My Husband is a Drama King [Book Transmigration] 83

Chapter 83: Winter Letter

The mansion did have a pot, but the ingredients were not yet prepared. To have a hot pot, some ingredients had to be bought again. Fortunately, it was still early. Xu Zhici instructed Xie Huaichuan to watch the duck soup in the pot and went out with Xu Zhizhou to buy vegetables.

“Zhici, don’t worry. My brother-in-law and I will watch the fire at home.”

Xu Zhici left with peace of mind.

The two of them went out with their capes on. Xu Zhizhou held Xu Zhici’s arm. He was a little tempted when he saw some fish and shrimp for sale.

“Elder Brother, let’s buy a fish to take back.”

Xu Zhici shook his head. “It’s fine to buy some shrimp, but we can’t buy a fish. If we put it in the pot, the bones will fall in, and if someone eats it without being careful, they’ll get a bone stuck in their throat.”

Hearing this, Xu Zhizhou also thought it made sense and gave up.

For the hot pot, the family had enough meat dishes. He had come out to pick a few delicious vegetable dishes. He bought some tofu, some green vegetables, and some dried vegetables.

The wine at home was what Xie Huaichuan was used to drinking. Song Changxu was a scholar and might not be used to it. It was better to buy a few more jars of wine. Besides, he and Zhizhou were happy today and would also have a few cups.

After buying the vegetables, they went to the tavern.

Xu Zhizhou looked at the wine on display. He looked a few more times. “Elder Brother, I smell the fragrance of this osmanthus wine. My husband will definitely like it.”

The wine here was all in small jars. One person could hold one in their hand. Xu Zhici saw some plum wine on the side and was a little tempted. There was a tasting at the tavern. Xu Zhici took a small cup and had a sip. There was no smell of alcohol at all, but a faint fragrance of plum blossoms.

He was not used to drinking strong wine. This light plum wine was to his liking.

“Then let’s buy two jars of osmanthus wine and one jar of plum wine.”

Xu Zhici went to pay.

The two of them left with the wine jars. In the past, when he had gone to town, he had not dared to spend the money he had. Now he dared to.

Xu Zhici now remembered that in the cold winter, his fingers would be stiff, but he was reluctant to use too much charcoal, thinking of saving money. He had been completely stingy with himself. After he had come to the capital, he had started his own business and had opened a noodle shop. He had real money in his hands and was willing to spend on food, drink, and clothing.

“Hurry up, Elder Brother. I see that it’s going to snow heavily,” Xu Zhizhou said, walking in front.

Xu Zhici answered, a hint of regret in his heart. The self he had wronged in the past could not be made up for now. What he was enjoying now was not what he had enjoyed before.

In the future, he must not wrong himself again.

The two of them went into the house and went to the kitchen to prepare the ingredients. The two big men were not idle at home and had probably sorted out the New Year’s goods Song Changxu and Xu Zhizhou had brought. The food was left, and the rest was put in the storage room.

Xie Huaichuan was in the mood and took Song Changxu for a walk around the residence. “I’ve bought an old servant to do some chores. After the New Year, I’ll go to the market to buy a cook and a young maid or a young ge’er to serve Zhici. I’m quite satisfied with this residence, but it’s a bit small. When I’ve saved up enough money, I’ll discuss it with Zhici and also buy a courtyard house.”

Song Changxu saw that although the courtyard was small, it had everything. He couldn’t help but nod. “This courtyard of yours is not bad, brother-in-law.”

Xie Huaichuan laughed. He walked around with Song Changxu and then came back, picking up a few snacks to eat.

The two of them sat down to warm themselves by the fire and also talked about some of the affairs of the court. Song Changxu was quite interested in the stories Xie Huaichuan told about his time in the army.

Seeing that he liked to listen, Xie Huaichuan said a few more words. His eyes always had a smile when he talked about his life in the army.

Song Changxu: “What you said is indeed interesting, brother-in-law. When spring comes, I’d like to go to the outskirts with you in my spare time. I also want to try your roasted meat.”

Xie Huaichuan: “My cooking is a must-try. If we really go, I’ll have to buy a jar of honey. It’s even more delicious with a layer of honey.”

Hearing this, Song Changxu was already craving it. As someone who only knew how to eat and not how to hunt, he was very happy to have such a brother-in-law.

Song Changxu nodded.

Hearing his brother-in-law’s words, he had a deeper understanding of military officers. In the future, he would have a new method when he dealt with their political achievements and retirement.

Xu Zhizhou called out from the kitchen, “Husband, come and watch the fire. The kitchen is busy.”

Song Changxu knew that he couldn’t be idle. He went into the kitchen to help add firewood and tend the fire.

Xie Huaichuan suddenly had no one to talk to. He also couldn’t sit still and asked at the kitchen door, “Should I come in and help?”

