"On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, pigs are killed and their flesh is cut off." The 26th is the last day to prepare New Year's goods. The most important New Year's goods for ordinary people's homes is the New Year Pig. After working hard for a year, it is difficult to eat a meal of meat on ordinary days. Every family is waiting to reward the whole family, old and young, on this day. Anyone who raises livestock must slaughter it on this day. If the family does not raise livestock, it will be slaughtered on this day. Buy some meat from the market. Around the New Year, the meat is not rotten and does not need to be salted, so it is the best time to kill pigs.
Although the Xia Mu Dynasty did not indulge in pleasure, the living and dining expenses in Prince Jha's palace were always generous. There was no shortage of good wine and meat for the family and guests' daily meals. Although the Mei family has declined, Mei Siyuan has been serving as a local official. Mei Yuanchen has been with his parents since he was a child, taking good care of him and never suffering from hunger or cold.
Mei Yuanchen was walking around Jinghu Lake, looking quite dazed.
Walking from the study to Jinghu Lake, there is snow on the ground all the way, but here it is different. The snowflakes melt as soon as they fall on the ground, the ground is thin and misty, the grass and trees are green, and the flowers are dazzlingly colorful. The beautiful scenery here was all in sight, but Mei Yuanchen still couldn't bring himself to get interested, so he walked around in circles and headed to Yuqiong Langyuan.
"Brother Yuan, do you think the copy of the official's confession has arrived in Anxian?" In the side hall, Mei Siyuan and Bai Lisi sat opposite each other on both sides of the small tea table. Bai Lisi refilled Mei Siyuan's cup. Asked. The application is a Dahua appointment document, made in triplicate. The original copy is given to the person, one copy is kept in the archives of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the other copy is sent to the official's appointment office.
Mei Siyuan took the teacup, paused, and replied, "Originally, the Anxian Salt Administration was promoted to the second rank, but now due to the huge mine, an exception was made to the first rank. Although I was promoted to the second rank, my post is indeed from the first rank. , According to the law, the journey for Yipinjiu is three hundred miles a day, and Anxian is only two thousand miles away from the capital. Even if the postman takes a break on the way, he will have arrived early now." After saying that, he took a sip of tea and looked at Looking at Bai Lisi, he smiled and said, "Why, you are not used to living in the palace?"
Bai Lisi glared at her husband and said angrily, "You are busy morning and night and rarely have time to accompany me. Chen'er has a heavy workload and is often not with me. After all, this courtyard is not your private residence. How can I not tire of it after so long?" ?”
After hearing Bai Lisi's words, Mei Siyuan was so ashamed that he stretched out his hand to hold Bai Lisi's hands and said warmly, "I have only been focusing on the salt affairs these days, and I have really neglected you. Alas, I really shouldn't have! Let's take advantage of today. Take a rest, I’ll accompany you to the market!”
"No. Isn't it good for you and I to just sit here and talk?" Bailis refused. How could she not know that her husband had just received an order and had to shoulder the responsibility of the people. He had been thinking so hard for more than twenty days, almost forgetting to eat and sleep. He was so tired that he couldn't even feel distressed. How could she blame him? It's just that I have been away from my hometown of Qingxi these days. Although the palace is nice, I am still a guest, so I spend my days in depression and take the opportunity to act coquettishly. As if he suddenly remembered something, Bai Lisi's face straightened up and he said to Mei Siyuan, "Brother Yuan, I have something to tell you. You and I, you and I, will go to Anxian to take up your post. I will go with you. No need to say anything more." It's just Chen'er, he is not young anymore, and he is at the age where he is advanced in learning. I think that in recent months, he has become a classmate of the prince, and his knowledge and knowledge have improved far more than before. Anxian is not a wealthy place, and I think the academic spirit will not prevail. You are here I'm afraid I'll miss Chen'er's precious time!" Bai Lisi said with a sad look on his face.
Mei Siyuan sighed and said with emotion, "The capital has a strong academic atmosphere, and it has always been a gathering place for Confucian scholars. From the emperor's officials to the rich and common people, no matter whether they admire literature or martial arts, they must learn something. There is a university of literature and martial arts, and a great university Most of the Chinese civil officials came from this place; while six to seven out of ten military officers in the past came from the military training hall of the capital. Compared with the local prefectures and prefectures, the capital is incomparably longer!" Thinking of this, Mei Siyuan's heart froze. It's hard to decide between left and right.
The two intertwined their fingers and remained silent for a long time. After a cup of tea, Mei Siyuan broke the silence and said solemnly, "I want a future for my son." Bailisi looked at her husband, smiled slightly and nodded, her clasped fingertips unconsciously adding pressure.
"Mother," at this moment, a familiar voice came from outside the door. It was Mei Yuanchen who had returned from visiting the garden.
"Chen'er, why are you back at this hour?" Bailisi asked in surprise.
"Dad," Mei Yuanchen walked into the hall and saw that Mei Siyuan was also there, so he quickly called out, "The prince's grandparents are coming. They went back after morning lessons. I can't ask the master to teach me alone, so he comes back too." That’s it.” After saying that, he sat down on the seat next to Baili Si.
"Oh, that's it!" Bailis nodded in agreement.
As soon as Mei Yuanchen sat down, there was a rush of footsteps outside the door. Fu Zhenfengchen walked in, stood still and bowed, "Sir, the prince's personal guards just came to report. The emperor has decided that the day after tomorrow will be announced." It is the time for your Excellency to take office, and the officials from the Ministry of Civil Affairs will come to pick you up at two o'clock. The prince is discussing matters with the emperor and the kings, and he cannot leave for a while, so he sent someone to report so that we can make preparations in advance."
After hearing this, Mei Siyuan frowned and said to Baili Si, "So fast!" He also felt grateful that Xia Muchao, despite his busy schedule, still remembered to inform him before the official announcement.
Baili Si also looked unhappy and said resentfully, "Oh, why not! Now, why don't we have to spend the New Year on the road!"
"Mom! Daddy." Mei Yuanchen saw this and comforted his parents softly.
Bai Lisi turned her head and stared at Zongzi affectionately. She stroked her cheek with one hand. After a while, tears began to fall, and she hurriedly stretched out her other hand to wipe them away. Mei Yuanchen looked confused, feeling that his mother was too sad today. How could he know that his parents had just made up their minds to leave him alone in the capital to study. The mother is about to be separated from her son, and the return date is still uncertain. Perhaps it has been years since she passed away, and she feels so much reluctance and intolerance in her heart at the same time. How can she not make Xunran cry!
The cold wind blew outside the courtyard, and the snowflakes were weak, swaying and drifting in the wind...
