Days went by in the midst of the repetitive hard job. Xu Ran and the others eventually adapted to Yanzhou's frigid weather. They had become accustomed to using Lu Qi's ointment before going outside in the morning so that they could stay outside for the entire day without being too cold. After November, Baozi was a year older.
Except for his weight, he had grown in every other way. The first thing that came to me was his voracious hunger. He ate a lot more than previously, but he didn't gain any weight, which perplexed Xu Ran.
Baozi has being teased by Xu Ran, who claims that no childe ate as much as he did. Baozi disagreed with him and proceeded to persuade Yan Lan to dine with him and eat as much as he does, but reality was harsh.
Yan Lan has clearly gained a lot of weight after eating with Baozi for seven days. Then he said that he would never again eat with Baozi. Baozi's approach failed, so he began cautiously asking Xu Ran for extra rice whenever he needed it. He only dared to do it when Xu Ran agreed, which was downright pathetic.
Xu Ran, too, thought he had gone too far when he saw his pitiful expression. There wasn't a shortage of food at home, so what was wrong with allowing his children to eat as much as they wanted?
He couldn't say he couldn't afford it. Even if Baozi ate like this, he didn't get fat. Plus, none of his relatives were overweight, and they weren't likely to become so in the future. Xu Ran felt relieved once he realized this and allowed Baozi to eat as much as he wanted.
The removal of the ban by Xu Ran made Baozi very delighted. Baozi mistakenly ate two more bowls during lunch that day as a result of his enjoyment, prompting Xu Ran to prevent him from eating again.
The entire time, Liu Tong remained uninvolved in the incident. He stood there calmly as a bystander, watching the entire scenario between the father and his son, but nothing had changed in the end. Liu Tong was also aware that this incident occurred since they had nothing else to do.
Xu Ran would have no time to worry about Baozi once they got back to work after the new year. Tangtang and Guoguo ultimately went home on the 15th day of the 12th lunar month. Tangtang and Guoguo also joined the tormenting team, and they could hear Baozi's shrill protests every day. Of course, they didn't always defeat Baozi.
He could not have a low IQ because he was Xu Ran's son, no matter how stupid he was. Besides, Xu Ran had taught him a lot. It wasn't the same as the lessons he gave Tangtang and Guoguo. Until the New Year, the four of them had been like this.
They didn't go to help Liu Tong make new year products since they were thinking about how to taunt others every day. Liu Tong, on the other hand, was content to sit back and enjoy the fun every day, so he did all of the work himself.
Xu Ran remembered that he had to prepare a lot of things for the New Year when it was the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month.
Then he proceeded to the Utility room, where he discovered that everything had been prepared, including the gifts for his neighbors, which Liu Tong had purchased. Then, and only then, did Xu Ran feel guilty. After a brief discussion with the three children, Xu Ran agreed to surprise Liu Tong.
Surprise, on the other hand, was a difficult gift to deliver. Xu Ran had completed all of his responsibilities, including preparing the meal and planning the wedding.
Every year, they celebrated Liu Tong's birthday. He also helped him in finding his brother, and the couple has three children together. Xu Ran was at a loss for what kind of surprise he could throw at Liu Tong.
The three children were likewise concerned, but Xu Ran dismissed their concerns. The reason was straightforward. Either it was incorrect or it lacked originality. The three children gradually lost interest in the plan as it was dismissed one after another. Xu Ran chased them all away and went off to think on his own.
After thinking about it all day long, Xu Ran came up with an idea, which could only be given to Liu Tong.
Xu Ran didn't sleep the night before New Year's Eve as a result of this. While Liu Tong was sleeping, he took a few dark-colored garments and hid in the utility room.
The lights were dim, and there was only a sliver of light. He had never used needles or scissors before, therefore it was quite difficult for him to operate. Xu Ran waited till daybreak to produce a not-so-appealing end product. It was not, in fact, created by him.
He just made minor changes to the original dress. Despite the fact that it was unattractive, Xu Ran was pleased with it. After all, it was his first time, so it was satisfactory. Tongtong, in any case, would not oppose.
This was the source of Xu Ran's self-assurance. Someone was always there to encourage him, no matter what he did. Since it was now daylight, Xu Ran did not go back to sleep. He hid everything and proceeded to make breakfast in the kitchen.
When Liu Tong awoke, he sensed that something wasn't quite right. He had the impression that Xu ran had not been in bed the night before, but he was too cold and drowsy to get out of bed. He assumed that he had gone to the restroom.
