The bright moon hung high, casting a soft glow. Laughter and cheerful conversation filled the general's mansion, creating a lively atmosphere. Xiao Yichen stood in a corner of the courtyard, seemingly chatting casually with his deputy, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, constantly scanning his surroundings, not missing a single suspicious sign. He knew that although joy filled the air, danger might still lurk in the shadows, like a wild beast waiting to pounce.

Within his sight, soldiers were playing and frolicking with their servants, engaged in a lively game of pitch-pot. The young soldiers, their faces beaming with excitement, cheered with joy at each successful throw, their laughter echoing in the air, seemingly dispelling the gloom of the previous night's fierce battle. The women sat around a table, enjoying delicious food and chatting softly; their occasional bursts of laughter were like the clear, melodious chimes of bells in the night breeze. Children ran and danced among the crowd, their lanterns swaying gracefully, adding a touch of childlike innocence to the lively scene.

However, Xiao Yichen was not lulled into complacency by this seemingly peaceful atmosphere. A constant tension remained in his heart, a tension connected to the safety of every corner and every person in the General's Mansion. His gaze frequently fell on Lin Wan'er, watching her solve riddles with the maids. Her focused expression and radiant smile unconsciously brought a slight smile to his own lips. But at the same time, a hint of worry lingered in his eyes. He silently vowed never to let her suffer any further harm.

On the periphery of the celebrations, Xiao Yichen had arranged several sentries hidden in the shadows, like guardians of the night, vigilantly watching the surrounding movements. These sentries were carefully selected by him, possessing keen senses and excellent skills. Every so often, they would report to Xiao Yichen using specific codes, ensuring that the General's Mansion's security was flawless.

Xiao Yichen paced back and forth in the courtyard, seemingly casually, but each step was carefully considered. He walked over to the musicians, ostensibly to appreciate the music, but actually to observe the reactions of those around him. He knew that music could soothe people's emotions, but it could also mask unusual sounds. His ears were constantly attentive to the surrounding noises; no subtle abnormality escaped his notice.

As Lin Wan'er rose and joined the dancing crowd, Xiao Yichen's gaze followed her intently. He watched her dance gracefully among the people, her light figure seemingly blending into the moonlight, beautiful and captivating. His eyes were filled with tenderness, yet he remained vigilant. He subtly adjusted his position, ensuring he could immediately detect any situation that might pose a threat to Lin Wan'er.

During the dance, Lin Wan'er's eyes occasionally met Xiao Yichen's. Each time their eyes met, she could feel a special emotion in his gaze—a warm and unwavering protection. This look filled her with a sense of security, making her dance more confident and graceful. She knew that as long as Xiao Yichen was there, she could fully enjoy this joyful moment without worrying about any danger.

As the celebrations continued, the games became even more lively. The number guessing game attracted many participants, with everyone sitting together, guessing numbers and exchanging guesses in a very enthusiastic atmosphere. Xiao Yichen did not participate in the game; he stood a short distance away, silently watching over everyone. His gaze swept through the crowd, observing everyone's expressions and movements to ensure that no suspicious individuals had infiltrated.

The "Flying Flower Order" game brought the atmosphere to a climax. People showcased their talents, and verses floated through the night sky like flying petals. Although Xiao Yichen didn't participate, he was also infected by the rich cultural atmosphere. He knew that these traditional games and cultural activities not only allowed everyone to enjoy the festival in happiness but also strengthened the cohesion among the people of the General's Mansion. And this cohesion would become the General's Mansion's most powerful weapon when facing potential enemies.

During breaks in the game, servants moved among the crowd, serving everyone fine wine and food. Xiao Yichen noticed that each servant acted naturally, without any abnormalities. But he was still uneasy. He secretly observed the servants' every move to ensure that no enemies in disguise had infiltrated. He knew that details determine success or failure, and any small oversight could lead to irreversible consequences.

As the night deepened and all was quiet, even the moon seemed weary, casting a softer glow. The celebrations within the General's Mansion drew to a close, and people began to disperse. Children slept soundly in their parents' arms, smiles still lingering on their lips, as if continuing the evening's merriment in their dreams. The women, supporting each other, whispered about the evening's events as they slowly made their way to the inner quarters. The soldiers returned to their camps in an orderly fashion, some weary, but their eyes still gleaming with satisfaction.

Watching everyone's departing figures, Xiao Yichen breathed a sigh of relief. However, he didn't let his guard down. He led his soldiers on a final patrol of the general's mansion. They inspected every corner, including the warehouses, stables, and gardens, ensuring there were no security risks. During the patrol, Xiao Yichen paid particular attention to the area around Lin Wan'er's residence. He positioned two trusted soldiers outside Lin Wan'er's door, ordering them to stand guard throughout the night to protect her safety.

