The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 264
This is the last chapter of the main story, but fear not, there’s 8 extras lined up!
Translated by Pure
Chapter 264 Chaoge Thrived Through The Passing Years (2)
Fu Zixian arrived shortly after, whilst Wen Yantong was already bustling about in the kitchen.
Wen Yantong prepared a feast with an array of dishes, featuring chicken, fish, various meats, and eggs. She even showcased her own air-dried meat, creating a mouthwatering dry pot that filled the house with its aromatic scent.
Mu Yang's appetite was thoroughly stimulated by the enticing aroma.
After everyone took their seats, Mo Li poured each of them a cup of peach blossom wine.
Seated around the table were once lively students of Songhai Academy, now graduated. Zhang Jieran had excelled in the imperial examination, securing the top position, and had been appointed to serve in the Ministry of Rites.
Wen Yantong reminisced about the last time they had all dined together, which was at Nian'an Temple, precisely a year ago.
She instructed Mo Li to set off the firecrackers outside the door, then raised her wine amidst the crackling sounds. Addressing the others, she said, "Today, on New Year's Eve, we are gathered here, a rare occasion. I wish each of us great success in our future endeavors, achieving our goals with ease and excellence."
Everyone lifted their glasses, responding with smiles. The clinking of their wine cups echoed in the air before they all downed their drinks in unison.
Mu Yang couldn't wait any longer. He grabbed his chopsticks and began eating, stuffing his cheeks full. After swallowing one mouthful, he continued with the next.
Wen Yantong glanced at him with disgust and clicked her tongue, "Eat slowly, you're not in a competition."
Mu Yang mumbled with a full mouth, "What do you mean no competition? There are plenty of people at this table. Just look at Brother Xi!"
She turned to look at Chi Jingxi; his bowl was stacked high with food, accompanied by an array of side dishes.
Wen Yantong didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Only take what you can eat, don’t be excessive."
Despite Chi Jingxi's compliant response, his chopsticks continued their rapid pace.
Fu Zixian smiled helplessly. Perhaps he had eaten something before arriving; he didn't eat much at this dinner. Cheng Xin's eating style was even more refined. Most of the time, he held his chin and observed as others picked up food.
Zhang Jieran appeared the most reserved among them, hesitating to touch any of the dishes. Sensing his discomfort, Wen Yantong took it upon herself to serve him using public chopsticks.
As a result, Chi Jingxi's eyes frequently shifted towards him. Eventually, Zhang Jieran couldn't resist any longer. He pushed Wen Yantong's hand away with a flushed face and said in a low voice, "I—I can handle it myself."
Wen Yantong maintained her warmth, saying, "Okay, eat as much as you please. Don’t starve yourself, alright?"
Zhang Jieran nodded timidly.
As the lively New Year's Eve dinner was drawing to a close, Wen Yantong remembered that sweet soup was being stewed in the kitchen. She got up and made her way to the kitchen, intending to serve it.
Entering the kitchen, she lifted the lid of the pot and found herself stirring the sweet soup with a wooden ladle when Chi Jingxi's voice sounded beside her, "What's this?"
Glancing up, Wen Yantong noticed him leaning against the door frame, observing the simmering pot of soup.
"It's sweet soup. I'll serve a bowl for each of you later," Wen Yantong mentioned, relishing the sweet fragrance wafting from the pot.
Chi Jingxi drew closer, delicately placing the wooden ladle aside. "I have something for you," he announced.
Engrossed in tending to the soup, Wen Yantong replied nonchalantly, "Hurry, or the soup might lose its flavor."
Sensing her preoccupation, Chi Jingxi gently lifted her chin, guiding her attention towards him.
His serious expression made Wen Yantong's heart race. "What's the matter?"
Chi Jingxi held her gaze for a moment before producing a piece of vibrant yellow brocade silk from his sleeves.
Seeing the vibrant color, Wen Yantong sensed the significance of the item.
As he handed her the brocade silk with solemnity, Chi Jingxi spoke, "This is something I personally requested from the Emperor."
Perplexed, Wen Yantong accepted it and inspected it, realizing it was an imperial edict granting marriage.
