As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 277 New Year's Celebration
As Mingchen said, Xiao Xinyue ultimately swallowed the matter concerning Xu Zhongling.

While the east was in chaos, Qian Yuan continued to develop in the west.

Time slowly passed, and the cool autumn breeze gradually grew colder.

It seems that God is no longer willing to punish this chaotic world of wandering and displacement. This year is a bumper year, the weather is very good, the winter is warm, and there have been few snowfalls.

It's the New Year again, and Jiqu, as the capital of the new dynasty, has become completely stable and increasingly prosperous and lively.

They are the lucky ones in this chaotic world, and tomorrow is full of hope.

"Oh!!! Hurry, hurry, hit the ball!"

"Yellow Flag wins!"

"Whose son is that? He's so handsome... Is he married?"

"Don't talk nonsense, that's the Marquis of Loyalty and Valor, and she's a woman!"

"Ah? This... cough cough, that's also handsome..."

"The Marquis of Zhongyong has come, then... where is the Marquis of Jing'an?"

"Isn't he... sitting there?"

……

Today is a beautiful winter day; the sun is shining brightly, the wind is gentle, and the snow that fell a few days ago has melted.

On the vast grassland, spirited horses gallop freely, and young men from wealthy families ride their horses at will, wielding polo mallets and vying to hit fist-sized balls.

Some platforms were set up around the playground, where some young women dressed in fur coats and dressed up in a flamboyant manner looked around.

Some elderly people sat under the shed, eating fruit, drinking and chatting.

On the other side of the meadow, things were much more refined. Scholars and poets swayed their heads, recited elegant poems, discussed history, and debated profound philosophical questions.

The New Year is here, the most joyous and celebratory time of the year.

People in peaceful areas will settle down and celebrate the New Year.

Ordinary people have their own ways of entertainment, and the powerful and wealthy have theirs too.

Xiao Xinyue nodded for the first time and organized this grand event, naming it the Xinfeng Gathering.

This year marks the first time the country has achieved stability.

Officials, nobles, and their families can all participate, including horseback riding, playing football, composing poems, hunting in the mountains, and more.

People can't always be on edge; they need to relax too. Life isn't just about national affairs; it also includes leisure and entertainment.

In fact, the families and elders of these powerful officials would also hold such grand gatherings in private.

Firstly, it's to help everyone get to know each other and build relationships.

Secondly, it's to help the younger generation become familiar with each other. If they are well-matched, it can also give the elders something to talk about, using marriage to deepen their relationship.

This was the first time that Emperor Xiao Xinyue had approved a large-scale entertainment event.

This adds another layer of special political significance to this grand event.

Hsin-yueh Hsiao herself will also be attending.

It can be said that this grand event brought together all the dignitaries and their families from the entire Ji region.

After all, the top leader will be there, and getting even a second glance from her is a bonus.

It was naturally bustling with activity.

In the best location, the best tent, there were only a few people in twos and threes, which seemed quite deserted compared to the other tents.

"Come on, Xiudie, try this. That unlucky guy just gave it to me. It's supposedly fruit from the south, but I don't even know what it's called."

A handsome young man, draped in a fox fur coat, sat lazily on a felt mat, patted the head of the child beside him, and fed her a bright red fruit.

This is a fruit unique to this world; I never tasted it in my previous life.

Unrestrained and disregarding etiquette.

This contrasted sharply with the surrounding high-ranking officials and nobles who were always on edge, striving to make every move proper and polite.

Mingchen disliked attending court and engaging in verbal battles with those ministers who were scheming against each other.

But participating in these recreational activities is a completely different story.

One is going to work, the other is playing. Can they be the same?

He loves joining in the fun and enjoys having fun.

But damn it, these unlucky guys never invite him to their events, nor do they ever send him an invitation.

Given his current status and position, he still has a sense of pride. If people don't give him an invitation, he can't just go around asking for one and begging them to come over.

Ji Qu and these dignitaries were helpless; who knew what this whimsical marquis was really thinking?

Sir, would you like to know who you are?
Who would dare to send an invitation to the emperor to participate in an event when they have nothing better to do?

