Chapter 96

This New Year's Eve banquet, though not a gathering with family, was merely a custom to pass the time and alleviate loneliness, turned out to be more pleasant and interesting than Zhao Junchen had imagined.

Though only five people gathered, Xu Qingyan and Fang Ru knew each other well, Liu Zimin was tactful and smooth, Liu Rui was modest and quiet, and each had their own insights, making it not boring to chat with them about various topics, from ancient to modern.

Especially Liu Zimin, this New Year's Eve banquet made Zhao Junchen look at him in a new light. Indeed, his family's scholarly tradition was profound, and his knowledge and insight, as well as his agile thinking, far exceeded Zhao Junchen's original expectations. During the conversation, he cited extensively and deliberately flattered Zhao Junchen, occasionally telling jokes that could make people smile. In the course of their interaction, there were times when Zhao Junchen even forgot his despicable nature.

At this moment, the five people happened to talk about the monk Biancai, and it was Liu Zimin who seized the opportunity to smile and say, "As you said, sir, these high monks, in their daily debates on the Buddha, have all cultivated excellent debating skills, which reminds me of a joke."

Seeing Liu Zimin about to tell a joke, everyone showed an expectant look, and Zhao Junchen also smiled and said, "You've read quite a few leisure books, unlike those pedantic scholars. Today, I've been listening to your jokes. Tell us another one."

Liu Zimin smiled ingratiatingly at Zhao Junchen and said, "There was a very wise monk at Baoshan Temple by Taihu Lake, who was well-versed and highly respected. A scholar, feeling不服气 (unconvinced), challenged the monk and asked, 'Bald monk, how do you write the character for bald?' The monk, without panic, replied, 'Just make the character for scholar a bit more curved at the bottom.'"

In the harmonious atmosphere, this slightly crude joke did not offend anyone but rather made everyone laugh.

However, Liu Rui felt quite embarrassed by her brother's crude joke and pulled on Liu Zimin's sleeve, whispering, "Brother, be careful with your words."

Seeing Liu Rui's reaction, Zhao Junchen waved his hand and smiled, "It's fine, it's fine. Today is New Year's Eve, so everyone can be relaxed and casual."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen glanced at Liu Zimin thoughtfully.

Though Liu Zimin was a despicable person, he was far more interesting to be with than those upright gentlemen.

In fact, despicable people often live better than gentlemen, and the reason is no different from this.

"People may all dislike despicable people and prefer gentlemen, but when truly interacting with both, despicable people are often easier to get along with. Perhaps it's because these despicable people have fewer principles, while gentlemen have too many principles."

Just as Zhao Junchen was deep in thought, a servant from the Zhao family came over and bowed to Zhao Junchen, saying, "Sir, it's time to set off the firecrackers."

Zhao Junchen nodded and waved his hand, "Go ahead, set them off in the front courtyard, it will be more lively and interesting."

Xu Qingyan, being young at heart, had been unable to participate in the earlier conversations due to his lack of knowledge. Now, seeing the servants bring out various fireworks, he couldn't help but get excited and eager to join in.

Seeing Xu Qingyan's eagerness, Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed, "I knew you couldn't sit still. There are no strict rules today, go and set off the firecrackers with them. You, that's all you're good at."

With Zhao Junchen's agreement, though he was teased, Xu Qingyan didn't mind and happily went to set off the firecrackers with the servants.

After setting up the firecrackers, Xu Qingyan wouldn't let anyone else help. He personally held a lit incense stick and lit each firecracker one by one, enjoying himself immensely.

The firecrackers in Zhao Junchen's house were specially made for the palace and granted by Emperor Deqing. The fireworks shot into the sky, creating a beautiful spectacle.

After appreciating the fireworks for a while, Zhao Junchen turned his head and saw that the others, whether Fang Ru or the Liu siblings, all showed a hint of longing.

Seeing their expressions, Zhao Junchen thought for a moment and understood their thoughts.

Fang Ru had a tragic childhood, being sold by human traffickers, while the Liu siblings were raised in a strict household. Setting off firecrackers, a common pastime for children in ordinary families, was something they had never experienced due to various reasons. Seeing Xu Qingyan having fun, they naturally felt some longing and anticipation.

Thinking of this, Zhao Junchen, seeing Xu Qingyan enjoying himself and wanting to relax, felt a bit of childlike joy and stood up, saying to Fang Ru and the Liu siblings, "Seeing Qingyan having fun, let's join him. It's better to share the joy."

Seeing Zhao Junchen's invitation, Fang Ru and the Liu siblings were all surprised. The Liu siblings were initially hesitant, but Fang Ru became excited, her face flushed, and without hesitation, she pulled Zhao Junchen's sleeve and ran to the front courtyard.

"You're quite wild."

After being pulled to the front courtyard, Zhao Junchen shook his head and smiled.

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Fang Ru gave him a flirtatious look and took a fine incense stick from the servant, then began to set off the firecrackers like Xu Qingyan.