"By the divine will and decree of our sovereign, it brings great joy to announce the esteemed reputation of Commandery Princess of Ningguang, celebrated for her excellence, grace, refinement, virtue, and elegance. With the coming of age of Chi Jingxi, the rightful heir of the Marquis Mansion, and his readiness for marriage, the union between Commandery Princess of Ningguang and Chi Jingxi is deemed auspicious. Recognizing your exceptional beauty and accomplishments, you are deemed a fitting match for Chi Jingxi as his wife. Ceremonial arrangements shall be coordinated by the Ministry of Rites and the esteemed Marquis Mansion. The auspicious wedding date is set for the third solar month (April 5th - May 4th), offering flexibility to choose within this timeframe."
Surprised, Wen Yantong met Chi Jingxi's gaze, sensing both hope and caution in his eyes. "Should you consent, this imperial edict can be announced publicly," he explained.
Wen Yantong grasped the situation instantly. This imperial edict had been acquired discreetly by Chi Jingxi, and her consent was paramount. If she accepted, it would become a binding marriage decree; if she declined, it would become an invalid decree that would hold no weight.
It resembled a marriage proposal delivered through the solemnity of an imperial decree.
Wen Yantong had never envisioned a romantic proposal akin to those in modern times, yet Chi Jingxi's surprising gesture defied her expectations.
Perhaps this was the gift Mu Yang had alluded to earlier—the one Chi Jingxi wished to present to her.
Wen Yantong’s heart fluttered with excitement. She enveloped Chi Jingxi in a tight embrace. Standing on tiptoes, she whispered into his ear, "Thank you."
Returning her embrace, Chi Jingxi inquired, "And your answer?"
"I do."
Chi Jingxi released her slightly, his handsome face breaking into a radiant smile before leaning in for her lips.
Chi Jingxi's surging emotions were conveyed through his kiss, which were far less calm than his surface appearance. It was passionate and fervent, like a blazing fire.
Wen Yantong's eyes welled up with tears of joy, and she closed them to hide her emotions.
As the sweet soup was served, everyone was absorbed in their own bowls of snow fungus soup, oblivious to Wen Yantong's reddened eyes.
…
Following the New Year's Eve feast, Mu Yang excitedly proposed launching sky lanterns.
He had procured the lanterns for the occasion, ensuring everyone had one to participate.
Wen Yantong then arranged for brushes and ink to be brought out, inviting everyone to inscribe their wishes onto the lanterns.
Mu Yang, although first to start writing, was the last to finish. He had, once again, written the most. Wen Yantong glanced at his lantern, slapped the back of his hand, and said, "You're too ambitious. Write less, or all that ink will weigh the lantern down."
After much deliberation, Mu Yang reluctantly pared down his wishes before joining the others in launching the lanterns.
Together, the sky was soon dotted with lanterns from Wen Residence, each one ascending gracefully into the night sky amid the jubilant celebrations.
Chi Jingxi stood beside her, observing her as she gazed up at the sky lanterns. "What did you wish for?" he inquired.
Wen Yantong smiled softly. "I wished for continued prosperity in Shaojing and lasting peace in Chaoge City," she replied.
Recalling the Lantern Festival of the previous year, Wen Yantong's wishes then were inscribed on the lanterns: 'May the rest of my life be peaceful.'
Back then, her only desire was to flee Chaoge, to escape the war and seek a tranquil refuge.
Yet, a year later, her aspirations had evolved. Now, she yearned for a perpetually peaceful Chaoge, free from conflict, discord, and bloodshed.
Above, only the winds danced in the sky, while the sun's rays gently bathed the earth, nurturing all living beings. And amidst it all, the laughter of Chaoge's people echoed harmoniously.
And her beloved by her side.
The end
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The author has something to say: The main story is complete, and the extras will be released tomorrow. Thank you, my dear readers, for your unwavering support! Originally, I began writing this story as a means to relax and unwind. I had intended to write only one or two hundred thousand words and wrap it up. However, I never imagined it would extend to this length. Your love and encouragement have been my motivation throughout. Thank you all once again!
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Foods:
Dry pot (干锅 or 麻辣香锅) is exactly what it sounds like—the dry version of hot pot. It takes the flavorings and ingredients of mala Sichuan hotpot and subtracts the oily broth, so all that's left is your meats, your veggies, your spices and just enough sauce to moisten it all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnaRF_vaJis
Snow Fungus Soup (雪耳糖水) also known as white fungus (or snow ear, white wood ear, and white jelly mushroom among other names), is an edible mushroom that's commonly used in traditional Chinese cuisine and medicine for its believed anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anti-aging health benefits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIEtNbzOD7c