Do you want to check how many people are in your family?
Do you have any young people in your family who need to participate in such activities?
You don't form cliques, you don't even attend court, so many people don't recognize you. Even if we wanted to send out invitations, we wouldn't be able to!
Given the information gap and the difference in status, Mingchen was naturally at a loss.

When people organize activities, no one dares to invite him.

Everyone only remembers his terrifying status and position, but forgets that he was just a twenty-year-old young man.

This man was unpredictable; he once killed an official's wife in the street.

At least we see His Majesty often, and he is reasonable, so we can try to understand some of his intentions.

This guy is hard to figure out; who would dare to mess with him?

This resulted in many people turning their attention to him, but few people came to chat with Mingchen, making Mingchen's place seem cold and deserted.

Mingchen was quite happy to have some free time.

Just now, Wang Hanbo's son, who was on his westward expedition with Mingchen, mustered up his courage and came over to exchange a few pleasantries, bringing the fruit and gifts his father had asked for.

"Thank you, brother~"

The child ate the fruit Mingchen handed him in one bite. The sour juice spread in his mouth, but it turned into sweetness, growing in his heart.

A faint smile appeared on her lips as she spoke softly.

A quiet child rarely expresses emotions in this way.

With Yun Yao gone, Xiu Die was left as the only child in the manor.

Mingchen also had some free time and often spent time with her.

Every now and then, she would change her expression and go to a restaurant to try the new dishes that Mingchen had told her about.

The child feels happy with the peaceful life he has now.

“It’s so lively~”

A flash of red light, and a figure darted into Mingchen's arms, sitting gracefully.

The cute and lively little fox looked at the grand event and couldn't help but sigh.

Beilie also has such activities; the people of Beilie are martial and love activities.

Hunting, kicking... such activities are held more often, but it's rare to see one this lively.

Sister Dai got itchy and went to play kicking, Little Bird went out to have some fun, and Long Lian was a bit lazy because of the cold weather.

The white wolf has completely turned into a dog, running wild and begging for food at other people's homes.

Mingchen only has the little fox demon by his side right now.

"Hua Rong, I'm cold!"

The little fox was just straining against Mingchen's fox fur!

Finally, it was peeled off.

Mingchen wasn't annoyed; he simply tapped its head: "You pulled off my fur coat, why don't you warm me up?"

"Humph!"

The little fox rolled its eyes: "You're perfectly healthy! What's with the cold?!"

However, not long after, the fluffy tail wrapped around Mingchen's neck.

The little fox tossed its head to the side, looking completely unconcerned.

"You've schemed and plotted so much, gone through so many twists and turns, and in the end, isn't this still the case?"

Looking at the bustling scene, the little fox couldn't help but sigh, "It's still these high-ranking officials and nobles; they still collude with each other. What's the point?"

Ultimately, this world is still a world managed by people.

Even if those people in the capital were completely wiped out by the Blood-Clad Army.

Now, with the new dynasty established by the Ji family, everything is thriving, and a new class of powerful and wealthy families is also emerging and growing stronger.

The food, the things these people eat, the things they use, the things they play with... are things that ordinary people rarely have access to.

Since returning with Mingchen, it has been exposed to all sorts of information.

It's not a shut-in like Ryuren; it understands the ways of the world, is intelligent, and has insights into national affairs.

They gradually learned what Mingchen had done and what his purpose was.

Mingchen smiled and said to the little fox, "Hua Rong, there will always be classes in this world. The fantasy world of universal harmony is either a illusory future with slogans or a desolate ancient era. This is the general trend, an objective law that cannot be changed. Even after thousands of years, human nature will not change. This political system and these powerful clans will continue to grow under different names."

The little fox's eyes flickered upon hearing this, its thoughts unreadable.

"Unless the world is not governed by anyone. When a minister holds power and climbs the ranks step by step, the thought is to become a powerful family, to pass on the wealth and power he has accumulated, to protect his family, to bring glory to his lineage, and to make it last for generations. This is human nature etched into our genes."

"The only difference is that they are just starting out, they are all talented people, and they can bring positive benefits to the country."

"They fought bravely for the country and devoted themselves to the country. They deserve their due reward. If they are not doing well, who will be willing to contribute to the country?"

"How to contain them is the wisdom of the emperor."

