On the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, the last day of the old year and the eve of the new year, the Jiang Mansion was brimming with joy.
Fourth Madam Jiang was generous to the servants, keeping the stoves in the main kitchen burning to prepare an array of delicacies for the household staff. Those who had finished their tasks went to the main kitchen for the New Year's Eve feast.
Ye Yunniang's meal was brought back by Li'er and delivered to the small side courtyard of Fanghua Courtyard.
Chunyao's child had fallen ill.
For the past few days at year's end, Jiang Tingjun had been cared for by Ye Yunniang. Though maids attended to them, serving meals and tea at her side, it was Ye Yunniang who accompanied Jiang Tingjun from dawn till dusk.
She was exhausted.
After dinner before nightfall, Ye Yunniang carried Jiang Tingjun and followed Fourth Madam Jiang to Chunze Courtyard.
Chunze Courtyard was the main hall of the Jiang family, usually reserved for esteemed guests or grand occasions like the New Year.
Charcoal braziers surrounded the courtyard, filling the room with warmth, while a vase on the table held blooming plum blossoms.
At the sight of the flowers, Ye Yunniang thought of Jiang Mingzhe, her gaze involuntarily drifting toward Second Madam Jiang—Zhuang Meixue.
Zhuang Meixue wore her hair in a round chignon, adorned with only a single pearl hairpin. The pin was set with five lustrous white pearls, and her ears bore a pair of gold earrings inlaid with pearls of the same size and hue.
Though understated, the pearls shimmered softly in the lamplight, accentuating Zhuang Meixue's fair complexion.
Ye Yunniang couldn't fathom how Jiang Mingzhe, with such a gentle and beautiful wife, could have sneaked into a widow's bed in the dead of night.
She averted her eyes, lowering them to Jiang Tingjun.
Old Madam Jiang and Old Master Jiang arrived last.
Once seated, Old Madam Jiang reached out to hold Jiang Tingjun.
Ye Yunniang carefully stepped forward, handing the child over before standing nearby, ready to take him back at any moment.
After a while, Jiang Tingjun grew drowsy—his usual bedtime.
Noticing this, Old Madam Jiang instructed Ye Yunniang, "Take Tingjun back to the courtyard. The night is bitterly cold—I won’t have my grandson catching a chill."
Ye Yunniang bowed, accepted Jiang Tingjun, and left Chunze Courtyard.
Hong Cai led the way with a lantern, while Ye Yunniang carried the sleeping Jiang Tingjun back to Fanghua Courtyard.
After settling him in bed, Ye Yunniang leaned against the bedside, closing her eyes to rest.
Dozing off, she was roused by the sound of firecrackers outside.
"Sister Ye, Happy New Year," Hong Cai said, bringing a plate of dumplings.
"Happy New Year," Ye Yunniang replied, sitting up to check on Jiang Tingjun first.
"Come, have some dumplings," Hong Cai offered, handing her chopsticks.
"Alright." Ye Yunniang ate two for the occasion, leaving the rest for Hong Cai.
Gently stroking Jiang Tingjun's head, she wondered if Pan'er was eating dumplings at that moment.
Meanwhile, Granny Cai held Pan'er, watching the fireworks light up the night sky.
Her heart ached for Ye Yunniang—how was she faring?
Pan'er, mesmerized by the fireworks, remained oblivious to Granny Cai's worry.
Ye Yunniang lifted Jiang Tingjun, who had woken to the noise, and carried him to the window to watch the display.
Silently, she prayed for her mother and son’s well-being, yearning for the day they would reunite.
Jiang Tingjun, displeased by her distraction, reached out with a babble, demanding her attention.
"Does the young master not like the fireworks?"
Jiang Tingjun turned his head toward the room.
Understanding, Ye Yunniang carried him back inside.
Instead of the bed, he pointed insistently.
Ye Yunniang realized he wanted his stuffed toy—a small cloth kitten Chunyao had made for her own child.
