The Overachieving Little Husband of the Top Scholar’s Household - Chapter 110: New Year

Chapter 110: New Year

On New Year’s Eve, the sky was exceptionally clear, without a single cloud, and all the snow had melted away.

When Qiu Huanian opened his eyes that morning and saw the sunlight filtering through the window, he assumed it was already late. But when he turned his head, he saw Du Yunse still lying on the heated bed.

Qiu Huanian lazily rolled over and asked, “Aren’t you going to the study today?”

Du Yunse, maintaining the same position, replied, “Didn’t Brother Hua say yesterday that reading on New Year’s Eve is unromantic?”

Qiu Huanian chuckled. “What time is it?”

“Just past the chen hour,” Du Yunse answered. “Still early.”

That would be a little after eight in the morning—early by Qiu Huanian’s standards. He could already hear movement in the courtyard—likely Meng Yuanling and the others had risen.

The school had been closed for the past two days, and for once, the entire household was together.

Thinking of the day’s festivities, Qiu Huanian immediately perked up. His drowsiness vanished, and he pulled Du Yunse up with renewed energy.

Xing Mi brought in hot water, and after washing, the two changed into their new clothes made from palace silk.

The palace silk, part of the New Year’s tribute, was dyed in a color known as Lingxiao—a soft orange that struck a perfect balance between brightness and subtlety. It shimmered faintly with interlocking patterns that caught the light as they moved.

Du Yunse rarely wore vibrant colors, but once dressed, his broad shoulders and narrow waist perfectly complemented the cut of the outfit. Qiu Huanian’s eyes lit up with delight.

Du Yunse came over to tie Qiu Huanian’s hair, a task he was well-practiced in. As long as he was around, no one else ever touched Qiu Huanian’s hair.

For the New Year, Qiu Huanian chose a pair of ruby ear clips the size of buttons and fastened them to his ears. They shimmered in harmony with the jeweled hairpin adorning his head.

Standing behind him, Du Yunse gazed at his reflection in the bronze mirror. He reached out, brushing a finger along Qiu Huanian’s chin and then lightly tracing his lips.

Qiu Huanian opened his mouth and bit gently, a private moment shared in silence. Then, they stepped outside together.

A few days earlier, Qiu Huanian had awarded all the servants an extra month’s wages as a year-end bonus, and they had each used the money to buy new fabric for their holiday outfits.

He noticed Bai Ye trailing behind Chun Sheng, sporting red strings in his hair and red dots on his cheeks. His usually fretful expression looked even more troubled now.

“What’s with Bai Ye’s look today?” Qiu Huanian asked.

Chun Sheng quickly replied, “It’s a tradition from Uncle Mumian’s hometown—kids wear red strings and dots for New Year’s.”

Apparently, Bai Ye had declared that he was “grown-up” that morning, but Mumian still caught and dressed him up. Witnessing the scene, Bai Quan had quietly slipped away, unable to endure the display of familial affection.

Chun Sheng fought hard to suppress laughter, worried that Brother Hua might take inspiration and force the same look on him. As a young man, that would be unbearable!

The morning meal was light. The real feast would be that evening.

Dishes such as shrimp stewed with tofu, sugar-steamed cheese, plum blossom cakes, and sweet soy milk were served. Afterward, the table was cleared, and Wu Da brought out the peach wood charms and couplets.

On New Year’s Eve, it was customary to change the charms and hang couplets, open all doors, clean the courtyard, and welcome the gods of joy and wealth.

As in previous years, Du Yunse had written the household’s couplets. This year, Qiu Huanian had him prepare a special set for Nai Shuang’s cat house, as well.

The first line read, “Eat well, sleep well, stay in good spirits,” and the second, “Sometimes calm, sometimes lively, always putting on weight.”

Naishuang, blissfully unaware, had the mini couplets pasted onto her cat bed by a delighted Qiu Huanian. Wearing a golden-red scarf, she played with a shrimp that old lady Jin had tossed her way. She meowed softly and groomed her paws, indifferent to the spectacle.

Nearby, Jiu Jiu and Coral burst into laughter.

