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Chapter 38: Nickname

Bo Sheng had always admired Liu Tangxi, and hearing her praise made his heart swell with excitement.Despite his feelings, Bosheng was a sincere and earnest boy, and he held a deep admiration for Wei Hanzhou. After laughing off Liu Tangxi's praise, he quickly said, "THird Uncle stays up late for studying. and he San writes so well; I can't compare to him."Liu Tangxi didn't just offer empty praise. She patted his hair and said, "It doesn't matter. I have confidence in you!"Encouraged by this, Bo Sheng laughed again, his eyes narrowing in a joyful manner, his white teeth showing, and he looked both innocent and endearing.Wei Hanzhou's also smile witnessing this scene.With the combined encouragement from Wei Hanzhou and Liu Tangxi, Bo Sheng happily took the paste and prepared to hang the couplet.After feeding the pigs, Liu Tangxi headed towards the stove.The household was busy making dumplings today, and she took the initiative to make the filling.Her unique skills were too useful to ignore, especially considering her appetite; she needed to get involved with the ingredients.As she passed by Wei Hanzhou, she noticed that his face had grown cold.Who could be so surly during the New Year?However, Wei Hanzhou often had a stern demeanor, and Liu Tangxi was used to it by now. She didn't give him a second glance and calmly walked past by him.But just as she was about to move away, Wei Hanzhou suddenly spoke."Since the lady thinks it's not fitting for her husband to write, why don't the remaining couplets written by the lady?"Liu Tangxi stopped in her tracks and turned to look at Wei Hanzhou.After staring at him for a moment, Liu Tangxi said, "Husband, you're not jealous, are you?"Liu Tangxi's comment was playful; she knew that Wei Hanzhou hadn't really paid her any mind. She made the remark to provoke him, knowing that his nature would prevent him from publicly expressing such childish sentiments.Seeing him momentarily stunned, Liu Tangxi decided to push his buttons a bit further."Idid'nt know the great Scholar Wei can be jealous of a child ? I'm going to make dumplings now; you can take your time writing, dear." Liu Tangxi said triumphantly.Despite the fact that Wei Hanzhou might not have reacted to her, she found his reaction to be quite amusing.With that, Liu Tangxi hummed a nonchalant tune and headed to the kitchen.Meanwhile, Wei Hanzhou watched her busy figure for a long time.After Liu Tangxi finished preparing the filling, Li shi, Zhang shi, and Zhou shi joined her in the hall to make dumplings.As they were preparing for the New Year's Eve, Liu Tangxi decided to rest for a while.In the evening, the family gathered in the main room around the stove.Wei Lao San pulled out the ledger and reviewed the year's financials.Though Wei Lao San had been ill for a few months, their income this year was still higher than the previous year.They hadn't saved up the full twenty taels of silver from before, but if they continued to save, they would almost have enough.[Read More Here] "This year, we saved ten taels of silver, and most of it was thanks to the third wife," said Wei Lao San.Hearing her name mentioned, Liu Tangxi quickly stood up and said, "Father, you're too kind. It cost twenty taels of silver from my mother to redeem me. It's nothing compared to my mother's great kindness.""Don't be so modest. We're all family," Li shi said with a smile.Li shi felt her biggest satisfaction this year was marrying her son to such a good daughter-in-law.The twenty taels of silver spent were quickly recovered, the previous illness in the family mysteriously healed, and the fruit trees on the mountain yielded a good harvest.As someone who hadn't read much and had some superstitious beliefs, Li shi attributed all these good things to Liu Tangxi.And she was right, even if by coincidence."However, the embroidery work like the Guo family's isn't done every year. We may not have such luck next year. We'll need to save a bit more money." continued Wei Lao San. "The third child's exam is a major concern too."Before Wei Daniu and Wei Erniu could say anything, Wei Hanzhou spoke up first."Father, there's no need to worry. It won't cost much to go to Fucheng for the exam. A couple of taels will be enough for my expenses."Wei Lao San immediately countered, "That's not sufficient. There's an old saying that you should always bring more money when traveling. You can't predict what might happen in an unfamiliar place.""Father is right," said Wei Daniu. "We should save more. If you succeed, you'll need to go to the capital for the exam in the spring. The capital is far away; it will take several days to reach."Wei Erniu added, "Big brother is right. It's better to bring extra money. I heard that travelers sometimes fall ill or face unexpected expenses."As soon as he finished speaking, Li shi hit him on the head, "What are you talking about during the New Year? Wei Erniu rubbed his head and quickly replied with a smile, "I didn't mean to worry anyone. Just being cautious."Wei Hanzhou wanted to speak again but couldn't find the right moment.Wei Lao San quickly interjected, "Don't worry, third son. The family will support you until spring. If you fail this time, you can