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Chapter 127 The Tang Dynasty New Year's Eve Dinner!

Chapter 127 The Tang Dynasty New Year's Eve Dinner!
Printing technology has also become increasingly sophisticated.

The Four Books and Five Classics appeared one after another.

The materials provided by Li Shimin and Li Lizhi were never paid for. Xiao Ran managed to make up for the previous expenses by selling the Four Books and Five Classics.

They've already started making money.

It happened much faster than anyone else expected.

We're in a golden age now; it's easy and profitable to make money.

The printing technique can be learned by others.

Such profits would definitely encourage many people to open workshops to print books.

At that time, the price of books will come down.

It's not that we're not making money, but the profit margin is much lower compared to now.

Before we knew it, the end of the year was approaching, and the Spring Festival was just around the corner.

None of the princesses and princes intended to return to Chang'an or the palace.

The school stopped holding classes.

Wang Ji, who was also a teacher, showed no intention of leaving.

A thin layer of snow fell on the night of the 28th of the twelfth lunar month, but it melted in the morning sun, adding a touch of freshness to the streets.

With only three days left until the Spring Festival, the entire capital city is already immersed in the festive atmosphere. From the capital city to the streets and alleys, there is a busy and joyful scene everywhere. Even the footsteps of passers-by are lighter than usual, and their eyes are filled with anticipation for the New Year.

Palace servants had already hung vermilion ribbons on the pillars outside the Taiji Hall.

The copper bells hanging under the eaves jingled in the wind, mingling with the footsteps of the eunuchs carrying New Year's goods, becoming the earliest "New Year's sounds" in the palace.

Although Li Shimin was still dealing with government affairs, two more things appeared on his desk: one was a "New Year's Tribute Register" sent by the Ministry of Agriculture, which recorded the millet, silk, and cured meat offered by various prefectures.

He made a few special marks, instructing that more of the newly tribute oranges from Jiangnan be distributed to the Eastern Palace and the Imperial Palace.

"Lizhi, Sizi, and Qingque are in Kaolao Village, so they probably won't be able to eat fresh fruit. Let's save some more so they can taste it when they come back!" Li Shimin muttered to himself.

Secondly, the "Procedure for the Grand Court Assembly on New Year's Day" handed over by Crown Prince Li Chengqian was meticulously marked, from the positions of the officials paying homage to the order in which the envoys from vassal states presented their gifts.

Li Shimin flipped to the end and added, "After the court assembly, prepare more sesame cakes and Tusu wine for the banquet, so that the envoys from afar can also taste the New Year's flavor of Chang'an."

Empress Zhangsun was busy arranging items for the "New Year's Eve Gifts" in the Lizheng Hall.

She personally embroidered several "New Year's Eve Handkerchiefs" for the royal family members, with the words "Peace and Safety Every Year" embroidered on the corners.

He then ordered the palace maids to replace the old peachwood charms in the storeroom with newly carved peachwood plaques, which, in addition to "Shen Tu and Yu Lei," also included the phrase "Abundant Harvest of the Five Grains."

The autumn harvest in the sixth year of Zhenguan was good, and the people's granaries were gradually filling. She wanted this good omen to be spread to every household in Chang'an through the peachwood charms.

Occasionally, when she took a break, she would mutter to the maid beside her, "I wonder how Sizi and the others are doing. Is it cold over there? I wonder when they'll be back."

The concern in her tone added a touch of everyday life to the courtly etiquette.

Inside the West Market, sacks of millet and rice were piled up in front of the grain store. The shopkeeper's voice boomed, "Rice harvested in the sixth year of Zhenguan! It's the most fragrant for steaming New Year's rice!"

The butcher shop next door was even more bustling, with cured pork and chicken hanging there dripping with oil. People lined up to buy meat, some wanting a piece of pork belly to make "New Year's Eve soup," while others wanted a pork bone to make soup "to nourish the children so they can grow taller during the New Year."