After everything was arranged, Xiao Yichen went alone to the wall of the General's Mansion. He climbed to the lookout point and looked down over the entire mansion. Under the moonlight, the mansion resembled a tranquil castle, exuding a peaceful atmosphere. But Xiao Yichen knew that this castle needed his protection, and everyone here depended on him. His gaze was deep and resolute, and he silently told himself, "As long as I, Xiao Yichen, am here, I will not allow the General's Mansion to suffer any harm. Whoever wants to disrupt the peace here will have to get past me first."

He stood on the watchtower for a long time, until he was certain that everything in the General's Mansion was quiet and there was nothing unusual. Then, he slowly walked down from the watchtower and headed towards his residence. On his way back to his room, the details of the celebration that evening kept replaying in his mind, especially Lin Wan'er's smile. He knew that his feelings for Lin Wan'er had transcended ordinary friendship; he was willing to give everything for her and protect her for the rest of his life.

Back in his room, Xiao Yichen didn't fall asleep immediately. He sat by the window, gazing at the bright moon, contemplating the future of the General's Mansion. He knew that the attack by the men in black was just the beginning; the conspiracy behind it hadn't fully surfaced. He had to prepare, strengthen the defenses of the General's Mansion, and simultaneously investigate the true motives of the mastermind. In the process, he had to protect everyone in the General's Mansion, especially Lin Wan'er. He couldn't let her fall into any more danger; he wanted to be her eternal safe haven.

In this peaceful night, Xiao Yichen spent his time on guard. His heart was filled with responsibility and love, these two emotions intertwined, making him even more determined in his mission. He would carry this resolve into the new day, continuing to protect the General's Mansion and those he cherished. And the General's Mansion, under his protection, slept peacefully, awaiting the arrival of the new dawn.

As dawn broke through the thin clouds, it gently bathed every inch of the General's Mansion, as if awakening this once troubled but still vibrant place. Inside, laughter and cheerful voices flowed like joyful streams from every corner, converging into a sea of ​​happiness.

In the courtyard, the servants were already busy preparing for the new day's festivities. They brought out exquisite tables and chairs, placing them in the shade of the courtyard, where a variety of delicacies were laid out. There were freshly baked, steaming pastries, their delicate crusts gleaming an enticing golden yellow, exuding a rich aroma of milk and a hint of floral fragrance; there were also colorful fruit platters, with fresh, juicy fruits cut into various interesting shapes, like a fine work of art. Beside them, wine jars emitted a mellow aroma—the General's Mansion's special wine, its flavor enhanced by the passage of time.

The children were the vanguard of this joyful atmosphere, gathering early in the courtyard to play and laugh around a makeshift swing. The little boys vied to swing higher, their faces flushed with excitement, their eyes sparkling with fearlessness. "Watch me, I can swing all the way to the sky!" one boy shouted, pushing off the ground with all his might, the swing tracing a beautiful arc through the air with his laughter. The little girls cheered them on, colorful ribbons waving in their hands, dancing gracefully with the swing's movement, their laughter as clear and melodious as silver bells echoing in the air.

The soldiers, setting aside their usual seriousness, joined in the joyful commotion. They divided into several groups and played a tug-of-war. A thick hemp rope stretched taut in the center of the courtyard, the soldiers on both sides gripping the rope tightly, their eyes filled with fighting spirit. "One, two, go! One, two, go!" With the synchronized and powerful shouts, the soldiers pulled back with unison. Their muscles were tense, veins bulging on their foreheads, but their faces beamed with joyful smiles. The soldiers watching cheered for their chosen teams, their shouts rising and falling, deafeningly loud.

The women enjoyed a leisurely time in the garden. Sitting amidst the blooming flowers, they held delicate embroidery tools, stitching intricate patterns while sharing stories. "Look at this butterfly I've embroidered! Doesn't it look like it's about to take flight?" a young woman exclaimed, smiling as she displayed her work. The butterfly was incredibly lifelike, its wings adorned with delicate and exquisite patterns, seemingly ready to take flight at any moment. Others gathered around to admire it, their exclamations of praise ringing out. "Your skills are getting better and better! Teach us sometime!" another woman said with a smile. Around them, flowers bloomed, their vibrant colors swaying gently in the breeze, releasing their fragrance, mingling with the women's laughter and creating a beautiful and heartwarming scene.

Lin Wan'er moved through the crowd, her face beaming with a radiant smile, like a blooming flower. She approached the children, watching them play, her eyes filled with affection. "Be careful, don't fall," she gently reminded them. The children gathered around, taking her hands and inviting her to play on the swings. Lin Wan'er smiled and agreed. She sat on the swing, the children gently pushing her from behind. A breeze caressed her face and ruffled her hair; she felt as if she had returned to her carefree childhood, her heart filled with warmth and joy.

