Gu Dashi opened two jars of good wine, personally filling everyone's cups.
The aroma of wine and food filled the entire room, making everyone's appetite surge.
At that moment, a burst of noise came from outside, followed by flashes of red lanterns in the yard.
Tong Huaqiong had an inkling of what it might be and stood up.
Everyone saw Tong Huaqiong stand up and followed suit, putting down their chopsticks.
"Sui Feng Village Lady accepts the award."
Tong Huaqiong's guess was correct; someone from the palace had arrived.
Tong Huaqiong led everyone out and knelt in the snow.
The visitors were Eunuch Pan, who was beside the emperor, and Su Chengmin, leading the Imperial Guard.
It turns out, on New Year's Eve, the emperor traditionally bestowed dishes to key ministers and royal relatives, and this year, Tong Huaqiong, a non-traditional royal kin, was among the recipients.
Tong Huaqiong accepted the food box and expressed gratitude.
