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Xia Dong said: "It's a recreational game developed by your junior brother, Xiaochen. It's not only interesting, but also allows gambling. It's very easy to learn."

Zhou Chen smiled and asked, "How about it, my good brother, do you want to play a few rounds?"

Lin Chen shook his hair and said loudly: "It sounds so interesting to hear you guys talking, of course I want to finish it, but you have to teach me how to play first."

So, Zhou Chen brought mahjong, and the four of them started playing mahjong in Nie Feng's room. The hairy Nie Feng sat behind Xia Dong with a confused look on his face, watching the four of them clattering the blocks.

It was not until the evening when Mei Changsu returned from Marquis Yan's mansion and saw Zhou Chen and the other three playing mahjong here that even with his years of practiced calmness, he rolled his eyes.

Well, I, the patient, am running around taking care of things, but you guys are just playing mahjong at home.

Then, he squeezed out Lin Chen, who had lost a lot of money, and sat at the card table himself.

During dinner, Xia Dong and Lin Chen both looked unhappy. Xia Dong was okay as she didn't lose much, but Lin Chen stared at Zhou Chen with murderous eyes.

Most of the money he lost today was due to Zhou Chen's mistakes. Most of the money Zhou Chen won was his. If Mei Changsu hadn't helped him get some money later, he would have lost even more miserably.

"Junior brother, you even won the money of a beginner like me. You are really cruel." Lin Chen said gritting his teeth.

Zhou Chen said calmly: "If you are willing to gamble, you should accept the loss. Have some gambling manners, okay? I didn't force you to play."

Lin Chen pointed at Zhou Chen angrily and said, "Just wait for me. When I figure it out, I will win all your money."

"Ha, I'll wait."

Xia Dong quietly asked Mei Changsu: "Xiao Shu, have they always been like this?"

Mei Changsu explained with a smile: "Yes, it has been like this since they met. Don't think it seems that Xiaochen is bullying Lin Chen now, but in the past, Xiaochen was tortured by him very badly."

Mu Nihuang blinked her eyes and asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Mei Changsu said: "When we first came to Mount Langya, Pavilion Master Lin and Lin Chen were responsible for helping Xiaochen and I detoxify. At that time, the two of us were like puppets, letting them manipulate us. At that time, Lin Chen always teased us, and Xiaochen was not willing to be outdone. Every time, he would argue with him. Lin Chen got angry and attacked Zhou Chen."

"As for how miserable it was, I can only say it was extremely miserable. Even when I was sleeping soundly at night, he would come over to scare Xiaochen. In Xiaochen's words, Lin Chen had no bottom line. For example, one time it was quite exaggerated. Lin Chen had never quarreled with Xiaochen, but when Xiaochen went to the toilet, he actually burned the toilet in revenge against Xiaochen. What's more, that scene... Later, he was chased and beaten by the old Pavilion Master Lin for a long time."

"Pfft!"

Xia Dong and Mu Nihuang almost burst out laughing.

"Is it that exaggerated?"

Mei Changsu smiled and said, "Of course there was. It's no exaggeration to say that Xiaochen was bullied by Lin Chen for several years. But since Xiaochen's martial arts surpassed Lin Chen's, the relationship between the two of them has reversed. Lin Chen has become the bullied party. When it comes to teasing people, Lin Chen is not on the same level as Xiaochen."

"The reason why Lin Chen always quarrels with Zhou Chen is not because he really wants to do anything. It's mainly because he didn't have many people to talk to in Langya Mountain before, and Xiao Chen happened to be able to talk to him, so he especially likes to play with Xiao Chen. To put it in one sentence, they are birds of a feather."

Mu Nihuang couldn't help but smile, because she suddenly thought of Zhou Chen and her younger brother Mu Qing. It was most appropriate to describe them as birds of a feather.

After dinner, Mei Changsu said to everyone, "This year's New Year's Eve, Big Brother Nie and Xiaochen will be spending it at my place. Sister Dong, are you coming too?"

Xia Dong answered without hesitation: "Of course, wherever Brother Feng is, I will be there."

Mei Changsu nodded and said, "But you still have to be careful when you come here, and don't let anyone find out. I'm openly helping Prince Yu now, and if people knew that you come here often, it would definitely cause unnecessary trouble."