However, since it was Fang Ru's first time setting off firecrackers, her actions were quite amusing. Her left hand always tightly held Zhao Junchen's sleeve, as if afraid he would run away. She tiptoed towards the firecrackers, then, at a safe distance, her body trembled slightly as she carefully held the lit incense stick and cautiously approached the firecrackers.

After finally lighting a firecracker, before it exploded, Fang Ru let out a light exclamation and quickly huddled into Zhao Junchen's arms, then peeked at the firecrackers with her big eyes. After the firecracker exploded, she giggled and then pulled Zhao Junchen to the next one.

Fang Ru, without her usual reserve, looked even more beautiful.

Seeing Fang Ru's appearance, Zhao Junchen felt a bit helpless. Seeing the Liu siblings standing hesitantly to the side, he smiled and said, "You should join in too, it's more fun with more people."

To Zhao Junchen's surprise, after a moment's hesitation, it was the usually quiet and gentle Liu Rui who first joined them, not the always tactful and opportunistic Liu Zimin.

Liu Rui, encouraged by Zhao Junchen's gaze, hesitantly took the incense stick from the servant and walked towards the firecrackers.

Unlike Fang Ru, who had been living a life of luxury, Liu Rui, who was used to hard work, had a more agile and responsive body. Though she was also nervous, she quickly lit the first firecracker and then quickly retreated to the side.

"Bang!"

With a loud explosion, the firecracker shot into the sky, turning into a huge firework in front of Liu Rui.

Staring at the beautiful fireworks, Liu Rui was stunned for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

This was the first time Zhao Junchen had seen her smile.

Under the glow of the fireworks, her fair and delicate face looked ethereally beautiful, her mouth slightly open, her eyes curved into a crescent, smiling quietly with a sense of contentment, as if just this one firework was enough to make her happy and satisfied. Perhaps, for Liu Rui, who had suffered from a young age, this firework was one of her few happy memories.

Seeing Liu Rui's content and happy smile, Zhao Junchen felt a sense of satisfaction and happiness.

Accustomed to Liu Rui's quiet and gentle demeanor, and her strength in her gentleness, Zhao Junchen suddenly realized that this was the most suitable expression for Liu Rui.

...

"You should smile more, it looks very good on you."

As the New Year's Eve banquet ended, just before leaving, Zhao Junchen suddenly remembered something, stopped, and turned to Liu Rui with a smile.

Liu Rui, who was sending Zhao Junchen off with Liu Zimin, was initially stunned by his words, then blushed and lowered her head, looking shy and adorable.

On the other side, Liu Zimin looked pleased, while Xu Qingyan had a half-smile, and Fang Ru's smile suddenly seemed a bit forced.

...

Accompanied by Xu Qingyan and Fang Ru, Zhao Junchen walked towards the study.

"Sir, it's New Year's Eve, aren't you going to rest?"

Fang Ru, who was following Zhao Junchen, looked somewhat distracted and asked.

Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "On New Year's Eve, ordinary people can rest, but I cannot. Besides the remaining government affairs, tomorrow is the emperor's birthday, and I need to prepare well."

Fang Ru nodded and said, "Since that's the case, I'll stay up for you tonight. The emperor's birthday is important, so you should rest early and be in good spirits tomorrow."

At this time, it was a custom for people to stay up on New Year's Eve. Staying up started with the New Year's Eve dinner, and people would stay awake all night to welcome the new year. This custom expressed both a sense of nostalgia for the passing year and hope for the new year.

However, though the sentiment was good, Zhao Junchen couldn't afford to indulge in it.

Zhao Junchen nodded again and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

As he spoke, he turned to Xu Qingyan and said, "Qingyan, before you rest, go to the warehouse and check the birthday gift I'm going to present to the emperor tomorrow. Don't be careless about this."

Compared to the significance of New Year's Eve, Zhao Junchen was more concerned about the emperor's birthday the next day.

After agreeing, Xu Qingyan turned and left.

Fang Ru, on the other hand, accompanied Zhao Junchen to the study before leaving.

After returning to the study, Zhao Junchen did not immediately handle official and private matters but leaned back in his chair, quietly reflecting on what had just happened.

At the New Year's Eve banquet, there were no conflicts of interest or scheming. Even though Liu Zimin's flattery was ulterior, he was powerless and Zhao Junchen didn't need to be overly cautious. It was one of the few times since coming to this world that Zhao Junchen felt relaxed.

As he thought, a light smile appeared on Zhao Junchen's face.

But it was a bitter smile.

"This kind of relaxation and freedom, I'm no longer used to it..."

At the New Year's Eve banquet, Zhao Junchen was indeed relaxed, but he couldn't fully immerse himself in the festive atmosphere, as if he was just an observer. Even at his most relaxed and happy moments, he was still thinking about future plans, unable to help himself.

After muttering to himself, Zhao Junchen shook his head, stopped thinking, and continued to handle the various matters on his desk.