Xiao Yichen stood atop the courtyard, overlooking the joyful scene. A slight smile played on his lips, and his eyes revealed a look of contentment. Seeing everyone in the General's Mansion so happy filled him with immense satisfaction. He descended from the platform and approached the soldiers' tug-of-war competition. "Everyone's really energetic!" he said with a smile. The soldiers became even more excited upon seeing their general. "General, come and play with us!" one soldier enthusiastically invited. Xiao Yichen smiled and shook his head: "I won't participate. You all have fun, and be careful." Although he didn't join in, his presence energized the soldiers, making their tug-of-war even more intense.

On the other side of the courtyard, a riddle-guessing activity was in full swing. Colorful strips of paper hung from the branches, fluttering gently in the breeze. Each strip bore a variety of interesting riddles, attracting many participants. "A winding vine climbs the trellis, strings of pearls hang above. (Guess a fruit)" an old man read out the riddle, and those around him began to guess. "It's a grape!" a young maidservant answered excitedly, and everyone applauded. "A hemp house, a red curtain, inside lives a plump white creature. (Guess a food)" another riddle was read out, and everyone fell into thought. A moment later, a little boy shouted, "It's a peanut!" Everyone was amused by his cleverness, and the courtyard was filled with joyful laughter.

As time passed, the sun rose higher and the weather grew hotter. But this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the people in the General's Mansion. They flocked to the sunshade in the courtyard to continue enjoying their time. Someone suggested playing some simple board games, so chessboards were set out, and various games such as Chinese chess and Go attracted many participants. The players frowned, concentrating intently on each move, while onlookers pointed and offered suggestions. Although occasional disagreements arose, they were quickly resolved with laughter.

In the afternoon, the sunlight softened. The people of the General's Mansion began a new round of entertainment: a unique culinary competition. Servants brought various ingredients and cooking utensils from the kitchen and arranged them on one side of the courtyard. The participants were eager to show off their skills. Some prepared traditional dishes, while others wanted to try some novel and creative creations. A soldier skilled in cooking prepared his specialty, braised carp. He skillfully handled the carp, frying it until golden brown on both sides, then adding various seasonings and simmering it. Soon, a rich aroma filled the air. On the other side, a woman was preparing an exquisite dessert. She cleverly combined fruits, cream, and other ingredients to create a brightly colored and beautifully presented treat that looked incredibly appetizing. The judges carefully tasted each dish and dessert, scoring them based on taste, appearance, and other factors. The entire courtyard was filled with the aroma of delicious food and a joyful atmosphere.

As dusk fell and the sun set, painting the sky a vibrant orange-red, a bonfire blazed within the General's Mansion. People gathered around it, beginning a new round of merriment. Musicians once again played cheerful tunes, their melodies drifting through the night air, seemingly telling the story of the General's Mansion. Hand in hand, people danced around the bonfire, their figures appearing especially joyful in the firelight. Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen joined the dance, their eyes meeting, each seeing deep love and joy in the other's gaze. In this warm atmosphere, the people of the General's Mansion forgot all their worries and fatigue, immersing themselves in this joyful moment. Their laughter, songs, and dances became the most beautiful scenery of the night, an eternal memory of the General's Mansion, forever etched in everyone's heart. On this day filled with laughter, the General's Mansion seemed to become a paradise, a fairyland of love and joy, where everyone could find their own happiness and joy.

As night falls like a vast black silk ribbon, gently unfurling across the sky, the Mid-Autumn Festival moon, like a dazzling pearl, radiates its pure and soft light in the endless darkness. High in the sky, the moon's silvery brilliance, like flowing water, pours down upon every inch of the General's Mansion, draping the residence in a dreamlike veil.

Two enormous red lanterns hung high in front of the General's Mansion. Their vibrant red color shone brightly in the moonlight, like two burning flames, adding a touch of festive warmth to the chilly Mid-Autumn Festival night. The lanterns were adorned with exquisitely painted patterns, some depicting auspicious dragons and phoenixes, others symbolizing family reunion and a full moon. Every stroke and line was imbued with the artisans' dedication. Under the lamplight, these patterns seemed to come alive, vividly conveying the beautiful meaning of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Entering the General's Mansion, a cobblestone path comes into view. Under the moonlight, the pebbles shimmer like stars scattered across the night sky. Pots of blooming chrysanthemums line both sides of the path, their golden, snow-white, and pale purple petals swaying gently in the breeze, like a group of dancing fairies. The fragrance of the chrysanthemums fills the air, its delicate aroma perfectly complementing the tranquility of the Mid-Autumn Festival night, bringing a sense of peace and joy. Each chrysanthemum is like a work of art meticulously sculpted by nature, some with slender petals unfurled, others with rounded stamens clustered together, displaying a unique shyness and elegance under the moonlight.

