CH 83

Ch83 - New Year

The sky was still dark, but the farmsteads were already ringing with roosters’ crows. As the fowl woke, so too did the Liang Estate waken from its sleepy dream and begin busying about.

Liang Rong had gotten up bright and early. Today was very important. He’d woken up all on his own without needing anyone to remind him. With the maidservants’ help, he earnestly washed his face and freshened up, then put on his brand new robes and embroidered shoes, and excitedly plodded over to the main courtyard.

In his chambers, Liang Feng had begun getting ready for the day as well. Today was the first day of the new year, also known as Zhengdan, Yuanchen, and Yuanchun. The New Year had started at different times throughout various periods of history. During the Shang Dynasty, their first month was the twelfth lunar month, and the first month of the Zhou Dynasty’s calendar was the eleventh lunar month. After the Qin Dynasty standardized everything, the tenth lunar month was considered the beginning of the new year, up until the reign of the seventh emperor of the Han Dynasty, who reinstated the Xia Dynasty’s lunar calendar and made the first lunar month the first month of the year. Zhengdan was simply what would later be known as New Year’s Day.

Since it was the Spring Festival, it meant they had to celebrate to their hearts’ content, of course. Thankfully they didn’t “observe the new year” in this era, or else it’d take days for him and his son, an invalid and a child, to recover from staying up all night. So Liang Feng waited patiently for New Year’s Day and didn’t make up any new traditions.

Just after he’d made himself presentable, a servant informed him of the young master’s arrival. Sitting in the main hall, Liang Feng smiled as the adorable, rosy little bun marched in on his short, stubby legs. The child bowed and said, “I pray for you to be blessed with health and longevity, father.”

It was custom to pay respects to one’s seniors on New Year’s Day. Liang Feng smiled amusedly at the little child’s seriousness, “You must be happy and well this year, Rong-er. Come, here’s your ‘lucky money.’”

Liang Rong blinked, not knowing what “lucky money” was, as he splayed his hands and received the item his father gave him. It was a little pouch embroidered with a tiger’s head; its contents tinkled as they jostled around. Liang Rong curiously untied the pouch, tipped it over, then gasped. Out came five intricate golden coins. They were adorable little things, shaped like Wu Zhu, pressed flat and carved with elaborate designs.

Liang Feng patted the child’s head, “A golden coin, to ward off misfortune. I’ll give you another one next year.”

Liang Rong nodded eagerly and meticulously tied the little pouch to his waist. Liang Feng then said to Lüzhu, “Give everyone in the estate a hundred coins, to celebrate the New Year.”

A hundred coins wasn’t all that much, but it was an auspicious number. Lüzhu cheerfully assented, then asked, “Master, may we light the bamboo?”

Liang Feng nodded, “You may.”

Permission received, Lüzhu and a few other servants built a bonfire in the courtyard and stuck three long stalks of bamboo into the flames. Shortly, the bamboo started crackling and popping. Burning bamboo to drive off evil spirits and shansao was another obligatory Zhengdan ritual. In the pre-gunpowder age, people burned actual bamboo on New Year’s Day – it’s part of the reason firecrackers were informally referred to as “exploding bamboo” in modern times.

The noise drew Liang Rong’s attention; it was as exciting to him as firecrackers were to modern-day children. Liang Feng, on the other hand, wondered about gunpowder. He knew the ingredients of black powder, of course: one part saltpeter, two parts sulfur, and three parts charcoal. Problem was, these bumpkin blends couldn’t produce military-grade materiel. For gunpowder to be used as a weapon, and not just a harmless noisemaker, it had to be professionally purified and its recipe had to be refined. Obviously, Liang Feng couldn’t carry out that kind of research and experimentation himself.

Plus, the process of making gunpowder was too hazardous. If he let people with absolutely no understanding of chemistry mess around with it, they’d almost certainly blow themselves up. And supposing that they successfully made black powder, there was the question of how to use it. It was all too unfeasible for the current Liang Estate, so Liang Feng didn’t plan on beginning that kind of weapons development any time soon. He needed to obtain people with the appropriate expertise, at least, before he could make an attempt…

The sound of crackling died down while he was in the middle of his musings, the bamboo fully burned away.

Liang Rong’s wistful expression wrought an indulgent smile out of Liang Feng as he took his small hand in his and led him towards their ancestral shrine.

