Section 10
On New Year's Eve, Shi Yue was astonished to discover that the firecrackers of that time were not inferior to those of his own era. He leaned against the door, watching the "crackling" firecrackers, and suddenly thought with a hint of irony: "This might be the thing I am most familiar with in this era... In the year 10691069, in less than three months, I seem to have gradually integrated into this society. It seems my adaptability is truly remarkable. If it were someone with a weak will, they would probably have perished long ago." While lost in thought, a self-mocking smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of his mouth.
In the hall, the men of the Sang family were busy alongside Tang Di, the Chai brothers, and Li Dunmin. The offerings for the ancestral worship were naturally not to be touched by outsiders, and those who were not of the Sang surname prudently delegated this task to others. The bustling individuals in the mansion radiated a joyful atmosphere, which permeated the entire Sang residence. Seemingly aware that his mood did not quite align with the atmosphere around him, Shi Yue came to his senses and began to help. Cleaning the entire mansion was certainly not a task that could be accomplished by just a few servants, yet the young masters did not genuinely engage in the work; they merely issued commands. Shi Yue, however, did not consciously recognize this privilege and clumsily attempted to assist the servants, resulting in a series of amusing blunders. On one hand, Tang Di and the others stared in astonishment at this scholar who did not mind doing manual labor and dirty work; on the other hand, the servants were utterly perplexed, seemingly stunned by his actions. Moreover, Shi Yue clearly was not accustomed to household chores. While a servant could easily carry a large Eight Immortals table by themselves, it was Shi Yue's first time doing such a thing, leading him to spin around in place while carrying a table, unable to distinguish directions, which caused Tang Di and the others to laugh uncontrollably.
The New Year's Eve of the second year of Xining was ultimately spent in the labor of the people of the Sang residence. Shi Yue fully enjoyed the joy of labor, completely forgetting that he came from a world a thousand years later, and entirely neglecting his desire to challenge the fate of this world and change the course of history. On this day, his goal was to clean the Sang residence thoroughly, preparing to welcome a joyful New Year.
Perhaps it was because of Shi Yue's behavior that everyone felt very happy. Tang Di was the first to be unable to resist rolling up his sleeves and joining in. Following him, Sang Chongguo, Li Dunmin, and the Chai brothers also jumped in, but these few remained somewhat reserved, at most helping to move small items like vases, which was truly not comparable to Tang Di and Shi Yue, who eagerly took on all the heavy work.
From this perspective, although Shi has arrived in this era, he still does not quite blend in with it, as the prevailing style of this world is rather elegant, while he appears somewhat hasty... This is an unavoidable contradiction...
Sangzi couldn't help but chuckle, and the little bit of unhappiness she felt flew away into the clouds with that laugh
He was unaware that someone was watching him from afar, observing his lonely demeanor, his stubborn cold smile, and the eyes that, despite being unable to conceal their brilliance, seemed incredibly weary... Sang Zier knew that, given her status, she should not get too close to men. Although her family did not have such strict rules, there was an invisible constraint. The person in her eyes she referred to as "Brother Shi," but even when with her biological brother, Sang Chongguo, certain etiquette norms should still be observed... Sang Zier knew that, given her status, she should not get too close to men. Although her family did not have such strict rules, there was an invisible constraint. The person in her eyes she referred to as "Brother Shi," but even when with her biological brother, Sang Chongguo, certain etiquette norms should still be observed.
Why does this Shiyue brother seem so lonely and weary? His expression carries a hint of defiance, as if he is battling against something she cannot comprehend. Uncertain of his chances of success, he stubbornly continues to fight. Sang Zier knows that she is merely a girl who has never ventured beyond her home, and those matters are beyond her understanding. However, this does not prevent her from empathizing with this Shiyue brother.
Although Shi Yue is very eager to discuss the feasibility of wood type printing technology and the details of new production processes with the printers during the Spring Festival, he cannot prevent people from wishing for a simple desire to have a relaxed and joyful New Year. He himself also hopes to experience the atmosphere of the Spring Festival in the Song Dynasty of the 11th century. However, Shi Yue cannot hide the sense of urgency in his heart; in comparison to what he wants to accomplish, his life is indeed too short. Yet, he cannot prevent people from wishing for a relaxed and joyful New Year, and he himself also hopes to experience the atmosphere of the Spring Festival in the Song Dynasty of the 11th century. Nevertheless, Shi Yue cannot conceal the urgency he feels; relative to his aspirations, his life is simply too brief.