The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 400 - 244 Full Moon Celebration_3

Chapter 400: Chapter 244 Full Moon Celebration_3

Various feats, leaving many agape with astonishment.

Though their everyday lives were peaceful, the southwestern conflict seemed distant, and they safely stayed within the city walls, with at most their family businesses being affected.

These matters, to their ears, were as fantastical as the stories of Tang Qixia.

Having arrived at the back courtyard, the elder Yan’s couple settled them in before going to greet the guests in the front courtyard.

As soon as they had left, Yu Lingzi stroked his beard and smiled, "Young Hero Li, regarding your inquiry, this poor Daoist has some leads."

"Oh?"

Li Yan’s eyes brightened, "Please, speak, Daoist."

Yu Lingzi smiled and said, "Just some days ago, near Wuchang Prefecture, the mountain runners from Baobao lineage discovered an ancient mine shaft from the Western Zhou period."

"The mine is unfathomably deep, filled with strange occurrences, and continual discoveries of Heavenly Spirit Earth Treasures, as well as numerous secret techniques of smelting from the Ancient Zhou era, inscribed within the mines."

"This has caused a sensation within Mystical Sect, and many Mystical Sect craftsmen have journeyed overnight to set up camps outside the mine, among them many experts."

"Normally, these grand artisans of Mystical Sect hide all over, but such a gathering is rare; if you go there, you might find the right craftsman."

"Really!"

At this, Sha Lifei was the most excited.

Yu Lingzi couldn’t help but chuckle, "Why would this poor Daoist deceive you? Many from Mystical Sect have already gone upon hearing the news. If not for the current circumstances, I fear that many disciples from Zhenwu Palace would also have joined the buzz."

Li Yan also showed a smile on his face, "Good, after we deal with the matters in Purple Gate Mountain Cave, let’s set off immediately!"

Original Thousand Households, on the other hand, raised his glass, "Young Hero Li, no need for more words, I toast to you."

Li Yan raised his glass in response, and the understanding was mutual without words.

After downing the wine in his glass, the Original Thousand Households said gravely, "I’ve heard some rumours about that matter, but it may take some time."

"With the battle in the Southwest impending, I will embark tomorrow, personally leading men into Miaojiang to clear the way for the army."

"If I survive, I will take care of Young Hero Li’s matter."

"No rush."

Li Yan toasted again and spoke earnestly, "Take care, sir."

"Hahaha..."

The Original Thousand Households laughed heartily, "A true man should aspire to make his mark, if necessary, wrapped in horsehide. As an official, I have wasted many years, and it was not just to chase down a few petty thieves."

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The crowd ceased their banter and drank heartily.

"Gentlemen."

At that moment, a servant came running in with a joyous expression to announce, "The young master is about to have his full-moon hair shaving ceremony, the master invites all gentlemen to witness the event."

"Excellent, let’s all go together!"

With smiles on their faces, everyone headed to the front courtyard.

In Ezhou traditions, when a child reaches one full month, they have their full-moon hair shaving. On this day, a barber is invited, and guests are entertained.

The ceremony of the full-moon shaving is meticulous:

Firstly, the hair must be shaved completely, including the eyebrows, for it is believed that those children whose eyebrows are not shaved will grow up to be light-fingered.

Secondly, one must consider the taboo of birthdates; should the Four Pillars of Destiny be light, and the child easily frightened, a tuft of hair, called "guardian tuft," is left on the forehead, symbolizing a humble body that is easily nourished.

Of course, for the Yan family’s grandson, with his strong Four Pillars of Destiny, he was soon shaved completely clean amid the laughter of the crowd.

"Wah! Wah!"

Amidst the child’s cries, the barber, smiling from ear to ear, took a hard-boiled, peeled egg and rolled it back and forth over the child’s head, all the while chanting:

"Roll once for everlasting skies and lands, roll twice for enduring lands and skies, thrice for a sworn brotherhood, four times for prospering through all seasons, and a fifth for all sons passing the imperial examinations..."

"Gentlemen, gentlemen!"

Elder Yan beckoned everyone to quiet down, then with a sigh said, "In recent days, my household has faced great peril; I sent the Wuyue away to Han Port."

"When the child was born, I was not by his side, and even his name has yet to be decided. Now that it’s his full moon, we can’t delay sending his name to the City God Temple any longer."

As he spoke, he turned his head towards Li Yan, smiling, "Young Hero Li, you arrived just in time, saved my wife, and relieved the crisis of my Yan household; you can be considered a benefactor to my family. Please, you shall choose the name."

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone placed the child into Li Yan’s arms.

Li Yan, holding the newborn life, first appeared a little stunned, then his expression turned solemn. Thinking of the current turmoil in the Southwest, he spontaneously said:

"Let’s name the child ’Dingguo’."