The plate of lucky cakes was divided into three portions, one for each person, with the remaining seven reserved for Afu to feed the six kittens.
When Afu entered the room, Ah Da had already returned to the cat quarters. Seeing Afu, he stood up, took the lucky cake from Afu's hand, and crouched down to feed the six kittens.
"Did they bully you after I left?" Afu was still worried that Ah Da might be bullied by others. Ah Da's nature was not to argue with people, and he feared that leaving him alone there might put him at a disadvantage.
"Of course not. I simply don't wish to argue with them about these useless things. I won't let myself be taken advantage of."
As Ah Da spoke, he took out a package from his chest and handed it to Afu. "Look, I didn't just eat myself, I also got a piece for you. They wouldn't dare bully me."
Seeing the lucky cake wrapped in cloth in his hand, Afu nodded. "Eat this piece. May you have more good fortune in the new year, and don't let them bully you again."
"Some things need to be refuted when they should be, otherwise, they'll think you're timid and easily bullied," Afu added with lingering concern, though he had said this countless times before.
"Then you eat this piece." Ah Da picked up the piece from the plate and handed it to Afu.
There were seven pieces left on the plate in total. Six pieces for the six kittens, leaving exactly one.
Afu did not refuse. The two of them smiled and ate the lucky cakes in their hands.
"Ugh! Blech..."
As soon as Afu swallowed, he felt a wave of nausea and an urge to vomit. After enduring it for a long time, he couldn't hold it in any longer. Leaning against the wall, he dry-heaved a few times, but nothing came out, only a sour taste rising from his stomach.
Ah Da was startled by Afu's violent reaction. He put one hand on Afu's arm and the other on his back, rubbing it.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing. Perhaps the food was too greasy, and I'm not used to it." Afu suppressed the urge to vomit, waved his hand, and indicated he was fine.
In fact, he had been feeling nauseous for the past two days. He figured it was due to the cold weather, and he had caught a cold. But it was the New Year, and it was best not to mention such things.
Seeing Afu straighten up and recover, Ah Da also assumed it was the lucky cake's fault. "I knew I shouldn't have let you eat this earlier."
"It's fine. Eating it brings good fortune," Afu said with a smile to comfort him, not wanting Ah Da to blame himself.
"I'm going back to my room to drink some water."
"Mhm, go ahead. I'll be back soon too."
Afu and Ah Da shared a room, with twin beds, allowing them to care for each other. The other servants slept in a communal dormitory, so their conditions were the best.
Afu returned to his bedroom. The teapot only contained cold water. After taking a sip, he felt an even greater discomfort in his lower abdomen, fearing that his period was indeed coming.
His body felt unwell, but it was a significant day, and the servants were all busy. Afu didn't want to be lazy. He had just sat down on the bed to rest for a moment when he heard someone announce that Mayor Zheng, Miss Gu, and Young Master Gu had arrived.
Afu forced himself to sit up, gathered his spirits, and left his bedroom.
"Afu, Happy New Year!" Gu Yi, with his sharp eyes, saw Afu emerge from the bedroom and called out to him, smiling as he stepped forward to take his hand.
"Happy New Year!" Afu replied with a smile.
Seeing Gu Yitong and Zheng Yu following behind Gu Yi, Afu bent his knees and bowed sideways. "Mayor Zheng, Miss Gu, Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year."
Gu Yitong felt a little uneasy. Ever since that incident, Afu had become even more distant towards her. Normally, they would playfully interact, but now he was so polite.
The three of them followed Afu to the main hall, where they exchanged pleasantries and New Year's greetings with Lu Yu and Shen Xuan.
The three women remained in the main hall, while the three men went to the inner room to discuss matters between men.
"Your and Miss Lu's outfits today are truly beautiful. One can tell you are a married couple."
Knowing that Gu Yi was deliberately teasing, Shen Xuan retorted without hesitation.
"If Yi'er likes it, I'll have my wife send you a set another day. Then you can wear it with Mayor Zheng."
Gu Yi, not yet married, couldn't out-argue Shen Xuan and blushed slightly.
"Have you and Mayor Zheng set a wedding date?" Shen Xuan was more concerned about this matter, as he had already prepared the betrothal gifts.
"Not yet. I still want to spend more time with my elder sister. The date will likely be postponed."
Shen Xuan wouldn't let him off easily and continued to tease, "I suspect Mayor Zheng has long wanted to marry you, his little pampered husband, home. It's a shame... tsk tsk tsk."
The term "little pampered husband" was coined by Lu Yu in a picture book and was the first time it appeared in a picture book of this era. Consequently, many people liked to use these three words to describe obedient and cute husbands.
Gu Yi's face grew redder with the teasing, but he had no words to refute.
Afu sat to the side, listening to them talk, but his complexion was not very good.
"Afu, you seem a bit tired today. Is it perhaps—"
Shen Xuan's words were cut short as Gu Yi and Afu simultaneously covered his mouth.
"Young Master, you mustn't say it!"
"That word cannot be spoken today!"
Both spoke in unison, their serious expressions amusing Shen Xuan.
"Pah, pah, pah! Alright, I won't say it. Let's all be safe and sound in the new year."
"I won't stay much longer. I need to go see Zisu later."
"I'll go with you. It has indeed been a while since I last saw him." Shen Xuan grabbed Gu Yi, preparing to change clothes and head over.
"Afu, perhaps you shouldn't go. Stay home and get some good rest. You still have to stay up tonight," Shen Xuan said, afraid Afu's body couldn't handle it and not intending to let Afu accompany them.
"No, Young Master. I'm fine. I haven't seen Young Master Zisu in a long time either," Afu replied, shaking his head and smiling, indicating he was alright.
At that time, Zisu had enlightened him, and he hadn't had a chance to properly thank him.
When the group arrived, Wu Shao was also there. She was helping Zisu move things nearby and looked a bit embarrassed, scratching her head when she saw them arrive.
Zisu hadn't expected them all to come. Usually, during the New Year, he would spend it with his father. He hadn't expected everyone to come today.
"Why have you all come? Come in and sit!"
Zisu's father heard the voices from outside and also came out. Seeing everyone arrive, he was also very surprised and warmly welcomed them in.
After returning from Zisu's house, Wu Shao also came to the manor to pay her respects to her master. "Wishing Master and Master's husband happiness, good fortune, health, and peace in the new year."
"Thank you also to Master's husband for guiding my elder brother. He is much better now," Wu Shao said, bowing to Shen Xuan again.
There were many customs for the New Year, such as not staying at someone's house past noon when visiting for New Year's greetings. After noon, one should remain at home. It was nearing noon now, so Wu Shao did not linger and took her leave to go home.
In the evening, after setting off firecrackers, everyone gathered in their rooms to stay up late. Candles were lit in every room of the manor, making it brightly lit.