novelraw Chapter 213
Chapter 213
In the afternoon, the lazy winter sun cast a slanted glow over every corner of Wangjia Village.
It was hard to tell which family started it, but the crisp sound of firecrackers began to pop off one after another.
At first, there were only a few tentative pops, but soon they merged into a continuous, deafening crackle that echoed through the mountains.
A faint scent of gunpowder smoke began to permeate the air, mingling with the mouth-watering aromas of the New Year's Eve dinners drifting from every household. It was a unique scent that belonged solely to this special night.
The villagers were dressed in their brand-new clothes, their faces brimming with festive joy.
In groups of twos and threes, they made their way toward the ancestral hall to prepare for the most solemn ancestor worship ceremony of the year.
In the courtyard of the Pei household, preparations for their own ancestor worship were proceeding in an orderly fashion.
Even though the ancestors of the Pei family did not rest in Wangjia Village, their worship ceremony could not be taken lightly.
A sacrificial table was set up right in the middle of the courtyard.
It was laden with a lavish array of offerings.
Right in the center sat a plump, golden-roasted chicken with its head held high toward the sky, symbolizing good fortune and emitting an irresistible aroma.
Beside it was a small mountain of round meatballs hand-fried by Mother Pei. Each one was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, symbolizing a happy family reunion.
Freshly boiled dumplings were arranged in neat rows, looking like little crescent moons with their thin wrappers and generous fillings.
There were also bright red apples, bright orange tangerines, and snow-white rice cakes...
Every offering was meticulously placed, carrying their earnest hopes for a wonderful year ahead.
Grandpa Pei had changed into a dark silk-padded jacket. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with exquisite dark patterns, making him look exceptionally solemn.
With a serious expression, he led the entire family to stand before the offering table. The sunlight caught his graying temples, giving them a silvery sheen.
Pei Zhengnian stood at the very front holding Little Anchen. The little guy was dressed in a red cotton jacket that made his chubby cheeks look wonderfully pink and adorable.
He kept his big, dark eyes wide open, curiously taking in everything around him.
"Ancestors above, your unfilial descendant Pei Shoucheng has brought the entire family, young and old, to pay our respects."
Grandpa Pei held three burning incense sticks, his voice steady and devout.
"We pray that our ancestors will bless the descendants of the Pei family with peace, smooth sailing, and a prosperous household..."
Everyone took their turn offering incense. Even Little Anchen was gently guided to give a little bow from his father's arms.
Once the ceremony was complete, Pei Yunzhou took a long bamboo pole, hooked a string of red firecrackers onto the end, and walked over to the courtyard gate.
Taking a deep breath, he brought the glowing end of a cigarette close to the fuse. With a sudden flash of light, the fuse caught.
Crackle, pop, bang!
The firecrackers immediately exploded into a deafening roar, sending red paper scraps flying everywhere.
Pei Zhengnian carefully pulled Little Anchen's hat down to cover the baby's ears.
The little guy was not afraid in the least. His eyes darted around, completely fascinated by the spectacle.
He even reached out his chubby little hands to catch the dancing red paper, letting out happy, babbling sounds.
...
By evening, the main hall of the Pei household was already brightly lit.
A large round table was laden with a sumptuous New Year's Eve feast.
Beside the sliced boiled chicken was a small dish of ginger and scallion dip, the golden skin of the chicken glistening under the lights. The steamed pork with preserved mustard greens was piping hot, featuring perfectly layered fat and lean meat. The sauce of the braised fish was still bubbling slightly, giving off a mouth-watering aroma of sweet and savory notes. The scallion dumplings were plump and white, resembling little crescent moons...
Although the absence of Father Pei left a tiny hint of regret, the dinner was still filled with joy and harmony.
A gratified smile spread across Grandpa Pei's face, smoothing out his wrinkles.
"This past year, we truly owe everything to Nanchu..."
Before he could finish, Grandma Pei chimed in.
"Yes, indeed. If it weren't for Nanchu, we wouldn't be living such good lives right now."
