On New Year's Eve, Hua Manman woke up bright and early for a change.
She put on a red jacket and skirt handmade by the He Family, a soft, white rabbit-fur scarf, and a golden hairpin in her chignon. The red coral at its tip swayed gently, complementing her fair skin, which had a rosy blush, making her more delicate than any flower.
Li Ji had also changed into a red, round-collared brocade robe. With his golden crown and jade belt, he looked dashing and heroic.
After breakfast, Hua Manman pulled Prince Zhao along to write the Spring Festival couplets.
Hua Manman said with a grin, "Your handwriting is beautiful, so you have to be the one to write them."
Li Ji went along with her and wrote a pair of couplets.
Hua Manman said, "You're tall, so you have to be the one to paste them up."
Li Ji looked at her, amused.
"Then what will you be doing?"
Hua Manman replied, "I will be in charge of guiding you, to make sure you don't paste them on crooked."