try again in three years. Your brothers and I will still support you to study, but remember, you're now an adult with a family. You'll need to make your own way in the future.""Father, it's not appropriate. The third brother's talent is so good that even if he fails once, he might succeed next time," Wei Daniu objected.Wei Lao San raised his hand to silence further objections. "Don't think that I'm being too harsh. I've seen many scholars who never improved. Your fourth uncle, and Scholar Li from the next village, have struggled for years without passing the exams. If we were rich, I'd support you longer, but we aren't. Your brothers have been frugal to support your studies for ten years. Now, you have the ability to earn. Just remember to appreciate the support you've received."Wei Lao San had been supporting his younger brother for years, but as his brother failed repeatedly and became increasingly arrogant, his patience wore thin. His relationship with his elder and fourth brother deteriorated as a result.Now that he had suffered so much, he didn't want his sons to follow the same path.Wei Hanzhou swallowed his words, stood up, and bowed deeply to Wei Lao San and his brothers."Father, don't worry. Regardless of whether I pass the exam or not, I will never forget the kindness of my parents and siblings."Liu Tangxi, who had been quietly listening and eating melon seeds, was impressed by the clarity of Wei Lao San's words.Wei Hanzhou was the top scholar, yet Wei Lao San had declared that only one exam would be supported, with further attempts being uncertain.Though Wei Lao San had been fair on the surface, Liu Tangxi knew that Wei Hanzhou was not a stubborn scholar. He copied books to earn money. Even if his father denied further support, Wei Hanzhou could continue his studies on his own.The difference between this person and the one described in the book was striking.Wei Hanzhou had been able to secure top ranks and manage dual tasks efficiently.She wondered how his mind worked.In reality, though Wei Lao San seemed to be fair, he was reluctant to give up on his son's education and wanted him to continue. He was also mindful of family harmony.Wei Hanzhou could make money through his book copying, and Liu Tangxi could contribute through her embroidery, allowing Wei Hanzhou to continue his studies.After discussing serious matters, Wei Lao San shifted the topic to plans for the next year."Although the apple harvest was profitable, we won't buy new trees this year. They won't bear fruit immediately. We'll discuss it after the third child's exam. Also, I'll go to work in town. Your mother and I will handle the fields. You can come back when it's busy. The third child should focus on studying, and everyone else should work on embroidery to make some money.""Yes, father," everyone agreed.With the discussions wrapped up, the evening progressed, and everyone began to chat.Usually, Liu Tangxi went to bed before midnight, but after napping in the afternoon, she was not overly tired.However, as midnight approached, she began to feel drowsy.The old custom of staying up was truly a challenge.After waiting for about thirty minutes, Liu Tangxi was yawning heavily.Shulan and Fuyao had fallen asleep, and Zhang shi and Zhou shi took them to bed. Zhou shi went to sleep early as well, needing to weene the child.Though Bosheng was also very sleepy, he understood his elder brother's responsibility and stayed awake.Finally, midnight arrived.The new year had begun.Wei Lao San spoke a little more, and after about fifteen minutes, the fire in the room went out, and everyone dispersed.However, two people remained quietly seated: Wei Hanzhou and Liu Tangxi."Hanzhou, why are you still here?" Li shi asked.Before Wei Hanzhou could respond, Li shi noticed and asked, "When did your wife fall asleep?"Wei Hanzhou glanced at Liu Tangxi, who had her head resting on his shoulder, and quickly said, "She just fell asleep after the stroke of midnight.""Oh, in that case, wake her up. The fire has gone out, and she might get cold," Li shi said."Yes, mother," Wei Hanzhou replied.After Li shi left, only Wei Hanzhou and Liu Tangxi remained in the room.Although Liu Tangxi wasn't heavy, Wei Hanzhou felt the weight of her head on his shoulder.He cleared his throat lightly.However, Liu Tangxi did not react at all.Wei Hanzhou then cleared his throat once more with a deliberate "Cough."Yet Liu Tangxi remained unresponsive.After a while, perhaps half a cup of tea's worth of time—roughly a quarter of an hour—Liu Tangxi showed no signs of waking.Noting the chill in the hall, Wei Hanzhou cast a sidelong glance.Liu Tangxi was eventually roused by Wei Hanzhou's continous nudging.Opening her eyes groggily, she heard Wei Hanzhou's voice: "It's getting late. Mother has already gone to make breakfast; it's time to get up." With that, Wei Hanzhou opened the door and stepped out.It took Liu Tangxi a moment to fully comprehend Wei Hanzhou's words.As she sat up from the bed, she was still in a daze.She vaguely remembered keeping watch the previous night and falling asleep without realizing it. But what happened afterward? When did she return from the main room, and how did she get back?She had no recollection of these events.Rubbing her slightly aching head, Liu Tangxi frowned in confusion.Yet, there was no time for her to dwell on the conversations as she heard the voices of between Zhang shi and Wei Daniu outside talking; she quickly grabbed her clothes and got out of bed.As her fingers touched the clothes, a sudden realization hit her, leaving her momentarily stunned.Who had undressed her?Had it been her? She didn't recall doing so.Looking down at her attire, Liu Tangxi breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that her shirt was neatly fastened.