Spring Festival

He thought, if only time could stand still at this moment.

What a happy thing that would be.

Thinking of this, he froze. Then he chuckled softly, realizing that this was happiness.

What everyone desires is what their soul yearns for.

Even the emperor on the high platform yearns for it.

He was just an ordinary, uncouth man, and naturally, time could not save him.

Happiness is so hard to come by, it's as fleeting as time.

…

But that was then. Now is good, this moment is good.

As the weather grew cooler, Bai Hui pulled Qu Linghan to her feet and helped her into the carriage, making them look like a newlywed couple. The coachman and the horsemen rode straight to Guishu City.

Guishu City was bustling with activity, every household was brightly lit, and lanterns were everywhere. Couples holding hands, a common sight on the streets, were even more numerous today.

Traditionally, today's Qixi Festival is a festival for girls, so the young ladies in their boudoirs have made plans to go out and have fun, try new foods, and buy pretty clothes.

Those who are married, whether they have children or not, all only bring their husbands to enjoy a life as a couple. The husbands must be obedient to their wives today, because if their wives are happy, they will be happy tomorrow.

It was truly delightful.

Over time, the tradition turned into a practice: married women would take their husbands out in public, and unmarried women could also look forward to seeing their sons. It is unknown which unmarried woman proposed this idea, but it is indeed quite feasible.

Qu Linghan smiled and took Bai Hui's hand, "In my time, every store would offer discounts. This way, customers felt they were getting a good deal, and merchants felt they were getting a good deal too. It was all very good."

Bai Hui nodded, "That's really good."

Then he gently stroked the tip of Qu Linghan's nose.

"And you, did you join the Lanxu Pavilion today?"

Qu Linghan stood tall and proud, his voice tinged with pride.

"Of course, our Lanxu Pavilion is very good at keeping up with the trends."

"No, our Lanxu Pavilion is a trendsetter! Today I've also prepared a lucky draw and gifts with purchase!"

"lottery?"

Bai Hui, being an ancient person, could never have heard of lotteries and free gifts. Qu Linghan almost burst out laughing, but since her makeup was too elaborate today, in order to save face, she decided to give Bai Hui a detailed explanation.

"The lottery involves preparing some items and slips of paper. Some slips of paper have words written on them, while others are blank. Those with words on them can win the items, while those without words will not win. The format may change, but the model is the same. As for the gift with purchase, it means that if you spend a certain amount, I, as the store owner, will give you some items. This is also a way to promote consumption."

Qu Linghan finished speaking in one breath, then turned his gaze to Bai Hui. His eyes were full of praise, and he was about to blurt out a string of compliments to Qu Linghan when Bai Hui suddenly said, "You've worked hard."

"Ah, this is so sad, I'm just following suit."

"Do you still need to return to Lanxu Pavilion to preside over the ceremony today?"

"No need for that. Jing'er is capable. Besides, Ya'er has been feeling better these days. She's been wanting to join me, so let them do it."

After all, I really wanted to spend today with you.

......

As darkness fell, Qu Linghan and Bai Hui returned to the "local" restaurant deep in the alley.

Sitting in the same spot she had been in a few months ago, Qu Linghan was no longer as confused as she had been then. Back then, she was uncertain and dared not admit her feelings.

Now she understands that people should cherish the present moment.

She recalled a quote that had gone viral online: "The formula for reversing time is to cherish the present."

When she first saw this sentence, she was completely confused and didn't understand what it meant.

But now, she understands.

No matter what happens in the future, no matter when, no matter if she returns to the 21st century, no matter if anyone in this world will still remember her, no matter what form it takes in the future, all she can do is cherish the present and live each and every second to the fullest.

Let time leave its fragrance, let time leave its fragrance.

That's what it means to feel relieved.

......

Qu Linghan lifted Bai Hui's hand and gently separated his fingers from his palm, one by one, before placing his own five fingers inside and clasping them tightly.

A warmth reached the depths of my heart, and I met his eyes.

Qu Linghan said softly, "Thank you."

Thank you for meeting me, thank you for falling in love with me, thank you for everything you've given me, thank you for being by my side.

Bai Hui clasped her palms together; she could almost feel the invisible tension emanating from him, as if he were about to explode at any moment...

"Thank you."

"Zhaoming has brought his wife again today."

The boss, still with his characteristic swagger, held the menu and couldn't resist teasing Qu Linghan.

"Girl, how is it? Isn't my food better than other places?"

Yes, that's right.

Qu Linghan responded with a smile, and the boss followed up,

"Then you must come often in the future."

"good."

I ordered more than last time; it was a perfect blend of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors—deliciousness right before my eyes.

Honey rice cake, pickled vegetables, bitter vegetable soup, roasted pork with dogwood, bean paste and meat sauce, ...

Served with fragrant rice, it was so delicious that even Bai Zhaoming, who was sitting next to me, forgot about it!

Qu Linghan vowed that she would bring her whole family to eat with her from now on!

