I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

In the cold winter, the biting north wind howled through every corner of the palace, but it could not blow away the gradually strong New Year atmosphere. After experiencing many twists and turns, Chen Jia and Chen Jue finally got a moment of peace. As the New Year was approaching, they happily prepared for this meaningful New Year.

Chen Jia stood in the courtyard of the Duke's Mansion, looking up at the leaden sky. The heavy clouds seemed to be about to sprinkle snowflakes at any time. She wrapped herself tightly in her fox fur-trimmed cloak and said to Chen Jue beside her: "Xiao Jue, the heavy snow is coming, and the New Year is approaching. We must prepare well so that the mansion can also be touched by the New Year's joy."

Chen Jue smiled and nodded: "Sister, you are right. I have already ordered the servants to clean the courtyard and wipe the doors and windows. We must make the Duke's Mansion look brand new."

Chen Jia thought for a moment and said, "New Year's goods must be purchased in full, including all kinds of food, cakes, and new clothes. And the utensils and offerings for the sacrifice must also be carefully prepared. Don't lose etiquette."

"Don't worry, sister. I have made a list and will send someone to the market to buy it tomorrow. I heard that this year's market is particularly lively, with a wide variety of novelties and special New Year goods." As Chen Jue spoke, he took out a piece of paper from his sleeve, which was densely written with the items he needed.

Chen Jia took the list, checked it carefully, and was pleased: "Xiao Jue, you are getting more and more thorough. By the way, we can't be careless about the decorations for the New Year. We can hang red lanterns in the mansion, put up spring couplets and blessing characters, and put a few pots of blooming wintersweets to add some festive atmosphere."

"What a good idea, sister. I will arrange for someone to make Spring Festival couplets and blessing characters right away. I will definitely find someone with excellent calligraphy to write them, so as to add some elegance to the mansion." Chen Jue said excitedly.

So, everyone in the Duke's Mansion began to get busy. The maids and servants took brooms and rags and carefully cleaned every room and wiped every door and window. The snow in the courtyard was swept aside and piled into lovely snow piles. In the kitchen, the chefs were busy discussing the menu for the New Year's Eve dinner. Various delicacies from the mountains and the sea and special dishes were listed one by one. They tried their best to present a rich and delicious New Year's Eve dinner for Chen Jia and Chen Jue on this special night.

Chen Jia personally took a few maids to select the utensils for the sacrifice. She picked up an exquisite copper incense burner, carefully examined the patterns on it, and said, "This incense burner is perfect for offering sacrifices to ancestors. And the fruit plate and wine jar must be the best."

The maids nodded one after another and, following Chen Jia's instructions, picked out the sacrificial items one by one and placed them aside.

At the same time, Chen Jue came to the study, spread out the rice paper, and wrote the Spring Festival couplets himself. His brushwork was vigorous and powerful, and his handwriting was elegant and free. Soon, a pair of auspicious couplets appeared on the paper. "Red plum blossoms welcome the spring with smiles, and the jade rabbit steps on the spring" and "The sound of firecrackers bids farewell to the old year, and the plum blossoms announce the new year". These couplets not only have beautiful meanings, but also show Chen Jue's talent.

After writing the Spring Festival couplets, Chen Jue picked up the scissors and red paper and began to cut the word "Fu". His fingers flexibly turned the scissors, and the paper scraps fell one after another, and the word "Fu" in various shapes appeared in front of him. There were the words "Fu" pasted upright, which meant that good fortune had arrived; there were also the words "Fu" pasted upside down, which sounded like "Fu has arrived", which was full of fun.

When Chen Jia saw the Chinese characters for "Fu" cut by Chen Jue, she praised them highly: "Xiao Jue, your craftsmanship is really getting better and better. These Chinese characters for "Fu" will definitely bring good fortune to the mansion if they are pasted on the door."

Chen Jue smiled and handed the word "Fu" to Chen Jia: "Thank you for the compliment, sister. The Chinese New Year should be lively and joyful."

As the days passed, the New Year's goods were bought one after another. The yard was filled with large and small packages of items, including fresh vegetables and fruits, various meats and seafood, exquisite cakes and candies, as well as new clothes and firecrackers for the children to play with. Chen Jia and Chen Jue personally checked every item to make sure nothing was missed.

Chen Jia picked up a new dress prepared for herself. It was a red brocade dress with exquisite golden patterns embroidered on the hem and white fox fur trimmed at the collar and cuffs. It was warm and gorgeous. She stroked the dress gently and said, "This dress is really beautiful. It's perfect for the New Year."

Chen Jue joked, "Sister, you will be as beautiful as a fairy in this new dress. This Duke's Mansion will be illuminated by your beauty."

Chen Jia glanced at Chen Jue in a reproachful manner: "You are the only one who talks nonsense. By the way, let's not forget to prepare some New Year gifts for the servants in the mansion. They have worked hard for a year and they should be rewarded."

"Don't worry, sister. I have already asked people to prepare. Everyone will receive a red envelope and some New Year's goods so that they can celebrate the New Year happily." Chen Jue said.

Amid the busy preparations, heavy snow finally fell. The entire palace was shrouded in a silvery white world, and the red walls and yellow tiles looked even more bright and dazzling against the white snow. In the courtyard of the Duke's Mansion, winter plum blossoms bloomed in the snow, and the delicate red and white snowflakes intertwined to form a beautiful picture.

Chen Jia and Chen Jue stood under the eaves, admiring the snow scene. Chen Jia reached out her hand, caught a snowflake, and watched it slowly melt in her palm, saying with emotion: "This snow is falling at the right time, as if to welcome the arrival of the New Year."

Chen Jue nodded and said, "Yes, auspicious snow indicates a good harvest. I hope that the coming year will be prosperous, the country will be peaceful, and my sister and I will also be safe and sound."

On New Year's Eve, the Duke's Mansion was decorated with lanterns and lights. The red lanterns swayed in the wind, casting a warm glow. Chen Jia and Chen Jue, dressed in new clothes, led everyone in the mansion to the ancestral hall to worship their ancestors. They respectfully placed offerings, lit incense and candles, knelt down and prayed to the ancestors to bless the family with prosperity, peace and happiness.

After the sacrifice, it was time for the lively New Year's Eve dinner. The table was filled with sumptuous dishes, emitting an alluring aroma. Chen Jia and Chen Jue sat together with the elders in the mansion, laughing and talking. They tasted the delicious dishes and shared the joys and sorrows of the year with each other, enjoying themselves.

After dinner, the children set off firecrackers in the yard, and the crackling sound echoed through the night sky. Chen Jia and Chen Jue stood aside, watching the children's cheerful figures, with happy smiles on their faces.

Chen Jia said: "Xiao Jue, although we have experienced a lot of ups and downs this year, it is all worth it to be able to reunite with my family and spend the New Year together."

Chen Jue held Chen Jia's hand and said, "Sister, with you by my side, I am not afraid of any difficulties. In the new year, we must work harder to make the Duke's Mansion better and better."

Amid the sounds of fireworks and firecrackers, Chen Jia and Chen Jue welcomed the new year.