The little fox paused for a moment, then said, "What's the point? They protect their sons and nephews, perpetuating their power, making it impossible to control them. In another three to five hundred years, it will just be another corrupt royal court."

Mingchen raised an eyebrow and laughed, "Three to five hundred years? Hua Rong, you're immortal, you have no respect for time at all, you make it sound so easy!" This thing just said earlier that it only had a few hundred years of cultivation!
Do you know how heavy time is? In three to five hundred years, how many babies are born and how many old people die?

"If the world remains peaceful for another three to five hundred years, the people will have lived through several generations, which is already very good."

"What is united for a long time will eventually divide, and what is divided for a long time will eventually unite; prosperity will eventually decline, and decline will eventually lead to prosperity again. This is a cycle, and this is a process that must be experienced."

Mingchen looked at the noisy officials and nobles and lowered his eyes slightly: "Perhaps a hundred years later they will be high above, powerful and wealthy, and perhaps after some time, people like Wang Huai will appear and uproot them... This is also a cycle."

"What's the point?"

"In the end, it's really meaningless. The fundamental contradiction between personal desires and public selflessness cannot be changed. People will move forward in cycles, and society will develop in cycles, constantly learning from the lessons of the past and constantly optimizing... that's all."

Mingchen is indeed an interesting person.

Talking to him can sometimes give Hua Rong some inspiration, and she can make some changes to her own ideas.

The little fox paused for a moment, then asked, "Do you think it's possible to create a world where all races, regardless of their status or strength, can live together peacefully?"

Mingchen nodded and said quite readily, "Yes!"

The little fox's eyes lit up, and he said with great interest, "Tell me about it!"

"Project Eye of the Moon".

Little fox: ?

"What do you mean? What kind of plan is this?"

"dream."

Little Fox: ...

Okay, it takes back its previous idea.

"Lord Ming, it's not easy to see you!"

"Can you finally give it up?"

As Mingchen teased the little fox, the lonely, high-altitude tent finally welcomed a guest.

The old man, dressed in a cotton-padded coat, approached with a kind smile on his face.

He's an old acquaintance, Feng Xiaozhong.

He was a close associate who left the capital with Xiao Xinyue, and he was also familiar with Mingchen and Lingyu. When Mingchen and Lingyu got married, he temporarily acted as Lingyu's elder.

Although Mingchen is second only to the emperor, he doesn't like to get involved in affairs.

Feng Xiaozhong was the one who actually got things done; he was Xiao Xinyue's right-hand man and held a high position.

This person even knows to avoid suspicion. Mingchen and Lingyu are already in very high positions, and he has never formed any factions in his life. He is afraid that Xiao Xinyue will overthink things, so he rarely goes out with them.

In the past two years, I have sent gifts to people during holidays, but we have rarely met in person.

At such a grand event, we should at least meet and exchange greetings, otherwise it would be impolite.

Besides, Mingchen was all alone, and he also felt a little uncomfortable.

Mingchen smiled and cupped his hands in greeting to the old man: "Come, Lord Feng, have a seat and have a couple of drinks with me."

The friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water; they haven't been in touch for a long time.

But it didn't seem too awkward, nor did it exhibit the harsh flattery typical of superiors and subordinates.

He said sarcastically, "If Aunt Feng were to host a few parties, I'd come every day! It's just that you didn't give me an invitation~"

Feng Xiaozhong: ...

I don't know how to respond to that.

His wife is very low-key and rarely holds events.

Besides, even if we do arrange it, we don't know how to invite this gentleman.

Old Feng was much more proper than Mingchen, and he sat down next to Mingchen.

The two exchanged pleasantries.

Looking back on the past and looking forward to the future.

"General Ling is truly a heroine, a woman who is no less capable than any man!"

Although he didn't finish his sentence, Mingchen never looked at him. Feng Xiaozhong followed Mingchen's gaze to the horse farm and couldn't help but sigh.

Qian Yuan and his wife are truly a pair of prodigies, one in literature and the other in martial arts!

He was one of the few bystanders who watched these two monsters rise step by step from nothing, through the imperial examinations, wars, negotiations... and finally reached a position that many people could never reach in their entire lives.

"Hey~"

On the horse track, horses neighed and galloped freely across the grass.

