Chapter 107: Writing Spring Couplets for Everyone
Luo Shi noticed Cai Shi’s behavior and glanced at Wen Jin, but said nothing. Seeing Wen Xiuyi finish writing, she simply asked, “What about yours?”
“Huh?” Wen Xiuyi froze. “Our room was demolished, remember? It’s not finished yet, so we won’t paste any.”
Luo Shi had meant the house they were currently living in, but after thinking it over, she swallowed something she was about to say.
After the couplets were written, Luo Shi cooked paste and had Old Man Wen lead the three sons to paste them everywhere inside and out. From afar, the bright red decorations looked festive and lively.
This year they even hung red lanterns. From a distance, the swaying red glow in the wind was beautiful. Villagers who saw it could only feel envious. Those who had lanterns at home followed suit and hung theirs high as well.
By afternoon, villagers began arriving at the Wen house carrying red paper—some clearly newly bought, others obviously stored for years.
As the only scholar in Gutong Village and the most educated person around, people had asked Wen Xiuyi to write couplets in the past. But back then he had been arrogant, practically looking down from the heavens. He had never agreed—not even for his own family.
This was the first year things were different.
Seeing the Wen house decorated and hearing of Wen Xiuyi’s recent changes, the braver villagers came to try their luck. At worst, they would be refused—no shame in that.
Wen Xiuyi had been repairing the livestock shed with Old Man Wen when Luo Shi called him. Only then did he realize people had come to ask for couplets.
“Oh, I thought it was something serious. Second and Third Brothers, move the table outside. Datou, son, lend Dad your ink.”
Hearing his tone, the villagers couldn’t help but smile. This was nothing like the aloof scholar of the past.
The table was set, ink prepared, and Wen Xiuyi asked the first villager, “What should I write?”
“I… I don’t know. I never studied.”
Wen Xiuyi sighed. “Then I’ll write something auspicious?”
The villager nodded eagerly.
After a moment’s thought, Wen Xiuyi wrote eighteen bold characters and read them aloud:
“Peace and prosperity step by step; harmony brings a good year every year. Horizontal banner: All Wishes Fulfilled. How is it?”
The villager beamed, bowing repeatedly in thanks before leaving proudly, showing off his couplet along the way.
Seeing this, villagers rushed forward shouting, “Scholar Wen, write one for my family too!”
As the crowd began pushing and shoving, Luo Shi suddenly appeared holding a big broom. “Quiet! Line up!”
Her shout instantly silenced the courtyard.
“New Year’s coming. Why the noise? Line up properly. Anyone who cuts the line gets thrown out!”
Everyone quickly obeyed. Though there were some disputes, they eventually formed a long queue.
Gutong Village had over a hundred households. As word spread, more villagers arrived. Those without proper red paper even cut scraps to arm’s length—anything to symbolize the New Year.
By the end, Wen Xiuyi was running out of phrases and almost asked Wen Yao to buy a “Complete Collection of Couplets” on the spot. Thankfully, by reusing several auspicious lines, he finished writing for the entire village before nightfall.
He collapsed in exhaustion. Datou’s ink stick was completely used up.
“Dad, I’m out of ink,” Datou said honestly. He wasn’t stingy—just a little heartbroken. But seeing the villagers’ smiles made it worth it.
“Go ask our housekeeper to buy you a new one. Let Dad rest,” Wen Xiuyi replied, too tired even to lift his hand.
Datou sighed sympathetically and began massaging his father’s arm. Touched, Wen Xiuyi scooped him up and kissed his cheek. “My good son, Dad loves you so much.”
The courtyard erupted in laughter. Datou blushed bright red and buried himself shyly in his father’s arms.
Knowing her son had worked hard all day, Luo Shi gently pulled Datou away and didn’t assign Wen Xiuyi any more tasks.
Early the next morning, everyone woke before dawn to prepare—Doctor Jin and the others were arriving today. Old Man Wen and the three sons climbed the mountain with offerings and incense to honor their ancestors for the New Year.
Not long after they returned, the Jin family carriage arrived. Three children jumped out—Wen Ying, Datou, and Jin Xiuyi.
Village kids had spotted the carriage and ran to inform Wen Ying and Datou, who hurried to greet the guests and rode back with them.
“Grandma Wen, Grandpa Wen, I’m here!” Jin Xiuyi shouted as he ran inside, nearly colliding with everyone coming out to welcome them.
Luo Shi grabbed Datou and Jin Xiuyi, holding their hands as she stepped forward to greet the guests.
Just then, Hong Hai helped Doctor Jin and Shopkeeper Qiu down from the carriage.