However, when he awoke the next morning, he discovered Xu Ran's quilt was just as it had been the night before. Liu Tong was able to further corroborate his guess.
He knew that Xu Ran must be hiding something from him, but he didn't doubt too much. After all, he did not think that Xu Ran would do anything wrong with him now.
Liu Tong got out of the bed after getting dressed, thinking that he would ask Xu Ran later.
When Xu Ran entered the kitchen, he was conversing with Shao Yu. The room was warm, and there were noodles in the pot that had been cooked. When Liu Tong saw Xu Ran's dark circles, he scowled uncomfortably, but he didn't say anything because it was the New Year.
And he didn't get the chance to ask Xu Ran what he wanted because Xu Ran was avoiding him that day, either purposefully or unknowingly. Since they landed in Yan Zhou, they had stopped staying up late or all night on New Year's Eve.
Furthermore, it was now far too cold. If they stayed up all night, they might acquire a cold. So they just sat and spoke for a while before returning to their beds.
Xu Ran entered the room and greeted Liu Tong before exiting with a curious expression. Liu Tong didn't stop him since he planned to ask Xu Ran what he had been up to the night before. He sat by the bedside, waiting for Xu Ran to return.
After a while, he heard someone knocking on the door. Liu Tong was eager to get out of bed and open the door, but the person he encountered after doing so surprised him.
"Ran?" Liu Tong asked with uncertainty.
Xu Ran smiled slightly and asked. "Yes. Why? You don't know me anymore?"
Liu Tong hurriedly shook his head and said. "No, but why do you dress up like this? It's kind of strange."
Liu Tong opened the door and let Xu Ran in while looking at him.
After entering the door, Xu Ran turned around and asked Liu Tong to take a closer look, then he smiled and asked him, "Tong Tong, how is it? Don't I look handsome?"
Liu Tong didn't know what handsome meant, but he still nodded obediently. "You are very good-looking, Ran, is this the clothes you wear in another era?"
Xu Ran nodded. "Yes, you're so smart to figure it out"
Liu Tong got a little shy when he heard Xu Ran's praise, but his eyes didn't move away from Xu Ran. He kept staring at him and nodded, "This dress looks really nice on you."
Xu Ran was dressed in a more modern version of the garments he had constructed the night before. He altered it to a casual wear due to the limited conditions. He had his hair styled and looked great. Seeing that Liu Tong like it, Xu Ran was reassured and predicted that Tongtong would like it as well.
Xu Ran said, "Tongtong, I have been busy playing with the children the days before, so I didn't help you. I apologized. I had discussed with the children to give you a surprise, but I really couldn't think of any good idea. So I made this outfit for you to see. Do you like it?"
Hearing Xu Ran's words, Liu Tong smiled unconsciously and said, "Of course, I like it. But Ran, don't go out at night doing these things again. I would be worried. I don't care about surprise. All I want it you to be happy."
It was rare for Liu Tong to say such affectionate words. Plus, it was New Year's Eve today, so Xu ran suddenly had a bad idea in his mind.
Xu Ran leaned over and whispered to Liu Tong, "Tongtong, do you mind if I wear this to bed tonight?"
Xu Ran surprised Liu Tong by asking such a question. In his heart, he still felt odd. Why would Xu Ran need his permission for something so minor? (^///^)
Looking at Liu Tong's confused expression, Xu Ran knew that he didn't catch his meaning, so he leaned over to kiss him and asked, "Do you understand me now?"
Liu Tong was confused as well, but Xu Ran abruptly removed his garments, causing Liu Tong's cheeks to flush. He couldn't possibly still not understand him.
After all, they've already had three children. Xu Ran has done some stunts in bed before, but this is the first time he's had clothing on. When Liu Tong awoke on the bed, Xu Ran was buried in his chest and he was going to refute.
Even on New Year's Eve, he had to do something like this. But he was powerless to stop Xu Ran. As a response of his shame, he just did not watch him.
He forgot, though, that even if he couldn't see it, his body could still feel it. Xu Ran's hands lingered on him, and everything he touched heated him up. His hand continued to move, like if he was ready to ignite him.
The sensation was becoming more and more apparent. Liu Tong's face was reddened and looked as if he was ready to suffocate. It was especially noticeable in the dim light of the oil lamp. As he witnessed Liu Tong's reaction, Xu Ran laughed.
"Tongtong, our Baozi is eight years old now. Why are you still so shy?"
Liu Tong did not know how to answer Xu Ran's words, so he had to keep silent, but his movements were obviously more cooperative.