With her long hair tied in a ponytail that fluttered in the wind, the valiant woman brandished her golf club, shining like a star among the riders.

There are plenty of energetic girls on this polo field, but they all pale in comparison to her and are outshone by her.

Her horse galloped in front, and her club struck the ball precisely on the grass, sending it into the goal.

With the sound of a gong, another yellow flag was hung up on the side.

Ling Yu gripped the reins to control the galloping horse, raised the polo mallet in his hand, and unconsciously revealed a hearty smile.

She won!
She is displaying her unique charm.

People are not attractive because they possess certain characteristics or rules.

Living out your own unique characteristics is full of charm.

A woman doesn't necessarily have to be gentle and demure; a lady from a respectable family is considered beautiful.

At that moment, Mingchen thought his wife was very beautiful, more beautiful than any other woman.

It would be great if we had a camera to record it.

As if by telepathy, Ling Yu immediately looked in Ming Chen's direction.

Throughout the entire encounter, Mingchen's eyes remained fixed on her. Their gazes met, and they seemed to see the joy in each other's eyes.

Ling Yu's smile seemed even more cheerful.

Mingchen didn't hide his emotions, laughing heartily as he raised his glass to Lao Feng: "Hey, that's right, look who's got their eye on her!"

It’s great to be young!
Looking at the perfect couple, Feng Xiaozhong couldn't help but sigh.

Afterwards, he actually regretted facilitating the marriage.

There's no other reason than that these two are both skilled in literature and martial arts, a perfect match, and simply too strong.

It has even somewhat affected Xiao Xinyue's status.

Fortunately, both of them seem to be quite pure, not forming factions, and are loyal subjects, so they are not particularly dangerous.

The two have a deep and enviable relationship.

Feng Xiaozhong took a sip of wine and asked with a smile, "Lord Ming, why don't you go up and play a couple of rounds?"

Jiju can be played in pairs.

Ling Yu went up alone, without asking for teammates, and was fighting two opponents at once, which made her seem a bit lonely.

Feng Xiaozhong thought Mingchen was someone who couldn't sit still and loved to play, and he was afraid that the other party was just keeping him company, so he didn't move.

Upon hearing this, Mingchen paused for a moment, then twitched the corners of his mouth.

Damn it, if he knew how to play the game, he would have gone up there and shown off long ago!

"Forehead……"

"My wife can win by herself. If I join in, wouldn't that be a bit unfair?"

Feng Xiaozhong, unsuspecting, nodded in agreement: "Yes, that's true."

If one team completely dominates everyone else, then the competition becomes a personal show, which is not very interesting.

"Lord Ming, Lord Feng, Happy New Year."

"This humble general, Xiao Ling, greets the two lords."

After Feng Xiaozhong started, more people came.

A capable-looking military officer approached with a boy and bowed to Mingchen and his companion.

Xiao Ling was also an old man who came from Yueyang City.

He was assigned to guard the most important pass on the Shenjiang River in the east, and only returned home for the New Year.

Mingchen waved his hand with a smile, gesturing for them to sit down: "Hahaha, General Xiao, what are you being so polite about?! Come, sit down!"

"Junior Xiao Yan'ang greets Grandpa Feng and Uncle Ming."

The little boy was about eleven or twelve years old, with rosy lips and white teeth, and quite clever.

He bowed respectfully to Mingchen and his companion in a proper manner, his voice clear and resonant, making it impossible for anyone to feel any malice towards him.

Children from powerful and wealthy families, with their abundant resources and exposure to the world, may become spoiled and dissolute, but they are more likely to rise above their station and achieve great things than children from ordinary families.

Mingchen was speechless.

He's only twenty years old, but he's already considered an uncle.

"Eh~"

As Feng Xiaozhong grew older, he became more and more amiable. He hugged the child and smiled as he took out a jade pendant and handed it to him: "Good boy, come here and tell Grandpa how old you are this year?"

Xiao Ling, the iron-willed general, softened his gaze and said with a smile, "My son is eleven years old this year."

This group of people who ran away from Kyoto were living hand to mouth and had no future in sight.

Having experienced unspeakable worries and fears, they cherish their family members who have never abandoned them.

(End of this chapter)