strictlysupreme Chapter 123 Lantern Festival Preparations
Chapter 123 Lantern Festival Preparations
Lai Da was able to secure his position as head steward because he understood his place and knew that no matter how much his masters valued him, he couldn't become complacent.
For a while, his wife had become a little too proud. He had already told her to be careful and serve her master well so that their grandson could be freed from slavery.
He did embezzle a lot, but over the years, based on his hard work and dedication, he deserves it.
He may have been highly valued by his master over the years, but that doesn't mean he always regarded his master as his equal. He's not someone who's easily swayed.
Jia Hu shared his thoughts, while Lai Da remained silent, only saying:
"I'll take the young masters to choose right away. Once they've chosen a place, I'll arrange for someone to deliver the selected lanterns. However, the variety of lanterns in the manor is limited, so we still need some. Should we arrange for someone to go outside and buy some more?"
Jia Hu sighed, "Is this the head steward? He doesn't say much, yet he's thoughtful in every way."
"No need, I've already arranged for someone to buy it from outside."
When they arrived at the place where the lanterns were displayed, Jia Hu realized how modest Lai Da had been. He said it wasn't a complete selection; there were so many kinds! Not only were there large lanterns of various styles, but also small and exquisite lanterns in the shape of various animals, not to mention the lanterns in the shape of various flowers.
Jia Zhen and Jia Zhu also remarked that they were ignorant and unsophisticated.
"Wow!"
Lai Da laughed:
"Young masters, take your time choosing. I'll be right at the door. Call me if you need anything."
Lai Da was too busy today to stay with them. After arranging for someone to guard the young masters, he went to the entrance to continue his work.
The three of them were overwhelmed by the sheer number of styles. Jia Hu, being rather inexperienced, simply couldn't choose.
Jia Hu hesitated for only a second, then clapped his hands and said, "If I can't choose, then I won't choose. They're all my own stuff, so I'll just take one of each. Why bother picking and choosing?"
Jia Hu, having adopted a haughty demeanor, pointed to the lanterns and said to the servants beside him:
"One of each of these, I'll take them all!"
Jia Hu was in a good mood, and he felt he had acquired his domineering aura.
Jia Zhen and Jia Zhu also clapped their hands in agreement.
"I'll take them all, sir!"
Jia Hu gave each of them a pointer. What are you learning, you little brat!
The servants and maids secretly laughed; the young masters were so adorable.
Fangcao, along with her people, also came looking for them.
“Young Master, tonight is a banquet in the Grand Hall. The ladies will be in the inner hall, and the gentlemen will be in the outer hall. We can set up lantern riddles on the corridors on both sides of the Grand Hall.”
Upon hearing this, Jia Hu thought the location was good, as it was near the banquet venue and people wouldn't have to travel far.
With the location decided, Fangcao led the group to take the lanterns over first. Jia Hu decided to go along as well to see how to arrange them.
A large group of people went to the main hall. Dongyun personally went to Grandmother Jia to tell her about Jia Hu's arrangements. Coincidentally, Jia Min and Zhang Shi were also there discussing matters. Grandmother Jia smiled and said:
"Hu'er, this is a great idea; it's both lively and fun."
Jia Min also showered him with praise:
“My nephew’s idea is really good. I’ll have to think about what kind of riddle to come up with.”
Zhang smiled broadly, pondering what question to ask.
Grandmother Jia was quite learned, and Zhang's father was the tutor of the Crown Prince, so how could his daughter be lacking in learning? Not to mention Jia Min. The three of them quickly came up with their own ideas and wrote two on a piece of paper. However, when it came time to prepare the prizes, they were troubled.
Hu'er said it couldn't be too expensive, and for a moment they really couldn't think of anything.
Fortunately, Jia Hu had the foresight to say that the prizes should not be too expensive. Otherwise, given Grandmother Jia's personality, the things she would bring out to support her grandson would be extraordinary.
The three women, who were troubled by having too many good things, suddenly met each other's eyes and laughed. Grandmother Jia said with a smile:
"This Hu'er has really put a problem on the table."
How could something bad possibly end up in their hands?
Seeing that Grandmother Jia was troubled, Agate smiled and said:
"Grandma, I think young master Hu's idea is interesting, unique, and very good."
Grandmother Jia's eyes lit up, and she smiled:
“That’s right, I have it now. Agate, go and get that Western pocket watch and the white jade chime.”
It's extremely difficult to get Grandmother Jia to provide anything of low value; there's simply no way. These two items are somewhat worthwhile.
Finally, the Zhang family presented a jade grasshopper and an exquisite gold-threaded lantern.
Jia Min presented a painting titled "Burning Reeds" and a set of writing implements.
The other elders also offered their strong support, providing lantern riddles and lucky charms.
After Jia Hu decided on the arrangement, he returned to the courtyard. When he saw what he had brought back, his lips twitched slightly. It was his fault; he had underestimated everyone's wealth. These things were all very valuable!
Jia Hu:
"Brothers, what are you going to offer?"
Jia Zhen had already thought it through.
"I'll offer a pen and a calligraphy practice book."
Jia Hu sensed something was wrong.
"Wait, what did you give me?"
Jia Zhen felt a little guilty and spoke in a low voice.
Jia Hu tapped Jia Zhen on the head.
"If I remember correctly, that pen was given to each of the three of us by Uncle Jing. He said it was a top-quality pen. The calligraphy practice book was also a gift from Uncle Jing, so you could practice your calligraphy properly."
Jia Zhen held his head and remained silent.
Jia Hu looked at him and warned:
"We can't do that. Let's talk about something else. Come on, little brother Zhu'er, you go first."
Jia Zhu glanced at his poor second brother and obediently replied:
"Here's a little rabbit and a fan pendant for you, Pearl."
Jia Hu:
"Very good, little Pearl is such a good boy."
After saying that, he looked at Jia Zhen.
Jia Zhen:
"Agate beads and a puppy."
Jia Hu nodded.
"Great, brother, I'll make the heart-shaped brush washer and the kitten."
Brothers, we need to be all together.
With everything prepared, they began to think of riddles. Jia Hu didn't want to think of anything too complicated, so he planned to give the Jia family something, and brain teasers would be a good choice.
Brothers, you've finished writing quickly. Those who went out to buy lanterns have also returned. The people who went out were very clever; they picked out some rather unique and novel ones. Jia Hu was very satisfied and told Dong Yun that everyone who was busy today should receive a reward.
After thanking everyone, Dongyun and her team got busy hanging up the riddles and decorating the place.
With the lantern arrangements settled, Jia Hu remembered that the Lantern Festival wouldn't be complete without glutinous rice balls.
"Brothers, do you want to eat some different kind of Yuanxiao (sweet rice balls)?"
Jia Zhen and Jia Zhu were absolutely enthusiastic and asked what it was.
As soon as Jia Hu called out, he was about to go to the kitchen.
The three of them hopped on their scooters and slid towards the kitchen. It's good that the scooters are good; otherwise, they would have been too tired to run around all morning. It's just that the servants and maids following behind must have been exhausted.
Jia Hu waved his hand and said, "I have money. There will be a reward when we get back."
When we arrived at the kitchen, it was bustling with activity.