[Read More Here] She then dressed and tidied up the bed.By the time she finished washing up, Li shi had already prepared the dumplings.After breakfast, Li shi and the others went out for New Year's greetings, leaving only Zhou shi and Liu Tangxi at home.After about thirty minutes, people began to return.Li shi, observing Wei Hanzhou standing in the yard, said, "Third son , your second grandfather has asked to see you. You should take your wife to visit him."Wei Hanzhou glanced at Liu Tangxi and replied, "Alright."Liu Tangxi was unfamiliar with who the second grandfather was, but since Li shi and Wei Hanzhou had agreed, she followed him out.Once outside, they were alone on the path.Liu Tangxi had been wrestling with some questions all morning. With no one else around, she felt a pressing urge to ask.However, those questions were somewhat difficult to frame; she was unsure how to ask them.Before she could speak, Wei Hanzhou addressed her."The second grandfather is my grandfather's cousin. He is in his seventies now and is the oldest person in the village. Furthermore, his parents and sons are the patriarchs of the Wei family."Liu Tangxi didn't pay much attention to this information. Hearing Wei Hanzhou's explanation, she responded vaguely.Having been interrupted by Wei Hanzhou, Liu Tangxi repressed the questions she had intended to ask.Soon, they arrived at their destination.In Weijia Village, New Year's greetings are conducted early in the day. The peak period had long passed, and those who had come to pay their respects had already left. Thus, when Wei Hanzhou and Liu Tangxi arrived, there were no New Year's visitors present."Second grandfather," Wei Hanzhou greeted.Liu Tangxi quickly followed suit, calling out, "Second Grandpa."Wei Erjiang glanced at Wei Hanzhou and, smiling, said, "Dogdan is here."Liu Tangxi, who was already unsettled by the events of the previous night, was jolted by this name. Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Wei Hanzhou, unable to believe it.Although she only saw his side profile, Liu Tangxi could clearly perceive the embarrassment and awkwardness on Wei Hanzhou's face at that moment.Wei Erjiang's son, the current patriarch of the Wei family, noticed Liu Tangxi's reaction and Wei Hanzhou's discomfort. He quickly added, "Father, now that Hanzhou is a scholar, you should call him by his proper name."Upon hearing his son's reminder, Wei Erjiang also came to his senses and smiled, "Oh, yes, I'm so forgetful. Your name is still the one your grandfather gave you. You were quite thin when you were born. Your grandfather gave you that name, saying it was a humble name that would help you grow strong. And indeed, you have grown tall and robust and have become a scholar."Wei Erjiang had not added much more, but in keeping with New Year traditions, he recounted the past, explaining the origin of Wei Hanzhou's nickname.Afterward, the attention shifted away from Liu Tangxi. She sat beside Wei Hanzhou, glancing at him intermittently.Each glance reminded her of his nickname, causing the stern image of Wei Hanzhou she had in her mind to crumble.When they left, the image of Wei Hanzhou was completely at odds with his previous persona.dogdan, (dog egg).These names were utterly incongruent with Wei Hanzhou's current appearance.On the way back, Liu Tangxi finally couldn't hold back her laughter."Puff!"Despite Wei Hanzhou's dark glare, Liu Tangxi continued to laugh uncontrollably.Giggling, she bent over, squatting on the ground, clutching her belly as she laughed.Wei Hanzhou had been holding back his frustration for a long time.Since Wei Erjiang had uttered his nickname, he had been struggling to contain his feelings. Seeing Liu Tangxi's unrestrained amusement only intensified his irritation.He wanted to scold her, but the words stuck in his throat, unable to escape.After all, she was not his nephew, and it was the first day of the new year, making it difficult to stay angry.Gradually, Wei Hanzhou managed to control his temper."When the lady was resting her head on her husband's shoulder last night, her saliva dampened the new clothes her husband had just put on."Instantly, Liu Tangxi's laughter halted, and she stood frozen, her expression one of shock.Seeing Liu Tangxi's stunned reaction, the anger in Wei Hanzhou's heart dissipated. His expression returned to its usual calm. He gave Liu Tangxi a final, composed glance before walking back home.Before leaving, he added one more remark: "Wife for your husband, don't forget to wash the clothes you dirtied."Liu Tangxi stared after Wei Hanzhou's retreating figure. After a moment, she came to her senses, her face flushing red. Then, shaking her fist at his back, she muttered angrily, "You really are a dog man! Wei Sangou, Wei Gougan!"