524 The Thirteenth Year
Madam Zhao’s heart softened. Su Xiaolu had been gone for half a month and she missed her so much. Even after sending letters, Madam Zhao was worried that she would not be able to make it back in time for the new year.
Now that Su Xiaolu was home, Madam Zhao felt at ease.
This year, there were a few servants at home. There were many things that they did not have to do themselves, but it was the New Year, so Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao were still used to cooking New Year’s food themselves.
Su Xiaoling was in the palace. Sun Baoqian did not know much and was also helping.
Chen Hu and Madam Qian discussed and decided that the two families should celebrate the new year together, so they came over to help and it was very lively.
December 30th, New Year’s Eve.
This was the thirteenth year.
Both families had changed a lot. Only their friendship remained unchanged.
This was the first time Sun Baoqian had celebrated the new year in the Su family. She quite liked such an atmosphere.
The Su family was not restrained and did not have many rigid rules. Even Su Hua would enter the kitchen. Even if it was an ordinary family, men would not enter the kitchen.
Furthermore, Su Hua was already an official.
“Did you all do this when you were little?”
Sun Baoqian asked Su Hua softly.
Su Hua nodded. Ever since that year, their family had celebrated the new year like this every year.
During the reunion dinner, Chen Hu encouraged Su Sanlang, “Big Brother, say something to the children.”
Chen Shi and Chen Xing followed Su Chong and Su Hua’s example. After Chen Hu spoke, they quietened down and waited quietly.
Su Sanlang was a little embarrassed. Madam Zhao nudged him. “Sanlang, hurry up. The children are waiting.”
Only then did Su Sanlang stand up. With gratitude in his heart, he said with emotion, “It’s the New Year again today. The old year is about to pass, and the new one is about to arrive. The children are all grown up and have their own families. I wish you all happiness, peace, and joy.”
Su Sanlang looked at Su Chong, Su Hua, and Su Xiaolu with gentle eyes. His children had all grown up.
Su Sanlang wondered what it would be like for his third daughter to spend the New Year in the palace. His thoughts churned as he sat down.
Perhaps understanding his thoughts, Madam Zhao’s gentle eyes were a little worried.
Chen Hu and Madam Qian also missed Chen Daniu and Chen Erniu.
One of them went to Furongzhou while the other returned to Goathorn Town.
The few girls were already married. For a moment, they felt much colder.
The New Year’s Eve in the capital was very lively, and the sound of firecrackers outside continued.
The room was also warm and rapprochementful.
Su Xiaolu picked up a drumstick for Chen Xing.
Chen Xing pursed his lips shyly and smiled. “Thank you, sister Xiaolu.”
Su Xiaolu smiled and picked up another drumstick for Chen Shi.
Chen Shi smiled. “Thank you, sister Xiaolu.”
A drumstick entered Su Xiaolu’s bowl. Su Xiaolu looked and saw that Sun Baoqian had given it to her.
“Xiaolu, eat more too. You’re too skinny.”
Sun Baoqian smiled gently at Su Xiaolu. She remembered that in the past, Su Xiaolu’s face was a little chubby and she looked very cute. However, since last year, she had lost weight and never gained weight again.
Su Xiaolu smiled sweetly and said, “Thank you, Second Sister-in-law.”
After the New Year’s Eve dinner, Su Hua took Sun Baoqian out for a walk. The New Year’s Eve in the capital was not cold at all. It was lively.
Chen Hu and Madam Qian also brought Chen Shi and Chen Xing out. This was the first time they had celebrated the new year in the capital. They had been in the capital for so long and were usually busy. They studied recipes and watched the making of sauerkraut and pickles. It was rare for them to have the time.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao did not want to go out.
Su Chong also went out. He and Lin Yaoyao were getting married in a month. They could still see each other now, so they had agreed to go shopping together.
Madam Zhao hugged Su Xiaolu and said, “Xiaolu, go out and play.”
Su Xiaolu nodded and went out too.
The capital was very lively. The lights were brightly lit, and all kinds of stalls were dazzling.
Su Xiaolu unknowingly arrived outside the palace.
The palace was bright, and there were faint sounds of singing and dancing.
Su Xiaolu thought about her Qinggong and decided to sneak in to take a look.
Avoiding the patrolling imperial guards, Su Xiaolu flew into the palace. Her Qinggong was not bad. If it was only the imperial guards, it would be easy.
However, apart from the imperial guards, there were also secret guards guarding the palace.
Su Xiaolu knocked out a palace maid and changed into her clothes. Then, she carried a fruit plate and followed them into the hall.
She served fruit platters to every table.
Su Xiaolu saw Su Xiaoling. She was dressed up and sitting beside Zhou Heng.
The two sisters looked at each other. Su Xiaoling was shocked. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Was she seeing things?
Su Xiaolu blinked at her. Su Xiaoling almost cried. She pursed her lips and smiled. She moved her lips without making a sound, but Su Xiaolu knew that she was calling her ‘Xiaolu’.
Unfortunately, after putting down the fruit platter, she was about to go down.
Su Xiaolu had just followed the maidservant who had retreated and was about to leave when a voice stopped her.
“Wait a moment. Come over and pour wine for me.”
Zhou Zhi’s cold voice stopped Su Xiaolu.
He was sitting on Zhou Heng’s right. When Su Xiaolu poured the wine for him, she would have a chance to talk to Su Xiaoling.
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhi in surprise and quickly walked to his side.
Zhou Heng glanced at Zhou Zhi. This glance made him feel that something was different.
Su Xiaoling had not realized it yet. She smiled at Su Xiaolu and asked softly, “Xiaolu, have you eaten New Year’s Eve dinner at home? How are Father, Mother, Eldest Brother, and Second Brother?”
Su Xiaolu nodded. “Very good. We just miss you very much.”
Su Xiaoling felt a lump in her throat. She was married and would never spend the New Year at home again. She was sad.
Zhou Heng smiled at Su Xiaolu. “Xiaolu, the palace banquet is about to end. Come to the palace later and talk to Xiaoling.”
Su Xiaolu nodded.
In order not to attract attention, Su Xiaolu did not say anything else and quietly poured wine for Zhou Zhi.
Thinking of Zhou Zhi’s condition, Su Xiaolu lowered her voice and said, “Just pretend. Don’t really drink it.”
Zhou Zhi’s body could not withstand drinks at all now.
Zhou Zhi smiled and said softly, “It’s water.”
Su Xiaolu looked at the wine pot and realized that it did not smell of alcohol.
Although he did not drink, the dishes in front of him did not seem to have been touched. Su Xiaolu looked at the others. Almost everyone was the same.
Below Zhou Zhi and Zhou Heng were the other princes and princesses.
Su Xiaolu took a rough look. Apart from Zhou Zhi and Zhou Heng, there were only three princes and two princesses.
The youngest looked to be only four or five years old. They didn’t touch the food at the palace banquet.
They were here to watch the singing and dancing.
About half an hour later, the slightly drunk emperor announced that the banquet was over. After saying some nice words, he left with the empress.
After the emperor and the empress left, the other concubines also left one after another. Those with children walked to their children and left with them, while those without children got up and left.