Seeing this, Xu Ran did even harder. The New Year's Eve passed away like this.
The schedule this year was the same as last year. The New Year passed without incident.
The Red Tower, like the coal factory, was open for business on the 10th day of the first lunar month. During the last few months, the coal factory's efficiency has been exceptional.
At the very least, King Yan could put this money to good use by repairing a number of houses. These coal factory beggars might be able to find a place to reside as well. This was something Xu Ran had not anticipated at all.
They expected it to be nice, but they didn't anticipate it to be this fantastic. The coal factory workers and the sales staff, who had to go out on the road frequently for business, deserve the most of the credit.
Xu Ran and Lu Qi were mostly only offering suggestions and counsel behind the scenes, and king Yan had never paid attention to the coal factory since he first arrived. These folks had worked hard for their money, and it was only fair to spend it on them.
It also made it simpler for these individuals to settle down and work in the coal mine. It may also help King Yan in cultivating a group of devoted servants, which may be useful in the future.
King Yan told Xu Ran about his plan to build the mansion during the Spring Festival, and that work would begin when the weather became hot the following year. Because if it grew too hot, honeycomb briquet was no longer needed.
There were a lot of folks who needed to do something. These individuals were unlikely to reject to construct a home for themselves. Xu Ran, on the other hand, came up with a novel approach to generate money around the New Year that might help a lot of people become wealthy.
Xu Ran's current purpose, in any case, was to make Yanzhou wealthy. King Yan would have nothing to worry about when the new emperor ascended to the throne, and the people of Yanzhou could likewise rally behind him.
And then, their family would be able to leave with peace of mind. What a good plan!
The novel way that Xu Ran devised was inspired by the booze they consumed over the New Year's holiday. Except for apricots, which were highly useful, there were few fruits in Yanzhou.
Apricot blooms can be used to make wine, and apricots can be eaten or canned. Even these almonds were available, yet almonds were the most expensive in modern times. On New Year's Eve, Xu Ran had nothing planned, so he went to the homes of some poor families.
Almond trees grew in front of every door and along the road, he discovered. The trees were not little, and they were planted in a long, almost avenue-like row.
Xu Ran was very happy about this scene. Because of this, he saw hope that the people of Yanzhou could make good use of these resources.
He'd kept his plan to himself. Xu Ran arrived with his family to see the almond trees, claiming that they were going for a walk to learn more about Yanzhou. Liu Tong didn't give it much thought. They had been in Yanzhou for over a year, yet they had little knowledge of the city. It was fantastic to get out and walk.
In any case, there was nothing to do on New Year's Day. After observing it, Xu Ran's ideas began to develop in his mind. He hurriedly jotted down his idea and practice after returning home, and then presented it to King Yan.
Xu Ran received good news from King Yan at the same time. It was from Xu Village, and it was a letter. When Xu Ran received the letter, he was ecstatic. He finally received the letter after more than a year, on New Year's Eve, which was an excellent New Year's gift. Xu Ran was eager to read the letter.
It was written by Zhuo Yun and spanned a number of pages. It was also really thorough. First, he highlighted several significant events that occurred in Xu Village following their departure.
Then he briefed them about these people's plight before asking Xu Ran how they were doing in Yanzhou.
At the end of the letter, the handwriting was obviously scrawled. Xu Ran guessed that Zhuo Yun was still angry, otherwise he wouldn't have greeted them in the end.
In Xu Village, the situation was exactly as King Yan had described to Xu Ran. They were afflicted with the plague, but Zhuo Yun and the others were unaffected due of their previous preparations. They took refuge in the mountains for a while before returning to their houses once the plague had passed. That was fantastic news.
Of course, there was also bad news, and this bad news had to do with Xu Ran. His Daddy died in the plague, but the other three members of the his family were still fine.
Seeing this, Xu Ran only paused for a moment and didn't think much about it. Daddy Xu was not very close to him. Even though his relationship with Xu Houcai had improved a lot over the years, he was still the same as ever. So looking at the contents of the letter, Xu Ran felt like he was watching a stranger die. He did not feel happy, nor did he feel sad.
The rest of the letter, which was two or three pages long, was about some people he knew well. Qing Shu was missing Baozi, according to the last line ". When Xu Ran saw that, he couldn't help but smile. It was predicted that Baozi would be happy when he saw this, but that he would subsequently cry.
The particular outcomes, however, would not be known until Baozi examined it. Xu Ran continued to read the next section with worry, which consisted solely of complaints that they had been gone for a year and had not sent them a letter.
