The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 63: Sixty-Three Treasures ✨

The Big Dipper tilted, morning roosters crowed, and snow lay scattered throughout the chaotic city. After New Year's Eve, the streets were covered in ash and spent lanterns, creating a mess. In the early morning, people came out to sweep away the snow and debris, the bamboo brooms making a swishing sound on the ground. As daylight grew brighter, many residents emerged to throw leftover food at their doorsteps, symbolizing the wish to sweep away the old and welcome the new.

When Xu Zhen woke up, she was dazed for a while before realizing she had a blackout from drinking. She only remembered having the pepper and cypress wine, but couldn't recall anything afterward.

She went to the main hall to have tea. The "little beggar," Xun Qianchun, sat beside her, polishing the tea set as guests began to trickle in. They pushed open the wooden door, lifted the curtain, and entered the room, all smiling and wishing Xu Zhen a happy New Year.

The owner of the Flower House also came by to extend greetings. She had traveled from Longmen just to see Xu Zhen. As she entered, she remarked with a smile, "Your New Year celebrations are truly unique."

Xu Zhen sipped her tea and casually asked, "What's so different about it?"

The Flower House owner replied, "I’ve seen people hang chickens and garlic at their doors, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone hang an entire sheep."

Xu Zhen nearly spat out her tea. Sheep? What sheep? She remembered eating  mutton with Xun Qianchun yesterday, so how could it end up hanging on the door?

Rushing to the front door, Xu Zhen found the sheep's skeleton, leftover from last night's meal, hanging there. She was stunned.

Neighbors, out sprinkling salt to melt the snow, also noticed the sheep skeleton at Xu Zhen's door. They were equally shocked, some confused, others stifling laughter as they returned to their homes.

Xu Zhen hurriedly took down the skeleton and brought it inside, complaining to Xun Qianchun about the situation.

Xun Qianchun explained, "You told me to hang it up."

Xu Zhen was skeptical, "How could I do something so silly?"

Seeing that Xu Zhen was unwilling to admit it, Xun Qianchun nodded and said, "I must have heard wrong."

Xu Zhen, seeing her compliance, couldn't help but wonder if she had indeed forgotten something...

The Flower House owner was still chatting with Xu Zhen and asked about the book she had sent earlier. Xu Zhen, blushing, didn't want to discuss it and found an excuse to see her off.

With the room finally empty, Xu Zhen wanted to ask Xun Qianchun about what foolish things she might have done the previous night. Just then, the door opened again.

It was the hot-tempered governor of Yongzhou, who surprisingly visited Xu Zhen's house. After exchanging a few words, he handed Xu Zhen some dried meat, grunted, and left.

After seeing the governor out, Xu Zhen had just settled into her chair when the students from Pingliang Academy arrived. These were the same students who had previously accompanied Xu Zhen to the Flower House, and they came bearing gifts.

Once the students had taken their leave, Ge Xier came by to visit. She exchanged New Year's greetings with Xu Zhen and brought along a package of rapeseed. Despite her youth, she had risen to the position of an official and had received numerous gifts due to her collaboration with the governor.

"I still remember your lessons," Ge Xier said. "Being an official isn’t just about integrity and appearance; the most important thing is to have policies and knowledge in your heart. The imperial exam is approaching, and over the past six months, I've thought of many governance strategies, hoping to gain the emperor's approval."