Many people had made plans to play all night on the three days of the Lantern Festival, but in the end they were still too tired to go home early.
Du Zhai, seeing the master's return, the concierge hurriedly greeted him.
"Alang is back. It's not midnight yet, right?"
"After midnight, the Lantern Festival has passed, and it is no longer interesting to go shopping." Du Youlin suppressed a yawn and ordered: "Bring me some side dishes, and Xue Xiaolang and I will have a drink."
The three of them bought some wine, sweet-scented osmanthus drink, and some snacks at the night market, and sat down in the backyard garden, facing the round moon.
Lu Fengniang was also at the table, and she started talking about those things again.
"Xue Bai, you and Wu Lang have both reached the age of marriage. Children from aristocratic families will be laughed at if they get married late. You will take the imperial examination after you are married, otherwise someone will be listed to catch your son-in-law..."
"A woman's point of view." Du Youlin interrupted her impatiently, "If you let them get married early, how can you still think about their studies?"
It was on this matter that Lu Fengniang firmly refuted her husband-in-law, saying: "To start a family, start a family first, then start a career. Get married as early as possible. After a year or two, you will be determined, and then you can prepare for the imperial examination."
Du Youlin said calmly: "It doesn't take a year or two, they can all be on the list next year."
"Really? You can win in one game?!" Lu Fengniang said in surprise, "We have never had a Jinshi who is sixteen or seventeen years old in the Tang Dynasty, right? Have we? Lang Jun."
"Everything has been arranged." Du Youlin didn't know whether he was there or not. Yun Danfeng waved his hand lightly, "If not, how could I allow Wu Lang to be so presumptuous recently?"
Xue Bai smiled, thinking that Du Youlin usually didn't say anything to his wife.
Now is the time when he needs to build a network of relationships the most. Marriage is of course an important means. Having in-laws to help each other can get through this most difficult time. But because of this, he must be more cautious...
Lu Fengniang was still smiling happily, and the Du family siblings also came back from Fengwei Building.
Tonight is a beautiful day and it is rare for a family to sit together and have a drink.
"It's really not easy to be an official." Du Wulang said, "Let's just say that today, the prince is socializing during the day and giving banquets at night. At midnight, he has to rush to the Xingqing Palace to hold a banquet and spend money with His Majesty.
"
After Xue Bai heard this, there was something in his mind that he didn't say out loud.
——As long as Li Longji saves time to deal with state affairs and sleeps, and then plays with officials who are about to take a rest, he can make everyone feel that he is not old yet.
Anyway, this saint was extremely smart, and all the officials thought he had solved a treason case in half a night, but in fact he didn't even use half an hour.
After he has deceived many others, he may even be able to believe that he is immortal.
As the conversation continued, the conversation finally came to Xue Bai's life experience.
"What?! You are moving away?!"
Du Wulang suddenly stood up, with a look of reluctance on his face, and said, "When I'm done with my work for a while, I'll stay with you."
Xue Bai said: "I have to go home after all."
"Don't worry, you have plenty of opportunities to accompany him." Du Youlin said: "I have asked someone to arrange for you to go to the Imperial College. To participate in next year's Spring Festival, simply speaking, there are two ways. Or you can take the autumn exam of various states and counties and become a 'township'
"Gong'; or enroll in the Imperial College, pass the annual examination, and become a 'sheng disciple', and you will follow the path of a student disciple."
It's not easy to get into the Imperial College. You must at least have a fifth-rank official in your family.
Although Du Youlin had a fifth rank before, his position was only empty, and he was not able to arrange Du Wulang to enter the Imperial Academy.
His eldest son and second son also took part in the imperial examination of Jingzhao Mansion, and were admitted as Jinshi and Mingjing officials respectively. They had no hope that Wu Lang, who had no talent, would be able to take the imperial examination and become an official. He thought that the prince would have a family background after he ascended the throne.
Lu Fengniang was overjoyed when she heard this and praised: "Mr. Lang, this is really... if you don't have to be restrained by the empty post of the good doctor, you can show your ability!"
Du Youlin was rarely ashamed. He glanced at Du Jin and saw that his daughter was in a daze.
"Guo...sub-prisoner..."
Du Wulang felt like he was struck by thunder and couldn't believe that he would get such two pieces of bad news during the Lantern Festival.
"Hahaha." Du Youlin laughed heartily, raised his glass and said: "Xue Bai, I have a fate with you, and I would like to recognize you as my adopted son. I would like to recognize you as my adopted son. Please don't be offended."
This was how he promised Lu Fengniang to take charge of the back house. Jiaonu was there before, so it was inconvenient to mention it.
Now seeing that Xue Bai was about to move out, he had to bring it up quickly. There were some things that the woman didn't know, but he probably knew Xue Bai's ability and his protection of Du Zhai.
Du Zhai could not give much, except for Qing Lan's body bond, and only the determination to be closely tied together when they were down and out.
Taking advantage of Xue Bai, Xue Bai will be convicted for offending Li Linfu in the future, and the Du family will not be able to escape.
