“He has Xu-shi with him. He doesn’t need me,” Ning Wanwan said calmly, standing up to pour tea for her grandmother.
Mentioning Xu-shi, Old Lady Ning nodded, “I see Xu-shi is more capable than He-shi. She’s been managing the Ning Guo Mansion well lately. I underestimated her.”
“Xu-shi has no children and comes from a humble scholarly family, but her father raised her to be reasonable. She has no grand ambitions in the Ning Guo Mansion and seeks a peaceful life.”
Old Lady Ning approved, “You’re becoming more perceptive in judging people.” Her gaze fixed on Ning Wanwan’s face.
Feeling uncomfortable, Ning Wanwan asked, “Why are you looking at me like that, Grandmother?”
Old Lady Ning replied, “I think it’s time for you to start learning to manage the household affairs.”
Ning Lao Tai pointed at Ning Wanwan, laughing, “I thought you had changed, but you’re still just playing around.”
Ning Wanwan stuck out her tongue, making her laugh heartily.
The grandmother and granddaughter chatted for a while, hearing the distant sounds of gongs and drums.
Ning Lao Tai said, “It seems the palace’s Nuo ritual to exorcise evil spirits has begun. I don’t like the crowds outside, so you can go with the maids to watch.”
Every New Year’s Eve, the palace holds a Nuo ritual to exorcise evil spirits.
Officials from the imperial court and military guards wore masks and colorful brocade costumes, carrying golden spears and dragon flags. A burly man would portray the general, an ugly person the judge, and others would embody door gods, Zhong Kui, land gods, and kitchen gods.
Hundreds would parade from the palace to drive away evil spirits, marching and playing music to the South Xun Gate. They would then proceed through Dragon Bend, a process known as “burying evil spirits,” marking the ritual’s end.
Ning Wan Wan shook her head, lacking enthusiasm. “I’ve seen this show for over a decade. I don’t want to watch.” She snuggled close to Ning Lao Tai, saying coyly, “Today, I’ll just stay here and keep grandmother company during New Year’s Eve.”
Ning Lao Tai laughed, “Good, good. As you wish.”