At the stall selling peach wood charms, craftsmen were carving characters on the spot with carving knives, and people were gathered around to choose their charms.

Some people choose the traditional design to "ward off evil and bring good fortune," while others opt for the new design with the phrase "peace and health for the whole family."

The lantern shops were even more eye-catching, with lanterns of all sizes hanging at the entrance, including round paper lanterns and bamboo rabbit lanterns. Children tugged at their parents' hands, clamoring to buy "lanterns that light up."

The shopkeeper smiled and replied, "Don't worry, there's plenty of lamp oil; it'll even last until the Lantern Festival!"

There were also stalls selling Hu food, with Hu merchants wearing pointed hats and calling out, "Hu cakes, Bilos, hot!"

It attracted many pedestrians.

During the Zhenguan era, the Silk Road was open, and foreign food in Chang'an had long been a "new flavor" for the people during the New Year.

The busiest place was the tavern in the West Market, where Tusu wine and Xinfeng wine filled the counters. The tavern owners specially hung up wooden signs that read "New Year Special Offers": "Buy one jar and get one ladle free, drink to your heart's content during the New Year's Eve vigil!"

Scholars and writers often gathered here, some composing poems to celebrate the New Year, others chatting about the printing techniques in Kaolao Village. "I heard that the newly printed Analects are already being sold in Chang'an, half the price of a handwritten copy. I'll have to buy a set after the New Year."

Although the benefits of printing technology had not yet fully reached Chang'an, some newly printed books were already circulating, becoming a "new thing" during the New Year holidays among literary circles.

On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, almost every family is "sweeping for the New Year." Men sweep the courtyard with brooms, while women wipe the doors and windows inside the house.

The children were also busy, helping to pass rags and move stools, and occasionally sneaking a piece of sugar cake from the stove.

The parents would just smile at most when they saw it.

On the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, known as "New Year's Eve," the smoke from cooking fires in the alleys never stopped.

People are busy making "New Year's food," grinding millet into flour to make "New Year's cake," and those with better financial means will also make "cherry cheese."

Empress Zhangsun of Li Shimin never received news of Li Lizhi and the others returning.

They went to Kaolao Village with a lot of New Year's goods prepared in the palace.

Cheng Yaojin and Qin Qiong also went along.

Previously, Cheng Chumo, Cheng Tiehuan, and Qin Huaidao had been staying at Xiao Ran's house.

During holidays and festivals, it's natural to give a gift.

Li Lizhi, Li Tai, and Li Ke naturally understood that they needed to go back.

But the two little princesses didn't think about these things.

They waited until Li Shimin and others arrived.

Xiao Ran, Wang Ji, Sun Simiao, and others went out to greet them.

"Uncle, may you have a peaceful and healthy New Year!" Xiao Ran said with a smile as he walked over.

Xiao Ran learned this from others; he didn't know it himself.

"Good, good, good, may the year end peacefully and healthily." Li Shimin was in a good mood.

"Why did you bring so much stuff?" Xiao Ran was startled; this time it was a bit frightening.

"These are for the old gentleman and Mr. Wang, no need to be polite. Also, please give some to the people in Kaolao Village."

Li Shimin did indeed prepare a portion for the people of Kaolao Village as well.

However, Li Shimin did not intend to distribute them himself, but instead had Xiao Ran distribute them.

Cheng Chumo, Li Ke, and the others helped carry it back into the courtyard.

"Uncle, please stay for dinner!" Xiao Ran said politely.

"It's not a good day, there are other people at home," Li Shimin said cryptically, indicating that he really couldn't leave on this day.

Li Lizhi and the others also had to go back.

As afternoon approached, the family had to head home.

The two little princesses were unwilling, but they were coaxed back by Empress Zhangsun, Li Lizhi.

Zhang Huaicai and his family have also returned; they'll definitely be going home for dinner today.

