novelraw Chapter 98: A Grand New Year
Chapter 98: A Grand New Year
Chapter 98: A Grand New Year Zhao Young Master finished his current affairs and came to the front hall to pay his respects to several elders and relatives in the clan.Those invited to the Zhao Residence for New Year's Eve were special, both in status and in their relationships.
Even though Zhao Young Master was often dissatisfied with the behavior of these elders and peers, he maintained appearances on such a festive occasion.
As the young master of the Zhao Clan, despite a barrage of internal thoughts, possessing extraordinary self-control, he maintained perfect social etiquette.
His steps were steady, and his demeanor was proper.
He entered the hall, chatting and exchanging pleasantries as he walked… then suddenly stopped and stared blankly at something nearby.
He thought he had been mistaken at first glance. Upon looking back, he saw it was indeed them!
For a moment, his perfect facial expression contorted slightly, as if bearing a giant, unspoken expletive.
Over there, next to the painting desk, sat three people—
Wen Gu. A new magnate in Xin Prefecture City during these chaotic times, he was both a relative and someone to be valued.
Second Grandfather Zhao. A senior figure who had genuinely bled for the Zhao family.However, he was increasingly stubborn with age, making him quite troublesome.
Zhao Han.
A timid and unremarkable young lad, who had been adopted by Second Grandfather Zhao from his birth family last year.
—The question arises!
With what state of mind did this group appear here?
And the atmosphere between them seemed quite harmonious!
Driven by overwhelming curiosity, Zhao Young Master changed direction and walked towards them.
Zhao Young Master's personal inquiry excited both Second Grandfather Zhao and Zhao Han.
However, Second Grandfather Zhao, on the verge of a new breakthrough, had concerns and needed to choose his words carefully.
As for Zhao Han, having been constantly dismissed, he was initially hesitant and did not dare to speak.
Wen Gu, on the other hand, appeared composed and briefly explained to Zhao Young Master, "It's going to warm up soon.
I'm planning to use simple drawings to remind people to guard against epidemics, strengthen their awareness of prevention, and develop good habits. This work cannot be Slackened…"
He also clarified that Zhao Han's drawing style was very much in line with his requirements, which was why he was discussing this matter with the grandfather and grandson.
Zhao Young Master looked at the simple drawings Zhao Han had sketched. Indeed, their aesthetic did not align with the mainstream tastes of the upper class.
As for other matters, Wen Gu mentioned that the pictures, which would be easy to disseminate among the public, still needed to be evaluated after seeing the finished product.
What Wen Gu said, and the words on the table, seemed like a joke, but coming from Wen Gu, it was not said without purpose.
Zhao Young Master did not overly comment on the drafts. He leaned closer to Wen Gu and whispered, "Did you see these picture albums during your travels?"
Wen Gu nodded.
Zhao Young Master took this matter seriously.
Wen Gu's "traveling experiences" were not to be underestimated!
Although Second Grandfather Zhao couldn't hear their conversation, seeing Wen Gu and Zhao Young Master talking casually in hushed tones increased his trust in Wen Gu.
And…
The Zhaohui District was indeed unreliable!
Wen Gu and Zhao Young Master continued to chat about review matters.
Zhao Young Master appeared thoughtful.
What Wen Gu said had indeed served as a reminder.
He had a team dedicated to newspaper-related affairs and now understood the benefits brought by newspapers.
He could expand his efforts and try other publications.
There was no harm in trying.
He took Wen Gu's suggestion very seriously. By then, he would select two people from the team to be responsible for reviewing other publications and monitor their progress.
If it proved effective, he would increase his support.
Seeing that his suggestions had been noted by Zhao Young Master, Wen Gu felt satisfied.
Zhao Han was in a highly motivated state. The drawing standards didn't need to be overly strict, as long as the content was accurate, the efficiency should be relatively high.
When the drafts were ready, he would have Zhao Han take them to his cousin for review. His cousin would certainly not have much time, but there must be someone responsible under him! It would be best to standardize this now, select the responsible person, and then directly follow the process to improve efficiency.
Don't wait until the last moment to do things and be unable to find anyone!
After a brief chat, everyone present was satisfied.
Zhao Young Master did not stay long, but the attitude he displayed was enough to give the grandfather and grandson hope.
Second Grandfather Zhao was so excited that his old legs were trembling.
He was experiencing a turning point, a glimmer of hope!
His aged gaze fell upon Zhao Han, then seemed to pierce through the void, as if seeing a high-ranking official in the Privy Council many years later!
There was a successor!
Life had meaning once more!
Wen Gu was a good person!
Snapping back to reality, Second Grandfather Zhao grabbed Zhao Han's arm and earnestly instructed, "Draw well!"
Zhao Han nodded resolutely and passionately, "Yes!"
At his age, when self-esteem was strong, if they had any other choice, who would want to face so many disapproving glances and criticisms daily, willingly being considered useless?
