The copper - coin - shaped chisels ordered from the blacksmith's shop were delivered to Granny Sun's house early in the morning. Li Ying cut thin red paper and used the chisels to imprint the patterns of copper coins. Then she cut out auspicious words like "May both people and wealth thrive" and "Amass wealth and treasures", leaving a row of willow - leaf - like patterns at the bottom.
This kind of window decoration is called "hanging money". Since the red paper is thin and light, when it is pasted outside the window and blown off by the north wind day after day, the copper - coin patterns will flutter and scatter all over the sky. This is called "dropping money", which is also for the good omen of making money in a harmonious way.
After preparing the "hanging money", Li Ying carried the gilded red paper and went to ask Yan Lianzhi for his calligraphy, hoping to get some Spring Festival couplets and the character "Fu".
But unfortunately, the old gentleman had gone traveling somewhere. The thatched cottage was empty, and there was no sign of when he would return. Li Ying had no choice but to return dejectedly.
Her calligraphy, though neat, was not elegant enough. Just as she was in a dilemma, she suddenly heard a gentle voice outside the door.
"Miss Li."
Li Ying was overjoyed to see that it was Su Buchi. She called out "Uncle - in - law" and involuntarily looked behind him.
Uncle - in - law and Lu Xunguang were both in the capital, and their return journey was on the same route. Since he was here, Lu Xunguang should...
Su Buchi understood her meaning. A hint of sourness welled up in his heart, but he still said softly, "I asked for leave and came back to visit my relatives. Before I set off, I also went to ask A Xun."
"There are so many complicated things in the bank that he is extremely busy. He didn't even have time to exchange a few words with me. Maybe he will have to wait for a few more days..."
The disappointment in Li Ying's eyes flashed by, and then she replaced it with a flawless, shallow smile.
Su Buchi put down his luggage, changed into his usual moon - white long gown, straightened his clothes, and was about to go and pay respects to his teacher.
Li Ying quickly said, "Uncle - in - law, it's really a pity. Old Yan has gone traveling again, and we don't know when he will come back..."
Su Buchi knew Yan Lianzhi well. He gave a bitter smile and didn't insist anymore. Looking back at the stack of gilded red paper on her table, he said softly, "Miss Li, are you going to write Spring Festival couplets?"
He rolled up his sleeves and patiently wrote all the auspicious words Li Ying had come up with in a strong and powerful style. He even didn't miss the small character "Fu" that was to be pasted under the rice jar.
The villagers were envious. They brought their own pastries, candies, and tea and politely asked Su Buchi to write for them.
Su Buchi politely declined the gifts but accepted all the red paper the villagers brought. He wrote each one carefully.
Li Ying felt really sorry. After all, he was the vice - minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Wasn't it a waste of his talent to be busy with such trivial matters?
Su Buchi noticed her apology and said softly, "Miss Li, you don't need to mind. I'm willing to do these small things for the villagers."
Helpless, she replaced the little kids who had just started studying in the private school and personally ground the ink for him.
Su Buchi's thin lips moved slightly, but he finally contained his emotions, lowered his eyelashes, and continued to write with pauses.
Let him be selfish for this moment.
Let him quietly enjoy the tenderness of his sweetheart by his side for a short while.
In the evening, Li Ying personally prepared a sumptuous table of food and wine to welcome Su Buchi. The whole village was jubilant. The villagers were all proud of Su Buchi's status as "Master Su".
The only one who was frustrated was Yan Lianzhi. Coincidentally, he returned to the village the next day. When he heard that his beloved disciple had taken over his job, he was so annoyed that he blew his beard and stamped his feet, slapping his thighs loudly.
"Rebellious disciple! Rebellious disciple! As stupid as a pig! If you hadn't meddled, Miss Ying would have prepared so much food and wine to bribe me! Rebellious disciple! Rebellious disciple!"
His regretful appearance was really funny. But in the kind smiles of all the villagers, Li Ying quietly felt a faint sense of loneliness that was hard to describe.
Such a lively and harmonious New Year's scene, but the one she loved was missing.
Missing her sweetheart.
The saying "On festive occasions more than ever one thinks of one's dear ones" may sound plain, but only oneself knows the bittersweet taste that is hard to express.
Early the next morning, Zhu'er came to report to her in person that everything had been arranged as she had instructed. Although the women led by Qingliu were privately dissatisfied, they were still cautious and didn't cause any big problems.
"Sister Li, are we just going to let them drag on like this?"
Li Ying arched her fingers and gently tapped on the table. This was a small gesture of Lu Xunguang's when he was thinking. She didn't know when she had noticed it, nor when she had unconsciously imitated him.
No wonder Inspector Lin had sent these female musicians to the fishing village.
They were really patient. Their self - control far exceeded her expectations.
Li Ying took a deep breath, stood up, and two sharp glints flashed in her eyes.
"Since they won't mess up on their own, then we'll up the ante."
According to Inspector Lin's greedy nature, as long as she offered attractive enough conditions and painted a big enough "pie", she was sure he would take the bait.
"Go and tell Zhang Lu and the other boatmen in the village that we're going out to sea again. Just tell the outside world that the food inventory in the restaurant is running low and we need to go fishing again."
Sure enough, the news spread quickly. Later that day, Qingliu and the other women knelt in front of Li Ying.
"Boss Li! We heard that you're going out to sea. We sisters have been taken care of by you for so long. At the pearl - collecting field, the villagers took pity on our delicate bodies and rarely assigned us any tiring jobs. We really feel bad about it."
"Please, Boss Li, take us with you this time! The voyage is really boring. Although we sisters don't have many other skills, at least we can sing some ditties to relieve the boredom of the boatmen."
Even A Man couldn't help shaking her head secretly at their words.
They kept saying that they didn't want to bury their innocent lives in the brothel, but in the end, their words were still self - deprecating.
Li Ying didn't seem to mind. She just frowned slightly and thought for a long time.
Seeing that Li Ying didn't agree, Qingliu looked quite anxious. She quickly crawled a few steps on her knees and came in front of her. There were already glistening tears in her eyes.
"Boss Li, please rest assured. We sisters will never hold you back! There are mostly men on the boat. As a woman, it's inconvenient for you in terms of eating and daily life. With us sisters to serve you, you'll be more comfortable."
Only then did Li Ying finally nod reluctantly. She frowned tightly and instructed, "What you said makes sense. Alright, I'll take you with me. But remember, once you're on the boat, you must never tell anyone what you see and hear. Otherwise, I'll kick you off the boat immediately."
Qingliu and the others looked at each other. A glint of light flashed in their eyes involuntarily, but they quickly lowered their heads and swore firmly, "Please rest assured! We sisters have always been the most tight - lipped!"