The glazed tiles of Zichen Palace were still covered with a layer of unmelted snow, shimmering in the warm winter sun. The palace had been newly decorated, with exquisite palace lanterns hanging everywhere, but compared to the hustle and bustle outside, it still appeared quiet and solemn.

Inside Kunning Palace, the floor heating was warm. Xin Jiuwei was bent over a huge desk, on which lay the newly completed first draft of the "Complete Map of the Great Liang Dynasty," densely marked with the progress of new policies implemented in various prefectures and counties, the distribution of resources, and the repair of water conservancy projects. Although there was a slight weariness between her brows, her eyes were bright and focused, full of dedication to planning for the country.

The ten-year-old Crown Prince Xiao Chengji sat behind a small desk, copying the calligraphy of a great master of the previous dynasty. His posture was upright, and his brushstrokes already showed signs of elegance. The seven-year-old Second Prince Xiao Chengrui and Third Princess Xiao Chengyu lay on a thick blanket nearby, playing with a nine-linked ring and dolls under the watchful eyes of their wet nurse, occasionally letting out childish laughter.

Xiao Xun returned from court, took off his heavy court robes, and changed into a dark blue casual robe. He walked behind Xin Jiuwei, naturally reached out and massaged her slightly stiff shoulders and neck. His gaze fell on the map, and he praised, "Wei'er's writing skills have become more and more refined. The markings are clear and detailed, even more intuitive than those submitted by the Ministry of Works."

Xin Jiuwei relaxed and leaned against his palm, smiling slightly. "It's nothing more than picking up on the omissions and filling in the gaps, summarizing and refining the reports from various places. Your Majesty left court early today."

"Today is the Lantern Festival, and as is customary, we are on holiday. We only discussed a few important matters." Xiao Xun lowered his head and placed a kiss on her hair. His voice was deep and gentle. "Looking at this map, I am reminded of the days when we were in Yingzhou, working side by side to inspect the fields and rectify the administration. In the blink of an eye, Chengji is already ten years old."

Xin Jiuwei held his hand, her eyes filled with tender nostalgia: "Yes, although it was difficult back then, the world felt vast, every step was solid, and I could see the most genuine smiles of the common people. Now, living deep in the palace, although there are countless memorials to the emperor, there is still a layer separating us."

Xiao Xun was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Wei'er, would you like to see this 'most genuine smile' again?"

Xin Jiuwei looked up in surprise.

A hint of youthful mischief and anticipation flashed in Xiao Xun's eyes: "I have already given the order that tonight at 5 PM, the Empress and I, along with the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and the Third Princess, will leave the palace incognito to enjoy the lanterns."

"Going out of the palace incognito?" Xin Jiuwei was startled, then her eyes lit up with an uncontrollable gleam. "Is this... in accordance with regulations? Is it safe...?"

“Rules are rigid, but people are flexible,” Xiao Xun said firmly. “I have already instructed Yunzhou and Huaihe to make proper arrangements. The Imperial Guards will accompany us in plainclothes, and there will be Shadow Guards protecting us in the shadows. Today is the Lantern Festival, and the Imperial Guards will not lift any restrictions. We will celebrate with the people, which will truly reflect the grandeur of our prosperous era. Let the children see what Chang'an is like under the rule of their father and mother.” He looked at Chengji, who was listening intently, and Chengrui and Chengyu, who were looking over curiously. “It’s better to see the everyday life of the people than to be confined to the palace reading Confucian classics.”

Xin Jiuwei's heart skipped a beat. She knew this was a risky move, but the light in Xiao Xun's eyes intertwined with her own longing for the world beyond the palace walls. She nodded emphatically and smiled sweetly: "Very well! Your Majesty... I obey."

The news spread quietly, stirring undercurrents throughout the palace, yet also filling the air with a secret excitement. Duke Xin Yunzhou and Minister of Revenue Qi Huaihe were urgently summoned to the palace for a private meeting. Xin Yunzhou patted his chest, guaranteeing impeccable security, while Qi Huaihe stroked his beard with a smile, beginning to devise how to make this "chance encounter" more natural, ensuring both the Emperor and Empress's enjoyment and that the young princes would gain something from it.

As dusk settles, the city of Chang'an under the night sky seems to take on a dazzling new look.

The main street was ablaze with lights, as bright as day. All sorts of lanterns vied for attention: lifelike dragon, phoenix, fish, and rabbit lanterns; exquisitely crafted revolving lanterns spun endlessly, depicting tales of talented scholars and beautiful women; enormous lanterns, stacked like mountains, shone with dazzling light. Crowds thronged, shoulder to shoulder, their laughter, shouts, vendors' cries, and acrobats' cheers creating a sea of ​​joy.

Xiao Xun, dressed in a royal blue brocade robe, looked even more dashing as a wealthy gentleman.

Xin Jiuwei wore a lotus-colored satin jacket embroidered with plum blossoms, over which she wore a white fox fur cloak. Her hair was loosely styled in a bun, adorned only with a single jade hairpin. She looked as elegant and gentle as a beautiful woman from an ordinary family. She held the hand of Chengyu, whose face was flushed with excitement, in one hand, and occasionally shielded Chengrui, who was curious about everything and always wanted to explore. Xiao Chengji tried to appear composed, staying close to his father, but his deep eyes, so similar to Xiao Xun's, couldn't help but curiously observe this unprecedentedly lively scene. Chen Qing and several skilled guards, disguised as personal servants, vigilantly protected the area, while countless other eyes watched everything from the shadows.

"Candied hawthorn berries! Big and sweet candied hawthorn berries!"

Guess the riddles! Win a prize if you guess correctly!

"Beautiful silk flowers! The latest style!"

The cries of vendors filled the air. Cheng Rui and Cheng Yu's eyes were immediately drawn to the glistening, bright red candied hawthorns. Seeing this, Xiao Xun gestured to Chen Qing. Chen Qing immediately stepped forward and bought a few skewers. Cheng Rui took one, eagerly taking a bite, his eyes narrowing from the sourness, yet he couldn't bear to give up the sweetness, his expression endearingly clumsy. Cheng Yu, on the other hand, ate hers in small, delicate bites, her manners refined, like a little lady. Xiao Chengji also took a skewer; although he tried to maintain his composure, his slightly faster chewing speed betrayed his enjoyment.

Looking at the children, Xin Jiuwei couldn't help but smile. She whispered to Xiao Xun, "Look at them. They've eaten all sorts of delicacies in the palace, yet they're attracted to these street snacks."

Xiao Xun's eyes crinkled with amusement: "This is the charm of everyday life. Wei'er, look over there." He pointed to a huge riddle-solving arena, surrounded by layers upon layers of people. "Would you like to give it a try?"

Just then, a cheerful and familiar voice rang out: "Oh my! Isn't this... Master Xiao and Madam Xiao? What a coincidence! What a coincidence!"

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