Slowly, everyone gathered at the main hall. As it was New Year’s Day, the head craftsmen and stewards had come to give their well wishes to the head of household. Craftsman Jiang and his son, Jiang Ni, were the first to arrive.The clayworks made tens of millions in profits alone last year, after they started selling white porcelain. Having received a tenth of those profits, the Jiang father and son were far from what they used to be.

Now, the clayworks had another great kiln and more than twenty potters in total, a good number of whom were sculptors and painters who’d been hired by Jiang Ni. Now, the clayworks churned out more than simple cups and plates; they’d begun to try their hand at more sophisticated works like “mountain censers,” “lotus chalices,” and “chicken’s head pitchers.” If they managed to make one, they could more than double or triple their profits.

Now, they held their backs straight with confidence. Craftsman Jiang had put all his efforts and then some into his New Year’s gift, thinking to show off. But just after he’d gotten both feet over the threshold, Craftsman Liu and his son came in right behind him.

We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.

“Ah, you’re here already, brother Jiang.” Craftsman Liu chuckled, “I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.”

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Hmph, once the clayworks’ new wares came out, they’d leave them in the dust! Craftsman Jiang grumbled in his mind, though his face was still plastered with a smile, “Why thank you, old buddy; here’s to hoping we get rich together!”

The later arrivals only offered a brief greeting, choosing not to join in on their animated conversation, and went off to ponder their own affairs instead. Though Zhaoyu was the one who headed the bookworks, she’d accompanied the young master to the ancestral shrine that morning, so Craftsman Wei Fonu had come in her stead. Being of a rather cautious nature, he simply stood to the side, smiling and nodding, and kept his mouth shut. Even when the steward, ah-Liang, arrived, he was too timid to go and chat him up.

The militiamen came in last, but what with their status, even ah-Liang had to go up and say hello. Yiyan scanned the courtyard, saw that his lord wasn’t present, and immediately lost all interest. He left all the work of talking to Zhang He and went off to the ancestral shrine alone.

Just after he’d finished paying respects, Liang Feng ran right into Yiyan. Seeing the person he’d hoped to find, Yiyan speedily strode towards him, “My lord, I wish you a happy New Year! And that you will live long and healthy! I hope you will accept this lucky jade that I have carved for you, my lord!”

He held out a jade ornament engraved with floral symbols; it was apparent that he’d crafted it with care.

Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile. He received the gift, untied an embroidered pouch from his waist, and handed it to him, “How thoughtful of you. Here’s your lucky money, take it.”

Yiyan took the bag, opened it immediately, and saw a round silver coin lying within. His heart pounding in his chest, he promptly found a string to tie it with, and tucked it beneath the fold of his robes, where it pressed against the skin of his chest.

Liang Rong, who was following behind, stared in wide-eyed shock. Embroidered pouches weren’t supposed to be worn around the neck! And also, why had his father specially given him lucky money? Wasn’t he supposed to be the only one?

Filled with secret glee at having slyly gotten a generation over him, Liang Feng asked cheerfully, “Has everyone arrived?”

“The craftsmen and militiamen are all there. As well as ah-Liang and Zhou Kan,” Yiyan replied crisply.

“Alright, let’s head over then,” Liang Feng said, as he did just that.

Upon the head of household’s entrance, craftsmen and supervisors all spoke their New Year’s salutations as one. Liang Feng smiled and nodded, “Let us celebrate Zhengdan together. Servants, prepare the banquet.”

Many of them flushed red, not expecting that they’d be asked to stay for a meal. They were but lowly serfs and craftsmen; when had they ever shared a table with nobility? But fervent gratitude sprouted amidst the ecstatic excitement. They owed all that they were today to their master! Their lives belonged to their master; it was only right that they should serve him unto death!

The servants swiftly brought and arranged the tables; everyone took their seats, their place determined by their status. The moment the master sat down at the head seat, Craftsman Jiang scrambled to his feet, “Today, the clayworks has prepared a set of tea utensils for you, master, in celebration of the New Year!”

Saying so, he presented a wooden box.

Surprised by the gift, Liang Feng happily received the box from Lüzhu, who’d carried it over to him, and took out the porcelain ware within: one teapot and five small teacups. The round-bellied teapot took the shape of a blossoming flower bud. The glossy teacups, identical in shape and size, imitated the likeness of lotus petals. Together, they formed a lotus in full bloom, graceful and elegant; they were of excellent quality.

“What marvelous creativity and artistry,” Liang Feng sighed appreciatively. In just half a year, the clayworks’ sense of aesthetics and skill in sculpture had seen much improvement. It seemed the new artisans they’d acquired were quite capable indeed.

