Chapter 17: Thinking of You During the New Year
He entered, took off his straw rain cape, and shook the snowflakes from his body, complaining, “Xuan’an is just too talkative. What’s so pitiful about her? She went down the mountain to go home for the New Year long ago. There are only two servants left to watch over that villa. It’s freezing outside, and I made a trip for nothing.”
He deliberately glanced at Xuanyan. “Come to think of it, with the benefactor’s bearing and appearance, one can tell at a glance that she comes from a noble family. The great clans value etiquette and morality the most. They would never let their own young lady spend the New Year’s Eve vigil alone outside. You all are just worrying for nothing.”
Xuan’an frantically shot glances at Qingxuzi.
Xuanyan, however, said nothing. His expression was cold. He stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and walked to the door, looking out.
The empty courtyard was covered in snow, the withered branches stark. All around was white. The year was ending in an instant, the floating clouds about to sink. Heaven and earth were both vast and boundless.
He remembered what she had said to him that day as she knelt in the snow: The world is so vast, yet I have no home to return to.
She was absolutely right.
***
In the four corners of the flower hall were braziers burning with silver-white frost charcoal, occasionally letting out a soft crackle. The hall was warm and cozy. The dark gold brocade curtains on the doors and windows were drawn. In the Boshan censer behind the sandalwood screen, “Spring Tidings in the Snow” incense was burning. In a daze, it seemed as if the cold year was departing and spring was about to arrive.
The dozen or so members of the Fu family were all gathered here, lively and bustling.
Just a moment ago, the palace had sent over New Year’s gifts from Empress Shen for Fu Tangli: a hu of round Eastern pearls the size of a thumb, a pine and crane fat-gold ruyi scepter, a table screen inlaid with enamel and tourmaline, and two bolts of Floating Light Cloud Brocade satin, a tribute from Songjiang Prefecture. At this moment, the items were still on the table, dazzling and brilliant.
The members of the Fu family gathered around Fu Tangli, showering her with compliments. For a time, the hall was filled with laughter and pleasantries.
Fu Tangli was calm and composed, thanking them one by one, her words and actions gentle, respectful, and proper, earning frequent nods from Fu Fangxu.
Fu Fangxu had three sons and one daughter. His daughter had married into a prominent clan in Hedong, and all three of his sons served as officials in the court. Now, his family could be considered prosperous and glorious, with children and grandchildren surrounding him. Fu Fangxu was quite pleased.
The eldest grandson of the first branch, Fu Shubai, trying to be amusing, took out the spring couplets he had written and asked with a smile, “Grandfather, come and see. How is my calligraphy?”
Fu Fangxu pondered for a moment, then beckoned to Fu Tangli. “Queniang, come.”
“What are Grandfather’s orders?” Fu Tangli obediently came forward.
Fu Fangxu handed the spring couplets to Fu Tangli and said with a smile, “Your eldest brother’s calligraphy is excellent. For you. Paste them on the door of your courtyard. I think it’s quite good.”
Fu Tangli took them and politely thanked Fu Shubai. “Then I thank you, Eldest Brother.”
Fu Fangxu patted Fu Tangli’s shoulder and said earnestly, “Your eldest brother is just like you, clever and sensible. In our Fu family, the two of you are the most promising children. Queniang, in the future, when you marry into the Eastern Palace, don’t forget to mention to His Highness the Crown Prince how deep the bond between you siblings is. Your eldest brother is currently working in the Ministry of Revenue, but unfortunately, he is only a minor secretary. If his official position can be promoted in the future, it will be of great benefit to you as well. Do you understand this?”
Fu Shaoyao, sitting to the side, pursed her lips in disdain. It was the New Year, and her confinement had finally been lifted. She was resentful but didn’t dare to say much.
Fu Shubai himself blushed a little. “Grandfather, why do you say such things? We are all siblings in this family. We naturally rely on each other. There is no need for such instructions.”
Fu Tangli bowed slightly. “Yes, Grandfather. I understand and have taken note of what you said today. Please rest assured.”
Fu Fangxu stroked his beard and smiled.