Du Yunse and Chun Sheng busied themselves posting couplets on the main gate, with Bai Quan and Bai Ye following behind, carrying glue and spare strips.

Meng Yuanling was eager to hang window decorations. Too short to reach, he called Yun Cheng to lift him up and cheerfully affixed them into place.

Jiu Jiu brought out her handmade sachets and small charms and, with Qiu Huanian, hung them from the bed curtains and furniture around the house.

By the time all the preparations were complete, afternoon had arrived.

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse led the group in offering incense to the ancestors, then took their seats at the head of the room to receive New Year’s greetings.

The first to step forward were Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling. Yun Cheng held Meng Yuanling’s hand and carefully recited the traditional blessings.

Qiu Huanian found the ritual overly formal and suddenly proposed, “Let’s take this opportunity to each share our goals for the new year.”

A new year without goals? Unacceptable!

After a pause, Yun Cheng said, “By next May, I will pass the academy exam, qualify as a scholar, continue my studies, and enter Class A at Qingfeng Academy.”

Du Yunse nodded approvingly. “Given your current progress, that’s entirely possible—just stay focused.”

Meng Yuanling thought for a moment. “I’ll keep running the shop well and… try to learn equations?”

He had been reading Elementary Mathematics: Equations, but between his shop duties and lukewarm interest in academics, progress had been slow.

Qiu Huanian chuckled. “You’d better stick to that goal. Even if I’m in the capital next year, I’ll write to check your progress.”

“I’ll definitely do it!” Meng Yuanling declared confidently.

Red envelopes were handed out. Meng Yuanling immediately took Yun Cheng’s and stuffed it into his sleeve. Yun Cheng calmly passed over a few copper coins in return.

Qiu Huanian pretended not to notice, hiding his amusement.

Next came Jiu Jiu and Chun Sheng. After bowing in greeting, Jiu Jiu spoke first.

“I’ve finished The Analects and The Book of Songs. This year, I’ll read The Spring and Autumn Annals and Mencius. In music, I’ll master the current pieces and learn a new one. I’ll also continue my embroidery lessons with Lark and learn household management from Brother Hua.”

Chun Sheng scratched his head. Compared to his sister’s detailed plans, his own goals suddenly felt childish.

Straightening up, he declared, “I’ll go to school every day, learn to write poetry like Yuan Ruo, and practice martial arts until no one can beat me!”

Qiu Huanian laughed out loud. Du Yunse shook his head slightly. Chun Sheng’s ambitions were always grand.

Another round of red envelopes was handed out. Chun Sheng stuffed his deep into his clothes to prevent his sister from confiscating it again.

Jiu Jiu didn’t press him, only reminding him, “Don’t lose it, and don’t waste it on junk.”

He nodded repeatedly, already plotting to invite Yuan Ruo out for fun.

Then came the three households of servants, each presenting greetings and resolutions.

The Wu family was witty and lively; the Mumian family more reserved; and the Jin family quiet, though Wu Da, as steward, balanced everyone well, ensuring harmony.

Xing Mi and Bai Quan happened to be standing close. After receiving his red envelope, Xing Mi tried to peek at Bai Quan’s, but Bai Quan quickly hid it.

Xing Mi clicked his tongue and wandered off to chat with his sister, Agate.

For the New Year’s Eve feast, two tables were arranged: one for the family, the other for the servants, so everyone could celebrate comfortably.

The main table held eight meat and eight vegetarian dishes—sixteen in total—lovingly prepared by old lady Jin, Lark, Mumian, and others. With only a few people eating, Qiu Huanian requested smaller portions to avoid waste.

The servants’ table, while less lavish, was still generous, with leftovers from the main table.

Qiu Huanian opened two jars of plum wine made in summer and aged for half a year. Sweet and mellow, it had a stronger kick than expected.

As the wine flowed, Qiu Huanian grew tipsy. Du Yunse quietly took his cup away and placed a deboned piece of fish in his bowl.

Meng Yuanling, after a few cups, rolled up his sleeves to show his pale arms, bracelets jingling as he challenged Qiu Huanian to a drinking contest.

