Chapter 112: New Year - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 112: New Year

Xiao Tingyi was enjoying his meal, having already consumed most of a pot of warm wine, while Yang Zhao sat beside him, looking helpless.

If people found out that Prince Ding, who was supposed to be attending the New Year's feast in the palace, had claimed to be ill and skipped the event to feast here instead, there would surely be gossip.

"Why aren't you eating? Is auntie's cooking not to your liking?"

Xiao Tingyi asked while drinking, his tone calm, but to his attendant Yang Zhao, it sounded intimidating.

"You're joking, my lord. Auntie Zhang's cooking is excellent. How could I not like it? It's just that eating at the same table as you makes me a bit...”

"You weren't so reserved when we were in the army."

In the army, they shared meals and even drank from the same pot. Indeed, the strict rules of Dongdu City had made even a third-ranked General Pingnan like him a bit restrained.

Yang Zhao thought for a moment and agreed. He immediately picked up his chopsticks, but before he could start eating, auntie Zhang brought in a steaming bowl of noodles, and he quickly went to help.

"Thank you for your hard work, aunt."

Looking at the slightly plump woman with a round, kind face, Xiao Tingyi felt a warmth in his heart that had been absent for a long time.

"My lord, you came at a bad time. We're out of salt at home, and it's too late to buy any now, so we'll have to make do."

This auntie Zhang was the wife of Doctor Zhang. Both of them had been close companions to Prince Ding since childhood. If it weren't for auntie Zhang's age and Xiao Tingyi's desire to keep her away from the city's intrigues, this meal would have been eaten at the prince's residence.

Auntie Zhang looked at Xiao Tingyi with a heartache, silently blaming the cooks at the residence. Since she left, had they been neglecting their duties? The prince looked as if he hadn't eaten properly for months, devouring most of the venison leg in no time.

Only Yang Zhao understood that his master was picky and only liked auntie Zhang's cooking.

"This year is special. Uncle Shou isn't home, and I thought about bringing you back to the residence for the New Year's vigil, but that place lacks the lively atmosphere. It's better here."

Xiao Tingyi wasn't wrong.

The residents of Lihua Alley were ordinary folks who celebrated the end of the year with much enthusiasm. Since he arrived, firecrackers at the door hadn't stopped, and children's laughter and playfulness were constant, much livelier than the lonely and quiet residence.

Auntie Zhang understood Xiao Tingyi's intentions. He didn't want her to spend the New Year alone, but she didn't mention it to avoid embarrassing him. Her gaze toward him became even more loving.

"Speaking of which, after the New Year, you'll be twenty-eight, my lord. It's time to think about your future. Otherwise, it's quite a joke that such a big residence has no mistress."

Auntie Zhangs words had been repeated to Yang Zhao's ears over the past decade, yet the person being talked about acted as if it was someone else's business.

"Don't worry, Aunt. When the right one comes along, I'll marry her."

He looked sincere, deceiving auntie Zhang for so many years. Though his words were sweet, all these years had passed, and he still had no one by his side. Auntie Zhang, feeling helpless, decided to drop the subject.

Thinking of her husband's visit to the Feng family, a smile appeared on her face.

Xiao Tingyi was quite curious why Doctor Zhang wasn't home for the New Year, while auntie Zhang seemed pleased. Could it be they had a quarrel?

With different thoughts in mind, they continued their peaceful and warm New Year's Eve dinner.

The night was lively.

When the morning light spread over Dongdu City, the ground was covered with red firecracker papers, bringing joy to everyone. These firecracker remains couldn't be swept away within three days, as it was believed to sweep away good luck. Hence, vendors were careful not to step on the 'good luck' in front of each house.

The temporary stalls set up along the four canals running through the city were taking shape, facing Xingde Tower.

The sky brightened, and more people in new clothes filled the streets.

From the first to the twenty-second day of the first lunar month each year, the imperial street was open to the public. The street was lined with food stalls and performers of various arts, creating a festive atmosphere.

The sound of music, accompanied by shouts, marked the official start of the twelfth year of Tianqi in the Great Jin dynasty.

Feng Jinyao woke up early to the sound of Feng Yunhe's coughing. It wasn't loud or severe, but she was still worried.

"How are you feeling? Does your throat still hurt?"

"Don't worry, Aunt. I just choked while swallowing. It's nothing serious."

"That's good. The kitchen made some vegetable porridge with your favorite ingredients. Would you like to try some?"

Feng Yunhe was delighted at the prospect of eating and nodded eagerly.

Feng Jinyao smiled. Children indeed recovered quickly. Yesterday, he was still weak, but today he seemed full of energy. It looked like he wouldn't need seven days to be up and about.

She carefully scooped some porridge from a white porcelain bowl, stirring it gently while blowing on it to cool it down, and then carefully fed it to Feng Yunhe.

"Be careful, it's hot."

"Okay."

Feng Jinyao fed him attentively, and although Feng Yunhe found it a bit hard to keep up, he knew his aunt was doing it for his sake. He endured his hunger and ate slowly.

After finishing the bowl of vegetable porridge, Feng Yunhe licked his lips in satisfaction. As he mentally reviewed his favorite foods, he couldn't help but think that it was better not to be sick.

"Aunt, did the doctor say when I can get out of bed and walk around? I've been lying down for so long that my limbs are getting stiff."

"You're quite eager. But I think in about three or four days, you should be fine. By then, you'll be given a different medicine and won't have to lie down all the time. Walking more will be good for your recovery."

Hearing this, Feng Yunhe was filled with anticipation. It had been a tough wait to get to this point, but suddenly, he remembered something and his cheerful expression turned cold.

Sensing the change in his mood, Feng Jinyao curiously asked, "What's wrong? You were just happy a moment ago."

Feng Yunhe frowned, unsure of how to bring up the matter, fearing he might cause trouble by overthinking it.

"Aunt, before I got sick, I witnessed something I shouldn't have seen. I never mentioned it to my parents."

Feng Jinyao's heart skipped a beat. In large families, there were bound to be some unsavory dealings, but the Feng family had always been strictly managed by her mother and sister-in-law. What could he have seen?

"What did you see?"

With no one around and knowing that no one would dare approach the courtyard, Feng Yunhe whispered to Feng Jinyao.