Chapter 136: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 135: Yan Si Has Returned

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

After everyone had settled into their seats, time quietly slipped by, yet Yan Si was nowhere to be seen. Finally, amid everyone's anxious waiting, Yan Si slowly walked over. The Princess Consort had been worried after not seeing Yan Si for so long; she had originally feared that his travels abroad, enduring wind and dew, would have made him lose a good deal of weight.

However, when Yan Si appeared before her eyes, the Princess Consort discovered to her surprise that not only had he not grown thin, he was actually slightly fatter than when he had left.

After Yan Si took his seat, everyone began to enjoy the sumptuous food. During the meal, the Princess Consort asked curiously, "Si'er, how is it that you went out on this trip and came back even fatter?"

Hearing this, Yan Si couldn't help but show a bashful expression, and after a slight smile replied, "Mother does not know, but this time I went to Dongying Guo, and that Shangguan Xingyan treated me with the utmost care — every day it was delicacies from land and sea, and there were numerous servants attending to me meticulously; under such circumstances, it would be hard not to gain weight!"

At this moment, Yan Shuang'er at the side interjected, "Second Brother, how is the bookstore doing?" The moment the bookstore was mentioned, Yan Si instantly perked up, like a chatterbox opened, and began to recount the tale incessantly.

From the various difficulties encountered upon first arriving in Dongying Guo, to how he later overcame obstacles step by step and managed the bookstore in perfect order; from exchanges with local literati, to the brisk sales of books in the shop... Yan Si described it all vividly, and everyone listened with relish, utterly absorbed.

Thus, a meal concluded perfectly amid everyone's laughter and cheer. Time flew, and in a blink it arrived at the day before the New Year.

On this day, everyone in the Wangfu, high and low, was busy beyond measure, each performing their duties, making full preparations to welcome the new year. Even Qianqian, who usually liked to sleep in, did not sleep late today.

Morning sunlight filtered through the window onto the bed, and Qianqian woke leisurely. She stretched, then nimbly put on her clothes. Just then, the door was gently pushed open, and Yan Shuang'er's figure appeared at the doorway.

Yan Shuang'er wore a faint smile and asked softly, "How come you woke up so early today?"

Qianqian answered with an excited face, "Third Elder Sister, tomorrow is the New Year! Today is going to be busy, just thinking about it makes me too excited to sleep!"

Yan Shuang'er couldn't help finding it a bit funny upon hearing this, and teased, "Oh my, just how busy can it be?"

Qianqian hurriedly counted on her fingers, "Today we have to paste couplets, hang lanterns, and also go buy new clothes!"

Yan Shuang'er shook her head with a smile, saying, "These things naturally have servants to do them, why should you worry?"

Qianqian tilted her head and thought for a moment, felt it made sense, then her eyes lit up and she proposed, "Since that's the case, how about we go out for a stroll after breakfast?"

Yan Shuang'er readily agreed, "Sounds good!"

No sooner had the words fallen than Qianqian shouted toward the door, "Mantou, Qianqian is hungry, time to eat~"

Before long, Mantou hurried into the room, responding, "Coming, coming, Young Miss please wait, the food will be right here."

Soon, Mantou brought steaming hot dishes from the kitchen. After the two devoured the meal like a whirlwind, they walked out the door hand in hand.

Seeing the two young masters go out, the servants hurried into action, beginning to meticulously sweep the entire courtyard. After all, tomorrow is the New Year; according to custom, today the courtyard must be swept spotless to remove the old year's bad luck and welcome a brand new year.

On the other side, Qianqian and Yan Shuang'er boarded a spacious and luxurious carriage. The carriage moved slowly forward, and before long arrived in front of the Qi Fu.

Qianqian said softly to the gatekeeper, "Please announce me, I've come to find Qi Xi." Seeing it was Qianqian, the gatekeeper dared not be negligent, hurriedly nodded respectfully in assent, then turned and led Qianqian toward the courtyard where Qi Xi resided.

Passing through winding, secluded corridors and tastefully arranged courtyards, before long they arrived at Qi Xi's residence. At this moment, Qi Xi was sitting at the table enjoying a delicious breakfast. The table was laid with all kinds of exquisite pastries and steaming hot porridge, the fragrance filling the air.

When Qi Xi looked up and saw Qianqian walking in, her eyes instantly flashed with delighted surprise; she excitedly stood up, hurried forward to meet her, and called out, "Qianqian, why did you suddenly come over?"

Qianqian smiled faintly and replied gently, "Tomorrow is the New Year; today I want to go out and wander the streets, buy some new clothes, so I specially came to find you to go together — I wonder if you're willing?"

Qi Xi's face broke into a joyful smile, and she hastily nodded, "Good, good! I was just thinking the same! But wait a moment, let me finish this breakfast and we'll set off immediately." Saying this, Qi Xi sat back down on the chair, picked up the bowl before her, took a small delicate spoon, and wolfed down the food like a whirlwind.

Not long after, Qi Xi set down the now empty bowl and chopsticks, patted her belly contentedly, and laughed, "Haha, I'm full now, we can depart. Right, why not call Elder Brother along too, that would be even more lively."

Qianqian readily agreed, turning to instruct a servant at the side to go summon Qi Yu. At this very moment, Qi Yu had actually already gotten up. He had originally planned to go out and play today, and was currently happily tidying up in his own room.

Just as he finished preparing, he suddenly heard a servant's report from outside the door, saying that Qianqian and his younger sister Qi Xi had come to invite him to go out together. Qi Yu was overjoyed, hurriedly straightened his clothes, and rushed to Qi Xi's courtyard.

Before long, everyone had gathered together. Then they boarded a magnificently decorated carriage and slowly headed toward the most bustling and lively market in Kyoto. Along the way, the sound of horse hooves rang through the streets and alleys, drawing passersby to turn their heads and gaze.

Not long after, the carriage steadily stopped at the entrance of the bustling market. Everyone alighted and looked out — only to see this place teeming with people, shoulder to shoulder, extraordinarily lively!

Especially because tomorrow is the annual New Year festival, the pedestrians on the street were more than several times the usual number. Cries of vendors and laughter rose and fell, weaving a symphony full of the breath of life.

Qi Yu tightly held his younger sister Qi Xi's small hand, afraid she might get lost. And at the side, Yan Shuang'er likewise carefully held Qianqian's hand, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, keeping watch on the crowd at all times.