Invincible Fireworks

On New Year’s Eve, regardless of gender, age, or status, everyone would gather together to celebrate the new year.

While the few of them were having fun, they took some time to sit together, and wrap the dumplings that they would be eating the next morning.

There were two types of filling. One was the squid and prawn stuffing, and the other was the pork and cabbage stuffing.

The filling and noodles were made by the group when they were preparing new year’s eve dinner.

At this moment, the new year celebrations and dumpling-making session were going on at the same time.

While they were at it, everyone was busy learning from Xiaoguo because the dumplings that she made looked just like gold ingots.

While making the dumplings, they did not forget to insert the copper coin that Xiaoguo had washed in advance into the dumplings.

Zhuang Zhuang’s big eyes stared at the dumpling with the copper coin. He secretly memorized its position. He will pick it out and eat it tomorrow.

“Zhuang Zhuang, it’s useless. It’ll get mixed up in the pot.”

Xiaoguo smiled and put down the dumplings. Seeing that the boy was spending so much effort to do something futile, she kindly reminded him.

But Zhuang Zhuang didn’t believe her, he insisted on remembering the position of that dumpling. Seeing that he didn’t believe her, Xiaoguo let him be. He will find out for himself tomorrow.

As soon as they were done making the dumplings, the old village chief sent someone over to move the fireworks.

To be honest, the big firework was pretty heavy and had to be transported by two strong men. After all, it was the largest, heaviest, and most expensive firework that could be found among all the stalls. There were only five of these big fireworks that were available within the whole country. It was only right for them to treat it with the utmost care.

On the way there, the old village chief secretly asked Xiaoguo about the cost of the fireworks.

Xiaoguo gave him an approximate figure that was slightly below the actual price. When the old village chief heard the amount, he almost fell to his knees. Then, with a pale face, he chased after the carriage that was pulling the fireworks. He told the two men handling it to be extra careful. They must ensure that no damage could be done to the fireworks even if they have to risk breaking a leg to protect it.

Xiaoguo saw the chief’s actions from behind and found it funny. She held back her laughter along the way, thinking that the old village chief was exaggerating.

The old village chief was on tenterhooks as he stood guard beside the firework. He only felt a little better when they finally stopped at the threshing fields.

At this moment, not many villagers have arrived at the spot. Most of them were intending to watch from home. Only a small number of people were gathered at the fields to admire the fireworks at close range.

Although it was close, it was still a distance away from the actual spot. After all, if such a big firework was really released into the sky, the explosion would definitely be powerful. It was definitely best to watch from afar.

When Xiaoguo saw where the firework was placed, she made a rough estimation. Based on the distance they were standing now, it was probably not the most perfect viewing spot. They should retreat further.

After getting permission from the others, Xiaoguo led the way and retreated to a perfect distance based on her estimation.

There was no watch available during the ancient period. In order to keep track of the time, the old village chief specially took out an hourglass for the countdown.

“Sister Xiaoguo, how much did this firework cost?”

Ruyi held Xiaoguo’s arm and asked quietly. Based on her experience, this definitely did not come cheap.

When her father was still alive, he used to set off fireworks every year. At that time, the fireworks he set off were much smaller than this, but the money he spent on them was very considerable.

In her memory, every time the fireworks were released, her father would say that he had to watch his spending thereafter. From this, she could tell that the price of such a large-sized firework must be high enough to make one regurgitate blood.

Xiaoguo pursed her lips. If she didn’t talk about the price, she could more or less comfort herself. But when she did, she couldn’t help but think of the cost that was equivalent to the price of half a pig. Her heart ached so much that she had difficulty breathing.

“Don’t mention it again, or I’ll faint.”

Xiaoguo said jokingly. As long as the price was not mentioned, she could pretend that it was not costly.

Ruyi covered her mouth and smiled secretly. However, she still nodded seriously and made a zipping gesture on her lips.

“Xiaoguo, it’s about time. Who is going to ignite the fireworks?”

