Je vends des vêtements et j'achète du vin à boire avec toi

Chapitre 64

Bao'er nodded. Actually, she had no concept of what the New Year was, but she did remember to ask for money. Long San looked at the mother and daughter and felt both amused and annoyed. He thought that the first time Bao'er spoke to him, she asked, "Will you give me money?" If Long Er had heard that, he would probably have been so angry that he would have smoked from his head.

Long San imagined the lively New Year celebrations at home, and when he thought of Bao'er earnestly asking Long Er, "Will you give me a gold ingot?" he could hardly contain his laughter.

Feng Ning and Bao'er clapped their little hands and counted, while Long San watched, feeling happier than ever. Although he had used some tricks to bring this happiness, he had no regrets. He only hoped that this happiness would never end.

Time flies, and the New Year is just around the corner. On New Year's Eve, Long San, along with Feng Ning and Bao'er, arrived home. The entire Long family was busy changing the masters' clothes and preparing the New Year's Eve dinner. Before Long San and the others could even get a proper rest, it was time to pay respects to their ancestors. They changed their clothes and went to the ancestral hall to pay their respects to their ancestors.

Feng Ning quickly met Long Da and his wife and children. Long Teng was indeed a general who had fought on the battlefield for a long time. He had an imposing aura that commanded respect without anger. His son, Long Qingsheng, was six years old and had inherited his father's appearance and temperament. He looked mature for his age. Feng Ning was somewhat surprised by his sister-in-law, An Ruochen. She looked extremely virtuous and gentle and spoke in a soft voice. Feng Ning couldn't imagine how such a frail woman had managed to keep up with Long Da's travels and guard the border for so many years.

However, these were not things that Feng Ning could ponder. She followed behind the men of the Long family with Bao'er, feeling very uneasy. What was her status now, and what was Bao'er's status? Would this be awkward?

The Long family quickly gave her an answer. After the three Long brothers finished their prayers, it was the turn of the wives and children. Long Da and Long San each lit incense. Long Da handed the incense to An Ruochen and Long Qingsheng, while Long San handed it to Feng Ning and Bao'er.

Feng Ning hurriedly accepted the incense, and Bao'er followed suit, holding the incense in his hand. An Ruochen smiled gently at Feng Ning, nodded, and led her son to kneel on the cushion in front of the Long family's ancestral tablets.

Feng Ning whispered to Bao'er to do as she was told, while she herself carefully watched An Ruochen's actions. But when it was their turn, Long San knelt down along with them. After Feng Ning and Bao'er finished paying respects to their ancestors, the servants took Bao'er away, and Long San pulled Feng Ning to pay respects again.

He said that time was too tight to hold a grand ceremony, so he was taking advantage of this opportunity to pay respects to their ancestors, with his family as witnesses, to declare that he, Long San, was marrying Feng'er. After Feng Ning finished paying her respects with him, tears streamed down her face. She knew that no matter what had happened before, she truly had a home now.

She held Long San's hand, thinking that even without her memories, she could still dream and aspire to the future.

Author's Note: I was originally planning to stay up all night writing another chapter and save it to my drafts before I board the train tomorrow, but I've been so tired these past two days. After moving things today, I felt I couldn't go on any longer. After finishing this chapter, I need to go to bed early tonight. So, I'll be taking a break from updates starting tomorrow. I'll come back online after I get home, settle in, and get my broadband installed, which will probably take three or four days. Thank you all for your support, please wait for me!

47

47. The Long San couple creating a happy life...

Feng Ning had no idea how the New Year's Eve dinner was supposed to be eaten, nor did she know how many rules the Long family had. Perhaps moved by Long San, perhaps because it was her first time meeting Long Da, or perhaps because she was carrying Bao'er and had many concerns, Feng Ning was very well-behaved, obediently following everyone and not daring to cause any trouble.

Long San, carrying Bao'er and holding Feng Ning's hand, followed his two elder brothers into the main courtyard, where a large table of food and wine had already been set out. Feng Ning looked at it with great delight. However, Long Da and Long Er did not stop, but instead walked towards the main hall.

Upon entering the house, Long Da and his wife took the main seats, Long Er sat to the side, and Long San put Bao'er down and stood to the side holding her hand. Feng Ning was confused about what was going on, but Granny Yu handed her a tray with two cups of tea on it.

Long San said to Feng Ning, "We're having our wedding during the New Year. We're not going to make a big fuss, but we still need to observe the proper etiquette. After today, you'll be the proper third daughter-in-law of the Long family. Now is the time for you to serve tea to your brother and sister-in-law."

Feng Ning took the tray, feeling a little nervous. No wonder Long San was so nervous on the way and couldn't make it in time. No wonder they had to take a bath and change clothes as soon as they entered the house, dressed in bright red, and the house was decorated in a festive manner. She originally thought it was because of the New Year, but she didn't expect it to be the etiquette for her, a divorced woman, to re-enter the house.

There were no guests, no parents of the Feng family, but for some reason, Feng Ning didn't feel that this kind of greeting was inappropriate at all. She had made a mistake, had a child, and had been divorced. Now that she was back, the Long family was still willing to accept her, and Long San treated her better than ever. Bao'er also got along very well with him, calling "Daddy, Daddy" all day long.

Feng Ning looked down at the tray in her hands, then turned to see Long San giving her an encouraging smile. Bao'er, who was beside him, didn't understand what was going on, but since her father smiled at her mother, she wanted to smile back too.

Feng Ning turned to look at Granny Yu again. Granny Yu had no expression, which suggested she still disliked her, but her master must have given her instructions, so she didn't show any hostility. Feng Ning suddenly grinned and said loudly to Granny Yu, "Thank you, Granny Yu."

