Chapter 542: Chapter 500: Feeding_1
Because of Yan Wenxiu’s cover, the Wu Family did not notice anything unusual when Daohua and the others returned.
However, since they had eaten hotpot at Xiao Yeyang’s place, the three of them didn’t eat much during the New Year’s Eve dinner.
Madam Li noticed and couldn’t help but ask, “Why aren’t you three eating much?”
Yan Wenkai smiled and replied, “We ate too much rice cake in the afternoon.”
Madam Li immediately laughed sarcastically and continued to serve dishes to Old Lady Yan and Yan Siyu, without saying much more.
After dinner, Madam Li, Yan Siyu, the Sun Family, and the Wu Family played cards with the elderly lady, while Yan Zhigao and his brothers, who stayed at the Yan Family for the New Year, and Teacher Xiao chatted over tea on the side, discussing plans and intentions for the new year.
Seeing that Daohua and the younger ones were sitting around bored, Yan Zhiyuan said with a smile, “I had the servants buy firecrackers. Wenxiu, take your brothers and sisters out to set them off.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Wenkai immediately perked up, “Uncle, why didn’t you say so earlier? Where are the firecrackers?”
Yan Zhiyuan laughed, “I just forgot for a moment. Go and get them from Butler Sun.”
Yan Zhigao cautioned, “Wenxiu, keep a close eye on your brothers and sisters, and be safe.”
Yan Wenxiu nodded, “Father, don’t worry.” With that, he led Daohua and the others out of the courtyard.
“Big brother, where are we going to set them off?”
“Let’s go to the back gate, it’s spacious there, and we can also enjoy the bustling scene on the streets.”
Yan Wenxiu then set a rule, “Let’s make it clear beforehand, you’re not allowed to run off. The city isn’t under curfew during the New Year’s period, and it’s crowded. It would be difficult to find someone if they got lost.”
Yan Wenkai replied with an acknowledgment, “I got it, I got it, I’ll keep an eye on them.”
Yan Wenxiu snorted, “You’re the one I trust the least.”
Yan Wenkai pouted, but seeing Butler Sun bring out the firecrackers, he immediately forgot the conversation with his elder brother and ran over excitedly, “Let’s go, it’s time to set off the firecrackers.”
Having experienced modern fireworks, Daohua wasn’t particularly interested in ancient firecrackers, but entertainment options were limited back then. Bored, she also joined in setting off the firecrackers.
“Cousin Yiyi, these firecrackers are quite loud, you should stand back a bit, don’t hurt your ears. Let me set them off for you.”
Yang Hongrui saw Daohua about to light the fuse herself and quickly stepped in front of her to stop her.
Daohua flatly refused, “I’m not afraid.” And with that, she lit a firecracker herself.
“Bang!”
The spark ignited, followed by a deafening explosion.
The sound was indeed too loud, and Daohua quickly covered her ears and ran back.
Yang Hongrui followed with a laugh, “I told you the firecrackers were loud, but you didn’t believe me. Here, let me set off the rest you have. You just stand aside and watch.”
Daohua really didn’t want to set off any more, so she handed over the firecrackers she was holding to him.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiujun saw her brother constantly revolving around Cousin Yiyi and silently laughed to herself. Seeing Yan Yile looking interested in joining, she quickly pulled her aside and said, “You know, the most impressive firecrackers are in Beijing. Every New Year, the Imperial Palace sets off those that fly into the sky and then explode. The light can be seen across a good half of Beijing.”
Yan Yile asked, “Really?”
Yan Wenkai joined in the conversation, “I know about this; those firecrackers are specially provided by the Ministry of Works for the Imperial Family. Some nobles also set them off, but it costs a lot of silver to buy them.”
Yang Xiujun nodded with a smile, “What Wenkai said is true.”
Yan Yile’s interest was piqued, “I really want to see.”
Yan Wenkai replied, “Ours aren’t bad either, at least they’re loud enough. Come on, come over here, I’ll set them off for you.”
Seeing that Yan Yile’s attention was successfully diverted, Yang Xiujun turned back to watch her brother still setting off firecrackers for Cousin Yiyi and then joined in with a smile.
It wasn’t just Yang Xiujun who was paying attention to Daohua; Xiao Yeyang was also watching from a distance of over ten meters.
Seeing Daohua’s radiant smile as she covered her ears, chatting and laughing with the young master of the Yang Family, Xiao Yeyang felt extremely irritated and uncomfortable, immediately wanting to separate the two.
However, after taking two steps, he stopped again.
What right did he have to keep others away from Daohua? Besides, the young master of the Yang Family was her legitimate cousin.
Daohua was kind to him, but compared to the young master of the Yang Family, he was clearly an outsider.
Seeing Xiao Yeyang looking unhappy, Defu quickly suggested with a smile, “Master, Miss Yan and Master Yan are setting off firecrackers. Let’s join them, it looks like fun.”