Mother Pei also looked over at Shen Nanchu, her eyes as gentle as water.
"Nanchu, Mom wants to thank you. It's because of you that this family didn't fall apart..."
Pei Yunxi's eyes curved into happy little crescents.
"Second Sister-in-law, thank you!"
Pei Yunzhou scratched his head and smiled a little sheepishly.
"I want to thank you too, Second Sister-in-law!"
At that, everyone turned their eyes simultaneously toward Pei Zhengnian.
Without missing a beat, Pei Yunzhou playfully teased his older brother.
"Second Brother, it's your turn!"
Shen Nanchu looked at Pei Zhengnian with keen interest. A faint smile played on her lips, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Even Little Anchen, who was sitting comfortably in Pei Zhengnian's arms, stared up at him with wide, round eyes.
Under the weight of everyone's expectant gazes, Pei Zhengnian replied without changing his expression.
"What everyone just said is exactly what I wanted to say. Since you all helped me say it, I guess I don't need to add anything."
Everyone was stunned by his sheer shamelessness.
Pei Yunzhou couldn't help but exclaim.
"Second Brother, who did you learn that from? How did your skin get so thick?"
Pei Zhengnian glanced at Shen Nanchu beside him, a sly glint of amusement in his eyes.
"I learned it from your Second Sister-in-law."
Shen Nanchu: "..."
The main hall instantly erupted into bursts of joyous laughter.
Unable to help herself, Shen Nanchu gave Pei Zhengnian a light pinch under the table, only for him to catch her hand and hold it firmly in his.
...
After the New Year's Eve dinner, Pei Zhengnian and Pei Yunzhou went about pasting festive couplets all over the inside and outside of the house.
Written on red paper with bold, vigorous black strokes, the couplets read:
"Heaven grants the years and humanity gains longevity; Spring fills the universe and fortune fills the home."
Pei Zhengnian carefully smoothed down every corner to ensure the couplets were pasted straight and neat.
The entire home was filled with a jubilant atmosphere.
Seeing that Mother Pei was about to give Little Anchen a bath, Pei Zhengnian eagerly volunteered.
"Mom, let me do it."
He rolled up his sleeves, revealing sturdy, muscular arms with smooth, powerful lines.
"All right."
Steam rose in the bathroom, filling the air with the faint, fresh scent of soap.
Pei Zhengnian carefully bathed the plump, fair-skinned little guy.
As the warm water trickled over his tender skin, Little Anchen happily slapped the surface of the water, splashing droplets everywhere while babbling and laughing as if singing a little song.
Shen Nanchu stood nearby waiting with a soft set of clothes. Watching the father and son interact, a gentle smile reached her eyes.
"Look how happy he is."
Pei Zhengnian gently supported his son's back, his movements slightly unpracticed but incredibly tender.
Shen Nanchu looked at him with admiration.
"I never expected that our Commander Pei would know how to bathe a baby."
"Shouldn't I learn how to do this in advance?"
He took a towel and meticulously wiped Little Anchen's body, making sure to dry every little crease and fold.
...
Happy times are always fleeting.
When the clock struck eight, the sound of a car engine suddenly echoed from outside the courtyard.
A military jeep had silently pulled up to the gate, its headlights cutting two bright beams through the darkness of the night.
Pei Zhengnian's eyes darkened slightly. He gently placed his sleeping son into the cradle, carefully tucked in the corners of the blanket, and stood up to straighten his military uniform.
It was time for him to leave.
Shen Nanchu stood up, intending to walk him to the door.
Suddenly, Pei Zhengnian turned around and pulled her into a tight embrace, determined to finish what they had left undone that morning.
His kiss was sudden and passionate, carrying an undeniable dominance that instantly melted into infinite tenderness the moment his lips met hers.
The kiss was deep and lingering, as if he wanted to pour all his longing and reluctance to part into it.
He didn't let her go until they were both breathless, pulling away with utmost reluctance.
Resting his forehead against hers, Pei Zhengnian spoke in a low, husky voice.
"Wait for me to come back."
"I will."
...