The lady of the second branch, Zhang-shi, watched with envy. She brazenly sidled over, took Fu Tangli’s hand, and said affectionately, “Queniang has been living in Weizhou all this time and has only been back for two years. In the blink of an eye, she is to be married. It truly makes one reluctant to part with her. After you marry His Highness the Crown Prince, can your Second Aunt come to the Eastern Palace to visit you often?”
This aunt, I’m really not familiar with her. When Fu Tangli was at home, she rarely came over. I don’t know why she’s suddenly so reluctant to part with me now.
Fu Tangli discreetly withdrew her hand. Before she could answer, her stepmother, Yang-shi, had already spoken.
“Second Sister-in-law is joking. What kind of place is the Eastern Palace? How can one just go whenever one pleases? Even we, her closest parents, must wait to be summoned by the Crown Princess before we can have an audience.” Yang-shi’s face was full of reserve. “If you really miss Queniang, I can take you with me once or twice to broaden your horizons.”
As she spoke, she still knew to curry favor with Fu Tangli. She picked up a plate of pastries and offered it to her. “Queniang, come, try this. Freshly made apricot blossom sugar cheese golden bell pastries. They’re still warm. I specially instructed the kitchen to make them for you.”
Her smile was radiant, as kind and gentle as ever, as if she had completely forgotten what had happened on the anniversary of Han-shi’s death.
Fu Tangli smiled, took the pastries, and casually placed them on the table. “Thank you, Mother.”
The sound of firecrackers came from outside, interspersed with the clapping and laughter of children, enhancing the New Year’s atmosphere. The men of the Fu family, laughing heartily, also went out and called for servants to bring firecrackers, which they lit under the veranda. A loud crackling sound immediately erupted.
The young lady of the third branch, Fu Yulan, cried out and threw herself into her mother’s arms. Zhang-shi laughed and hugged her, covering her ears.
Seeing this, Fu Shaoyao pouted at Yang-shi.
Yang-shi understood and immediately went over to hug her, scolding with a laugh, “How old is the Fourth Lady, and how old are you? Aren’t you ashamed?”
Fu Shaoyao clung to Yang-shi like sticky candy, acting spoiled. “Just because I’m older, does that mean I’m not Mother’s daughter anymore? Does Mother not love me anymore? That can’t be.”
While Yang-shi and her daughter were affectionately talking together, the First Mistress, Yan-shi, couldn’t bear to watch. She let out a “Yo,” deliberately raised her voice, and pretended to joke, “It’s a pity my eldest daughter is already married and not at home today. Queniang, it’s just the two of us with no one to pay attention to. Come, would you like Eldest Aunt to give you a hug?”
At these words, Yang-shi’s expression immediately changed. She let go of Fu Shaoyao and went to pull Fu Tangli, saying with a sheepish smile, “Queniang is very brave, not afraid at all.”
Fu Tangli stood up, avoiding Yang-shi’s hand. Her expression was serene, gentle, and considerate, as if she didn’t mind at all. “I just remembered something I need to go and take care of. I will come back to chat with everyone later.”
With that, she took her leave without a second glance at Yang-shi.
Dailuo was waiting outside the door. Seeing Fu Tangli come out, she hurried to greet her and was about to cover Fu Tangli’s ears. “My Lady, they’re setting off firecrackers outside! Quick, hide!”
Fu Tangli turned her head and waved her hand, indicating it was not necessary.
Dailuo had no choice but to step back.
After a short while, the sound of firecrackers stopped. Fu Zhihe saw his daughter come out and waved with a smile. “Queniang, would you like to come and set off firecrackers with your brothers?”
Fu Tangli smiled and shook her head, then walked away with her maid.
Dailuo grumbled in dissatisfaction, “Doesn’t the Third Master know that the Second Lady is most afraid of the sound of firecrackers? And he’s asking her to set them off. What a joke. Our Second Lady is not a rough boy. How could she play with such things?”
“I’m not afraid,” Fu Tangli said coolly. “I used to hide in my grandmother’s arms whenever I heard firecrackers. That made me happy, and it made her happy too. Now that Grandmother is gone, who can I act spoiled for?”
Dailuo fell silent.
The weather was a bit cold. Fu Tangli tightened the cloak around herself, looked up at the sky, and said lightly, “What are you sulking about? I’m living my own life. Why bother with those irrelevant people? By the way, the things I asked for, are they ready?”
