Chapter 221: Chapter 213: Better and Better
The subsequent journey was sweet yet fleeting, with the two people who broke through the metaphorical window paper occasionally glancing at each other, or grinning foolishly like a pair of happy fools.
Tian Sisi finally fulfilled her long-held wish and completed the climb of the Badaling Great Wall, albeit on Tian Xinhua’s back. If it had been before, she might have felt embarrassed, but not anymore. Having allowed you a long kiss, shouldn’t she get some interest?
And so, the new couple willingly endured and blissfully finished climbing the Great Wall, returning home sweetly.
They got home just past noon, and He Chengsi had not yet returned. He Xuewen was accompanying Mr. Yun in the front courtyard, enjoying the sun and playing chess, with the faint scent of osmanthus lingering in the air—apparently, Mr. Yun couldn’t help but secretly indulge in osmanthus dew again.
Tian Sisi’s lips were still a bit swollen. Fearing that Mr. Yun and He Xuewen would notice something off if she stayed, she excused herself to make some snacks in the kitchen and left.
Mr. Yun took a meaningful glance at the fleeing Tian Sisi, then gave a knowing look to the triumphant Tian Xinhua. He smiled mysteriously at Tian Xinhua and, with a flick of his wrist, took He Xuewen’s piece on the chessboard.
"Ah, why didn’t I think to guard this spot? Your chess skills are truly exceptional, I admit defeat to Master Yun!" He Xuewen slapped his head annoyedly, conceding with a laugh.
Mr. Yun chuckled triumphantly, saying ambiguously, "It’s hard to defend against the unexpected! No matter how tightly you guard, there will always be a gap!"
He Xuewen was stunned for a moment, sensing a deeper meaning to Mr. Yun’s words. Just then, he had been utterly focused on the chess game, not noticing Tian Sisi and Tian Xinhua’s arrival, unaware that his precious daughter had already been snatched away by the big bad wolf!
Tian Xinhua stealthily glared at Mr. Yun, signaling him to speak less, as A Yin had specifically instructed before she left that Uncle He should not be informed!
Mr. Yun touched his nose, smiling without saying more. He set up the chessboard again and began another game with He Xuewen, who, drawn into the game, stopped pondering and concentrated on dueling with Mr. Yun.
Tian Sisi made plum blossom and ham porridge in the kitchen and served four bowls, carrying them out in a food container. Just now, she had used cold water to soothe her lips in the kitchen, reducing the swelling considerably. Now, they just looked a bit red.
When Tian Sisi came out, He Xuewen had just lost another piece to Mr. Yun. He shook his head with a rueful smile and said, "Master, playing chess with you is truly a blow to my self-esteem. Next time, let Xinhua play with you."
Tian Xinhua was quite skilled in chess, not quite on par with Mr. Yun, but he could still win four or five games out of ten. However, Mr. Yun did not enjoy playing with Tian Xinhua, preferring the thrill of thoroughly trouncing his opponent. How exhilarating! (He Xuewen weeps)
"Grandpa Yun, this is freshly made plum and ham porridge I just cooked. Please try it, and if you like it, I’ll make more for you!" Tian Sisi said crisply, carrying the food container and rescuing He Xuewen from his chess misery.
Tian Xinhua quickly gathered the chessboard and pieces, assisting Tian Sisi in arranging the porridge on the stone table. The delicate fragrance of plums wafted gently, mixing with the aroma of ham and rice, whetting the appetite.
Mr. Yun was the first to pick up a bowl of porridge and began to drink, nodding while he sipped—indeed, it was not only good-looking but also delicious. The young girl’s culinary skills had improved again.
While enjoying the porridge, Tian Xinhua kept glancing at Tian Sisi and occasionally flashed her secretive smiles. Tian Sisi gave him a coquettish glare, her cheeks flushed. It was uncertain whether it was the steam of the porridge or Tian Xinhua’s burning gaze that caused her blush.
