novelraw Chapter 583: Cannon Fodder in the Three Kingdoms 25
Chapter 583: Cannon Fodder in the Three Kingdoms 25
After a full half-day of bustling excitement, it wasn't until the cheers in her ears had completely faded away that the person at the head of the group finally let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief.
What a pity. Later events would prove that today's happenings were merely the beginning.
Not to mention the subsequent Hairpin Flower Banquet, the Floating Wine Cups on the Winding Stream, where thousands of lanterns during the feast made it bright as day, and the mellow aroma of wine was intoxicating even before taking a sip.
In the fragrant April, strolling through it, it felt as if the entire capital of the Great Jing was permeated with a fresh, rich fragrance of flowers and fruits.
Thanks to the introduction of northern spices and advances in cultivation techniques, almost every household in the city planted some flowers in their courtyards. For high-ranking families, they served as ornaments for appreciation, while for ordinary commoners, they provided a bit of decoration. At the very least, planting a few grapevines, sweet persimmon trees, or pear trees was good; whether they could be sold was another matter, but occasionally tasting the fresh fruit themselves was a delight.
Unlike before, the fruits improved by His Majesty and the Agricultural Ministry were not only large and sweet but also bore fruit abundantly.
Just one persimmon tree, if stored in a cellar, could feed a family for a long time.
If cultivated well, every spring, the city would host a Flower Competition Banquet. At that time, not only locals but also many people from other regions would specially come to attend.
The winner would not only gain fame and a large sum of silver but, if truly skilled, might even be appreciated by the officials of the Agricultural Institute. After passing an assessment, being granted an official position would be a stroke of real fortune!
Furthermore, flower appreciation had always been beloved by scholars and refined individuals. During that time, the entire capital was always exceptionally lively. Not to mention the artisan families, under the Imperial City, all the small vendors were unwilling to miss this money-making opportunity.Walking along the way, the hawking and peddling cries from all sides could be described as rising and falling in succession.
Because they arrived at a coincidental time and, being outsiders unfamiliar with the customs, took a wrong turn and got stuck halfway, the Zhuge family: "..."
So lively!
Politely declining the children carrying small grass baskets along the roadside, hawking flowers for sale, the family then slowly shuffled forward.
This sentiment hadn't lasted long when, in May, they encountered the extraordinarily lively Dragon Boat Race!
On both sides of the riverbank, the deafening sounds of drums and gongs, even from across half the city, were still ear-splitting.
Mr. Zhuge, who originally hadn't planned to join the excitement: "..."
Especially at night, during every celebration, the city was always brightly lit, the entire metropolis shining as bright as day. In the night sky, the city's huge and brilliant fireworks didn't extinguish until midnight.
In short, within less than two months of taking up their posts, the couple had encountered quite a few lively events. Although Nanyang was, overall, not some small place, now it truly felt like a lifetime ago, an illusion of a different world.
Being in the midst of it, even the earlier sense of aloofness and detachment they carried had unconsciously dissipated considerably.
Even now, every morning before going to the yamen, the couple had gotten into the habit of having their servants run to the surrounding food stalls to pack some steamed buns, sugar cakes, soybean milk, and occasionally hot donkey meat pancakes.
In summer, there were also various chilled fruits.
It wasn't that the family cook's skills were poor. It's just that, due to overseas foreign trade in the north, over the past ten years, vast wealth and various seeds and spices had been brought in continuously. Especially in the last two years, as everyone's living conditions improved, the arrival of items like chili peppers had been creatively utilized by foodies and chefs across the land.
With advances in iron smelting technology and a significant increase in oil production, frying, stir-frying, and all sorts of culinary tricks were now fully developed.
This finally made up for An Ning's initial silence upon arriving here, faced with a pile of so-called "delicacies and fine dishes."
The most obvious sign was that within just a few months of being here, the couple's clothing sizes had noticeably loosened.
Being sharp-eyed and having frequent official contact, An Ning unintentionally noticed this point: "..."
An Ning: "!!!"
Well, indeed, when it comes to delicious food, throughout the ages, no one truly dislikes it.
Similarly, talented individuals who are capable and absolutely love to work are also universally appreciated!
Honestly, almost no one dislikes them.
Biting into a freshly made small wonton, An Ning couldn't help but feel pleased. Especially since the first imperial examination had concluded, and the newly arrived assistants were truly competent, An Ning had enjoyed much more leisure these past few days.
Furthermore, after this trial, as previously thought, the emphasis on education across various regions quickly increased. In just a few months, several small to medium-sized private schools had been newly established in the suburbs alone.
Not to mention having the dazzling beacon of the new Third Rank Graduate. Especially after learning that, even without advancing further to become an advanced scholar, one could still secure a position in county offices or even official schools with the credential of a Provincial Graduate.
For a time, academic fervor became prevalent across the northern regions.
Everywhere, the clear sound of students reciting their lessons could be heard.
"My lord said earlier that unifying the world was merely a matter of time. Now it seems these words were indeed not false!"
Under the moon hanging on the treetop, in the study of the Zhuge residence.
After finishing the final draft of the blueprint in hand, under the dim lamplight, Madam Huang, wearing a light gown the color of moon-white, with delicate features and a slightly tired expression on her face, couldn't help but stand up.
While savoring the new glutinous rice balls in wine soup from the nearby Moon Embracing Pavilion, she couldn't help but sigh softly.
To be honest, who wouldn't want such a life, let alone them?
Moreover, in this imperial examination, although Huang Ying did not achieve the same as her husband, she still ranked near the top in the mathematics section. Due to her outstanding geometry skills and years of accumulated knowledge, she now felt like a fish in water at the Ministry of Works.
Compared to ordinary people, she understood the significance even more.
It seems her earlier advice to her father and the others not to rush into betting on others was indeed absolutely correct.
What my lord said is right; unifying the world is just a matter of time.
It's just... Turning her head to glance at the lamplight opposite, which still hadn't been extinguished even at this hour.
Huang Ying couldn't help but be slightly dazed for a moment:
Has my lord been a bit too busy lately?
An Ning herself had similar thoughts.
Early the next morning, at the Purple Palace Pavilion.
On the black and white intersecting Go board, the high-quality warm jade pieces occasionally made crisp clicking sounds. However, a moment later, raising her eyes, her gaze paused briefly on the slightly darkened circles under the eyes of the person opposite.
An Ning was rarely embarrassed for a small moment.
Lifting her hand, she placed the milky-white jade piece:
"Minister Zhuge, you have indeed been working very hard lately. Coincidentally, in a few days, the crown prince will be traveling out, so Kongming, you can also relax a bit!"
To be honest, although she knew this person was serious and responsible, she hadn't expected him to be responsible to this extent. Not only was the official work in his hands almost perfect, but since taking on the task of lecturing A Yue on the classics, history, and geography, the level of detail in the daily lesson preparations he prepared was something even An Ning couldn't help but marvel at.
Truly, a born worrier's fate.
Even a black-hearted leader like An Ning couldn't help but feel a twinge of conscience pain at this moment.
"Your Majesty overpraises. These are merely duties within my responsibility, not worthy of Your Majesty's mention of hardship. Moreover, the crown prince's affairs concern the state; how could there be any reason for negligence?"
The person opposite smiled slightly, as gentle and refined as ever, clearly not minding at all. Despite being genuinely tired these past few days, his eyes were still bright and his spirit vigorous.
An Ning: "..."
Hmm... Alright then!
Before leaving, after specially bestowing several jars of premium health-preserving tea, An Ning silently pressed down on her aching conscience once more.