Chapter 457: Making Lanterns
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Yes, it is,” Su Binglan said, “I have plenty of good makeup. You’ll know their effects tomorrow. You’re already beautiful, so you’ll look even more beautiful with makeup.”
Miao Zhizhi looked at Su Binglan, her eyes filled with anticipation. She trusted her niece’s words. After all, women loved to be beautiful, and Miao Zhizhi was no exception. She wanted to look pretty before Su Fengchen.
Su Fengzhang and Su Wenxian brought several jars of wine in the afternoon. The family would drink only some of it at night and use most to entertain the guests tomorrow.
Su Binglan looked at the wine her uncle and cousin brought. She said smilingly, “These are fruit wines for the adults to drink. The alcohol content is not high.”
“Fruit wine?” It was everyone’s first time hearing about fruit wine.
Su Binglan explained, “We made these from fruits instead of rice. Let’s drink some later tonight. Then everyone will know what I’m talking about.”
Old Madam Su smiled. “Everything you make is good, Binglan. If you say it’s good, we believe it is.”
“Indeed. I admire Binglan the most. She was the one who came uD with all the wedding gifts the embroidery shop made. Those things are lovely and practical,” Ding Wan added as she kneaded the dough.
“Stop talking about me, everyone. What are we cooking tonight?” Su Binglan asked.
Madam Liu answered, “We’re making plenty of delicious food tonight. We’ve prepared dumplings and vegetables to eat. Your third uncle will personally cook these.”
She was helping Su Fengzhi wash the vegetables as she spoke. The family had rules and customs for eating, but they were relatively simple. Since the Su family was doing well, Old Madam Su wanted everyone to have a happy reunion dinner together.
Everyone would eat good food, and dinner was sumptuous. After all, Su Fengzhi had excellent cooking skills. If he made noodles, everyone would think it tasted good. After all, they knew about his culinary skills.
Of course, Su Fengzhi knew his cooking skills could not compare to his niece’s. Fortunately, Su Binglan never hid any knowledge from him. She always gave him suggestions after eating his dishes, and he would constantly improve.
Therefore, Su Fengzhi’s dishes became even more delicious. He had also learned to make spicy dishes, while his braised pork and pork trotters tasted even better.
Meanwhile, Ding Wan, Shen Qiuhua, and Madam Liu made dumplings together. One kneaded the dough, one rolled the skins, and the other made the dumplings. Everyone worked together as they chatted and laughed.
Miao Zhizhi wanted to help, but no one allowed her to do anything. Instead, they let her rest. Ding Wan said, “You can help during the New Year, Zhizhi.”
When that time came, Miao Zhizhi would officially be a member of the Su family, and there would not be so many rules. Then everyone could work together.
While the trio made dumplings, Su Wenwu walked in and asked, “Are you making dumplings?”
Ding Wan looked at him. “Your sister told me you went to look for something.”
Su Wenwu nodded. “She told me to look for bamboo branches to make lanterns tonight, and I found them.”
Su Binglan heard her brother’s reply and said, “Mother, you guys can continue making dumplings. Third Brother and I will make the lanterns.”
She had already brought red paper beforehand and prepared whatever she needed to make lanterns. She wanted to make two giant lanterns and a few smaller ones so that they would look incredibly stunning at night.
She also wanted to make lanterns for the children to join the fun.
Su Xuexuan and Su Xuehai ran over happily and squatted beside their aunt, asking about the lanterns curiously. Su Binglan patiently explained what she was doing.
Even Su Wenlin and Lin Tongtong’s son, Su Xuerui, became curious. Lin Tongtong noticed him and carried him over. She had given her son thick clothes so he would not catch a cold while playing in the yard.
Su Binglan looked at Lin Tongtong and said, “You can proceed with your work,
Sister-in-law. I’ll keep an eye on Rui Rui.”
Lin Tongtong said in embarrassment, “Then I’ll have to trouble you, Binglan.”
She was busy doing things now, but when Su Xuerui saw her and kept saying he wanted to go to Su Binglan, Lin Tongtong could only carry him over.
“Aunt Binglan,” Su Xuerui called out to his aunt.
Su Binglan’s heart almost melted when she heard his voice. “Be good, okay? I’ll make beautiful lanterns soon.’
“I can’t wait to see them.” Su Xuerui clapped.
“Xuexuan, you’re the elder one,” Su Binglan said, “Look after the two younger ones, okay? Don’t let them touch these things and hurt themselves.”
She had placed some thin bamboo strips beside them and feared the children would get hurt playing with them.
“Okay, Aunt Binglan.” Su Xuexuan used to admire Luo Jin’an the most, but his uncle had been away recently and could not go to the academy.
However, Su Xuexuan had been by Su Binglan’s side these days. Therefore, the person he admired most now was her. He felt like she was omnipotent and that he could learn a lot by staying by his aunt’s side.
Su Binglan’s mood would be exceedingly good whenever she saw the children. She did not know if they could understand what she was doing, but she still explained her process while making the lanterns, “When making lanterns, we must first form the frame.
“When making the frame, it’s easier to make squares and circles. Then we use thin strips to bend them into shape. Afterward, we tie them with a rope to secure them.”
Su Binglan discovered how knowledgeable the humans of this era were. They had unique methods of tying ropes to be solid and would not loosen over time.
Su Wenwu did not know how to make the two lanterns, so he followed his sister’s instructions. Su Binglan would guide him if there were things he could not do well.
Su Wenwu told his sister about the hotpot restaurants while making lanterns. After all, they had been busier these days and barely had time to sit and discuss business properly.
“Wasn’t there a blizzard three days ago, Little Sister? Our hotpot restaurants’ business is booming. Both restaurants stayed open until past midnight that night.”
Su Binglan had already guessed as much. “Most people would want to eat hotpot on a snowy day because it warms them up.”
She looked around the courtyard and noticed the snow had already melted. Only some snow remained in the shades where the sun could not shine.
Old Madam Su looked at the brother and sister making lanterns in the courtyard. She hurriedly said, “Binglan, bring everyone into the inner room. We have several rooms now, so you don’t have to work in the courtyard. It’s warmer inside.”
She came out to carry Su Xuerui as she spoke. Then she touched his hands.
Fortunately, the little boy wore thick clothes and did not look cold.
The house was bigger now that Old Madam Su had expanded it. Su Binglan felt the courtyard was spacious enough for her to move around and had grown accustomed to making the lanterns there. However, it was a little cold as it was already winter.
Moreover, making lanterns while wearing gloves was a bit more challenging. Su Binglan looked at her third brother’s hand and noticed how red it had become..
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