There is a charcoal pot burning in the room, chicken soup is simmering on a small charcoal stove, meat or vegetables are put in, and the alluring aroma spreads in the room, making people intoxicated.
Gu Shanchang was very interested and found two crystal clear wine glasses.
The wine glass is made of fine crystal and is as transparent as ice. It is a rare treasure even in the palace. Rouge-colored fruit wine is poured into it, giving it an intoxicating color.
"This is the wine glass brought by the Queen." Gu Shan smiled and said: "I rarely use it on weekdays. Today, master and disciple, we are drinking from Xue, and this is the only cup!"
Xie Mingxi pursed her lips and smiled, then raised her wine glass: "I would like to propose a toast to Master."
Chief Gu Shan raised his glass happily.
The wine glasses touched each other and made a soft clang sound.
The fruit wine fills your nose with fragrance and is soft and sweet in the mouth. Paired with the vegetables and fish cooked in the hot chicken soup, it has a wonderful taste.
Gu Shanchang came from a well-known family and was very picky about food. In the past ten years or so, he has stayed alone in Lianchi Academy, and his habit of not being tired of fine food and not being tired of fine food has changed a lot.
Eating delicious food and drinking fruit wine today, it feels like I have returned to the days of the boudoir girl in the past.
At that time, she often sat opposite Yu Lianniang, chatting and laughing freely.
At that time, Yu Lian's disguise as a man had not yet been exposed, and Yu Lianchi had not yet "died" of illness. She was still the most pampered and most delicate daughter of the Gu family...
Such beautiful times are gone like a white crane riding the wind and will never return.
Gu Shanchang unknowingly drank more than half a pot of fruit wine. He was slightly tipsy, and old memories came to his mind. The five flavors were mixed, and only he could understand the taste.
…
Xie Mingxi seemed to have glimpsed the sadness and loneliness behind Gu Shanchang's cheerful face, but she didn't mention it or ask anything. From time to time, she picked up the cooked meat and vegetables and put them into Gu Shanchang's bowl.
When Gu Shan finished his long cup, Xie Mingxi immediately took the pot and refilled it.
Gu Shanchang didn't speak, and Xie Mingxi didn't make a sound either.
The atmosphere is peaceful and quiet.
"I'm full."
Gu Shanchang put down his chopsticks and the wine glass together, and the slight loneliness in the corners of his eyes and brows was also wiped away.
The steaming heat dyed Gu Shanchang's pale and thin cheeks with a blush, and a little light flashed in his eyes: "I haven't had such a good appetite for a long time."
Xie Mingxi also stopped using her chopsticks and said with a smile: "Master likes my company, I will come here often in the future."
Gu Shanchang felt impressed, but said: "During the Chinese New Year, the Xie family must be very lively. You don't have to come to accompany me all the time."
Xie Mingxi raised her eyes and said in a calm voice: "No matter how many Xie family members there are, there is no one who really cares and loves me. I would rather stay with Master."
Because of her face, Princess Yongning still led Xie Yuanting, Xie Yunxi and her brother and sister back to Xie Mansion for a "reunion".
Instead of being arrogant with a group of hateful people, it would be better to come to Lianchi Academy and be with Gu Shanchang.
Gu Shanzhang was silent for a moment and then sighed: "It doesn't matter, you can come if you want! We, master and disciple, celebrate the New Year together."
Xie Mingxi smiled and hummed.
…
The snow was deep and the weather was freezing. It was inconvenient for Xie Mingxi to stay long and left soon after dinner.
Ruoyao put away the dishes and went to the kitchen.
Gu Shanchang was sitting alone in the room.
Under the bright candlelight, Gu Shanchang looked dazed, and he didn't know what he thought of. After a long time, Gu Shanchang got up and went to the dressing mirror and took out a jewelry box.
This jewelry box is old and slightly worn. Open the bottom layer and there is a letter inside.
The envelope is old but well preserved.
Gu Shanchang took out the envelope and pulled out the letter paper inside. The letter paper was also old and yellowed, and it was also in excellent condition.
Yu Lianchi, a fifteen-year-old boy, was introverted and shy. He was full of youthful admiration and never dared to express it verbally. Before his death, he finally vented all his feelings in his writings.
After Yu Lianchi's death, this letter was delivered to her. When she read it, her heart was cut by a knife and she burst into tears. After that, she decided not to marry for the rest of her life.
Over the years, she has never regretted her choice.
"Lotus Pond,"
Chief Gu Shanzhang gently rubbed the yellowed letter paper and said in a soft voice: "I have accepted a disciple, her name is Xie Mingxi. She is a smart and considerate child."
"With her by my side, I am very happy today."
"I am no longer cold and lonely. If you know something underground, you will also be happy for me!"
…
In the eleventh year of the founding of Da Qi Dynasty, it is New Year's Day.
As soon as Chief Gu Shanzhang opened the door, he saw a newly dressed disciple standing outside the door with a smile and cupped his hands to say New Year greetings: "Disciple Mingxi, I wish Master a happy New Year. I wish Master good luck in the New Year and everything goes well."
There was only one more person, but the place suddenly became lively and lively.
Gu Shanchang curled up his lips and said with a smile in his eyes: "Get up quickly. Master also wishes you success every year and all your wishes come true." Then, he took out the red envelope he had prepared: "This is what Master gave you.
New Year’s red envelope.”
When the younger generation pays New Year greetings to their elders, it is only natural that they receive a red envelope.
Xie Mingxi did not refuse, and accepted the red envelope with a smile: "Thank you, Master."
Every year on New Year's Day, imperial edicts of the third rank and above must come to the palace for an audience. Empress Yu also summoned Chief Gu Shan to the palace. A few years ago, Chief Gu went there once. After that, he refused to go again. She would rather stay alone in Lian.
Pool Academy.
My nephew Gu Qing will also come to pay New Year greetings. However, as the prince-in-law, he will be busy with many favors during the New Year. At least he will not be able to spare time until after the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.
This was the first time someone stayed with her on New Year's Day.
Chief Gu Shan was in a good mood and led Xie Mingxi around the Lotus Pond Academy.
Neither master nor disciple is a man of many words. During a leisurely stroll in the courtyard, they would exchange a few words or occasionally laugh at each other's acquaintance. Being with each other was enough!
Afterwards, master and apprentice played chess for fun.
Ruoyao deliberately buried a few sweet potatoes in the charcoal basin. In less than half an hour, the sweet potatoes were cooked. The slightly charred outer skin was torn open, revealing the sweet and soft inner flesh, which tasted quite good.
Even Xie Mingxi was picky and ate most of it.
…
What is surprising is that the Sixth Princess actually left the palace and came to Lianchi Academy to pay New Year's greetings to Chief Gu Shan.
The Sixth Princess, dressed in black and wearing a black cloak, stood in a yard filled with snow, her slightly cold face showing a breathtaking beauty.
The moment she saw Xie Mingxi, a mischievous smile appeared in the eyes of the sixth princess: "Before coming, I was still thinking that you would come to pay New Year greetings to the mountain chief. I guessed it right!"
We haven't seen each other for only one day, and it feels like three autumns have passed since then.
Xie Mingxi pursed her lips and smiled, and her eyes also flashed with joy.
Gu Shanchang smiled and joked: "You two are not here to wish me New Year greetings. You are here specifically to meet me in the academy."
Xie Mingxi and the Sixth Princess smiled when they met.
After the sixth princess entered the house, she saw half a sweet potato placed beside the charcoal basin and asked quietly: "Who eats this?"
Xie Mingxi replied: "I ate most of it."
The sixth princess said oh, picked up the remaining half, and ate it with gusto.