Now that there was finally an opportunity to prove himself, even Zhao Young Master, a notoriously difficult elder cousin in Zhaohui District, was paying attention.
He felt an surge of heroism in his heart!
I'll give it my all!
I'll work day and night!
At the Zhao family's New Year's Eve banquet, Wen Gu met many Zhao family members, addressing them as "uncle" and "esteemed elders" with refined courtesy and a humble attitude.
The Zhao family members also treated him with kindness.
Regardless of their underlying strategies towards Wen Gu, they maintained superficial harmony in this setting.
However, their wariness towards Wen Gu deepened.
And looking at Second Grandfather Zhao, they felt even more frustrated.
How quickly he had been swayed!
His stance was too unstable!
Second Grandfather Zhao paid no attention to the other Zhao family members.
His attitude towards Wen Gu had undergone a complete 180-degree turn today. His normally tense old face was beaming with warmth, and he kept urging Wen Gu to eat more at the table.
If his hands weren't unsteady, he probably would have served him food personally!
Seeing Second Grandfather Zhao firmly siding with the opposing faction, some people from the Zhao family in Zhaohui District attempted to dissuade him.
However, Second Grandfather Zhao was as stubborn as a mule; he wouldn't turn back!
They looked at Second Grandfather Zhao, thinking: He's truly senile, tricked and still counting the money for them!
Second Grandfather Zhao's inner thoughts: You guys have no idea!
Wen Gu did not pay too much attention to the "internal conflict" within Zhaohui District; there were more important matters.
Today was New Year's Eve, a special day, and the home banquet of the influential figures of the Xin Prefecture Zhao Clan. The female family members who usually stayed in the back courtyard would also be present.
Over the past two years, with the expansion of the Zhao Residence, his maternal uncle and cousin had added more people to their back courtyards.
Privately, Madam Shen would discuss matters with Wen Gu, not out of idle gossip about the inner workings of the household, but to gauge the movements of Xin Prefecture through these changes.
Wen Gu's gaze swept over the area, and many pieces of information flashed through his mind—
Salt, money, iron, fragrant silk, tea.
Salt industry, goldsmiths, ironware, spices, silk, tea…
In addition, the latest information indicated that among the newly added personnel in the Zhao Residence's back courtyard, there were now individuals from the dye and pawnshop industries.
Both were highly profitable businesses!
During the initial period of unrest, the Xin Prefecture Zhao family, along with many other groups, completed the supply and demand delivery and exchange of interests with extreme efficiency.
For the Zhao family, with its weak foundation, to seize the opportunity and become one of the six major powers in the North within one or two years of chaos, and to firmly control Xin Prefecture, must have been supported by sufficient money and grain.
The stable operation of these highly profitable industries indicated that the relationships within them must have been well-maintained, not only enjoying the protection of the government but also maintaining peaceful coexistence with certain dark… folk organizations.
To achieve such scale, there must have been preparations for risk resistance.
The food and supplies these people possessed would also be in terrifyingly large quantities. These hidden wealth should not be underestimated!
Regardless of who these groups belonged to in the past, they now all depended on the Xin Prefecture Zhao family.
Connections, resources, channels, military.
The changes in the back courtyard were only a glimpse.
Wen Gu was now using the identities of his cousin and maternal uncle's household staff, along with the information he had obtained, to estimate the Zhao family's treasury balance.
After deducting necessary expenses such as military upkeep and the maintenance of territorial construction…
Wen Gu became more excited as he calculated.
Ah! The balance was more abundant than expected!
Even after deducting the "Mirror" project, there was still a considerable balance. Should he expand his stride after the New Year?
Wen Gu pondered.
Thinking about the Zhao family's account balance, Wen Gu was in a good mood, and the light in his eyes shone even brighter.
Second Grandfather Zhao, with warmth and gratitude, raised a toast with Wen Gu and saw the sincere light in Wen Gu's eyes.
The old man was filled with emotion. He completely ignored the slanderous remarks of a few Zhaohui District relatives who had tried to provoke him earlier, calling Wen Gu dark-hearted!
I have lived for decades, what haven't I seen?
If nothing else, Wen Gu's eyes clearly show he is an upright person!
…
The next day, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Wen Gu remained at the Zhao Residence, as there was another large banquet there today.
While the hosts were busy, Wen Gu stayed in his small courtyard.
He didn't wander around but wasn't idle either; he was writing New Year's greeting cards.
During the New Year, people exchange name cards as a New Year's greeting, which contain auspicious phrases and good wishes.
In these changing times, complex etiquette was difficult to observe, but exchanging name cards was still feasible, adding a touch of festivity and celebration to relationships.
Wen Gu had already prepared several types of cards for New Year's greetings in advance.
However, one card was made to order, having been painted only last night during the watch-night vigil.
After finishing the card, he had Chang Shun, who was responsible for running errands, deliver it on his behalf.
