Chapter 154: Spending the New Year Alone

 Chapter 154: Spending the New Year Alone 

Yan Siyu didn't have a good time at the Yang family, which made the Yan family feel a little uneasy. The joy of the New Year was somewhat dampened.

Fortunately, on the 29th day of the twelfth month, Wu Shi from the third branch gave birth to a boy. Seeing that the Yan family had gained another son, everyone became happy again.

"Elder brother, why don’t you give the child a name?" Yan Zhiqiang asked, grinning at Yan Zhigao.

As the eldest brother, since their father passed away, Yan Zhigao had become the head of the Yan family. He was responsible for naming the children in the generation of Wenxiu.

Yan Zhigao also wore a smile on his face. The more sons the Yan family had, the more prosperous it became.   

"This little one is fortunate, let’s name him Wen Cheng! 'Cheng' means success, and we hope he grows up to achieve great things!" Yan Zhiqiang immediately smiled broadly after hearing this.

Inside the room, Wu Shi also showed a satisfied smile.

Their branch was the weakest in the family. The head of their household was honest but not as smooth or sociable as the second brother, who could handle things with ease. He could only help with managing the land.

Fortunately, she could give birth. She had already given the Yan family three sons, which allowed her husband to stand a little taller.

At this moment, a maid walked in carrying a food box. "Madam, the eldest young lady sent food for you."

Since unmarried women weren’t allowed into the delivery room, Daohua handed the food box to the maid, gave a few instructions, and left.

Upon hearing this, Wu Shi’s lips immediately curled up. "This girl is thoughtful. During pregnancy, she kept sending me food, and this delivery went smoother than the last two. After giving birth, I wasn’t even exhausted."

The maid laughed. "That’s right, I can see that the eldest young lady is quite worried about you and our Seventh young Master."

Wu Shi smiled. "Of course, she’s his sister. Little Wen Cheng, you must grow up quickly and support your big sister in the future."

The New Year's Eve dinner, prepared by Madam Li, was very lavish.

On the evening of the New Year's Eve, the family stayed in the grandmother’s room, chatting and laughing.

Yan Zhigao looked at the harmonious scene with a smile, feeling very happy.

This year, the family had experienced a series of good events. First, he was promoted to Prefect Magistrate, then a Young Prince visited, and now they had another son. One good thing after another filled them with endless hope and excitement. 

Thinking about the winter wheat that had already been planted, Yan Zhigao felt even more optimistic. If the yield was as high as the third brother said, his career would go to the next level.

With this thought, Yan Zhigao turned his gaze to his eldest daughter.

Seeing the bright smile on her face, he couldn’t help but smile too.

Now, he understood why others liked his eldest daughter so much. Seeing her smile made people feel good, as if it held infinite hope.

On the second day of the New Year, families began visiting relatives and friends.

Early in the morning, Zhou Jingwan brought food to the Yan family.

Daohua was surprised. "Why didn’t you go to your uncle's house? Your maternal family is in Jingzhou, right next door to Xingzhou."

Zhou Jingwan replied, "Didn’t you not go either?"

Daohua explained, "My uncle lives in the provincial capital. If I go, I won’t be able to return the same day." She smiled, adding, "But we’ll go in a few days."

Zhou Jingwan looked up. "You're going to the provincial capital?"

Daohua nodded. "I’ve never been to my uncle's house. Before the New Year, my eldest uncle sent a letter saying he would take me and my two brothers there after the New Year to stay for a few days, returning after the Lantern Festival."

"By the way, I heard the Lantern Festival in the provincial capital is very lively. Is it true?"

When she mentioned the provincial capital’s Lantern Festival, Zhou Jingwan became excited. "Yes, it’s especially lively! The lanterns on the streets are beautiful, and there are flower parades and all kinds of street performances. Now I want to go just hearing you mention it."

Daohua said, "Then we can go together!"

Zhou Jingwan shook her head, her face falling. "Not this year. A senior from the Zhou family is celebrating their birthday, and we all have to go to offer our birthday greetings. It just so happens that it conflicts with the Lantern Festival."

Daohua expressed her regret but then smiled. "We can’t go to see the lanterns this year, but we can go next year. There will be plenty of opportunities."

Zhou Jingwan smiled. "By the way, have you heard? Minister Guo didn’t return to Zhongzhou this year."

Daohua was stunned. "Does that mean Xiao Yeyang is spending the New Year alone?"

Zhou Jingwan nodded, lowering her voice. "I heard from my brother that the Dong family wanted to invite the Young Prince to spend the New Year with them, but he declined."

"Sometimes I think, even though royal children seem to live in glory, they’re actually quite pitiful. Take the Young Prince, for example. Other families are reunited for the holidays, but he’s all alone in the palace, so lonely!"

Upon hearing this, Daohua felt a bit uncomfortable inside.

Zhou Jingwan looked at Daohua. "Since the Young Prince is such good friends with you, why don’t you invite him to our house?"

Daohua thought for a moment before shaking her head. "I’d rather not."

Zhou Jingwan was puzzled. "Why?" 

Daohua said, "Think about it, Xiao Yeyang usually comes to our house because he takes the initiative and is willing to grace us with his presence. But now, during the New Year, if we invite him, it would just highlight how cheerful and harmonious our family is, making him feel even more lonely and isolated."

Given Xiao Yeyang's personality, he would definitely not want to show any weakness in front of others.

Zhou Jingwan nodded. "That’s true. No wonder my grandfather and brother didn’t suggest inviting the Young Prince to our house."

Afterwards, they discussed other topics.

Once Zhou Jingwan left, Daohua couldn't help but think about Xiao Yeyang spending the New Year alone in the palace.

Li Xingnian arrived on the fifth day of the New Year and stayed overnight at the Yan family. The next day, he took Daohua, Yan Wenxiu, and Yan Wenkai with him on a boat to the provincial capital.

"Why are you still carrying a food box?"

When boarding the boat, Li Xingnian noticed that Daohua and her maid each had a food box. He was both amused and bewildered. "What, are you afraid your uncle won't prepare food for you?"

Daohua smiled and shook her head. "No, I know my uncle and aunt will definitely have delicious food and fun things ready for us. This is for someone else."

Li Xingnian raised an eyebrow. "For whom?"

Daohua set the food box down and turned to him. "We're passing by Wuhua Mountain on the way to the provincial capital, and I thought I'd take the opportunity to visit the Young Prince."

Upon hearing this, Li Xingnian's breath became a bit faster. "What did you say? Visit the Young Prince?"

This was the first time Yan Wenxiu and Yan Wenkai heard Daohua mention it.

Yan Wenxiu immediately said, "Sister, the Young Prince lives in the palace. It’s not easy to get in there without proper authorization."

Daohua, not overly concerned, smiled and patted the purse at her waist. "Don't worry. I have the jade pendant the Young Prince gave me. I'll definitely be able to get in."

Seeing that Daohua even had the jade pendant with her, Yan Wenxiu stopped speaking.

Yan Wenkai, puzzled, asked, "Big sister, why do you want to visit the Young Prince?"

He even reached for the food box, but Daohua stopped him.

Daohua said, "The Young Prince's uncle didn’t return to Zhongzhou, so he's spending the New Year alone in the palace. I’m going to check on him!"

"Why didn’t you say this earlier?" Yan Wenxiu hurriedly asked.

Daohua replied, "What good would it do? He wouldn’t come to our house anyway."

Li Xingnian, standing nearby, looked at the three casually discussing Xiao Yeyang. His heart stirred deeply.

It hadn't been long, but his younger sister's family had become so familiar with the Young Prince.

(End of Chapter)