Before Du Yunse could intervene, Yun Cheng pulled Meng Yuanling into a firm hold. Struggling briefly, Meng Yuanling eventually gave up and leaned against him with a sigh.

After dinner came Chun Sheng’s favorite event: firecrackers.

Wu Da had bought an impressive selection—single-bang, multibang, smoke-emitting, spark-shooting, even a rare flame-color type costing three taels of silver.

This year, Chun Sheng didn’t want adult supervision. Qiu Huanian assigned Bai Ye to watch him.

Though young, Bai Ye inherited Mumian’s precision and was the perfect counterbalance to Chun Sheng’s impulsiveness.

Chun Sheng lit firecrackers joyfully, while the others watched from a safe distance.

Not only their household but the entire neighborhood echoed with bursts and pops, illuminating the dark sky.

Agate, frightened, hid in Lark’s arms while Lark covered her ears.

Qiu Huanian turned to Du Yunse and gently covered his ears too.

A flash of fireworks lit Du Yunse’s serene, handsome face. He said something, but Qiu Huanian didn’t catch it—he knew it was a quiet expression of surprise.

As everyone remained focused on the sky, Qiu Huanian leapt onto Du Yunse’s back.

Du Yunse smiled, held him securely, and carried him back indoors.

The final night of the twenty-second year of Emperor Yuanhua came to a peaceful end under the glowing light of fireworks.

In the early days of the new year, Qiu Huanian’s household was bustling. Visitors arrived daily to pay respects, and small banquets were held one after another. Qiu Huanian nearly ran out of red envelopes.

Not until the tenth day did the flood of guests finally subside, allowing him to prepare for his journey to the capital for the Metropolitan Examination.

Held every three years on the ninth day of the second lunar month, the exam—administered by the Ministry of Rites—consisted of three sessions over three days.

With travel time and adjustment days, they had only ten days left before departure.

Qiu Huanian created a packing list and tasked Wu Da with purchases. He also had the household study up on the exam’s logistics to avoid any oversight.

Several scholars from Qingfeng Academy would be taking the exam, but only Wang Yinzhi planned to travel with them.

Min Taikang shared his previous exam notes with the group, while Min Leyi in the capital had written several letters in anticipation of their arrival.

Qiu Huanian entrusted him to rent a small courtyard near the Examination Hall, ensuring they could settle in quickly upon arrival.

He also upgraded their exam comfort kits with wool and fur-lined clothing suitable for the chilly early spring weather.

Deng Die, Wang Yinzhi’s wife, visited Qiu Huanian’s home to discuss the itinerary. After seeing the comfortable attire he had prepared, she returned home and did the same for her husband.

For a test of this magnitude, comfort trumped appearance.

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse would be accompanied by Xing Mi and Bai Quan. Their collective luggage filled an entire cart.

The journey from Xiangping Prefecture to the capital would take ten days, passing through numerous towns and rough terrain. For safety, they arranged protection with the Wanshi Escort Bureau and planned to depart on the eighteenth.

As they made final preparations, Du Yunse focused on his studies, and neither he nor Qiu Huanian attended the lantern festival on the fifteenth.

Du Yunse’s birthday passed quietly. Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling had their own plans, Jiu Jiu went out with Zhu Xian, and Yuan Jia took Chun Sheng and Yuan Ruo to the City God Temple.

At home, Qiu Huanian reviewed the account books beside Du Yunse, working in seamless silence. Nai Shuang curled up by the brazier and dozed off.

Thus passed Du Yunse’s twenty-first birthday.

On the seventeenth, while Qiu Huanian was checking the final luggage, Xing Mi suddenly entered.

“Someone from the Zhu family is here.”

With Su Xinbai nearing his due date and feeling unwell, the two hadn’t met in days.

The servant said, “My master has been restless since morning and sent me to ask if you could visit.”

With the packing nearly complete, Qiu Huanian changed clothes and departed.

Upon arriving at the Zhu residence, he hadn’t taken more than a few steps when he noticed people rushing toward Su Xinbai’s courtyard.

He stopped one of them. “What’s going on?”

The servant replied breathlessly, “The young master—he’s going into labor!”