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Chapter 3 waning moon
"Dong! Dong! Dong!" Three timely chimes interrupted everyone's excessive enthusiasm.
"Remember to come to my house for dinner tonight, everyone!"
Watching the gradually dispersing Senior brothers and sisters, Zhou Yi finally managed to catch his breath.
"Haha, congratulations to Zhou Yi junior brother for finally moulting." Jiang Hengqing and Jiang Yuwan walked up to Zhou Yi after the crowd dispersed.
Whether it was underestimating everyone's enthusiasm or overestimating this enhanced version of the toad bag, at this moment, the toad bag specially prepared for today was already filled to the brim with the gifts given.
If it weren't for Zhou Yi, I really couldn't have taken it. These uncles and aunts who watched him grow up must have brought out the cakes that were not finished at home. At this moment, the gift in Zhou Yi's hand seemed to be about to fall, swaying.
"Hengqing senior brother, Yuan Wan senior sister, quickly!" Zhou Yi handed the gift to the two of them respectively.
"You guys wait for me here first, and come to my house later in the evening."
Zhou Yi adjusted his slightly loose bachelor's cap and looked at Jiang Hengqing and Jiang Yuwan, smiling, "Hehe, hello senior brothers and sisters! From now on, we are fellow disciples."
"No wonder you're my little junior brother, so handsome! Your answers are also clever and sharp, unlike someone who talks a lot but never gets to the point." Jiang Yuwan affectionately rubbed Zhou Yi's cheek and glanced slyly at someone.
"Ah, Hengqing senior brother is always too close to his own aspirations, he has already engraved them in his heart, that's why he overlooked it, right Hengqing senior brother," Zhou Yi said, looking at Jiang Hengqing and winking.
"Hey, you little brat, just started teasing senior brother after moulting, wait until you go out for further studies, your butt will be sticking up in the sky," Jiang Hengqing said, looking at the mischievous kid in front of him, and could only helplessly tease him. Meanwhile, Jiang Yuwan only just realized what was happening and blushed.
"Hey, don't talk nonsense, who's too close to him. It's none of my business!" Jiang Yuwan pinched Zhou Yi's neck and shook him forcefully.
"Also you, what do you think? Although my parents have agreed, I haven't agreed yet. Hmph, you always bully me, I won't play with you anymore."
Jiang Yuwan Shaking off the pleading Zhou Yi, she hid next to a pillar, stomping her feet while glaring fiercely at the two of them.
Jiang Hengqing looked at Jiang Yuwan hiding on the side and could only smile helplessly, then said to Zhou Yi: "Now that you have already moulting, your cultivation journey has also begun. The Aspiration you have set will determine your life, and it will never be as ordinary as the elders in the village. Someday in the future, you will surely stand out in this world."
"I have discussed with Yuan Wan, and after your moulting, she and I will also leave the village and head to unexplored places, just like your father did. When you start your travels, there will surely be rumors of us in the world, and then we can share a drink and talk about the world."
"We can actually go together. I'm really strong now. Besides, I've finished reading all the books in Tian Shu Ge. The village chief just stays at home every day, either grinding tofu or brewing rice wine. He might not be as good as me."
"No, my Hundred Herbs Token has just broken through to the utmost level, and I urgently need some spirit grass. Yuan Wan's Azure Sparrow Token is also about to break through, so continuing our travels is inevitable."
Jiang Hengqing patted Zhou Yi's head and continued, "You must not be arrogant. The outside world is not as harmonious as the village. Deception is common. Cultivating the mind is important, but you must also not neglect your own skills!"
"You are still young and your strength is still shallow. How could Auntie Tang rest assured? Moreover, those spiritual herbs grow in dangerous places. I can't guarantee safety, so how could I dare to take you with me?"
"Hmph, if you don't want to take me, then don't. I don't really want to go anyway. When I travel in the future, I will be a great hero. If you encounter danger, remember to mention my name. Don't be shy!" Zhou Yi crossed his arms and grumbled.
"Alright, I won't disturb your sweet trip. I believe I'll be able to start my study tour soon. Well, Senior Hengqing, if we meet in the mountains and rivers, we'll see each other if it's meant to be."
"Hey, what are you guys doing? We were supposed to have dinner together tonight, why are you acting like it's a farewell? No one's paying attention to me, I'm going home for dinner." Jiang Yuwan At some point, she had already sneaked up behind Jiang Hengqing and was pounding his back with her little fists.