Xia Dong said: "Don't worry about this. I have been in Xuan Jing Division for so many years. In the capital, no one has been able to track me without being discovered by me."

Mei Changsu had no problem with Mu Nihuang, because he knew it was not realistic to ask Mu Nihuang to come. There would be a ceremony in Prince Mu's Mansion where the emperor would bestow food, so Mu Nihuang definitely could not leave Prince Mu's Mansion on New Year's Eve.

At night, Zhou Chen, Mu Nihuang and Xia Dong left Su Mansion. Zhou Chen left alone, while Mu Nihuang went with Xia Dong.

On the other hand, Princess Pingyang was relieved to learn that Zhou Chen had returned safely. She didn't know where Zhou Chen had gone, nor did she care where Zhou Chen had gone. As long as Zhou Chen returned safely, she would feel at ease.

After Mei Changsu talked with Lord Yan, he asked Meng Zhi to remove Lord Yan's arrangements, and the year-end sacrifice was completed smoothly.

New Year's Eve, also known as the 30th day of the lunar year.

That afternoon, Zhou Chen called housekeeper Lu, the doorman, the cook, the groom and three maids over.

After a few months, the Zhou family had a few new servants. It was because his house was relatively small, otherwise there would be more servants.

Zhou Chen sat in the main seat, Gong Yu sat next to him, and Butler Lu and other servants stood in two rows, facing Zhou Chen and the other two.

"Today is New Year's Eve. My wife and I are going out to visit friends. You can move freely today. Those who want to go home can go home, and those who don't want to go home can stay. But no matter where you go, you must come back after the third day of the New Year."

"Although we haven't been together for a long time, I have seen everything you have done. If you work for me, I will not treat you unfairly."

Zhou Chen pointed to the tray beside him and said, "Butler Lu, this is the red envelope reward for you. Please give it to them one by one. It's not much, but just a token of my appreciation."

Steward Lu took the lead, and everyone shouted, "Thank you, Master, thank you, Madam."

"In addition to the reward money, Madam has also prepared some New Year goods for you, purple jade and blue jade. You two will distribute the New Year goods to them later. You can go down now."

"Yes!"

Zhou Chen stared at Butler Lu's back. He originally wanted to tell Butler Lu something, but after thinking about it, he decided to give up.

After dealing with the affairs at home, Zhou Chen brought Gong Yu to the Su Mansion. After arriving, he found that Xia Dong had arrived before him and was having a close conversation with Nie Feng. Mei Changsu was sitting in the room, carefully wrapping silver and money in red envelopes, preparing to give red envelopes to everyone in the evening.

Seeing Zhou Chen and Gong Yu coming, Mei Changsu immediately came forward happily to greet them.

"You are finally here. Come to think of it, this year's number of people staying up to celebrate the New Year is probably the smallest in recent years."

In the past, we would celebrate the New Year together at the Jiangzuo League headquarters, and many people would gather together, but it is not very convenient in the capital.

Although the number of people has decreased, the relationship has become much closer. This year is also the happiest year for Mei Changsu in recent years.

Zhou Chen said: "It doesn't matter how many people are there to celebrate the New Year. What matters is family affection and reunion."

"That's true. It's really nice that Brother Nie and Sister Dong can spend the New Year's Eve with us this year. I'm trying to get some red envelopes. Do you want to help me?"

"You are the leader of Jiangzuo League, the head of the family. I am just the deputy leader, and I don't have to do anything. You can just hand out the red envelopes."

Zhou Chen knew his situation. He was just a deputy sect leader in title, but in fact he never participated in the management of Jiangzuo League. Even most of the disciples of Jiangzuo League did not know his true identity as the deputy sect leader.

"Then you can take Gong Yu to talk to Brother Nie and Sister Dong, or play cards. When dinner is ready, you can have dinner together."

"You stay busy here, I'll take Gong Yu out for a walk. Today is New Year's Eve, it must be very lively outside."

Zhou Chen took Gong Yu's hand and walked out. Mei Changsu smiled and did not stop them. He knew that Zhou Chen liked to be lively and it would be boring to stay here.

In fact, Zhou Chen has lived for so many years, and he is not a person who likes to join in the fun. It’s just that this is his first time traveling through ancient feudal society. Although he has lived there for more than ten years, he is still full of novelty about this era, especially the festive atmosphere of Jinling City. He really can’t wait to experience it.