After hearing this, Xue Bai immediately picked up the jug, replaced the sweet-scented osmanthus drink in the cup with wine, held the cup in both hands, and stood up.
In this unfamiliar Tianbao Tang Dynasty, he needed a network of people who could trust each other. Du Youlin was weak, but he had Jingzhao Du family behind him.
However, as soon as he stood up, a delicate hand stretched out in front of him and took the wine glass in his hand.
"Two drinks and you'll get drunk again."
As Du Jin said this, she turned to Du Youlin and said, "I'm confused. Only last night there were people fighting for a son in front of the emperor. Do you want to recognize your adopted son tonight?"
"I have my own considerations."
"My daughter is feeling a little bit cold and doesn't feel very well, so I have to leave."
Du Jin put the cup in his hand on the table, said a blessing, turned around and went back to the room.
Du Youlin saw that his daughter was not very happy and felt quite embarrassed and sat down.
"Don't rush into the matter of acknowledging your relatives for now. Let's talk about it later."
Du Wei said softly, poured the wine in Xue Bai's cup into her own cup, and poured him a cup of sweet-scented osmanthus drink.
"My second mother is doing this for your own good, don't take it personally."
"I know."
Xue Bai took the sweet-scented osmanthus drink and took a sip.
Du Wei also sipped the wine in her glass, lowered her eyes, and felt a little strange in her heart, but she felt that she was so much older than him, so she shouldn't be so worried.
Everyone sat for a while longer, no longer mentioning the matter of recognizing their adopted son, and the atmosphere as before was gone. They dispersed and went back to their rooms to rest.
~~
"Do you know why the second sister is unhappy?"
Du Wulang and Xue Bai walked through the corridor, asked a question in a low voice, and answered by themselves.
"You didn't see it, did you? My mother wants to see the daughter of the Lu family for you, but the second sister is not familiar with the Lu family, but it doesn't matter, they will be fine in a few days. The main reason is that they can't let you go, so you can stay a little longer.
Day?"
"good."
"Really?" Du Wulang said, "Actually, I know what they are thinking. It would be great if my mother-in-law had another sister. It would be great if you could be my brother-in-law. Everyone hopes that you will be closer to our family."
"Stop thinking about useless things. Just prepare to go to the Imperial College."
"Don't spoil the fun."
While talking, they walked to the corridor of the main courtyard, where they dispersed and went back to their rooms.
Xue Bai opened the door and saw Qing Lan sitting in front of the window sewing a cloth bag.
"Mr. Lang is back. I've prepared hot water. Can you bring it to you?"
"I've washed it. I damaged my eye when I turned around. I'll have to sew it up tomorrow."
"On the fifteenth day of the month, you can see clearly. I am sewing a baggage. It will be useful when moving. Look, Sir, there are many things to bring..."
Xue Bai came alone, thinking that he had nothing to offer, but when he followed the little girl's fingers, he realized that he had gained a lot in just over two months.
Pens, ink, paper and inkstones, more than 20 books, and a variety of daily necessities. The two stones placed on the ground also had to be taken away for physical fitness. It was not easy to find them.
Just say that on this New Year's Day, Lu Fengniang gave three sets of clothes; Du Wei personally received two pairs of boots; Du Jin gave a rather expensive belt, saying that this kind of sheepskin belt is tight; Du Wulang gave many useless ones.
Ornaments; there is still half a basket of eggs sent by Tian Shenyu; Yang Zhao did not forget to give a pen holder with the four words "flying to the top" engraved on it...
"There's no rush to move." Xue Bai said, "Just take your time and pack it away. Help me put away these few words and go and have a rest."
"Mr. Sir, the moonlight is too bright tonight. I will help you hang up the curtains and close them when you fall asleep. Well, I listened to you today and did not work in the house. At night, please invite the maids in the house.
We watched the lanterns together, bought fabrics and food, came back, and talked in the courtyard. Caiyun envied me, but I was too busy..."
"Then our itinerary is almost the same, but the sweet-scented osmanthus drink I bought is too sweet. When we get to Xue Zhai, don't work for others."
Since Qing Lan wanted to have a conversation, Xue Bai agreed.
"It would be too easy to only take care of your husband's daily life. From now on, I will make sure that you are clean every day, eat on time, and live comfortably."
"Don't expect too much from life in Xue's house. It's quite down there and there are no separate houses."
"It doesn't matter, I can endure hardship, especially hardship."
"I know."
Qinglan raised her eyes and couldn't help but recall the experience the two had on the outskirts of Chang'an.
"Lang Jun, shall I go back to the back courtyard to rest?"
"Go ahead."
Xue Bai watched her retreat, thinking that it would be okay for him to go to Xue's house and sleep on a bunk bed, but it would be inconvenient to bring a little girl with him... She was indeed still young.
He picked up Yan Zhenqing's calligraphy, looked at it in the moonlight, closed his eyes and felt the spiritual essence in the words. Feeling that his calligraphy had improved a little, he closed the window, got on the couch, and closed the curtains.