Bursting with joy at the master’s praise, Craftsman Jiang proudly sat back down, his chest puffed up, and his head held high. Who could steal the limelight from them now?

He didn’t get to enjoy his victory for very long, though, before Craftsman Liu got up as well, “The woodworks has prepared a New Year’s gift for you as well, master.”

Behind him, Liu Lin passed him an item, which he proffered respectfully to the master. Liang Feng took one glance and exclaimed gladly, “You’ve built a waterwheel?”

“Yes, master – after two months of trial and error, I, and the other craftsmen, have finally succeeded!” Liu Mutou declared beamingly.

Placed before Liang Feng was a miniature waterwheel. Similarly to latter-day waterwheels, it was circular and had wooden paddles for water to push against. Placed in a river, it would create a water level differential that would spin the water wheel, bringing water ashore. The chain pumps they currently had relied on manual labor to operate, but these could easily draw water from the river without the need for any additional manpower. It was definitely a powerful tool!

Liang Feng had described it to them a long time ago already, but, owing to the limitations of their technical expertise, they’d never managed to produce any satisfactory results. Evidently, those woodworkers amongst the refugees they’d taken in were quite proficient. Maybe once they had a few more craftsmen, making improvements to the loom, and such, would be more than just a pipe dream.

“You’ve done very well! With this, next year’s harvest is guaranteed to be bountiful!” Liang Feng commended.

The clayworks instantly lost out to the woodworks. But looking at the waterwheel’s complicated mechanisms, even Craftsman Jiang was lacking for protest. Then, the paperworks presented their new dyed paper; the metalworks, a hundred short sabers; and the bookworks, an ornate Buddharupa. Every gift had been prepared with meticulous consideration.

Ah-Liang chuckled, “It is all thanks to the master’s excellent leadership that the workshops could make so many new curios. Last month, the estate welcomed another two hundred and sixty people; all of whom are either young and healthy, or skilled in a particular craft. More and more capable people will surely come to the Liang Estate come spring!”

Yiyan added as well, “The auxiliary force has grown to two hundred now, recovering to its previous size. They will finish their training before the spring harvest.”

Zhou Kan cleared his throat, “I’ve picked twelve children and started teaching them arithmetic. If all goes well, we may see results in half a year…”

It was all good news, one after another. Liang Feng sighed, in his heart, at the sight of all those glowing faces. Several months ago, he wouldn’t have dared to hope for such achievements. He raised his wine cup and said to them, “These changes in the estate wouldn’t have been possible without you, gentlemen. May we soar even higher this year!”

A toast from the master! They raised their cups and drank in jubilation.

Hot, steaming food was brought to the tables. Everyone got a portion of meat, eggs, and vegetables, and a bowl full of dumplings. Though in this era, dumplings weren’t eaten in the northern way of scooping them out and dipping them in sauce, but rather, they were served in soup and known as “wontons.” Stuffed with mutton and diced radishes, they were bursting with deliciously savory soup. That, plus a bowl of flavorful broth, could warm one all the way to the toes.

Large bowls of soup and large chunks of meat – it really wasn’t very proper, but the taste and coziness was as good as that of a home-cooked meal’s. Hardly anyone could repress themselves in this kind of atmosphere; they ate unreservedly and drank merrily!

※

Crack – the white jade ruyi scepter shattered into several pieces against the ground. Sima Teng fumed, “To think, that that scoundrel dares to walk abreast the emperor!”

News had come back from Luoyang that, on the day of Zhengdan, Sima Ying had stood aside the emperor, sword at waist, upon the dais, basking in the obeisance of all the bureaucrats. In doing so, as the Counselor-in-Chief, he was making no secret of his intent to imitate Emperor Wu of Wei. And, of course, those conniving officials smelled which way the wind was blowing; many of them submitted memorials to the emperor petitioning him to instate Sima Ying as the crown prince. But just how many days would the emperor have left to live once he did so?

That damnable scoundrel was too swift! The military officers within the imperial palace had been purged before Sima Ying had even entered the city. Then, once he arrived, he’d replaced many of the bureaucrats with cronies he’d brought from Ye City. Their plans to foment strife had barely even gotten off the ground before they were squashed. Now, all his brother could do in Luoyang was keep his head down and pretend submission. Then again, he didn’t expect Sima Ying, who loved luxury and extravagance, to stay in Luoyang City, ruined by plunder and war, for long.