The kitchen was relatively narrow. It was already enough with three people busy in it. Xie Huaichuan was so tall. If he came in, Xu Zhizhou was afraid that he wouldn’t even be able to turn around.

He said with some disdain, “You should just sit, brother-in-law.”

Xie Huaichuan was a little puzzled.

Even Song Changxu gave Xu Zhizhou a few more glances.

Xu Zhici: “Husband, there are enough people in the kitchen. You can go and sweep the snow in the courtyard.”

Xie Huaichuan answered and went to the courtyard to sweep the snow.

Xu Zhizhou brought over a charcoal brazier and placed it on the table. Then Xu Zhici put the hot pot on it. A fragrant aroma wafted far away. The ingredients were plentiful, and the red soup was steaming.

Xie Huaichuan took out his strong wine. He looked at it and found it had a different flavor. Every New Year, it was all big fish and meat. This time, having a hot pot had whetted his appetite.

“Changxu, let’s have a few cups.”

Xu Zhizhou gave a jar of osmanthus wine to Song Changxu and then ignored him. He first tasted his elder brother’s plum wine. He didn’t like the light taste and was tired of it after one cup. He still preferred the osmanthus wine.

“I was so busy eating that I forgot to set off the firecrackers,” Xu Zhici said with regret.

Xie Huaichuan: “I’ll go and set them off right away.”

Xie Huaichuan set off the firecrackers, and the ones outside also started, one after another, sounding very festive.

When he came back, he held his wine cup. “May we all be safe and sound in the new year.”

The four wine cups clinked together. Song Changxu was sweating from eating, and the tip of his nose was a little red.

He hadn’t expected the crispy pork to be so delicious in the red soup, as well as the ribs and duck meat. Xu Zhici had specially filtered the duck soup and had saved it for later when it was too greasy to drink a bowl of hot soup.

Xu Zhizhou was also eating with his bowl in hand.

Song Changxu looked at Xu Zhizhou’s appearance for a while and smiled.

Xu Zhizhou met his gaze, and his eyes burned. He looked away uncomfortably.

In front of outsiders, he couldn’t be so flirtatious with Song Changxu. Xu Zhizhou snorted in his heart.

After lunch, they were all cooped up at home, warming themselves by the fire. Xie Huaichuan had bought some leaf cards, and he had learned some games in the army camp.

Xu Zhizhou and Xu Zhici didn’t know how. After Song Changxu and Xie Huaichuan had taught them separately, the four of them started to play.

Song Changxu knew how to count cards, so he always won.

Xu Zhizhou glared at him.

Song Changxu: “…”

He still had to understand the ways of the world. In the end, there was not much of a win or loss. Song Changxu had won two taels of silver and then stopped.

It was the first time Xu Zhizhou and Xu Zhici had played leaf cards. The two of them gradually found the fun in it. In the end, regardless of winning or losing, they still pestered him to play a few more rounds.

In the evening, they had to make a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner. They had had a hot pot at noon, so they had to have a proper meal at night. Xu Zhici made a table of dishes.

After eating, the two families stayed up for the New Year. Xu Zhici took out some firecrackers and fireworks. “Even if it’s just us, we still have to set them off.”

Xu Zhizhou went to set off the fireworks. Looking at the fireworks in the sky, he turned around and held out his hand. “Where’s my red envelope, husband?”

Song Changxu smiled and took out a red envelope from his sleeve and handed it to Xu Zhizhou. “For you.”

Xu Zhizhou stuffed the red envelope into his sleeve without looking at it, his expression happy. Xie Huaichuan glanced at their interaction and silently took note.

In the future, he would also have to give Zhici a red envelope every year.

The four of them stayed up for the New Year and fell into the situation of playing leaf cards again. They lost interest in the middle of the night. The windows were covered with snowflakes. Song Changxu was full from drinking hot water. He glanced at Xu Zhizhou, who was already dozing off.

He moved his chair over, placed his head on his own shoulder, and waited for the night to pass.

Xu Zhici rubbed the space between his eyebrows and also couldn’t take it anymore. Xie Huaichuan was adapting well. After all, he would be on the night shift in the army camp and the imperial city. He had already been trained.

Song Changxu yawned. He also couldn’t take it anymore.

After the night watchman had made his rounds, the firecrackers and fireworks in the capital were even more lively. Xu Zhizhou was woken up by the noise. He went back with Song Changxu.

“It looks like it’s going to be lively until tomorrow. I’m afraid I won’t be able to sleep,” Xu Zhizhou said, his expression listless. He clung to Song Changxu’s shoulder, entrusting most of his weight to him.

Song Changxu: “You can just stuff some cotton in your ears and you’ll be able to sleep.”

The two of them returned to the residence. Song Changxu found four balls of cotton, first stuffed them in Xu Zhizhou’s ears, and then in his own. Now he couldn’t hear anything.

Xu Zhizhou jumped up happily. “I’ll be able to have a good sleep tonight.”