Xiao Ran originally wanted to invite Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Mingde to have dinner together.

The siblings Li Ke, Li Tai, and Li Lizhi have gone back, and the house seems empty.

But when he thought about Zhang Jinhe's mother and younger brother returning, Xiao Ran gave up the idea; the family also needed to reunite.

Zhang Dalang and Zhang Jialin helped deliver the things Li Shimin brought to the village.

Every household has one.

Originally given by Li Shimin, many people thought it was given to Xiao Ran, and in return, many New Year's gifts were given.

The main issue is that Li Shimin's identity is difficult to ascertain. We cannot say that he is the emperor, and there is no suitable excuse for him to give gifts to others.

It can only be attributed to Xiao Ran.

In addition, Xiao Ran also prepared red envelopes.

The red envelopes are for coal miners; everyone who works in a coal mine receives one.

For good luck, I gave him eighteen coins.

It wasn't just coal miners; there were also printing workshop workers. Apart from a few craftsmen sent by Li Shimin, the rest were mostly from the three nearby villages.

There's plenty of time to deliver it today.

The person who received the red envelope held the heavy string of copper coins between their fingers, unable to hide their smile.

Eighteen coins may not seem like much, but they warmed the hearts of the coal miners, the engravers in the printing workshop, and even the women in their families. This joy wasn't just about the money, but also about the sentiment it conveyed.

Now, millet sells for three coins a dou (a unit of dry measure), and eighteen coins can buy six dou of rice, enough for an ordinary family to eat for half a month.

If we were to exchange some New Year's goods, we could buy some candy that we usually couldn't bear to eat, buy two sheets of red paper to cut paper-cuts for windows, or buy half a foot of coarse cloth to make a new pair of shoes for the child.

Previously, the villagers relied on farming and couldn't earn much money throughout the year. Now, they work in coal mines and workshops carving printing blocks, earning stable wages every month, which is much better than in previous years. The extra eighteen coins they received on New Year's Eve are like "good luck falling from the sky," allowing them to add a bowl of meat to their New Year's Eve dinner and give their children an extra piece of candy, truly making their lives a little sweeter.

What's even more important is the warmth of being "thought of".

In the past, villagers worked as long-term laborers for landlords or as helpers in workshops. They were lucky if they could get a full meal during festivals. There was no employer who would give them red envelopes.
Xiao Ran was different—he didn't treat the workers as "laborers who only do work and get paid," but instead remembered that they should have a share of good fortune during festivals.

And the auspicious meanings in these red envelopes.

The money given on New Year's Eve is never just money; it represents the hope for "peace and safety year after year."

When the villagers receive the red envelopes, Zhang Dalang will smile and say, "May you have a peaceful and healthy New Year, and may the coming year be smooth sailing." These words are more real than copper coins.

Not to mention, most of these people are from Kaolao Village or the surrounding villages. In the past, life was hard, and although the neighbors lived in harmony, such a scene was rarely seen.

Xiao Ran's eighteen-coin red envelope was not just a gift of money, but also a gift of respect—making those who did hard work feel that their work was "valued," and making the engraving craftsmen feel that their skills were "remembered."

This respect is more precious than money, and it gives everyone more hope for the coming year: working with such an employer means a stable job and a better life.

As night fell, a variety of dishes were laid out on the table.

Li Lizhi and her siblings left, leaving only Zhang Dalang, Zhang Erya, San Niang, and Xiao Ran at home.

Sun Simiao and Wang Ji also stayed, making up for the lack of elderly people in the family.

Before the meal, Zhang Erya and San Niang prepared food for Xiao Hei.

On such special days, Xiao Hei's meals should be more plentiful.

Third Sister also misses her two little sisters.

I've gotten used to it over the years, but now that the two little princesses aren't here, I still miss them.

Xiao Ran patted Third Sister's head. "She'll be back soon."

"Mmm!" Third Sister pulled Xiao Ran along.

