Xie Xuanji was standing behind Jiang Mingwei, so Jiang Mingwei did not see him. However, Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen, who were opposite them, saw everything.
Mu Mingtang saw Xie Xuanji coming in from the corner of his eye, but he did not say anything. He silently hid behind them and looked at Jiang Mingwei with an almost judgmental gaze. Mu Mingtang did not know what he wanted to do. Jiang Mingwei did the same. She looked in Mu Mingtang's direction and was lost in thought for a long time.
Mu Mingtang saw it, but he did not show it. Hsieh Hyun-chen did the same. The two of them talked as usual, as if they did not notice that there was someone behind Jiang Mingwei. Mu Mingtang secretly wondered when Jiang Mingwei would notice Xie Xuanji. In the end, before Jiang Mingwei noticed, Xie Xuanji could not hold it in anymore.
Perhaps Xie Xuanji could not be blamed. Jiang Mingwei's gaze was really too obvious. Mu Mingtang could not see it from so far away.
Even if he could not hear it, Mu Mingtang could guess that the atmosphere between the couple opposite them was not good. Xie Xuanji asked something. Jiang Mingwei was a little flustered. She pretended to be calm and pretended to be calm. However, the more she said, the worse Xie Xuanji's expression became.
Mu Mingtang took the opportunity to pour tea and quietly said to Hsieh Hyun-chen, "I think the two of them will quarrel when they get back."
"There's no need for that." Hsieh Hyun-chen took the teapot from Mu Mingtang's hand and poured a cup of water for each of them. "They're already quarreling."
Mu Mingtang hurriedly turned around to take a look and found that the situation on the other side was indeed not optimistic. Xie Xuanji and Jiang Mingwei's table was second only to Mu Mingtang's table. The couple's unusual behavior couldn't be hidden from others. In just a short while, some people had already looked in the direction of Xie Xuanji and Jiang Mingwei.
Among them, Mrs. Jiang was the most worried. She almost couldn't help but go over and ask. Jiang Mingwei and Xie Xuanji noticed that there were many people looking at them, so they restrained themselves. Jiang Mingwei stopped talking, and Xie Xuanji also returned to his seat in silence. However, although he sat down, his face was still tense, and there was a large distance between him and Jiang Mingwei.
In the first half of the banquet, Xie Xuanji and Jiang Mingwei had sat side by side, displaying the demeanor of childhood sweethearts and a golden couple. Now, although Xie Xuanji sat next to Jiang Mingwei because of their relationship, his body language couldn't lie. Looking at the distance between the two, it was obvious that Xie Xuanji hadn't let it go.
Mu Mingtang wanted to laugh very much, but now that they were at a banquet and in front of so many people, it wasn't appropriate for her to show her schadenfreude too obviously. Mu Mingtang could only turn her face in Hsieh Hyun-chen's direction and use Hsieh Hyun-chen's shoulder to hide the smile on her face.
Mu Mingtang was about to suffer internal injuries from holding back her laughter. She quietly said to Hsieh Hyun-chen, "Look between the two of them. Is there room for another person?"
Hsieh Hyun-chen also laughed softly, "It seems that your eyesight is very good." As he spoke, he handed the teacup to Mu Mingtang and said, "Drink some water to calm yourself down. Don't hold back your laughter too much and suffocate yourself."
Mu Mingtang took the cup with a smile. After taking a sip, she found that it was warm.
Mu Mingtang was surprised, "The Empress arranged the banquet so considerately? There's still warm tea at this time? "
"What Empress." Hsieh Hyun-chen glanced at Mu Mingtang and said, "I specially called for you."
"I knew it. How could someone arrange it so meticulously?" Mu Mingtang knew that it was Hsieh Hyun-chen who called for the water. She felt much more at ease and lowered her head to take another sip.
After drinking a cup of warm water, her body felt much better. At this time, the banquet was more than half over. The Emperor and Empress had gone to the back to rest. The others either went out to get some fresh air or chatted with their friends. The banquet was in twos and threes. No one was drinking or eating anymore. Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen's table had been restless for the first half of the banquet. Now that everyone was tired, they were able to relax for a while. After Mu Mingtang drank the tea, she picked up the silver wine flask and filled Hsieh Hyun-chen's and his cups.
"Today is New Year's Eve. I drank a lot of wine from others and also drank a lot of wine in return. Unexpectedly, I still haven't drunk a cup with you. This cup of wine is for you. I wish Wangye peace and prosperity for many years to come. "
After Mu Mingtang finished speaking, she held the cup and smiled at Hsieh Hyun-chen. Then, she drank the wine in small mouthfuls. Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't say anything. He stared at the wine cup in Mu Mingtang's hand. He finally understood why her expression was so strange when he drank for Mu Mingtang at the banquet.