After washing up, the two of them went to bed affectionately. A moment later, their breathing became steady, and they fell asleep.

The sound of firecrackers, fireworks, and laughter outside had nothing to do with them. The two of them were already in their dreamland.

.

It hadn’t snowed in the morning. Song Changxu pushed open the door. There were firecracker debris and spent firework tubes outside. Someone was sweeping the street. He went to buy two bags of flour. He wanted to have some pickled vegetable dough drops this morning.

The breakfast shops were busy all year round and were not open during the New Year. Some of the restaurants were open. They had earned a lot of money these past few days. Some families were also hosting banquets, taking advantage of these few days, when their relatives and friends were all here, to save some trouble.

Song Changxu went back, took some pickled vegetables, and then started to boil water, pull the dough drops, and finally sprinkle some scallions on top. He didn’t need too many other seasonings.

When Xu Zhizhou woke up, he found that the cotton in his ears was gone. He lifted the quilt and searched. He found the flattened cotton by the bed and threw it away.

It was a bit uncomfortable to sleep with cotton in his ears. Maybe he had turned over in his sleep and had tossed it somewhere.

Xu Zhizhou sat at the dressing table. He found that his face was a little swollen.

He immediately went to wipe his face with a wet cloth. “As expected, I can’t sleep so late. I still have no energy this morning. I feel dizzy.”

“Time for breakfast, Zhizhou.”

Xu Zhizhou answered and sat on a chair. The dough drop soup came. He took a sip. It was sour, and his appetite was whetted.

He finished the soup, and felt much more energetic. Then Song Changxu asked, “What do you want to eat for lunch?”

They had eaten a lot of big fish and meat yesterday. Today, it was just the two of them at home. It was fine to have some light soup and water.

“A bowl of noodles will do.”

Xu Zhizhou took a short nap again. In the afternoon, he went out with Song Changxu to pay New Year’s visits. It was also to pay respects to his superiors, and also to visit his colleagues and friends. Someone wanted to have them stay for dinner.

But Song Changxu refused. “We’ll go back first. We still have things to do at home.”

When they walked out of the residence, Song Changxu explained, “After we eat, we’ll have to drink again. It won’t stop for a while. I don’t want to drink anymore, or I’ll have a headache in the morning.”

He was not a drinker and did not want to drink anymore. He would save his sober days to talk with Zhizhou at night.

Xu Zhizhou: “I also don’t want to eat big fish and meat anymore. I’m used to these things, and they all taste the same. I want to have a bowl of lamb soup.”

A bowl of lamb soup was still okay. Song Changxu went to buy one.

Xu Zhizhou looked at the scene in the capital and pulled Song Changxu to wander around the night market before they went back. Song Changxu had a half-month holiday. He had rested well today. At night, he pestered Xu Zhizhou to perform the rites of Duke Zhou.

He pushed aside Xu Zhizhou’s hair and only felt that his features were exquisite, like a painting. His mind wandered, and he just held him.

…

It was also good for the two of them to be together for the New Year. They didn’t have to deal with too many relatives and could have all the time to themselves.

.

The letter Song Changxu had written had reached Qishan Village in the spring of the following year. The people of Qishan Village were preparing for the spring planting.

Song Ye took the letter to the village head to help him read it.

The village head took a puff of his pipe, took the letter, and read it. “This is a good thing. Zhizhou is pregnant. He’s hoping you’ll go to the capital to take care of him. He also said to have Xu Sunzheng and Cao Qin go up together.”

Liang Su was happy, and then she thought, “We’re too busy with the spring planting at home. Who will take care of the house if we go?”

Song Ye nodded. “If we hire someone to plant, someone will have to watch over them. The chickens and ducks at home can’t be delayed either. I think you and Mingyan should go to the capital, and also ask your in-laws if they’re willing to go together. That way, you’ll have some support.”

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be at ease leaving the house empty. He was also worried about leaving Mingyan and Cheng Ge’er at home. He was a man and it was safer for him to stay. Besides, he couldn’t do the work of taking care of people. It was better to take care of the fields at home and go to the capital when he had the chance in the future.

The village head: “That’s right. If you’re going, you should go with someone. It’s so far away. If anything unexpected happens, it’s better to have your own people.”

Liang Su went to the Xu family’s to find someone and tell them about this. Cao Qin was very decisive. “I’ve been wanting to go and see them this year. I’m not at ease. Since this has happened, I’ll go with you.”

“Alright, then we’ll go to the capital together in three days,” Liang Su answered.

After they had set a date, Liang Su went back home and called Song Mingyan and Xu Cheng over. “I’m going to the capital. Mingyan, you can come with me to have a look. Cheng Ge’er…”

***

Author’s Note:

Little Xu: Eat something light. [Rainbow fart]

Little Song: It’s a half-month holiday. [Sunglasses]