Qu Linghan shoveled rice into his mouth in one go, taking a bite of this and a bite of that, completely focused on what he was eating while keeping an eye on what was in the pot.

With her mouth full, she didn't forget to give Bai Zhaoming a thumbs up.

"Old foodie!"

Bai Hui's lips curled slightly, and unconsciously she placed her finger near Qu Linghan's mouth, gently wiping away the crumbs.

"Eat slowly, I won't take it from you."

Okay.

Even so, Qu Linghan ate at the same speed as before, which was truly amazing and delicious.

After a satisfying meal, it's time to go to bed.

Oh no, we should hold our loved ones' hands, take a walk under the Ziying Bridge, watch the lanterns, and celebrate the Qixi Festival!

"Is this how you celebrate the Qixi Festival?"

Standing under the Ziying Bridge, watching the lanterns and boats slowly flowing by,

Nighttime is often a time when people's emotions tend to surface, and Qu Linghan felt a pang of melancholy.

"That's about it."

"Really? Isn't this your first time too?"

Bai Hui remained silent, while Qu Linghan muttered under his breath.

"I always feel like something is missing."

Qu Linghan placed his index finger directly under his chin, assuming a thoughtful posture.

Then, he stood on tiptoe and kissed Bai Hui.

This really caught Bai Zhaoming off guard. He was struggling with whether he had done something wrong, but this turn of events brought him a new lease on life.

Qu Linghan was about to run away after kissing him, and after plucking the strings of the zither, he didn't care about anything else.

But Bai Hui wouldn't let her have her way, and she just had to provoke him at this crucial moment.

He then pulled Qu Linghan in front of him, and Qu Linghan immediately sensed something was wrong. He was filled with regret, regretting that he had provoked this incredibly capable general.

But what's past is past and can't be undone, so let's just follow the footsteps of time and let things unfold as they will.

So Bai Hui bent down, warm and soft...

Just as the fireworks burst in brilliant colors, they bloomed in front of the two of them.

Even heaven and earth are no more than this.

That night, all was peaceful and serene.

What needs to be accomplished will come naturally.

......

Love is always a gentle, flowing stream, interspersed with occasional moments of romance.

The vast expanse of white snow and the biting wind flowed towards the Bai Mansion along with the waters of love.

The snow on the courtyard wall had not yet melted, but the snow on the ground had already been collected into someone's palm and melted, leaving behind some claw marks.

It has the connotation of fleeting traces.

A crow cawed, followed by a girl's shout laced with laughter.

"Bai Zhaoming! You're not allowed to run away!!!"

Since confirming her feelings for Qu Linghan, Bai Hui seems to have changed from the composed Bai Zhaoming.

Qu Linghan was willing to bet that his political enemies in the court would never have imagined that he was now stuffing snowballs into his collar.

"Serves you right for hitting so accurately! This is karma!!!"

Qu Linghan gritted his teeth and touched the snowflakes remaining in his hair.

"Tell me! Will you dare to do it again?"

"Madam, I dare not do it again."

"real?"

"real."

"Alright then, I forgive you!"

Before Qu Linghan could react, she fell into someone's arms.

Bai Hui was carrying her into the inner room. "Has Madam had enough fun?"

Qu Linghan remained silent.

"Can I ask for my reward now?"

Bai Hui's panting breaths lingered in Qu Linghan's ears, tickling him.

"......Can."

"Hey...be gentle."

......

"Slow down! Don't hurt your hand!"

This year is truly a special year. The family reunited for the New Year's Eve dinner, eating and playing cards.

Yes, that's right. Bai Hui insisted on cooking with Qu Linghan's parents.

He chopped vegetables like a rocket!

Qu Linghan really didn't understand. Was it really necessary? No matter how you cut it, you'd end up eating it all at once anyway!

Oh well, let him play if he wants to.

Since the last conversation with the old lady, Qu Linghan's parents have moved into the new courtyard. Today is not only a celebration of the Spring Festival, but also a celebration of moving.

So Qu Linghan invited Lu Shuyu and Fang Ya'er. As for Liu Ziju, he definitely wouldn't be able to come today.

Qu Linghan didn't tell him.

"What are you thinking about, Ling Han!"

Lu Shuyu walked into the kitchen and saw Qu Linghan, who was staring blankly next to Bai Hui. She approached her and then quietly tickled her.

"What are you doing, Lu Shuyu..."

The two chased each other, running very fast in the yard.

"Oh my, my daughter is so old, yet she's still like a child."

"Have I been causing you any trouble?"

Although Qu Linghan's mother said this, she was actually happy inside, realizing that she had missed out on her child's childhood.

Fortunately, she has always been a child.

It always has been.

"It's alright, mother-in-law. I'll be happy no matter what Ling Han is like."

If Qu Linghan were here, he would definitely say that Bai Hui had candied fruit on his lips and was saying such cloying things.

But since Qu Linghan's mother was there, she felt incredibly comfortable listening to this.

"Alright, alright, it's good that you can handle it. I won't say anything else."

She couldn't stop smiling.