There was a minor accident today, a car crash, and it took a lot of time to deal with it. I don’t have the energy to write anymore, so that’s all.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 840: Visiting the Market, I’m the Master of My Own World

Today's Jinling City is much more lively than in the past. The streets are full of people coming and going, the shops and stalls are also crowded, and the faces of passers-by are filled with festive smiles.

Children in particular ran and played in groups, and their bell-like smiles infected the people coming and going.

Zhou Chen walked on the street arm in arm with Gong Yu. Although they were a handsome couple and beautiful, they did not attract much attention because there were many men and women like them, and they were all dressed up carefully. The men were handsome and the women were pretty.

This situation is actually extremely rare within a year. After all, although the status of women in this era is higher than that in the Ming and Qing dynasties, women generally seldom go out, especially shopping with men.

However, today is New Year's Eve, and many women would choose to come out on this day, because the huge city of Jinling will be particularly lively on this day, and there will be many performances. It is a rare grand scene in the year. Of course, those women who have been at home all year round want to come out and join in the fun.

"Jinling City is really lively today."

Gong Yu looked at the hustle and bustle on the street with a smile on her face. She had been in Jinling for several years, but this year was the happiest year for her. She was in a good mood and was happy to see everything.

“It’s quite lively.”

Although this kind of bustle is far less than the urban world where Zhou Chen is, it is probably the most lively and prosperous area in this era.

"Hey, there are clay figurines over there. Let's go make some."

Coming to a small stall making clay figurines, Zhou Chen asked the vendor to make figurines in the image of him and Gong Yu.

The clay figurine vendor's craftsmanship was really good. Zhou Chen and the others didn't have to wait for long. He quickly made two lifelike clay figurines.

"Not bad."

Zhou Chen took it and looked at it, he was very satisfied. This craftsmanship is purely manual, without any machine added. To be able to make it like this, this craftsmanship is definitely the pinnacle. No wonder he is confident enough to set up a stall in Beijing.

After paying enough money, Zhou Chen took the clay figurine and left with Gong Yu. He then bought Gong Yu a string of candied haws, which they shared.

It has to be said that as the capital of Daliang, Jinling City is really home to hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Especially during festival times, all kinds of people come out.

There were all kinds of stalls and vendors, selling food and drinks, performing acrobatics, selling rouge and jewelry, and so on and so forth. It was too numerous to count.

After just walking around two streets, Zhou Chen's hands were already full of things, and the same was true for Gong Yu. In the end, they had no choice but to return to the Su Mansion early.

When they returned to the Su Mansion, it was already dark and the New Year's Eve dinner had already been prepared. Mei Changsu had already gathered everyone in the side hall.

More than a dozen people gathered in the side hall, and none of them were sitting idle. Some were hanging things, some were cleaning, and some were playing mahjong.

That’s right, on this New Year’s Eve, everyone had a rare chance to relax, but Mei Changsu naturally kept everyone on edge.

Mei Changsu did not sit down to play cards, but played with Fei Liu. The people playing cards were Xia Dong, Li Gang, Lin Chen and Doctor Yan.

When Zhou Chen and Gong Yu came back, the people playing mahjong didn't even look at them. Instead, Fei Liu saw so many good things in Zhou Chen's hands and ran over happily.

"Brother Chen."

Zhou Chen chuckled and handed him all the delicious and fun things in his hand.

"Fei Liu is so good. I'll bring it to you next time."

"Thank you." Fei Liu smiled and ran to the side with the things in his arms.

Zhou Chen walked over to Mei Changsu and sat down, then asked, "How do you feel?"

Mei Changsu asked in confusion: "What?"

"The atmosphere of the New Year. Is it more festive to celebrate the New Year in Jinling City than in Langzhou?"

"The festive atmosphere and liveliness of Jinling City are indeed far superior to those of Langzhou. I am really happy to be able to celebrate the New Year here this year."

Mei Changsu looked unusually relaxed, which was rarely seen in Langzhou before.

Zhou Chen knew that the reason why Mei Changsu was in a good mood was because this was his home. He had lived here for more than ten years. Especially in his current situation where he didn't know how many days he had left to live, the desire to return home was even stronger.

What's more, this time he would be spending the New Year with Nie Feng and Xia Dong, whom he hadn't seen for more than ten years.