Actually, Xiao Ran didn't know when it would be, but he felt it wouldn't be too long.

Zhang Dalang and Zhang Erya also changed into a more festive outfit, something Zhang Dalang usually didn't pay attention to.

I think I was influenced by the atmosphere today.

To be honest, the family consisted of Zhang Dalang, Zhang Erya and Sanniang, Xiao Ran, Sun Simiao and Wang Ji, who were complete strangers and had no blood relation to each other.

This place is considered Xiao Ran's home, but the group of people gathered here now seem to be getting along exceptionally well.

It doesn't feel out of place at all.

"Eat, eat!" Xiao Ran called out. "Grandpa, sir..."

Third Sister was also very excited when she heard about the meal.

Today's meal was more plentiful than usual, with a wide variety of dishes.

“Second Aunt’s cooking skills are really good now, just as good as Young Master’s,” Sun Simiao said with a smile.

That is indeed the case.

Xiao Ran's skill level wasn't very high to begin with, and Zhang Erya could do everything that Xiao Ran could.

"It's all thanks to the young master's excellent teaching," Zhang Erya said, a little embarrassed.

Zhang Erya never dared to imagine these things before.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore." Xiao Ran was embarrassed; he really wasn't very good at it.

After Zhang Erya, Princess Yuzhang, Zhang Jinhe, and the others learned how to cook, Xiao Ran stopped cooking altogether.

There's absolutely no need to worry about these things.

After the meal, Zhang Erya made tea for Sun Simiao and Wang Ji, and also made a cup for Zhang Dalang and Xiao Ran.

They brought out quite a few pastries and melon seeds.

There's also fruit.

Xiao Ran had no other ideas, but he wanted to try the orange.

These were all sent by Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun; they should all be tributes.

The quality is definitely top-notch.

I'll definitely have nothing to do these next few days, so I'll be pretty bored.

Xiao Ran unloaded the projector from inside the RV.

After dinner, Xiao Ran went back to his room to get it.

The electricity comes from the battery; there is no direct wiring from inside the RV.

It's hard to explain if it's discovered.

Late at night, Zhang Mingde arrived with his family.

I came here hoping to join in the fun, but I knew that Li Lizhi and the others had gone back and there were few people here, so I came.

Zhang Huaicai and Qin brought a lot of things.

Zhang Jinnian was pleasantly surprised to find that Xiao Ran's house had even more snacks.

Seeing that everyone looked completely bewildered, they had no idea what Xiao Ran was fiddling with.

Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Dalang wanted to help, but didn't know what to do.

All we can do is be anxious.

Zhang Jinnian didn't care; he was a foodie and just kept eating.

Xiao Ran fiddled with it for a long time without getting it working, and then there was another noise outside.

Little Black was the first to run out and bark.

Third Sister followed closely behind.

Zhang Jinhe and Zhang Erya followed and saw a carriage at the door.

The person who came was none other than Empress Zhangsun, wife of Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin), accompanied by Li Lizhi and Yuzhang, as well as two young maids.

Li Tai and Li Ke were not present.

"Woof woof woof!" Little Black rubbed against the little princess.

"Sizi, the sound of Brahma!" Third Sister exclaimed excitedly.

"Uncle, please come in, Madam."

"Jinniang!" Yuzhang followed, pulling on Zhang Jinhe's arm.

It wasn't surprising that Zhang Jinhe came back to find Xiao Ran.

"Where is Xiao Ran?" Li Shimin asked, not seeing him.

"Young Master is busy; he has something to attend to and can't leave," Zhang Erya explained.

Upon seeing Li Shimin arrive, Sun Simiao and the others stood up to greet him.

"After the two little girls finished eating, they insisted on going home, specifically to Xiao Ran's house," Li Shimin said with a smile.

The little princess really considers this place her home.

In fact, Princess Li Lizhi of Yuzhang also wanted to come, but she left the task to the two little princesses.