Doted By The Regent King-Chapter 582: Home is where the heart is at peace

From dawn to dusk, the Wu Residence bustled with activity, putting together several tables of feasts – one for Wufu and Madam Zhou, mother and daughter, another for the maids. The guests were separated by gender, each table served with fitting drinks. Wufu delivered the conventional Year-End Celebration speech and acknowledged everyone’s hard work throughout the year. He also announced that this month’s monthly money would be doubled, which spurred a round of applause and endless compliments. Toasts flew back and forth as everyone joyously partook in the reunion meal.

This was Wufu’s first year in this world. Seeing everyone’s smiling faces, the corners of her mouth curled up as well. Suddenly, she remembered her previous life where on New Year’s Day, she would either be on a mission, traveling around the world, or carving in her workshop.

Gathering everyone for a reunion meal like this was a first for her, too. Feeling spirited, Wufu also drank a couple more glasses, her pretty face blushed with a rosy hue, making her look even more charming and alluring under the light.

Madam Zhou also found herself moved. In past years, it had just been her and her daughter, a solitary affair. Now it was lively and filled with laughter.

The reunion meal was a joy for both master and servant. Servants were left to clean up as they began the New Year’s Eve vigil.

Purple Jade and Qiu Xiang served their mistresses with a honeyed pear soup, made from pears and honey. It served both to sober them up and to soothe their throats if they felt dry from sitting beside the coal basin.

Wufu joined Madam Zhou in laughter and conversation. Several maids brought out Yezi cards to play with Madam Zhou – a game Wufu didn’t know how to play, so she contentedly watched from the side, grinning at their playful antics.

"Miss." Purple Jade came in from outside and winked at Wufu.

When Wufu saw her, she quietly went out with her. In a low voice under the corridor, Purple Jade said, "Miss, Ninth Master is here, waiting at the Corner Gate."

"Why not invite him in?" Wufu was startled.

Purple Jade couldn’t help but chuckle discreetly, "Miss, after all Ninth Master is a stranger, and on such a festive occasion, how could we blithely invite him in without having him pay respects to the elders?"

Wufu felt embarrassed. She looked back at Madam Zhou playing Yezi, who was in high spirits, then walked outside. Purple Jade scurried back to fetch a cloak for her, as the sky was somewhat overcast and it looked like it might snow soon.

Going through the Corner Gate, she indeed saw a modest carriage parked there. Yuan Ye stood in the shadows. Upon seeing her emerge, he stepped forward to greet her and announced himself at the carriage door.

The carriage curtain was lifted, revealing Ah Jiu’s face.

Wufu approached. There was a Palace Lantern inside the carriage, shining bright. She boarded the carriage and a wave of warmth greeted her, prompting her to remove her cloak.

Upon her entry, Ah Jiu caught a hint of alcohol and asked, "Did you drink?"

"Hmm, isn’t it New Year’s? I had a few cups of Fruit Wine." Wufu giggled and leaned in, sniffing lightly like a little puppy, "But you don’t smell of alcohol, do you?"

"Back at my place, it’s not very lively." While responding, Ah Jiu took a cup, poured some tea, and handed it to her.

Wufu took a sip of the tea, leaned back comfortably, and sighed. With a side glance, she asked him, "Why did you come here? Don’t you have the New Year’s vigil to keep?"

"Just me alone, what’s there to keep? Besides, you can keep the vigil anywhere," Ah Jiu replied.

"That’s true. ’Home is where the heart is at ease, and the New Year’s vigil can be kept anywhere,’" Wufu nodded solemnly.

Ah Jiu gave a faint smile.

In the distance, firecracker blasts resounded through the air.

"Those firecrackers are really loud, such a clamor," Wufu said, rubbing her ears.

Without a second thought, Ah Jiu blurted out, "No matter how loud, it’s not as intense as how much I’ve missed you."