Crown Grandson's Residence · New Year's Eve
It was nearly midnight. At last, things had quieted down. Suppressing the effects of the wine, Wen Xunpeng stepped into the corridor to catch some wind. Thinking of how, only a moment ago, carriages had flowed like a river and caps clustered like clouds here, he could not help sighing. "Cooking oil over raging flames, flowers added to brocade—it truly was no lie."
"But it was exhausting too."
The Imperial Grandson had rushed to the palace for the banquet, then returned home to host a family feast. He had suffered far more than the rest of them.
"Mr. Wen!" A voice came from behind him. Wen Xunpeng turned and saw a servant, who said, "His Highness summons you."
"I'll go at once."
Wen Xunpeng followed him swiftly toward the flower hall and indeed found everyone from the stewards upward gathered there. Ye Buhui was saying, "It is the New Year, and everyone has worked hard."
"The head steward will receive thirty taels, stewards twenty, deputy stewards ten. The rest will receive five taels, or two or three taels, all distributed by the head steward according to rank and merit."
"After a full day's labor, everyone is tired. You may all disperse."
The stewards on either side accepted the order. Since everyone had a share, cheers immediately rang out. They withdrew one after another, and even Ye Buhui departed with graceful steps, leaving Wen Xunpeng alone in the entire hall.
"My lord, what are your instructions?"
"You came at just the right time. Take a walk with me, then we shall speak in the study." Su Ziji smiled faintly and led the way toward the corridor. The sky was dim now, and fine snowflakes scattered down with a rustle, making the bamboo leaves tremble