"Haha, then we'll leave first, Xiao Yi, see you tonight."
"Mmm, see you tonight."
After parting ways, Zhou Yi leisurely returned home, where the fragrant meal was already prepared. Tang Lin'an and Zhou Yi's grandfather were already seated at the dining table, waiting for dinner.
Zhou Yi quickly went to the sink to wash up, and then lunch began.
The topics at the dinner table revolved around Zhou Yi and moulting. When Zhou Yi mentioned the jade pendant given by the village chief, the old man's interest was piqued. "Let me see, I didn't even notice it just now. What good thing did that old man give?"
Zhou Yi then immediately untied the jade pendant from his waist and handed it to the old man. "Strange, strange, I have never seen this before. I suppose it's a rare item hidden in the crotch of your clan's pants," muttered the old man as he repeatedly rubbed the jade pendant. "The 'book' is a bit small, of course, the most important thing is that the good grandson likes it. I just don't know, what kind of decree you will receive when you are ten years old."
"Okay, Dad, let's eat first. Auntie Li and the others will come to help in the afternoon." Tang Lin'an snatched the jade pendant from the old man's hand and handed it to Zhou Yi to keep it safe.
"Alright, alright, we'll talk later. Oh, the food is really delicious."
Under the influence of the old and the young, the plates were soon emptied. Thanks to Tang Lin'an's decree, washing the dishes after a hearty meal was not a "pleasure" experienced by this family, and the plants and flowers were ready to burst into action.
After being full of food and drink, the grandfather and grandson's interest in the jade pendant also diminished greatly. The old man took out a wooden box from his waist and handed it to Zhou Yi, saying, "This is the birthday gift from your father." Tang Lin'an, who was standing aside, was stunned, as if he hadn't expected the old man to say this.
"Is this Dad's?" Zhou Yi held the wooden box in both hands, opened it, and saw a shiny golden bead lying quietly inside.
"Grandpa, what is this?" Zhou Yi looked at the old man with confusion, asking earnestly.
The old man did not answer Zhou Yi's question immediately. He just stared at him intently.
"What this is, Grandpa doesn't know either. When Shan'er reads more books in the future, she should know." The old man looked at Zhou Yi with a plain face as he accepted the wooden box. The old man wanted to say something several times, but in the end, he couldn't say it. He just asked Zhou Yi to go back and find the answer soon, then said goodbye to Tang Lin'an and left. Tang Lin'an watched the two leaving figures, shook his somewhat restless mind, took a deep breath, and then turned to prepare for the evening banquet with the villagers.
In the blink of an eye, it was already evening. It was indeed a day worth celebrating. In the village, a few rare lanterns were lit, bringing a touch of nighttime vitality to the village that rose with the sunrise and rested with the sunset, adding a splash of color to the otherwise quiet and dim night. Today's protagonist, Zhou Yi, was dressed in a dark blue academic gown, with a light golden belt tied around the waist, looking like a little grown-up.
"Congratulations, Xiao Yi, you are now a true scholar." Hearing the voice, a strong middle-aged man walked in, his powerful muscles filling out the light blue traditional Chinese clothing he wore. With a handsome face, sharp features, and a hint of fierceness, he bore a resemblance to Jiang Hengqing upon closer inspection.
"Uncle Changyuan, you're back!" Zhou Yi quickly welcomed the guest and ushered him to a seat, rushing to the side of the middle-aged man.
This middle-aged man was none other than Jiang Hengqing's father, Jiang Changyuan.
"Not bad, not bad. You've grown a lot taller in a year," Jiang Changyuan lifted Zhou Yi, who had just reached his waist.
"Yeah, not bad. You've grown stronger, but you're still far from being a real man. Let me tell you, don't be like that kid Hengqing, all skinny like a little girl," Zhou Yi fell from Jiang Changyuan's arms. "Definitely, I'll come to defeat you first once I become stronger."
After speaking, the older and younger person burst into laughter, and Jiang Hengqing, who was following behind Jiang Changyuan, could only force a bitter smile.
"Look at how well the second son of the Diye family gets along with Xiao Yi."
"Yeah, he grew up with these uncles since he was little, how could they not get along well? Their whole family is pitiful too. Little Sheng hasn't come back in twenty years."