Everyone was chatting and laughing, and soon it was dinner time. Mei Changsu sat at the main seat, Lin Chen sat on the left, behind him were Nie Feng, Xia Dong and others, Zhou Chen and Gong Yu sat on the right, behind them were Doctor Yan, Li Gang and others.

Mei Changsu smiled and distributed red envelopes to Fei Liu and other disciples of the Jiangzuo League. Everyone in the hall was smiling and celebrating.

Everyone who had finished their meal did not leave, but gathered together to wait for the coming of the New Year. At this time, staying up all night to celebrate the New Year was a very grand event. No matter whether they were rich or poor, it was the most joyful thing for the whole family to get together to celebrate the New Year.

Zhou Chen and Gong Yu waited until the New Year's Eve party was over before leaving the Su Mansion. However, they did not return home immediately. Instead, they took a detour and came to a house.

Gong Yu and Zhou Chen stood on the wall together, looking at the mansion in front of them.

"Sir, you really don't want to go and take a look?"

Zhou Chen shook his head and said, "Forget it, it's already past the time, let's wait a little longer."

Besides the fact that he was not ready, there was another reason why he did not recognize his mother. That was because what he and Mei Changsu were going to do was too big. If he recognized his mother, he would not be able to keep it a secret, which would only make him more worried.

"Let's go back."

After returning to the mansion, Zhou Chen found that Butler Lu was still there, as were Lan Yu and Zi Yu. As for the others, they had all temporarily left the mansion.

A new year, a new beginning. Although it is early in the morning, there are still some things that need to be done, and exercise should be done when it is time to exercise...

After whispering for a long time, Zhou Chen hugged Gong Yu and fell asleep together.

Last night on New Year's Eve, when the whole country was celebrating, something happened that shocked the palace.

A team sent by Emperor Liang to deliver food was actually beheaded outside the palace wall. A eunuch and a team of imperial guards were completely wiped out.

When Mei Changsu found Zhou Chen, Zhou Chen was playing chess with Gong Yu. When Gong Yu saw Mei Changsu coming, he retreated first.

Mei Changsu didn't say anything nonsense and said directly: "One of the twelve teams that delivered food last night was assassinated outside the palace wall. I guess their purpose is to plot against Brother Meng for the position of the commander-in-chief of the imperial guards, and the one with this motive is most likely Xie Yu."

Zhou Chen was very calm, he knew this incident had happened in the plot, but he didn't say it in advance because he felt it was useless to say it.

There are twelve teams in total, and they can't possibly keep an eye on them all. The Jiangzuo League doesn't have that many experts in the capital.

What's more, among the people in Beijing who took action this time, except for Zhuo Dingfeng and Fei Liu, the others would not be Zhuo Dingfeng's opponents. If they were to disperse, it would be disadvantageous to them.

So he had no intention of stopping this from happening. Even if it happened, it wouldn't actually do them much harm.

Anyway, they are all ready to take action against Xie Yu, so whether Xie Yu can succeed this time or not will not have much impact on them. Xiao Jingrui's birthday will be the end of Xie Yu.

What's more, Emperor Liang is not really senile, so how could he easily let Xie Yu become the commander-in-chief of the imperial guards?

"So you went to find Prince Yu, did you catch up with him?" Zhou Chen asked knowingly.

Mei Changsu sighed, "Did you guess it? It was indeed too late. Prince Yu was still a little too eager for quick success. Although this incident was somewhat related to Brother Meng, it was impossible for His Majesty to remove Brother Meng from his position as the commander of the imperial guards just for this matter. But Prince Yu ran to plead for Brother Meng at this time. Given His Majesty's suspicious character, he would definitely think too much."

Zhou Chen said calmly, "Prince Yu is actually very smart. If he becomes the emperor, he may not be much worse than the old man now. The difference is that the old man had a group of good friends who could be trusted with life and death, good subordinates who could be trusted, and people in the military, court officials, and nobles all supported him. In comparison, even if Duke Qing, the Minister of Personnel, and the Minister of Justice had not fallen, Prince Yu would not be as powerful as the old man back then."

"What's more, he has lost the support of the military, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Justice. It is normal for him to be anxious and angry and lose his mind. Of course, according to my estimation, under normal circumstances, Prince Yu should not be that stupid. It is very likely that Qin Prajna is behind him."