RPAGF Chapter 941 New Year’s Eve Banquet
Chapter 941 New Year’s Eve Banquet
As the saying goes, it's not cold when it snows, but it's cold when the snow melts. Zhang Ping'an was wearing a cloak and deerskin boots, and there was also a hand warmer in the carriage, so he was not affected by the snow.
Most of the other colleagues did the same. After getting off the carriage at the palace gate, they nodded to each other and then walked together.
Beside me were palace servants who had gotten up early to sweep the snow.
After scanning the crowd, Zhang Ping'an went to the Minister of Revenue and started talking about the winter snow this year.
Although the Minister of Revenue had never personally worked in the fields, he had served as a county magistrate in other regions, so he was quite knowledgeable about agriculture.
They naturally knew what this belated winter snow meant.
Therefore, after listening to what Zhang Ping'an said, he immediately nodded and said that he would arrange for his subordinates to keep a close eye on the agricultural developments in various places to ensure grain production.
Zhang Ping'an knew that what he was saying was somewhat presumptuous. Firstly, it wasn't his responsibility, and secondly, saying it like that made it seem like the other party was incompetent or lacked ability, as if he were teaching someone how to do things, which could easily make people dislike him and develop a bad impression.
After the Minister of Revenue finished speaking, he smiled apologetically and said, "Lord Fan, please don't think I'm being long-winded. I'm just a bit stubborn and can't change my ways. I just want to say a few more words when I see something. I hope you will forgive me!"
Minister Fan's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, showing no anger at all. Instead, he said considerately, "Lord Zhang is too kind. We are all colleagues, sharing His Majesty's burdens. It's common for us to remind each other. There's nothing strange about it."
Zhang Ping'an smiled, but secretly he was carefully observing the other party's expression. Only after confirming that Minister Fan was not bothered by the matter did he feel relieved.
There was nothing particularly important happening at today's morning court session. The only thing to be aware of was the New Year's Eve banquet in a few days.
This year, we certainly can't have a big celebration, but the necessary scenes and ceremonies can't be omitted.
Therefore, compared to previous years, Zhou Pu proposed that this year not only officials can attend in person, but a banquet will also be prepared in the Imperial Garden for the families of officials of the third rank and above. The specific arrangements will be discussed and announced by the Ministry of Rites later.
To some extent, this can be seen as a way of indirectly showing goodwill to the ministers.
Everyone naturally welcomes this kind of thing and supports it wholeheartedly.
Zhang Ping'an, meanwhile, was secretly pondering how to safely send Li Mingxuan away on New Year's Eve.
His feelings toward this person were complicated. He had previously considered whether to secretly eliminate the person, but after careful consideration, he gave up the idea. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone someone with such a complicated past.
While Zhang Ping'an was pondering, the court session ended not long afterward.
As the year draws to a close, apart from the Five City Garrison and the palace attendants, all other government offices become increasingly lazy, and the Privy Council is no exception.
Zhang Ping'an had no intention of being the villain, so he turned a blind eye to everyone's opportunism.
Soon it was time to finish my shift. The sky was overcast, and it started snowing again. This time it was a heavy snowfall, much heavier than yesterday's.
Everyone clutched their collars tightly and headed towards the palace gates to return home.
When Zhang Ping'an arrived home, Xu Shi had already returned.
The servants at home brewed ginger tea. As soon as Xu saw her son return, she immediately ordered someone to bring out a bowl and then directed the servants to help brush off the snow.
"Oh God, it's either not snowing at all, or it's snowing so heavily all at once that it's hard to go out," Xu Shi grumbled.
Zhang Lao Er frowned and said, "We're alright, but the harvest next year is probably not good. We still have a thousand or two acres of land in the suburbs, and there's also the land back home."
Zhang Ping'an stamped his foot and changed into a pair of short boots. "A smaller harvest is not a problem. What I'm worried about is an insect infestation. That would be a real problem."
“Who says otherwise? Farming is all about relying on the weather,” Zhang Lao Er chimed in. Even though he no longer works in the fields, he still cares a lot about farming, a habit he probably can’t break in his lifetime.
After changing his boots and drinking ginger tea, Zhang Ping'an felt much warmer and more relaxed.
"That's all for next year. Let's talk about what's in front of us first. Mother, did you see Miss Li at the Qian family's place today?"
"I saw it, I saw it," Xu replied gently. "Little Fish just asked me about it in private. He said he didn't care about the other person's appearance, but I think he actually does care. After all, everyone likes good-looking people."
Judging from his mother's expression, Zhang Ping'an knew that the other party was probably quite good and had taken a liking to her.
Sure enough, Madam Xu continued her rambling, laughing, "That Miss Li is very dignified, with a round face and a plump figure. She looks like she's destined for good fortune. Your mother has lived most of her life, and I'm quite good at judging people. That girl's eyes look steady and intelligent. She's someone who has a plan in mind, not a dullard."
And she seems to be quite well-read, even composing poetry. Although your mother is illiterate and has never been to school, she sounds quite refined, like Xiaoyuer's mother—a lady from a respectable family. I think she'd be a good match for Xiaoyuer.”
“This girl must be exceptionally beautiful and charming to have caught your eye, Mother,” Zhang Ping’an said with a smile.
Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are often at odds. Although Xu Shi is a generation apart, her grandson is always the best. Most of the time, she would think the other party is not good enough for her. For Xu Shi to praise her so highly, the girl must have put in a lot of effort to please her.
Upon hearing this, Madam Xu did not deny it. She smiled and rolled her eyes at her son, saying, "Do you think I'm the kind of person who can be fooled by sweet words? That girl is really something!"
Aunt Qian also invited many other young ladies from other families over. Among that group of wealthy young women, I only really took a liking to Miss Li. She was gentle and approachable, not aloof at all. A person like that makes life more down-to-earth.
There was another thing Xu kept to herself, but she seemed much more down-to-earth and humane than Xiaoyuer's mother had been back then.
"And I just asked Xiaoyuer, and he also said that roundness is good, and he likes roundness too, so everyone is happy!"
Hearing this, Zhang Ping'an already had a plan in mind.
However, he still instructed Madam Xu, "Mother, don't tell anyone about this for now. Let's keep it to ourselves. There are many rules for aristocratic families."
"I know that. I didn't say anything, but I could tell that Aunt Qian knew what was going on. She even joked that she wanted our family to give her a red envelope as a matchmaker!"