"Alright, let's not talk about that. What a wonderful day it is. Look at Xiao Yi's outfit, it was made by my daughter-in-law, so delicate."
"That's true. My Hengyu is also at the age. Can you introduce a few to him? He's always at home refining tools, and it's getting annoying."
As the guests gradually took their seats, the village chief muttered a few words, and the banquet began. With clinking of glasses and toasts, the banquet also reached its climax.
In front of the first table in the hall, only Tang Lin'an and the village chief were present. There were a few dishes and drinks on the table, and the quiet atmosphere seemed out of place compared to the lively surroundings.
"Village chief, after tonight, let Zhou Yi go with my dad," Tang Lin'an said to the village chief, looking at Zhou Yi who was fooling around at another table, and then put down his chopsticks.
"Okay," the village chief also put down his wine glass. "Xiao Tang, you've worked hard all these years."
"The neighbors are all very nice, Shan'er is also sensible, so what hardships do I have? Shan'er is just like his father, with lofty aspirations but never growing up."
"Tang Lin'an" muttered while holding his face, "His father named him Zhou Shan, which sounds like he's never home. But fate is really mysterious, Little wizard Gu Douzi can predict everything in the world, but can't see Shan'er. I thought there would be a turning point, but now I realize it's all just a fantasy."
The village chief looked at the wine in his cup and said lightly, "Knowing the future is already the past, only the unknown is vivid, just like this peach blossom wine. The anticipation before opening it is the most intoxicating. Zhou Yi's path is under his own feet."
"Yeah, the child is getting older and doesn't listen to mom anymore. What you say doesn't work."
"Sorry, this is not only his destiny, but also the destiny of our clan."
"No need, you men only know how to apologize, Sheng-ge too! As a mother, this is all I can do."
The evening breeze in the mountains on a summer day carries a hint of autumn's coolness. The dinner is gradually coming to an end, but the high spirits will not let go of such a beautiful night.
A huge bonfire lights up the sky of the village, and people of all ages gather around it, singing and dancing.
In this paradise-like village, people's passion for life shines as brightly as the bonfire. Perhaps this is the meaning of their practice. Those who travel outside all year round feel like they have returned to their mother's embrace, letting go of all their guard and no longer thinking about the complexities of the world.
The lively party came to an end amidst the splendid display of fireworks. The clear-minded aunts took their children home one by one, while the unconscious drunkards could only gather in small groups, inviting the moon to drink with them in a daze.
As the bonfire died out, only the moonlight illuminated the scene. The human-shaped wooden stakes in the courtyard lay scattered on the ground, indicating that they had no intention of going back.
"Goodbye, Xiao Yi!"
"Mmm, see you tomorrow!" After seeing off all the guests, Zhou Yi returned home.
Tang Lin'an heard the wooden door open and came out of the kitchen. "Here, Shan'er, eat this sweet soup. From today, you are an adult. You will have to protect Mom from now on."
Zhou Yi held the sweet soup, the warmth spreading across his face, dispelling the night's chill in an instant.
"Okay, don't worry, I will definitely protect you and Grandpa. Speaking of Grandpa, I noticed he didn't come for dinner tonight. Did he leave in such a hurry this time?" Zhou Yi looked around and didn't see Grandpa's figure, so he couldn't help but ask.
"As for your Grandpa, I don't know, maybe he's stuck in some brothel in the nearby Shangang Town. Don't follow his example in the future! Yes, I'll have to talk to him about it tomorrow!" Tang Lin'an directed the "Flower Girls" to tidy up the courtyard while counting the wooden stakes outside.
"Huh? What are you going to tell Grandpa?" Zhou Yi licked the remaining sweet soup in the bowl, seeming to still have some unfinished thoughts.
"No problem. Alright, stop licking. You didn't eat enough after eating so much tonight. When you go out for a study tour in the future, you should have twice as much money for meals as others!"
Tang Lin'an took the empty bowl from Zhou Yi and handed it to the "flower girl" behind him. "Go rest after washing up. You've been busy all night. Don't stay up too late reading."
After settling Zhou Yi, Tang Lin'an, who had also been busy all day, sat on the wooden chair by the window, just staring blankly at the moon in the sky. "It's also a waning moon, isn't it."
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