Mr. Yun coughed loudly; what was this? Are they pretending he doesn’t exist? Getting all lovey-dovey under the broad daylight—tsk, tsk, the manners of the world are declining!
Tian Xinhua and Tian Sisi promptly straightened up and began to earnestly sip their porridge.
Mr. Yun looked at He Xuewen across the table sympathetically, drinking his porridge, oblivious to everything. Sigh, no matter how many precautions you take, it’s hard to guard against a thief within the family! Still, the elderly gent was prescient in not marrying or having children; otherwise, the blooming flower carefully nurtured would have just been "snapped" away by someone else, and it would have been unbearable for him!
The Pre-New Year Festival in Yun Mansion was celebrated with great liveliness the following night, unlike the usual quietness. Mr. Yun was in high spirits too, clamoring to write spring couplets, with Tian Sisi and Tian Xinhua cutting red paper and grinding ink, both attending to this master.
Drinking a sip of osmanthus dew, Mr. Yun, with energy concentrated in his lower abdomen, wrote swiftly and powerfully, creating countless spring couplets with Sisi’s hands getting sore from all the grinding.
When the old man’s zeal waned, he waved his hand with an air of an immortal, instructing Tian Xinhua and the others to paste spring couplets on all doors of Yun Mansion, leaving no spot uncovered.
One must say Mr. Yun was quite talented; of so many spring couplets, not one was duplicated. For example:
"Pale bamboo fences segment the green, while bright plums herald spring to countless homes" - Banner: The Earth Revivifies in Spring
"The people prosper and the nation is at peace in this golden age; wishing for favorable weather and abundant harvests" - Banner: Peace for People and Country
"Harmony between heaven and earth brings family wealth; peace and happiness bestow blessings on the people" - Banner: Peace throughout the Four Seasons
...
And to everyone’s surprise, Mr. Yun wrote in the solemn and strict Yan style, with light horizontal and heavy vertical strokes, strong and full of vitality, indicating his many years of deep involvement in calligraphy.
It was unexpected; Sisi thought Mr. Yun’s personality would favor the free and flowing cursive script! As for herself, Zhang Mingliu had her practice Mrs. Wei’s delicate and graceful small script, clear and lively, very suitable for a girl’s handwriting.
Tian Sisi secretly saved a few couplets, planning to paste them on her family’s door back home, since such well-written couplets couldn’t be found in the village.
Yun Mansion, now covered with spring couplets, was brimming with joy. Sisi and Tian Xinhua also made many small lanterns, hanging them on the flowers and plants in the garden with silk thread, which looked very festive and unique.
Niu Erniu was the happiest, having acknowledged her nephew and Ms. Niu having an heir; she no longer had to worry about facing her parents in the afterlife without an explanation.
Luo Datou was also happy; his master was getting healthier and nearly normal. This winter, he hadn’t even used hand warmers; by this rate, the master was sure to live to a hundred.
Tian Xinhua was of course even happier and even generously invited He Chengsi to hang lanterns with them. Ah Nan was already his wife; what was there to fear from this simpleton?
In the evening, Niu Erniu put all her skills into preparing a full table of dishes. Tian Xinhua brought out a jar of wine, pouring it for everyone at the table. They all looked to Mr. Yun, hoping for him to give a pre-dinner speech.
It was the first time Mr. Yun celebrated the Pre-New Year Festival with so many people, and he felt somewhat unaccustomed. Standing up, he began, "This year is full of joy. Erniu and Chengsi reunited with their loved ones, Xinhua..."
Mr. Yun paused to cough a few times. He originally wanted to say Xinhua was bringing home a beautiful bride but quickly changed course, saying instead, "Xinhua has made great academic achievements, my health is improving, and I believe everyone’s future will only get better. Cheers!"
"Cheers! To a better future!"
The sound of glasses clinking rang out clearly, and everyone smiled happily, drinking the fine wine to the dregs. Everyone was filled with hope for the future, firmly believing that things would only get better!