The bedding has been changed.
Xue Bai remembered something and reached out to check. The spring shirt was no longer there, and he didn't know where it was hung to dry.
He smiled bitterly, lay down on the bed, and fell into a deep sleep.
In spring, the moon is full during midnight snacks, and a white jade plate hangs high in the blue sky...
~~
I had another dream this night.
In the dream, it was the bustling lantern market in Chang'an. Women in the prosperous Tang Dynasty were very good at dressing up. They wore colorful silk to tie their breasts, so that the beauty of even flesh and bones would be fully revealed.
Skirts tied too high tend to become bloated, so they put their hands on their waists, which is both dignified and outlines their slender figures. The colored trains wrapped around their arms add a bit of fairy air, and they dance gracefully and gracefully.
They were smiling, and Xue Bai stood there watching like a tourist, smelling the faint fragrance.
"Xue Bai, I have something to ask you."
He turned around under the lamp tree, and the first thing he saw was a pair of eyes full of adoration, full of autumn water, so he put his arms around her.
These days, he was actually worried about his too youthful body, which always gave him an impulse that had nowhere to put it.
Until now, his rising vitality had been suppressed by the uneasiness of being in a foreign land. Only at this time, her softness and thoughtfulness made him feel at ease.
"Um……"
A muffled groan sounded in my ears.
Xue Bai woke up in a trance. There was darkness in the curtain and softness in his arms.
This time, isn't it a dream?
He felt the woman in his arms trembling slightly, and then he moved closer greedily.
There was no need to dance like those Orchids, no need to pose like those famous prostitutes. There was darkness in front of him, but he could feel her strong love, which alone could make people emotional.
Is it Qinglan?
He wanted to ask her, but couldn't.
He couldn't even breathe smoothly, as if he was drunk.
She came wrapped in a thick cloak, and inside the cloak was a long skirt made of soft material...
Not Qinglan.
With only this matter confirmed in his mind, he gradually could no longer maintain his thinking.
Then, he finally integrated into the prosperous age of the Tang Dynasty.
"..."
On a cool night with golden wind and jade dew, in front of the window with autumn grass. I am lightly drunk and sleeping peacefully. A pillow on the river breeze makes my dreams come true...
~~
In the corner of the courtyard, there is still snow that has not yet melted.
A wintersweet blossomed alone in the night. As the night fog became thicker, the dew condensed on the wintersweet became heavier and heavier, and finally dripped down into the snow.
~~
Finally, the moon sets and the sun rises, the night passes, and the birds are singing and the flowers are fragrant.
"Lang Jun, you have been asleep for a long time."
Xue Bai opened his eyes and saw Qing Lan first.
He didn't pay much attention to the little girl's appearance before, but now he realized that she was very beautiful, the new moon was born, Xiaojiabiyu.
"Why is it you?"
"Of course it's me who wakes you up for dinner."
Xue Bai stood up, still yawning.
"The bedding I changed is too thick. Did Mr. Wang sweat during the night? I'll take him out to bask in the sun..."
Qinglan helped him up and was busy with today's housework enthusiastically, acting like a maid of the Xue family again.
She had already bought food on the table, including biscuits, cheese, eggs, sliced meat, etc. She already knew Xue Bai's taste very well.
Du Wulang hadn't gone to Fengwei House yet today. He passed by the door and came over yawning.
"What area of your house has been creaking all night?"
"The window coffin is loose and will make noise when the wind blows."
"Oh." Du Wulang rubbed his eyes and left.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
"The breakfast at home is not delicious, I'll go to Fengwei Restaurant to eat it."
Xue Bai looked outside the door and saw the Du sisters coming out of the backyard.
He knew that it could only be one of them last night, so he observed it carefully for a while.
In order to facilitate their work, they all wore robes, and because they were worried about the cold on the road, they wrapped themselves in a cloak. It was not that they deliberately disguised themselves as men, this was a common attire for women in the Tang Dynasty.
Du Jin looks thinner, but that is because she has lost weight due to eating less over the years, but she is not skinny, and her figure is still in good shape. Du Jin has a good figure and likes to wear fancy clothes, so she looks full of color.
Both of them looked like they had not slept well. After Du Jin raised her hand to cover her mouth and yawned a little, Du Wei also made the same move.
When they walked away, they didn't look back at him.
Xue Bai couldn't tell the difference in the end, so he changed his mind and thought to himself, it's okay if he didn't know, so he just thought it was a dream.
After breakfast, he picked up his pen and practiced calligraphy. After all, the things of the night couldn't be washed away, and he actually felt that poetry came to him.
"The spring breeze was full of dew all night long, and no one could see the light waves under the heavy curtain."
Before I had time to check the rhyme, I remembered that Li Bai had already written the sentence "The spring breeze blows on the threshold and dews the gorgeous scenery." I shook my head, took off my broken poem, and casually wrote another poem by Bai Juyi. It was time to practice my calligraphy.