Mu Mingtang drank the cup with great difficulty. Her face flushed red again. She saw that Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't move. She looked as if she wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
Hsieh Hyun-chen's eyes fell on Mu Mingtang's lips. She had just drunk wine. Her lips were bright red and glistening. There was even a faint trace of water on them. They looked extremely alluring. Hsieh Hyun-chen deliberately looked away and said, "The cup in your hand is mine."
Mu Mingtang's mind went blank. She didn't know if it was because she was drunk or something else. She couldn't react for a long time. Fortunately, the awkward silence didn't last for long. Hsieh Hyun-chen quickly picked up the wine cup in front of her. It was Mu Mingtang's cup. She was about to drink it.
Mu Mingtang suddenly reacted. She quickly grabbed Hsieh Hyun-chen's wrist. Hsieh Hyun-chen's arm was already in the air. When Mu Mingtang suddenly pulled, the water in the cup didn't even sway.
Mu Mingtang stared at him with wide eyes. Hsieh Hyun-chen also calmly looked back. Mu Mingtang was very embarrassed. She couldn't even speak clearly, "What are you doing?"
"You're toasting, so I naturally have to drink it all." Hsieh Hyun-chen acted as if he was talking about something very normal. "You used my wine cup, so I can only use yours. You can't be so calculative with me over a cup, right? "
"But …" Mu Mingtang's face was already red. She didn't know if it was because she was embarrassed or because she was drunk. Her eyes were filled with tears. "I just used it. If you use it now, isn't that …"
This time, Hsieh Hyun-chen glanced at her with an inexplicable smile. He raised his head and drank the wine in one gulp. He put down the cup under Mu Mingtang's incredulous gaze and said, "I've used it before. What's the difference between one or two more times? Besides … "
Hsieh Hyun-chen glanced at Mu Mingtang with a smile. His eyes were full of vigor. He was fearless and domineering. There was also a hint of seductive lust in his eyes. "Even if I use it, what can you do about it?"
Mu Mingtang pursed her lips. Although she tried to appear calm, her ears were secretly red.
Mu Mingtang's face and ears were red. Even her head was dizzy. She didn't have time to pay attention to the other side. She didn't remember that the husband and wife opposite her were in a cold war. The reason was somewhat related to her.
Mu Mingtang felt that the drunkenness was particularly strong. She was too embarrassed to talk to Hsieh Hyun-chen. Fortunately, the eunuch soon came out to remind everyone that the Emperor and Empress had returned.
It was almost midnight. Fireworks and firecrackers were already set up outside the palace. There was a variety show. The Emperor led everyone outside the palace. Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen also followed everyone outside to watch the fireworks.
After joining the crowd, Mu Mingtang was undoubtedly relieved. Fortunately, she didn't have to be alone with the Emperor anymore. Hsieh Hyun-chen was present. Everyone naturally scrambled to avoid him. In the end, the Emperor stood in the middle. Hsieh Hyun-chen and Mu Mingtang were slightly to the side. Behind them were the princes and ministers. The Empress and the concubines stood on the other side of the Emperor.
In order to please the masters behind the fence, the eunuch brought in fancy fireworks and firecrackers early in the morning and lit them. The sparks were like peacocks spreading their tails in the open space. The light was dazzling. When midnight arrived, the sound of drums could be heard from the Xuande Tower. It was loud and clear. The entire city was suddenly drowned in a sea of sound.
The firecrackers were also set off in the forbidden area. The fire was so bright that it resounded throughout the city. The loudest firecracker had more than 120 sounds. At this time, the people on the fence cupped their hands and congratulated each other. Many people congratulated the Emperor, "Long live Your Majesty. May the country prosper and the people live in peace."
The New Year's atmosphere enveloped the entire city. Mu Mingtang forgot about the awkwardness from before and unconsciously pulled on Hsieh Hyun-chen's sleeve. The sound of firecrackers almost drowned out everything. Hsieh Hyun-chen had to lean in front of Mu Mingtang to hear what she was saying, "Prince, may you be happy in the New Year."
Hsieh Hyun-chen revealed a smile. He turned to look at her and said, "You too. Happy New Year."
The surroundings were filled with noise and all kinds of noises. But when Hsieh Hyun-chen lowered his head to look at Mu Mingtang, the two of them seemed to be in a world of their own. They only had each other by their side.
Hsieh Hyun-chen stood sideways. Colorful fireworks rose from behind him. They exploded and bloomed. The side of his face was sometimes bright and sometimes dark. Under the light of the fire, the mole under his eye was even more beautiful.
It was as if someone from heaven had accidentally landed on earth.
Mu Mingtang withdrew her gaze. She was embarrassed to stare at him, but she couldn't control the smile on her face. The holidays were never the most important. It was just a day in the year. What gave the holidays a special meaning were the people around them.
This was their first New Year's. If they had a New Year's wish, Mu Mingtang didn't wish to live a long life or be rich. They only wished that there would be another New Year.
