The capital city was extremely lively two years ago. Xia Chu had just finished shopping with Xiao Muhong in the market, and it was already almost midnight when they returned to the house.
In the past ten days, Xiao Muhong came three times at random intervals. This child had a sweet mouth and a good personality, which made the Marquis very happy. In addition, Xia Chu could always see his own reflection in her, and he doted on her even more.
Entering the Hou Mansion, the servants were busy decorating the lanterns. He looked at the joyful people in the courtyard and couldn't help but sigh. Time passed so fast. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and he won't be able to stay in the house for long.
Xia Chu pinched his fingers and guessed that the Marquis should be in the study at this time, so he walked over directly.
When Cong Ting saw him coming from a distance, he had already informed the Marquis and opened the door.
Xia Chu told him to get the tea sets and Pu'er before entering the study.
Mr. Hou had just finished writing a pair of peach charms and was admiring them alone.
Xia Chu walked over, opened his mouth and started to praise: "Tsk, tsk, my father's calligraphy. It is really majestic, the pen and ink are horizontal, the clouds are moving, the dragon is frightened, the strength is powerful..."
The Marquis waved his hand, indicating that he had enough.
Xia Chu smiled sweetly and saw a pile of peach charms piled up beside the desk. Then he joked: "Dad, do you want to give it away or sell it to supplement your family income?"
The Marquis glared at him. "We have to replace all the courtyards in the house."
"Yes, yes, I will hang them up for you one by one tomorrow."
"Do you still need to do such a small thing?"
Xia Chu flattered, "Don't I come in person to give father's calligraphy?"
While talking, Cong Ting knocked on the door and put on the tea set, and Xia Chu began to cook tea.
Mr. Hou came over and sat down, looking at Xia Chu's skillful techniques and smelling the fragrance of tea gradually overflowing, with a look of satisfaction on his face.
"Did you take Princess Ninth to the street this afternoon?"
"Yeah. This child begged me to take her out to play. She said she had never been on the street since she was this old. She didn't know how bustling and lively the market was. You also know her ability to act coquettishly and her eyes are watery. How could she say no? ”
"Whose child are you talking about? You are only one year older than her." The most disgusting thing about him is that he looks old and arrogant. He is obviously only thirteen, but he talks and acts like he is thirty.
Xia Chu sighed and handed the Marquis a cup of freshly brewed tea without saying anything.
The Marquis took the tea and blew it. Putting it down again, he couldn't help but say: "You understand the Ninth Princess's feelings for you. You are so kind to her. I am afraid that she will have deep feelings for you."
"I was just about to tell you that after the Lantern Festival, I will go to Hanyang. Have you found the person who introduced you?"
The Marquis suddenly felt lonely. He looked at the cup of tea in his hand and said, "It has been arranged a long time ago. You can just find Coach Gu Weiyi after you go. But do you want to leave in such a hurry?"
"Dad, I'm going to do business. This trip is a long way. Go early, get more familiar with the surrounding environment, and understand human relationships and accidents. It will only waste time." Xia Chu couldn't see that Lord Hou was hurt, so he comforted him with gentle words.
The Marquis drank all the tea in his hand.
"These days, you have been so naughty. After the Lantern Festival, you won't be able to drink Yunyipang's tea..."
"Dad, it's not like I won't come back. After I finish my work, I'll come back right away to make tea for you. I'll be at home with you every day, okay?"
Xia Chu held Master Hou's hand, feeling sour in her heart.
"Okay, okay, dad knows."
The Marquis put his hand on Xia Chu's and patted it gently.
"Just do what you want to do."
Xia Chu suppressed the mist in his eyes and refilled the Hou Ye's cup of tea.
"Dad, tomorrow is New Year's Eve."
"Yes, dad has been looking forward to having a reunion dinner with you for thirteen years." Mr. Hou said with emotion.
"Dad! Do you have to make Yun Yi cry to be satisfied?" Xia Chu said coquettishly.
"Okay, okay, it's dad's fault." Mr. Hou brushed away his sentimental emotions and said with a smile.
"Then, since it's dad's fault, do you have to promise me something?"
"Waiting for me here, what's the matter?"
"Look, there are only two of us in this mansion, how deserted it is."
"so?"
"So, I want to have a reunion dinner with Aunt Li, Qian'an, and Mr. Bingwen."
"Forget it about Li Xinlan, can Qian'an and Bingwen be so valued by you?"
"Dad, I don't regard them as subordinates. They are companions who want to accompany me on this journey."
"Okay, as long as you're happy."
"Dad... How could I have such a wonderful father in the world!" Xia Chu said in an exaggerated coquettish manner, making Mr. Hou laugh and reach out to rub his head.
"Today, you are the most famous in this palace. It has been more than ten days, and the most talked about drunken conversation among civil and military officials is still the night you entered the palace for the banquet. This time, the Fourth Highness has been completely transformed by you. A joke."
Xia Chu curled her lips and thought to herself, where are we going now? The days are long.
Seeing the disdain on his face, the Marquis didn't bother to scold him, and continued: "These people, Mr. Bingwen is already very popular. Why haven't you sold a single piece of information?"
"Don't worry, I told him a long time ago that I only sell one piece of news a month. These days, Qian'an also sends me some discounts. I'll choose again, this is the first one, it has to be big."
"You have such a big heart." Mr. Hou squeezed him.
"I can pretend." Xia Chu looked arrogant, and the Marquis laughed heartily again.
Xia Chu finished drinking tea with the Marquis and read a book for a while. It wasn't until the moon had set in the west that I sent the Marquis off to bed before returning to Yunqiyuan.
Su Qian'an had returned to her house a long time ago. When she heard Xia Chu's return, she went out to wait.
He followed Xia Chu into the house and handed over Bingwen's booklet and a long wooden box.
Xia Chu turned over the folder and burned it. Then he opened the small wooden box and took out a hairpin with a fox-shaped silver hairpin. He gently pressed the slightly raised fox's nose, and the fox's head popped open.
"The hairpin is well made." Xia Chu said with satisfaction.
He had a sudden idea when he went to the palace to choose a silver hairpin last time. When he came back, he drew a drawing and asked Qian'an to find someone to do it. The length of this silver hairpin is just right for holding some slightly longer silver needles.
Seeing that Xia Chu was playing with the silver hairpin, Su Qian'an didn't seem to have any instructions, so she asked tentatively: "Young Master still can't read it back? Bingwen said that he knows some of these excerpts."
Xia Chu held his chin with his left hand, tapped the table with the index finger of his right hand, and said lazily: "Tell him not to be impatient and to be calm. He makes a living once a month. If you want to sell, sell big."
"yes."
Su Qian'an was about to leave when Xia Chu called him.
"The store will be closed at noon tomorrow. Ask Yin Zhi to disguise himself and take him to the Marquis's residence so that no one finds out."
"yes."
"Go and rest early."
Su Qian'an resigned, and Xia Chu called Mo Xiang into the room to wash up and then lay down on the bed.
This comfortable life will end in half a month...
(End of chapter)