Granny Yu was startled by her words, her face showing surprise. Feng Ning smiled again, carrying the tray towards the Long couple. As long as one treats others sincerely, there will surely be a reward. Regardless of her past, Feng Ning now sincerely strives to be a woman who has a clear conscience. If she treats others sincerely, they will surely sense it.

Feng Ning knelt on the cushion laid out by the maid, raised the tray high, and said loudly, "Uncle, sister-in-law, please have some tea."

Her voice was loud and clear, her face open and frank, as forthright as a sworn brotherhood in the martial arts world, showing no trace of the airs of someone about to become a wife. This made everyone laugh. The Long couple drank their tea and placed the gifts on the tray. Bao'er looked at them and quietly tugged at Long San's sleeve. Long San picked her up, and she asked, "Daddy, did the Empress go to collect New Year's money?"

"No." Long San gently touched Bao'er's little face: "Your Highness went to pay her respects. Those are your uncle and aunt. Bao'er needs to recognize people, so you should greet them when you see them."

Bao'er nodded obediently and stared intently at Mr. and Mrs. Long, wanting to observe them carefully and remember their appearance.

At this moment, Feng Ning went to Long Er to offer tea. After Long Er drank the tea, he placed a beautifully packaged brocade box on a tray for Feng Ning. Long San instructed Bao'er: "This is your second uncle now, Bao'er, remember that too."

This time, Bao'er perked up and excitedly asked, "Is it that second uncle who has hats and money? Bao'er has to ask him for New Year's money!"

Bao'er was so excited that he couldn't control his voice and spoke quite loudly. Long Er, who was close by, heard everything clearly. His eye twitched, and he almost pulled his hand back from handing over the gift. How did these three old men raise their child? The first thing they did when they got home was to think about asking him for New Year's money?

Long Er glanced at Bao'er and Long San. When Bao'er saw him looking over, she shyly hid in Long San's arms, but she still didn't forget to confirm, so she whispered in Long San's ear, "Daddy, is it that second uncle?"

Long San chuckled and patted her little head: "Yes, it's Second Uncle."

Bao'er listened attentively and took it to heart. Even after the ceremony was over and everyone moved to the main dining table, she kept staring at Long Er. Long Er felt extremely uncomfortable, his hair standing on end from being stared at by a little girl.

Feng Ning also noticed Bao'er's actions and saw Long Er's awkwardness. She was secretly delighted and hugged Bao'er, giving her a big kiss: "Bao'er is so great."

Bao'er was both happy and shy after being praised by her mother. She buried her head in Feng Ning's arms and giggled. Long Er glared at the mother and daughter, and Feng Ning glared back at him.

A family meal is always lively. At the Long family's reunion dinner, even Granny Yu and Steward Tie sat at the same table as their masters. Everyone happily drank and ate, reminiscing about their experiences over the past year and the scenes they'd witnessed since their departure. Surprisingly, the person they talked about the most was the First Madam, An Ruochen.

Feng Ning thought about it and realized it made sense. General Long wasn't much of a talker, and the two of them were away from home the longest. Someone had to come and give them instructions, explain the situation, and ask them questions. Despite her gentle and frail appearance, An Ruochen was surprisingly capable of handling things. She spoke clearly and logically, calmly and deliberately, and her humor was very pleasant to listen to. Feng Ning felt a little ashamed of herself.

After finishing their meal, An Ruochen pulled Feng Ning aside to chat about children's affairs. Long Qingsheng jumped off the table, ran up to Long Er without any ceremony, stretched out his hand, and called out, "Second Uncle, Happy New Year!"

The adults all laughed. Long Er smiled and shook his head, then turned and instructed the servant behind him. Soon, the servant brought a tray with a long, rectangular object wrapped in red cloth on it. Long Er picked up the red cloth, tapped Long Qingsheng's head with his finger, and handed the object to him: "Little rascal, all you've got your eye on is this."

Long Qingsheng chuckled, took the red cloth bundle, and unwrapped it, revealing a dagger. The dagger was exquisitely crafted, with its scabbard and handle adorned entirely with cyan, flat gemstones. Long Qingsheng exclaimed excitedly, "It really is the Azure Scale Sword! Thank you, Second Uncle!"

Feng Ning was secretly amazed by the sight. This dagger was clearly priceless. Giving it as a New Year's gift was truly extravagant. She secretly regretted that she was indeed ignorant and petty. She had spent so much time teaching Bao'er to ask for gold ingots, but it was not even worth a fraction of the value of that dagger.

If only I had known… Feng Ning was speechless for a moment, not knowing what she could have gotten Bao'er to ask for. On the other hand, Long San gave Long Qingsheng a set of golden armor. Feng Ning rubbed her forehead, unable to bear to look. It was truly an extremely valuable protective garment, something that money couldn't buy, and even if you could, you'd have to be very rich. Anyway, watching Long San give it away, her heart ached.

Bao'er didn't know what good things her father and second uncle had given her brother, and she wasn't interested. All she could think about was that since her brother had already made a move, shouldn't she make hers too?

She struggled to jump off the chair, ran to Long San's side, and asked while staring at Long Er, "Father, can I go ask Second Uncle for it?"

No one spoke at this moment, but Bao'er's voice was heard by several of the men, especially since the way she stared at Long Er could only be described as menacing; Long Er couldn't ignore it even if he wanted to. So, before Long San could reply, he beckoned to Bao'er: "Come, come..."

Bao'er glanced at Long San, then at Feng Ning. Seeing that her parents had nodded, she bit her lip, her face flushed, and timidly approached Long Er, calling out softly, "Second Uncle..."