Chang Shun had been assigned by Madam Shen to assist Wen Gu with errands. It hadn't been long, but he had a lot of work, and the rewards he received were also substantial!
During the New Year, Wen Gu had also given him a generous red envelope, making Chang Shun very happy.
Now that Wen Gu's status in Xin Prefecture City was different, Chang Shun, as someone who handled external matters, also had more face when he went out.
Delivering New Year's greeting cards was a task that brought prestige to people of their status as attendants in these times!
Therefore, under the envious gaze of his peers, Chang Shun, holding the visiting box, went out full of festive spirit to deliver the greeting cards.
He delivered them from the districts close to the Zhao Residence.
To Old Master Hong's place, to the Pei family's Pei Jun and Pei Jing…
All the way to Qingyun District.
Within Qingyun District.
Daoist Master Qingyi had a troubled New Year.
He woke up early this morning to recite scriptures and cultivate his state of mind.
Just as he finished, a young Taoist disciple rushed in.
"Master! Master!"
Daoist Master Qingyi was displeased with their boisterous behavior.
How many times had he told them to clear their minds and bodies, and to cultivate themselves inside and out!
His cultivation was far from reach!
The Daoist Master slowly opened his eyes, his expression serene, "What is it? Are there dogs around?"
The young disciple flinched, somewhat nervous, holding a seemingly noble name card, "Master, Chang Shun just came to deliver New Year's cards."
Daoist Master Qingyi: "…"
Indeed, there were dogs around!
The young disciple walked over, presented the name card with both hands, not daring to look at Daoist Master Qingyi's expression.
How to put it, if the Master got angry, nine times out of ten it would be related to Foreman Wen!
Daoist Master Qingyi quietly looked at the name card.
He didn't even reach out to take it, and directly told the disciple to place it on the table.
"Alright, go about your tasks," the Daoist Master said.
The young disciple quickly retreated, closing the door to prevent the cold wind from blowing in. He was also worried about incurring his master's wrath.
Most of the time, Foreman Wen's actions would make his master agitated.
However, during the New Year's greetings, Foreman Wen shouldn't write anything inappropriate to anger his master, right?
Alas, during the New Year.
With no one else in the room, Daoist Master Qingyi stared at the name card on the table with half-closed eyes.
This was not the first New Year's greeting card Qingyun Temple had received, but, just as the young disciple had sensed, Wen Gu's greeting card made one feel tense just by looking at it!
In the current state of affairs, many greeting cards were handmade, some simple, some ornate.
The style of the card could roughly infer the family background and status of the sender.
The card sent by Wen Gu was unique.
The envelope of the card was colorful, appearing like a multicolored poisonous creature in his eyes!
Looking at the name card resting quietly on the table, after a long while, Daoist Master Qingyi finally moved.
First move!
Start with a scripture chant!
To ward off evil!
Then, wielding his whisk, he made several swift motions as if performing a ritual.
To purify negative energy!
After finishing, he carefully opened it and looked at the content.
"Huh?"
He read it again.
It was normal New Year's greetings. Had the incantation and ritual been effective?
Daoist Master Qingyi finally let out a sigh of relief and sat down relaxedly.
That scoundrel scholar had almost driven him to paranoia!
He placed the whisk aside, picked up the greeting card, and commented:
"The envelope of the card is quite nice."
Resources were scarce nowadays.
Most households couldn't afford brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, let alone colorful pigments.
Only a very small number of wealthy households and nobles still had some pigment inventory.
It was evident that Wen Gu had used the painting pigments from the Zhao family. The colors were pure and of high quality.
The patterns drawn on the envelope of the card exuded both the festive joy of the New Year and a hint of profound mystery.
It was colorful but not ostentatious.
"That scoundrel scholar has indeed made progress in learning calligraphy and painting!"
Daoist Master Qingyi stroked his beard and looked down disdainfully.
The more he looked at the patterns on the envelope, the more satisfied he became.
This…
This type of card could be imitated!
In the future, when replying to patrons and believers, they should also have their own distinctive style. Qingyun Temple should have its own high-class image, and their greeting cards also represented their reputation.
Looking left and right, and comparing it with other New Year's greeting cards, Wen Gu's card was still the most satisfactory!
"Give it here!"
Daoist Master Qingyi felt no guilt. Looking at the colors and patterns on the envelope of the greeting card, he pondered whether he could try to replicate them with his current resources, considering which pigments could be produced.
As he thought about this, various types of pigments came to his mind. Plant-based, animal-based, mineral-based, synthesized; all sorts of pigments flashed through his mind.
Afterward, he only needed to select based on the available materials.
As a seasoned alchemist, this kind of thing did not pose a significant technical challenge for him; it only required a little thought and time…
As he thought this, Daoist Master Qingyi suddenly paused, as if shocked, and flung the card away as if it were hot.
That scoundrel wouldn't be trying to trick me again, would he?!
(End of this chapter)