The firecrackers were noisy. Everyone wished each other a New Year. After a while, the group slowly dispersed. Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't want to squeeze with the others. They walked out together, away from the Emperor who was in the middle. Coincidentally, Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen didn't want to join in the fun. They just happened to bump into Jiang Mingwei and Xie Xuanji.
The two of them had a quarrel just now. Naturally, they weren't in the mood to watch the fireworks now. After midnight, many people squeezed into the middle to congratulate the Emperor. Xie Xuanji and Jiang Mingwei weren't in the mood to celebrate the New Year. Naturally, they were left outside. Mu Mingtang and Hsieh Hyun-chen found it too crowded and took the initiative to walk out.
Now that the two groups met, the scene was very strange. However, Mu Mingtang didn't have any self-awareness and still took the initiative to strike up a conversation. "Third Brother and Sister-in-law are here. The New Year is here. I wish the two of you a harmonious relationship and a long, long life."
Jiang Mingwei usually liked to hear these words. However, in this situation, it was hard for Jiang Mingwei to be happy when Mu Mingtang said it. Jiang Mingwei forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Second Sister-in-law."
"You're welcome. This is a token of our sincerity." Mu Mingtang's eyes swept over the two people in front of him and said, "However, why do Third Brother and Sister-in-law look so unhappy? Did you two get into a fight? "
The atmosphere clearly froze. Xie Xuanji said faintly, "No, Second Sister-in-law, you saw wrongly."
"That's good." Mu Mingtang nodded seriously and said, "It's good that you two didn't get into a fight. It's not auspicious to get into a fight during the New Year. If you're angry on the first day of the New Year, you'll be angry for the whole year. "
Jiang Mingwei's eyes twitched. He was obviously offended by these words. Mu Mingtang didn't wait for Jiang Mingwei to speak and said her own lines, "Sister-in-law, do you have something to say? If you're unhappy, you should say it quickly. Don't hold it in. If you swallow your anger on the first day of the New Year, you'll have to swallow your anger for the whole year. "
Hsieh Hyun-chen couldn't hold it in anymore and laughed softly. After Hsieh Hyun-chen laughed, the couple's expressions became even uglier.
Hsieh Hyun-chen's eyes were smiling. She lowered her head and looked at Mu Mingtang. "Why do you say so many things?"
"It's a New Year with a new atmosphere. This naturally makes sense." Mu Mingtang glanced at Hsieh Hyun-chen and said seriously.
Hsieh Hyun-chen held back her laughter and said to Xie Xuanji, "Your sister-in-law is young, lively, and outspoken. She's doing this for your own good. You should be more tolerant. "
"I wouldn't dare." Xie Xuanji lowered his head slightly and avoided Hsieh Hyun-chen's eyes. He said, "Second Brother, you're being too serious. Second Sister-in-law's words are true. I will remember them in my heart and won't dare to neglect them."
Jiang Mingwei forced a smile and said, "Second Brother, what are you saying? Sister-in-law is right. It's not good to be emotional during the New Year. Sister-in-law is doing this for our own good. How can we not know what's good for us and blame Sister-in-law? "
Hsieh Hyun-chen's weight was different from Mu Mingtang's. Jiang Mingwei could turn a blind eye to Mu Mingtang's provocation and could secretly talk back. However, once Hsieh Hyun-chen opened her mouth, even Xie Xuanji didn't dare to pretend to be deaf and mute.
"That's good." Mu Mingtang was in a good mood just after the New Year. Her eyebrows were raised and she looked refreshed. "Younger Brother, Sister-in-law, if you're angry, you must say it out loud. Don't hold it in. Otherwise, you'll have to hold it in for the next year. Although holding it in for a while is peaceful, if you hold it in for a long time, then there's no meaning in living. Don't you think so, Sister-in-law? "
Jiang Mingwei suspected that Mu Mingtang was deliberately mocking her, but she couldn't find any evidence. Jiang Mingwei was about to retort when a loud noise came from behind them. Mu Mingtang was startled and instinctively ducked back.
Hsieh Hyun-chen immediately reached out to hold her. Mu Mingtang grabbed Hsieh Hyun-chen's sleeve. She was still in shock. When she looked back, she saw that it was an acrobat who had strung firecrackers on his body. At this moment, there were crackling flames as he somersaulted, startling the surrounding people.
When the Emperor saw this, he smiled and clapped. When the Emperor was in the mood, no one dared to disagree. Jiang Mingwei was clearly frightened, but he still forced a smile and followed suit.
The acrobat was encouraged. With fireworks on his body, he did all kinds of complicated acrobatic movements on the open space. Although Mu Mingtang was frightened, she couldn't help but admit that this acrobat was brave. At this moment, it was very spectacular. Mu Mingtang hid in Hsieh Hyun-chen's arms. She was afraid but also wanted to continue watching. "He lit firecrackers on his body and still ran so fast. Isn't he afraid of being burned?"
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