Xiao Xun nodded approvingly: "To be able to come up with it so quickly is already quite good. A scholar should not only have knowledge, but also this kind of quick wit. It is evident that there are many talented people among the common people."

Qi Huaihe interjected, “Your Majesty… uh, what the master says is true. Among this year’s candidates, there are several from humble backgrounds who are exceptionally talented. Only by holding imperial examinations and recruiting talented individuals can the country be secure forever.”

Just then, a commotion and the sound of a child crying came from downstairs. Everyone looked over and saw a little boy, about four or five years old, who had gotten separated from his family and was standing by the crowd, crying helplessly.

Before the guards could react, Xin Kui immediately stood up: "I'll go see." She moved swiftly, going downstairs. A short while later, she was seen gently comforting the little boy, then subtly inquiring among the surrounding people, and soon returned with a frantic woman. Mother and son, reunited, thanked Xin Kui profusely.

Xin Kui returned upstairs, her expression calm, as if she had only done a trivial matter. Xin Jiuwei held her hand: "Sister-in-law, you are kind-hearted, skilled in medicine, and compassionate. You never forget to relieve people's suffering, no matter when or where."

Xin Yunzhou felt proud and chuckled, "That's just how she is; she can't stand seeing people suffer."

This little incident made everyone feel the warmth and mutual assistance among ordinary people in this peaceful and prosperous era.

Emerging from Sihai Tower, the night deepened, yet the lantern market grew even more bustling. Each child carried several newly purchased, exquisite lanterns. Chengrui received a majestic tiger lantern, Chengyu chose an adorable jade rabbit lantern, Mingyue bought a goldfish lantern, and Xiaoyue'er received a lotus lantern. Even Xiao Chengji, at Qi Mingxuan's suggestion, chose a koi lantern symbolizing a bright future.

The group walked slowly with the crowd, admiring the colorful lanterns. They came to a relatively open square where folk artists were performing a fire dragon dance and stilt walking, attracting a large crowd and deafening cheers.

The enormous dragon lantern soared and twirled in the hands of the dragon dancers, sparks flying everywhere, creating a spectacular sight. Stilt walkers dressed as gods and ghosts performed various thrilling stunts, eliciting gasps of amazement from the crowd.

The children watched intently, and even Xiao Xun and Xin Jiuwei were infected by the enthusiastic atmosphere, their faces beaming with relaxed smiles.

“This is truly a scene of prosperity.” Xin Jiuwei nestled beside Xiao Xun, gazing at the scene of people celebrating together, and sighed softly, “Without famine, without war, without oppressive government, the people can live and work in peace and contentment, and fully enjoy the joy of this festival.”

Xiao Xun gripped her hand tightly, his gaze sweeping over the excited children, loyal ministers and close friends, and the boundless, joyful crowd. His voice was deep and powerful: "Yes, this is what we were determined to pursue back then. Behind each of these myriad lights is a peaceful home. Protecting them is our responsibility, and also the responsibility for Chengji and the others' future."

He looked at Xiao Chengji, who was straining to watch the dragon dance, and asked, "Chengji, what are your thoughts on what you saw and heard today after leaving the palace?"

Xiao Chengji turned around, his small face glowing in the lamplight. He pondered for a moment, then answered earnestly, "Father, I have seen sights that cannot be found in books. I have seen the prosperity of the marketplace, the smiles of the people, and the talents of scholars like that one, and the kindness of Aunt Xin who helps others. I feel... I feel that this land is alive, made up of individual people. A ruler must not only read the classics, but also understand the hardships of the people and relieve their worries, only then can he protect the lights of every household."

These words drew silent nods of agreement from everyone. Xiao Xun and Xin Jiuwei exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with satisfaction. This child possessed a kind heart and, more importantly, keen insight.

Xin Yunzhou exclaimed, "Well said! Your Highness, at such a young age, you possess such insight; you will surely be a wise ruler in the future!"

Qi Huaihe stroked his beard and smiled, "Your Highness's ability to understand the people's sentiments is truly a blessing for all."

After the performance, it was late at night. The children began to look tired, and Xiao Yue'er was already yawning in Xin Kui's arms.

Xiao Xun then ordered a return to the palace. The group walked back along a quieter path, the hustle and bustle behind them gradually fading away, but the dazzling sea of ​​lights and joyful sounds seemed to still linger in their ears and before their eyes.

Back near the palace gates, just as they were about to part ways, Lin Jingshu magically produced several small, exquisite brocade boxes from her maid and handed them to each child: "Here, these are Lantern Festival gifts from Aunt Jingshu. Open them when you get back."

The children thanked them with delight.

Su Wenqing stepped forward and bowed to Xiao Xun and Xin Jiuwei: "It is my great honor to accompany Your Majesty today and to travel with Master Xiao and Madam Xiao. I have witnessed the prosperity of Chang'an and the peace and happiness of the people, and I am even more aware of the merits of Your Majesty and Master Xiao and Madam Xiao in governing the country."

Xiao Xun patted his shoulder: "Scholar Su, there's no need for such formalities. In the future, live a good life with Jing Shu and do more practical things for the people."

"Yes, Wenqing will keep it in mind."

With the palace gates in sight, their incognito journey was drawing to a close. The group stopped in their tracks.

Xin Yunzhou, Xin Kui, Qi Huaihe, Xin Xiyao, Lin Jingshu, Su Wenqing and others bowed to the Emperor and Empress in unison. Although they did not say it outright, their eyes were full of respect and blessings.

"Today was excellent." Xiao Xun looked at everyone, finally focusing his gaze on Xin Jiuwei and the children, and concluded.

Xin Jiuwei nodded, her eyes filled with warmth: "Yes, that's wonderful. Seeing those I want to see and hearing those I want to hear makes me feel... more at ease."

Back at Kunning Palace, the children were taken to rest by their wet nurses, still excitedly discussing their experiences outside the palace. Only the Emperor and Empress remained inside.

Xiao Xun embraced Xin Jiuwei from behind, and together they looked out the window. Although the palace walls were high, they could still see the faint light reflected from the lights on the distant horizon.

“Wei’er, look,” Xiao Xun said softly, “the palace walls can separate the palace from the marketplace, but they cannot separate this dazzling light, nor can they separate the joy of humanity, nor can they separate the hearts of you and me with the people of the world. There are lights inside the palace, and there are countless more outside. Every single one of them needs to be protected by our hearts.”

Xin Jiuwei nestled in his warm embrace, feeling his steady heartbeat, her heart filled with unparalleled peace and strength. She grasped his hands wrapped around her waist and whispered in response, as if making a vow: