It was New Year’s Day. Hua Wanxi had already agreed to spend it at the old family home.
She got up early, changed into new clothes, and dressed both babies in red cotton outfits with little hats. They looked especially festive.
But the two babies looked so similar that at a glance it was hard to tell which was the boy and which was the girl.
That wouldn’t do! Girls should be dressed beautifully!
Hua Wanxi took off her daughter’s hat, found two red hair ties, and tied her hair into two little buns. It still felt a bit plain, so she dug out two silk flowers that a shop assistant had once given her, and tied them on. Instantly, she looked much prettier.
Finally, she took out bright red lipstick and dotted a little red mark on her daughter’s forehead.
“So cute!”
Hua Wanxi was extremely satisfied with her masterpiece. She kissed her daughter again and again, making the baby giggle nonstop.
Then she looked at her foolish-looking son beside her. He wouldn’t be dressed up—but she still kissed him a few times anyway.
She was a good mother; she couldn’t be biased.
After locking the door, she carried one baby in each arm and took a jin of candy and a jin of pastries, heading toward the Jiang family old residence.
She was much stronger now than when she first arrived. Carrying two babies, she walked steadily.
The old residence wasn’t far—it only took a few minutes to reach.
“Oh my precious grandchildren are here!” Mother Jiang exclaimed happily and immediately came forward to take the children.
Wang Shi also came to take the other baby. “Oh my, this little girl is so pretty! Mother, look at her! She looks just like a New Year picture doll!”
Mother Jiang hadn’t looked closely at first and randomly took one baby. But once she saw the beautifully dressed granddaughter, she immediately felt the grandson wasn’t as appealing and switched babies with Wang Shi.
“My little granddaughter is so beautiful! Look at those little hair buns! So adorable! And this outfit is so festive!”
Hua Wanxi let them handle the children and walked over after placing down her gifts. She saw Jiang Wenwan calling her and went inside with her.
Jiang Wenwan was wearing a fitted pink-purple floral cotton jacket, with the dark red hair tie Hua Wanxi had given her. Her cheeks were round and rosy—she looked like a healthy, lively little girl.
The Jiang family was doing much better now; everyone was wearing new clothes, even the old patriarch. The whole household looked refreshed.
The front door had brand-new couplets pasted on it, and two red lanterns hung up, full of New Year atmosphere.
Father Jiang and Jiang He were sitting in the main hall chatting leisurely with two visiting clansmen.
After greeting them, Hua Wanxi went into Jiang Wenwan’s room with her.
“Second Aunt, I think the village head already believes us!” Jiang Wenwan said quietly as soon as she entered.
“Oh?” Hua Wanxi raised her brows. “What makes you say that?”
Jiang Wenwan leaned closer and whispered, “Last night, the village head came to our house. He talked with Father and Grandfather for a long time. I vaguely heard them mentioning what drought-resistant crops to plant in spring, and even travel routes.”
So early already!
In the book, the village head only started believing them after the New Year.
It also mentioned that he later arranged for everyone to plant potatoes across all their fields. Those who disobeyed were firmly scolded into compliance. His authority in the village was very strong—people instinctively listened to him.
This was good. If they could leave earlier, their journey would be safer.
In the book, the famine migration began in June. Now it was the first month of the lunar year—there were still six months to prepare. Time was enough.
By then, the two babies would be eight months old.
Thinking of the babies, Hua Wanxi naturally thought of their names.
In this world, children’s names were usually given by elders. She originally planned to ask today, but during the New Year’s Eve meal, Father Jiang brought it up himself and said he had already chosen names for the children.
“According to the clan naming order, the boy will be called Jiang Wenli, and the girl Jiang Wenxue.”
Father Jiang handed over a red paper with the names written on it.
Hua Wanxi accepted it with both hands and murmured, “Wenli, Wenxue… very nice names. Thank you, Father.”
Father Jiang waved his hand. “It wasn’t me who chose them. I asked the clan elder to name them. He’s educated and knows more than we do.”
“Clan elder?” Hua Wanxi felt the title sounded impressive. “Should I visit him to thank him?”
“No need. I’ve already thanked him. Just greet him when you see him in the future.”
“Alright.”
Father Jiang originally wanted to bring up the village head discussion again, but thinking it was New Year’s Day, he decided against it. Today should be about happiness.
After the meal, it was the children’s favorite part—New Year red envelopes. Father Jiang and Mother Jiang sat in their seats while the younger generation bowed and received small red packets.
Hua Wanxi also carried the two babies forward to collect blessings.
“Wow! Eight copper coins!” Jiang Wenwan, the only child who understood money, exclaimed happily. In previous years, she only got one copper coin—this year was unexpectedly so much more. Their family had truly become wealthy!
“You child, why are you shouting so loudly? Keep it to yourself if you get money!” Wang Shi pretended to glare at her, though she was secretly pleased too. She herself had saved dozens of taels in private money now. Even if she didn’t dare spend it openly, she still felt much more confident.
Jiang Wenqiang opened his red envelope and casually handed it to Wang Shi. “Mother, save it for me—for my future wife!”
Last year, Wang Shi had tricked him using the same excuse for one copper coin. He still remembered it.
Everyone burst into laughter.
At such a young age, he was already thinking about marriage!
Jiang Wenqiang looked confused, then joined in laughing anyway when he saw everyone else laughing.
Hua Wanxi couldn’t stop laughing either. This excuse was really passed down through generations—just like in modern times when people say it’s for future tuition fees.
“You little rascal!” Wang Shi blushed slightly and pretended to swat him.
Jiang Wenqiang darted away and hid in his grandmother’s arms. “Grandma, save me! Mom wants to hit me!”
Mother Jiang hugged him and laughed heartily. “Wang Shi, you’d better save it well—this is for my grandson’s future wife!”
“Mother! You too?!”
“Hahahahaha!”
Laughter filled the entire house.
The New Year’s Eve ended in joy and celebration, marking a perfect conclusion to the past year.
Most villagers of Jiang Village did not yet know—
this would be the last New Year they would ever spend in their hometown.