I relied on a system to prolong my life in ancient times.

Chapter 53 Chinese New Year

Xia Ling was seen by her grandmother after she took the things back.

"Xia Ling, what are you carrying?" Grandma Xia asked sternly when she saw her granddaughter return with many things in her hands.

"Grandma, these were all given to me by Siyue," Xia Ling said cautiously. She wondered if she shouldn't have taken them; her grandmother didn't seem very happy.

"Let me see," Grandma Xia said, taking the item from Xia Ling's hand in surprise. It was a piece of clothing, a thick winter coat, without any patches, and it looked brand new, probably only worn a few times.

Xiao Siyue specially picked out this dress. She had only worn it once or twice, so it looked brand new. Xiao Siyue wasn't just being generous; she had the means and didn't lack clothes, which is why she helped Xia Ling.

"Grandma, Siyue not only gave me clothes, but also snacks, and she even bandaged my hands! Look, Grandma!" Xia Ling said happily, holding up her two bandaged hands that looked like steamed buns.

"Oh, Siyue is such a kind girl." Grandma Xia was very grateful to Xiao Siyue for being so good to Xia Ling, but they had nothing now and couldn't repay her. However, she remembered it and would definitely repay her when she had the chance.

"Grandma, have a snack." Xia Ling picked up a snack and put it to Grandma Xia's mouth.

"Okay, Grandma, eat." Grandma Xia ate the snack with tears in her eyes. How long had it been since she had eaten a snack? Since the snow disaster, they had been starving and couldn't even get a little bit of grain, let alone snacks.

"Grandma, why are you crying?" Xia Ling felt bad when she saw her grandmother crying, but she didn't know why.

"Grandma is happy because she thinks the snacks taste so good," Grandma Xia said kindly.

"Mmm, it's delicious," Xia Ling had eaten a piece before, but she wanted to eat more. However, she wanted to save it for her uncle and the others, so she held back.

"Grandma, I'll take these to Uncle and the others," Xia Ling said, grabbing the snacks and running off.

After the house was built, the village chief came to the Xiao family and asked for their consent. He then taught the refugees how to grow mushrooms and how to build a heated kang (a traditional heated brick bed). The refugees were very grateful, especially for the heated kang. They had fled because of the snow disaster and had lost countless lives along the way. Now, having such a warm kang was like a dream come true.

Looking at the newly built house and the warm heated kang bed, as well as the enthusiastic help from the people of Xiaojia Village, I feel happy. They have a home again, and I believe that as long as they work hard, they will be able to live a good life in the future.

"Congratulations, host, for completing the hidden task of promoting heated kang beds. You have earned 100 merit points and received 10 cotton seeds as a reward."

It's another hidden quest.

"System, am I now a hidden quest?"

"Host, the system is unaware that the mission is triggered randomly."

It's that line again, but Xiao Siyue thinks it should be, since it's been a hidden mission all this time.

-

On New Year's Eve, the Xiao family got up early to hang up Spring Festival couplets, set off firecrackers, and prepare New Year's Eve dinner, filled with joy.

The New Year's Eve dinner at the Xiao family's table was extremely lavish, with plenty of fish and meat.

Before dinner, Grandpa Xiao suddenly said, "Yue'er, come to Grandpa's side."

Xiao Siyue was a little confused. What was wrong? But she still obediently walked to her grandfather's side. The old man took out a small purse from his pocket and handed it to Xiao Siyue.

"Yue'er, this is your New Year's money from Grandpa, take it quickly." Grandpa Xiao said to Xiao Siyue with affection.

"Thank you, Grandpa." Xiao Siyue happily put away the purse. She had also received New Year's money and was very happy.

Then, Grandpa Xiao took out several more purses and gave them to Xiao Siyue's brothers.

"Siqi's wife, this is yours." When Grandpa Xiao handed the New Year's money to Qu Yin, Qu Yin was somewhat incredulous and quickly refused.

"Grandpa, I'm a grown-up now, how can I still accept New Year's money?"

"Take it. You'll always be children in our eyes," Grandpa Xiao said kindly. This granddaughter-in-law had been married for half a year. She respected them and cared for her younger siblings. She was a good person.

"Thank you, Grandpa." Qu Yin accepted the purse without further ado.

Xiao Siyue then received New Year's money from her whole family, and she was overjoyed.

"Grandpa, wait a minute, I also have a gift for you." Xiao Siyue said as she ran out and brought out the wine she had brewed. She had already opened it and tasted it a few days ago. The taste was sweet and mellow, and it was a great success. However, she wanted to give her grandfather a surprise, so she didn't take it out.

"Grandpa, this is some wine I made earlier, please try it." Xiao Siyue placed the wine in front of Grandpa Xiao, opened the lid, and a strong aroma of wine immediately wafted out. Grandpa Xiao's eyes lit up, and he couldn't wait to pour himself a glass.

"Hmm, the wine is rich in flavor, slightly astringent, and has a hint of sweet and sour grape taste. It's a good wine!" Old Master Xiao said with a look of enjoyment as he took a sip.

"Dad, give me a cup to try." Xiao Qiren looked at his father like this and wanted to drink too.

"It won't spill on its own." Old Master Xiao glanced at Xiao Qiren. He didn't have any particular hobbies, except for this. In the past two years, when the family's situation was not good and alcohol was expensive, he didn't buy much.

"Haha, great! Yue'er is really amazing. Grandpa really likes the wine she brewed." Grandpa Xiao laughed heartily.

"Let's start eating," said Grandpa Xiao, taking the first bite of food. The others followed suit.

"Ugh..." Suddenly, a sound of vomiting reached everyone's ears. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw Qu Yin clutching her chest and lowering her head, feeling nauseous.

"Yin'er, what's wrong?" Xiao Siqi asked anxiously, patting Qu Yin's back.

"I...uh...it's okay," Qu Yin still felt a little nauseous.

Old Mrs. Xiao glanced at Qu Yin, then at the fish in front of her, and suddenly her mind lit up.

"Siqi's wife, are you pregnant?" As soon as Old Lady Xiao asked the question, all eyes turned to her.

"Yes, she must be pregnant." Zhao Yindi suddenly realized, "Isn't this a sign of pregnancy?"

"Mom, am I really pregnant?" Qu Yin was shocked and excited. She had been married for half a year without any news. Although her mother-in-law hadn't said anything, she was still a little anxious. Now that she was finally pregnant, how could she not be happy? She glanced at Xiao Siqi beside her and saw him looking dazed. She gave him a gentle nudge with a sigh.

"Yin'er, I've found the dad I wanted!" Xiao Siqi, who had just come to his senses, was so happy that he wanted to pick up Qu Yin and spin her around.

"Yes," Qu Yin felt especially happy.

"Congratulations, sister-in-law! I'm going to have a little nephew!" Xiao Siyue was also very happy.

"Haha, our family has had one happy event after another this year. Come on, let me toast everyone with the wine that Yue'er brewed."

Grandpa Xiao picked up his cup, stood up, and addressed the crowd. This year, their family had not only made money, but Xiao Qinian had passed the imperial examination, Xiao Siyue had recovered, and now their eldest grandson's wife was pregnant again. This was the happiest year they had ever had.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, no one went back to their rooms. Instead, they stayed in the main room to stay up all night. Xiao Siyue was also determined to stay up all night this year, but she couldn't resist the sleepiness and fell asleep in Lin Qin's arms.