After reading it, Xu Ran wrote a reply in King Yan's residence, and still handed it to Yan Chuan.
After reading the letter, Xu Ran was finally relieved. It was good know that they were fine.
Xu Ran gave the plan he had written to king Yan and left it alone. After reading the letter, he returned home happily.
As soon as he reached the door, Xu Ran called Baozi loudly, "Baozi, come out, Dad will give you something good."
Of course, Baozi was not the only one who called out but everyone at home. They all stood at the door and waited for Xu Ran to bring out what he called a good thing.
Xu Ran walked over and took out the letter from his arms. "This is a letter from Zhuo Yun. This is good stuff, right?"
Everyone nodded. Not only Xu Ran, all iof them were waiting for a letter from Xu Village, a letter that could reassure them.
Xu Ran opened the letter, took one out of them out and handed the rest to Tangtang, letting him read it to everyone.
Xu Ran lured Baozi to the other side with the paper in his hand. He waved the letter and asked Baozi, "Baozi, do you miss Qing Shu?"
Baozi nodded without a second thought. "Yeah, Dad, did he write a letter to me?"
Xu Ran shook his head. "No."
Baozi was disappointed, but when he saw the paper in Xu Ran's hand, he realized Xu Ran was most likely teasing him. Why would he pick this one out of a stack of papers if he didn't have to? Baozi stretched out and grabbed Xu Ran's piece of paper. Xu Ran, on the other hand, would not let Baozi have it, so he held it high. Baozi puffed up his cheeks and reached for it.
They continued on like this for a long time until Xu Ran noticed Baozi was about to cry and handed him the paper, lovingly pointing to the last sentence for him.
Even if he didn't point, Baozi could see it at a glance even if he didn't point. After all, it was emblazoned with the word "Qing shu," which made him yearn at all hours of the day and night.
As Xu Ran expected, Baozi was very happy when he saw this. He even jumped several times and acted very lively.
But when the excitement passed, Baozi suddenly looked sad.
He missed Qing Shu. He hadn't seen him for more than a year. Although he used to stay home often, it hadn't been so long!
Baozi looked dispirited and asked Xu Ran, "Dad, when can we go back? I'm homesick."
Xu Ran patted his head with a smile, "I don't think you're not homesick. You just miss Qing Shu!"
Although it was exposed by Xu Ran, Baozi didn't think feel embarrassed. He nodded solemnly, "yes, I miss him. I want to see him now. Dad, let's go back early! It's not as good as home here."
Xu Ran reached out and rubbed Baozi's face. "Baozi,I know you miss Qing Shu, but we won't be able to go back for a few years. You'll be old enough to marry Qing Shu by the time we return. So, if you don't put in the effort now, he won't like you in the future."
Hearing Xu Ran's words, there was a very a contemptuous disregard expression on Baozi's face. He slapped Xu Ran's hand and said, "Dad, I didn't say such things because I miss Qing Shu. I really want to go home. This place is different from Xu Village. I don't like it here."
"Fallen leaves find their way back to the roots." After hearing Baozi's words, this notion popped into Xu Ran's head. It was also simple to comprehend. After all, Baozi grew up in Xu Village and knew every tree and grass in the area. And after so many years of living there, they abruptly decided to leave, so it's natural for him to want to return. On the other hand, Baozi claimed that this place was distinct from Xu Village.
There were a lot of contrasts between them. First and foremost, the temperature had changed. Second, there was a distinct accent. The last distinction was the eating habit.
In the same way that some people in modern times went to work in big cities. Even after working in these huge cities for more than ten years, they were still not used to staying there. When they were old, they would return home.
Xu Ran was at a loss for words when it came to comforting Baozi since he had an idea in his head that he had never had before.
Perhaps it was because of Xu Ran's embarrassment, Baozi started to comfort Xu Ran instead. He put his little hand on Xu Ran's face and pinched his face. "Dad, you don't have to feel bad. I'm just saying it. I understand that you and your brothers have important responsibilities. I shall obediently grow up here. When we return, I will marry Qing Shu. Qing Shu and I had agreed that he would wait for me."
For a moment, Xu Ran really thought that Baozi had grown up but he returned to reality when he saw Baozi's bitter face.
Xu Ran was happy to see that Baozi was not as sad as he had expected, but he also thought it was amusing. At such a young age, he had already promised to marry without his parents' approval. He should've told Zhuo Yun about Baozi's child marriage sooner.
09.19.21