Once Sima Ying returned to Ye City, his brother would have the opportunity to “clear the court”, no? In that case, then let Sima Ying run rampant; the more pompous and arrogant his conduct, the more to use against him. Humph – he was just waiting to see how Ye City would hold up against the might of many armies!

His fire rage finally abated, Sima Teng said coldly, “I hear that the Eastern Xiongnu Division has been stirring up trouble?”

His subordinate instantly answered, “Some of their people tried to rebel, though they were quickly extinguished by the Gaodu garrison. They brought back all their heads, over four hundred of them!”

“Is that so?” Sima Teng’s frosty expression thawed a little. Those Xiongnu had always been a threat weighing heavily on his mind; the five divisions surrounding Taiyuan were practically a naked blade pressed against his throat, a constant reminder to him, the provincial governor of Bing Province. Obviously, he was tickled by the fact that a single garrison could annihilate over four hundred Xiongnu warriors.

“Who was it? Bring me the report.” Sima Teng wasn’t a diligent statesman by any measure, but he needed something to quench the anger burning in his heart.

His subordinate, familiar with his temperament, dug out the report posthaste and presented it to him. Sima Teng gave it a cursory scan and laughed, “Splendid! I’ll bestow him the title of Polu General, as well as ten thousand coins!”

Wu Ling’s original post was colonel, commander of a thousand, sixth-rank official. Polu General, on the other hand, was fifth-rank. Rising a whole rank was a rather generous promotion. But the ten thousand coins was a somewhat meager amount. Sima Teng was not a generous leader; it was only because he was in a good mood that he’d given even that much.

Sima Teng pondered for a moment, then said, “Seeing as he guards Taihang Pass, may as well have him guard the nearby Zhiguan Pass as well.”

The two passes were vital corridors connecting to Si Province, and they bordered on the Southern Xiongnu Division’s territory. Since he’d give Wu Ling more work, since he was so good at fighting anyway. And he really was hard up for generals; his men were still at Bai Pass and Fukou Pass – the best place from which to move armies from Bing Province to Ye City.

As the subordinate went off to make arrangements, and just as Sima Teng was about to put down the report, he suddenly exclaimed “The Liang Estate mentioned in the report, is that the estate of Liang Feng?!”

“It is indeed Liang Zixi…”

“That wretch!” Just looking at that name made Sima Teng’s blood boil. His catastrophe of a trip to Luoyang was all this bastard’s fault. He wouldn’t have been imprisoned for months on end if it weren’t for his disease prevention method.

“Pass down my orders, let Liang Zixi come to Jinyang at once. I intend to press him for answers on why those disease prevention methods didn’t work,” Sima Teng gnashed his teeth.

“I’m afraid that would be inappropriate,” said the registrar standing beside him, “You have yet to realize your great endeavor, general, how can you mistreat virtuous scholars? That Liang Zixi cured the plague of Bing Province and gave alms of porridge in the city, saving countless lives this winter. Moreover, he has close ties with the Taiyuan Wang Clan and the Wenxi Pei family; we would offend them if we were to openly denounce him.”

How had that person gotten his foot in so many doors in just a few short months? Sima Teng frowned, “Is there no way to punish him, then?”

“Nobles like him are feeble and weak; punishing them is all too easy. But when the Prince of Chengdu killed Lu Pingyuan, he lost favor with the noble clans and sullied his reputation in the court. To achieve your grand designs, you must cast your net wide among the famed scholars and gain the support of the nobility…” the registrar explained patiently.

“The way my brother uses Wang Yan?” Sima Teng asked, frowning.

He’d never seen eye-to-eye with Wang Yan, whom he considered to be a worthless tongue-waggler. But his lofty standing had attracted many talents to his brother’s side. It was the reason his brother had risen higher and higher in the literati’s esteem.

“Precisely. Without thousand-gold horse’s bones, whence comes the thousand-mile steed?” the registrar smiled.

“Fine then. I suppose I’ll invite him to take office in my general staff,” Sima Teng sneered, though he thought it was too good for that waste.

“How magnanimous of you, general!” the registrar breathed a silent sigh of relief. Having been absent from Bing Province, Sima Teng didn’t know just how close Liang Feng was with Wang Wen. But offering him a place in the general staff was akin to a gesture of goodwill towards the Taiyuan Wang Clan.

As for that Liang Zixi, well, he’d have to dance to their tune once he entered the general staff. All was well, so long as Sima Teng could vent his frustrations…