Jiang Tingjun adored it, clutching it tightly in his tiny hands.
They played until daybreak, when Jiang Tingjun finally drifted back to sleep.
Exhausted, Ye Yunniang stifled a yawn, longing for rest.
A sip of hot tea revived her. She dressed the sleeping Jiang Tingjun and followed Fourth Madam Jiang to Zhongle Courtyard.
Old Master Jiang sat sternly at the head of the room beside Old Madam Jiang, receiving New Year’s greetings from the younger generations.
First was Second Madam Jiang, who bowed with her rounded belly—Jiang Mingzhe was away on business.
Old Madam Jiang warmly inquired about Zhuang Meixue’s pregnancy, advising her to rest well, and presented her with a thick red envelope.
After the second branch came the third: Jiang Mingyu, Bai Xiuxiu, and Jiang Fangrui knelt to pay their respects.
Old Master Jiang exchanged a few words with Jiang Mingyu, while Old Madam Jiang remained indifferent.
Then it was the fourth branch’s turn. Ye Yunniang passed Jiang Tingjun to Fourth Madam Jiang.
Fourth Madam Jiang and Jiang Mingrui knelt, kowtowing. "Father, Mother, Happy New Year. May the year bring you joy, smooth sailing, and longevity as vast as the sea, as enduring as the southern mountains."
"Wonderful, rise now," Old Madam Jiang said cheerfully, clasping Jiang Mingrui’s hand. "So long as you are well, I am content."
Even the stern Old Master Jiang cracked a smile at his playful fourth son, retrieving a red envelope from the tray a maid held.
"Yours is here."
Jiang Mingrui accepted it with both hands, bowing. "Thank you, Father."
In Fourth Madam Jiang’s arms, Jiang Tingjun—though unable to speak—reached eagerly for the red envelope in his father’s hand, babbling excitedly.
"Tingjun shall have one too. Grandfather has a big one for you," Old Master Jiang said, handing him an envelope.
Jiang Tingjun’s small hands gripped it firmly.
Old Madam Jiang, beaming, gave generous envelopes to each of the fourth branch’s three members.
Next were the fifth branch’s Jiang Mingyue and sixth branch’s Jiang Mingshu, followed by Jiang Mingyue, whose engagement was set for the sixth day of the new year.
Her voice was sweet and lively, lifting everyone’s spirits.
After the greetings, Old Master Jiang led the family to the dining hall for breakfast.
Ye Yunniang followed Zi Yuan to the children’s resting quarters.
This time, Zi Yuan watched closely, not daring to leave for a moment.
Under her vigilant gaze, Ye Yunniang nursed Jiang Tingjun, feeling somewhat self-conscious.
Back in Fanghua Courtyard, she laid Jiang Tingjun down and finally exhaled deeply.
Her arms ached from carrying him.
While he slept, she opened the red envelopes from Old Madam Jiang, Old Master Jiang, and Fourth Madam Jiang.
Old Master Jiang’s contained a small gold fish, two gold beads, and a gold leaf.
Old Madam Jiang’s held six exquisitely crafted silver ingots shaped like firecrackers.
Fourth Madam Jiang gifted a pair of gold bracelets engraved with orchids.
At first glance, Ye Yunniang thought they would suit Cai Damei perfectly.
The second day of the new year was when married daughters visited their parents. Fourth Madam Jiang’s family was in the capital, and with her managing the household, she had no time to travel.
Chunyao returned to her family, leaving Ye Yunniang to care for Jiang Tingjun alone.
On the third day, Chunyao offered to take over, allowing Ye Yunniang a day’s visit home.
Ye Yunniang sought Fourth Madam Jiang’s permission, who granted it along with gifts of food and drink.
Accompanied by Li'er, Ye Yunniang arrived at Sunset Lane.
Cai Damei was overjoyed, insisting Ye Yunniang stay home with the child while she went to buy groceries.
Today, they would celebrate as if it were a minor New Year.
