walked towards Yang Sichen's bedroom. Yang Sichen followed behind Zi Juan. Granny Zhao sighed and went out to order the servants to bring a bathtub and hot water to Yang Sichen's bedroom.
……
An hour later, Yang Sichen and Zi Juan had just finished bathing and eating Yuanxiao. Xia Zhong came to invite Yang Sichen to the Blue Sea Hall, saying that Old Master Yang had invited Yang Sichen over for a meal. Yang Sichen held down the purple handkerchief that was about to follow him and instructed her to dress up in the room. When he came back, he would bring her out to admire the lanterns. Then, he followed Xia Zhong to the Vast Sea Hall. Seeing this, Zi Juan went back to her room to fiddle with the box of jewelry that Granny Wen had given her after eating the Yuanxiao.
Two hours later, Yang Sichen returned from the Vast Sea Hall. As soon as he entered the room, he saw Zi Juan walking towards him. Zi Juan was wearing a light orange-red long gauze dress and a rose-red brocade jacket. There was snow-white rabbit fur sewn on the corner. An orange-red belt was wrapped around her waist. On the left side of the belt, there was a high-quality glazed jade pendant hanging down. Her long, brocade-like hair was tied into a moon-shaped bun with a red coral hairpin. A few plump and round pearls were casually embellished in her hair, making her cloud-like hair look more soft and bright. There was also a pair of gilded Emei hairpins on her hair bun, adding a bit of heroic spirit. Her originally elegant little face was now covered with light plum blossom makeup. Her originally beautiful face had lost its tender innocence, revealing a hint of charm. She was like a fairy who had accidentally fallen into the mortal world and was tainted by a trace of mortal fate, causing people to suddenly lose their souls.
Yang Sichen was stunned. A little girl who had just turned eleven was so beautiful when she dressed up. Who knew how many men she would charm in the future? However, this girl would be his sooner or later. Although she was a little mischievous, she knew her limits and never did things sloppily. He was not worried that she would cause any trouble.
Yang Sichen took Zijuan's hand and realized that the two-foot-long ribbon was wrapped around her wrist. He couldn't help but purse his lips. This girl had prepared quite a complete set of weapons, but was it necessary? So he shook his head and said,"Let's go and admire the lanterns!"”
……
When Yang Sichen saw this scene, he couldn't help but sigh,""This is a beautiful life."
"Last year, on Yuan night, the lights in the flower market were as bright as day. The moon rises above the willow tree, and people meet after dusk.”Zi Juan turned her head to look at Yang Sichen and began to recite Ouyang Xiu's " Sheng Cha Zi ".
Yang Sichen turned to look at the purple handkerchief curiously. Zi Juan smiled and explained," This was sung by Nanny Wen in Yangzhou last year. I think it's not bad, so I learned a few lines."”
"You know music?" Yang Sichen asked curiously.
Zi Juan nodded and said,"I know how to play the zither and the pipa."”
"Then do you know medicine?" Yang Sichen asked again.”
Zijuan hesitated for a while before answering,""Yes, Granny Wen passed on all her medical skills to this servant two months before she came to Yangzhou. At that time, this servant couldn't understand, but after following Young Master, she understood Granny Wen's intentions.”
Just like that, Yang Sichen chatted with Zi Juan. Zi Juan would act coquettishly at Yang Sichen from time to time and make funny faces. They were having a lot of fun.
Yang Sichen and Zi Juan walked on the bustling streets for nearly two hours. Looking at the dim night sky, a sense of loneliness gradually welled up in Yang Sichen's heart. He also felt a chill in his body, so he turned around and glanced at Zi Juan, planning to return to the Yang Residence. Unexpectedly, he bumped into a woman walking from the side.
Almost at the same time, Yang Sichen's right hand reached out like a ghost and grabbed the woman's wrist. A black knife was in sight. Yang Sichen flipped his right hand and grabbed the woman's arm. Then, he reached up and snatched the dagger from the woman's hand. As his left hand flipped up his right hand, he slashed at the Fengchi acupoint on the back of the woman's neck.
These actions sounded complicated, but they were like lightning and took less than a breath.
The woman thought that she was a hunter, but she never expected that her target would strike first. Caught off guard, she fell into a trap without any reaction. She fainted and fell into Yang Sichen's arms.
Zi Juan only reacted when he saw Yang Sichen chop the woman's neck with his hand knife. He took the pair of Emei thorns from his hair bun and held them in his hands. He looked around vigilantly, like a female leopard.
When they entered the alley, Zi Juan quickly took the woman and sealed her acupoints.
At this moment, a man in black jumped out of the alley and shouted in a low voice,"Don't hurt my little sister.”
Before she could finish her sentence, she kicked Yang Sichen sideways with a whoosh. In the blink of an eye, he had arrived at Yang Sichen's side, and that person was actually trying to catch Yang Sichen off guard. Yang Sichen only had time to give Zi Juan a look before that person's foot was already in front of him.
Yang Sichen saw that although this person's moves were terrifyingly powerful, he didn't seem to have any internal energy. Although he had internal energy, he couldn't use it freely. He might as well not use internal energy and use free combat moves to fight with him. At the thought of this, Yang Sichen's left arm muscles bulged and he forcefully received the black-clothed man's leg that was about to split the stone. At the same time, his right leg mercilessly whipped towards the black-clothed man's neck. The man in black was so tall that Yang Sichen could barely reach his temples.
The man in black also extended his left arm and took Yang Sichen's attack head-on. "Peng" and "Peng". The two of them collided without any finesse.
The man in black was in his prime, so he clearly had the advantage in terms of strength. When the white blades clashed, he only swayed a little, but Yang Sichen staggered. The man in black saw an opening and kicked Yang Sichen's waist with his long leg, which had been bounced back.
Even though Yang Sichen managed to block it in time, he was still unable to regain his balance. He was kicked out and rolled a few times in a sorry state. Before Zi Juan could rush over, Yang Sichen jumped up again. He continued to stare at the man in black.
The man in black looked at Yang Sichen, who had just gotten back up, and said,""Let go of my sister."
Yang Sichen grinned and didn't say anything. The head-on clash just now made him understand that the difference in strength between the two sides was a little big, but he was not willing to be so muddle-headed that he was almost ambushed.
Seeing that Yang Sichen did not respond, the man in black stepped forward and kicked his chest. Yang Sichen crossed his arms to block the attack and staggered back a few steps. The attacks of the men in black came one after another like a storm.
Yang Sichen's move was restricted and he was forced into a passive position. He could only block left and right as he retreated continuously. For a moment, he was like a small boat in a storm that could be knocked to the ground at any moment.
The man in black, who had been attacking smoothly, was secretly shocked. Most of his attacks were dodged by Yang Sichen, and the few that he could not dodge were always blocked by Yang Sichen. Not only did he fail to defeat his opponent with a series of consecutive kicks, but Yang Sichen gradually took control of the rhythm. In the end, he could no longer pose a threat to him.
At this moment, no one had the advantage. If you punched me, I would kick you back. If you strike with your palm, I will hit you with my elbow. After dozens of rounds, there were no clean spots on their bodies.
After a violent collision, the two of them flew to the sides.
Yang Sichen rubbed his waist and slowly got up. He glanced at the man in black who was still twitching on the ground. He patted the soil off his body and pulled out a dagger from the wall. He turned to Zijuan and said,"Let's go. Don't leave the main entrance. We'll directly climb over the wall and return to the residence. We'll carry her into my room and tie her to my bed. Then, we'll go around again and enter through the main entrance.”As he spoke, he carried the woman with the purple handkerchief and ran towards the Yang Residence.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]