At this moment, the old village chief walked over with an hourglass in his hand. He still remembered what Xiaoguo had said. They will light the fireworks themselves, so he came over to check with her.

“My brother will do it.”

Xiaoguo pointed at Qin Anming. The old village chief brought the excited man to the fireworks.

“Get ready. On the count of seven, you can light up.”

“Okay.”

It would take some time for the fireworks rope to ignite. Based on the old village chief’s experience, if the fireworks were lit on the count of seven, by the count of one, the fireworks would explode in the sky.

The fireworks explosion was also timed to happen exactly at midnight. In other words, they were ringing in the new year with the display of fireworks.

Qin Anming squatted down and took a gulp. He held the torch nervously and listened to the countdown. When the countdown reached seven, he immediately leaned closer and lit the fuse. Then, he pulled the old village chief along with him and ran back towards the crowd.

The old village chief was getting on in years. If Qin Anming had not pulled him along, he wouldn’t be able to run on his own.

As soon as the two of them ran to the side of the group, the old village chief immediately looked at the hourglass in his hand. The last grain of sand slowly slipped down and he looked up nervously at the sky.

At the same time that the sand fell, fireworks erupted. With a whoosh, the fireworks slowly rose into the sky like a live dragon and exploded magnificently in the sky.

At that moment, everyone in the fields exclaimed all at the same time.

The beautiful fireworks rose into the air and stopped alongside the moon. Then, with a bang, they bloomed like a large bouquet of flowers.

The beautiful flowers bloomed in succession, scattered across the sky. Everyone in Peach Blossom Village seemed bewitched as they stared blankly at the beautiful scenery. The entire village was immediately illuminated by the fireworks.

The adults and children in the fields were jumping and cheering continually. At this moment, those who were staying at home had stepped out into their courtyards or ventured beyond the gates. They were all excitedly admiring the fireworks as a family. Some of them even reached out their hands, looking like they were trying to touch the fireworks.

The red flames lit up everyone’s faces. The moment the fireworks exploded, everyone’s hopes for the new year also blossomed.

At the same time, the neighboring villages and towns also began their annual fireworks display.

—-

The capital, in the palace.

“…”

Shao Zhan sat in the hall and looked at Jiang Danhe, who was silent. He then looked at Xiaoyi, who was dozing off. He sighed helplessly. Xiaoyi was supposed to be staying up for the new year, but right now the boy was so bored that he was almost falling asleep on the spot.

Hearing his sigh, Jiang Danhe turned his head away speechlessly. He should be the one feeling helpless instead. Over the past few days, Shao Zhan had stopped attending court. He was holding all kinds of banquets every day. He spent the days gathering and drinking with the royal family and high-ranking officials. But why did he have to stay by Shao Zhan’s side for such matters?

“Your Majesty, there’s a message from the Empress…”

Before Eunuch Su could finish speaking, Shao Zhan waved his hand and gestured for him to leave.

Eunuch Su nodded in understanding and bowed before leaving. He went outside to inform the palace maid who had come with the message. “The emperor has not been feeling well recently, so he won’t be going over.”

When the palace maid heard this, she sighed silently in her heart. However, she had no choice but to bow and report to the Empress.

Eunuch Su also let out a long sigh. This was the sixth time today…

In the hall, after Eunuch Su left, Jiang Danhe couldn’t help but look at the person sitting on the throne.

“The empress has already invited you six times. It doesn’t seem reasonable that you are still refusing to go over.”

“Hurry up and go to the empress. Just let me go!”

Shao Zhan looked up lazily and glanced at him—he looked like he had just read Jiang Danhe’s mind. “I just pity you for being alone.”

“Thank you for your kindness,” Jiang Danhe replied calmly.

Because of Shao Zhan’s kindness, he was trapped in the palace for five days. For five days, he was either accompanying him to the banquet or accompanying him to the sacrificial ceremony. He did not have any free time at all. Moreover, this should be the empress’s job. He was now taking over her duties. What was this?!