Following the path, you arrive at the courtyard of the General's Mansion. In the center of the courtyard stands an exquisite artificial hill, constructed from stones of various shapes. Some resemble majestic lions, others eagles poised for flight, and still others adorable pandas. Bathed in moonlight, the hill's outline is even more distinct, the textures of the stones seeming to bear the marks of time, telling ancient and mysterious stories. Surrounding the hill is a clear spring, its water shimmering in the moonlight like a giant silver mirror. Several koi carp swim freely in the spring, their colorful scales sparkling in the water, occasionally leaping out of the water, splashing up strings of crystalline droplets, adding a touch of lively beauty to the tranquil courtyard.

The courtyard was adorned with lanterns of all shapes and sizes. These lanterns were round, square, and octagonal, their colors vibrant and varied: red like fire, pink like the sunset, blue like the sea, and green like jade. Exquisite paper-cuts were pasted onto the lanterns, depicting legends such as Chang'e flying to the moon, the Jade Rabbit pounding medicine, and Wu Gang chopping down the cassia tree. The lines of the paper-cuts were delicate and flowing, the figures and scenes depicted with lifelike realism, as if these ancient tales were being brought to life before the eyes of the visitors. In the gentle breeze, the lanterns swayed softly, their light and shadow dancing gracefully on the ground, creating a scene like a dreamlike fairyland.

Countless colorful paper ribbons and sky lanterns floated in the sky above the courtyard. The paper ribbons danced in the wind, intertwining and tangling to create a magnificent and colorful picture. The sky lanterns, like stars in the sky, slowly rose, carrying people's best wishes as they flew towards the bright moon. Each sky lantern carried a dream, a hope, and they twinkled with a warm light in the night sky, creating a beautiful contrast with the moon. Watching these sky lanterns fly higher and higher, people's hearts were filled with anticipation and longing for the future.

The general's mansion's pavilions appeared even more magnificent under the moonlight. Strings of wind chimes hung from the eaves, their clear, melodious sounds echoing in the night air like celestial music. The doors and windows were adorned with exquisite carvings of flowers, auspicious beasts, and lucky clouds, which shimmered in the moonlight, adding a touch of mystery to the pavilions. On the walls hung scrolls depicting the Mid-Autumn Festival, showing figures raising cups to admire the moon, reciting poetry, or enjoying family reunions. Each painting showcased the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival and people's love for it.

Along the railings of the pavilion, there were reclining chairs and small tables for people to rest. The tables were laden with Mid-Autumn Festival delicacies: golden, crisp mooncakes, their exquisite patterns resembling the footprints left by the Jade Rabbit on the moon; sweet and juicy pomelos, their peels gleaming softly in the moonlight, like giant luminous pearls; and various fresh fruits and delicate pastries. Their aromas mingled in the air, creating a unique flavor—the flavor of Mid-Autumn Festival, the flavor of reunion, the flavor of happiness.

The garden of the General's Mansion was also a scene of vibrant beauty. The osmanthus trees were laden with golden blossoms, their tiny flowers clustered together, releasing a rich, sweet fragrance. Under the moonlight, the osmanthus blossoms resembled tiny pieces of gold, shimmering with a captivating light. Other flowers in the garden were equally stunning; peonies, herbaceous peonies, roses, and various other flowers bloomed in profusion, adorning this Mid-Autumn Festival night with their beauty. Among the flowers, several butterflies fluttered about, seemingly captivated by the beautiful moonlight and fragrance, unwilling to leave.

Under the moonlight, the General's Mansion, with its magnificent pavilions, exquisite courtyards, blooming flowers, and fluttering lanterns, presents a breathtaking Mid-Autumn Festival scene. Every view here is imbued with the charm of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and every detail exudes the festive atmosphere. Amidst this beautiful scenery, people laugh and chat, whisper softly, or quietly admire the scene, all immersed in the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival, feeling the warmth and happiness of reunion. On this special night, the bright moon becomes the most beautiful illumination of the General's Mansion, lighting up people's hearts and allowing them to forget all their worries and sorrows, leaving only the appreciation of beautiful moments and anticipation for the future.

In the distance, the faint sounds of a melodious zither and joyful singing drifted over, the people of the General's Mansion celebrating this beautiful festival. The zither music was plaintive, as if telling the legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival; the singing was clear and bright, expressing people's longing for reunion and their love for life. Accompanied by this music and singing, the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival was deeply ingrained in people's hearts, becoming an eternal memory.