Dailuo quickly replied, “They’re all ready. Yanzhi went to the kitchen to get them and has taken them to the Second Lady’s room. She’s just waiting for you.”
Before long, they returned to her room. Sure enough, Yanzhi had already had the kitchen servants arrange plates of pastries there—square cakes, round biscuits, buns, steamed rolls, and so on, all exquisitely made.
Seeing Fu Tangli, Yanzhi’s face was full of pride. She came forward to take credit. “My Lady, everything is ready here. The flavors of these pastries are also made according to your previous instructions. There are sweet and savory ones, and all kinds of different styles.”
Fu Tangli picked up a small bun, squeezed it, and looked at it. The soft, grainy aroma suddenly made one feel warm.
Outside the window, a few snowflakes were falling. The windowsill was smeared with a mottled white. The daylight was gentle. White sandalwood was burning in the small censer, its scent clean and pure. In the distance, the faint sound of firecrackers could be heard. The old year was departing. No matter what, there should at least be some joy.
She pondered for a moment, then sat down at the table, picked up her brush, and smiled faintly. “How about this? I’ll add a few more words.”
***
The mountain was empty and quiet. Outside, it was beginning to snow lightly. The wind was not strong, just a little, shaking down the twilight of dusk.
The Daoists were busy pasting spring couplets, drawing talismans, and going back and forth to offer incense to the gods in the various halls. Some of the Daoists were greedy and went to the dining hall to grab a couple of spring pancakes to munch on. When their fellow disciples saw, they just smiled.
The temple seemed to have acquired a bit of a worldly, festive atmosphere.
Qingxuzi was old. He held a hand warmer and was comfortably nestled in an armchair, ordering his disciples to do this and that.
“The tea is a bit cold. Your Senior Brother won’t like it. Go, brew a new pot… The scent of the incense is a bit faint, add some more… Xundu, are the firecrackers ready? We’ll be setting them off later…”
In the midst of this lively scene, the young Daoist boy who guarded the gate came in again.
“Senior Brother Xuanyan, the Palace Director Min from the Empress Dowager’s side has come to pay her respects. She says she has a verbal edict from the Empress Dowager. Since Senior Brother is spending the New Year’s Eve vigil at Yunlu Temple, it should not be too shabby. The Empress Dowager has specially bestowed a vegetarian feast and two jars of vegetarian wine, for Senior Brother to enjoy with everyone in the temple. Right now, many palace servants are waiting outside the mountain gate with the items. Please give your instructions, Senior Brother.”
The sound of the Daoists’ laughter and conversation suddenly quieted down.
Qingxuzi, however, remained at ease. He laughed and said, “A gift from an elder cannot be refused. No need to ask. Just accept it.”
Xuanyan lowered his eyelids, hiding the expression in his eyes. He played with the teacup in his hand and said coolly, “If Master says so, then let it be so. Bring the things in. As for those people, I do not wish to see them.”
The young Daoist boy agreed meekly and, with seven or eight other Daoists, went out. They made over a dozen trips back and forth, carrying in the food boxes and wine jars. After a long time of bustling about, everything was arranged properly.
On the table were crispy jade leaves, jade well rice, hibiscus noodles, fried chrysanthemum shoots, plum blossom soup, and so on, served on carved silver platters. The color and aroma were all wonderful, and every dish was exquisite. There were no less than several dozen dishes in total, crowding the several tables.
Xuanyan merely glanced at them nonchalantly, then turned and instructed Xuan’an, “I do not eat the food of these worldly people. Have the dining hall make me a bowl of plain noodles.”
Xuan’an respectfully agreed and went down to cook a bowl of plain noodles in clear broth, which he brought up.
The Daoists then paid their respects to the Three Pure Ones patriarchs, sat down, and began the feast.
Xuanyan had just picked up his chopsticks when the young Daoist boy came in again. He casually placed two food boxes to the side. “These two are extra. There’s no room for them. Let’s just put them here for now.”
Qingxuzi casually asked, “Where did those come from?”
“They are offerings from a benefactor. They said their master’s surname is Fu, and they sent some pastries for the gods for the New Year.”
Xuanyan’s hand paused. “Where are the people?”