Chapter 1957 Lantern Festival
They were given a holiday so that anyone who had nothing to do could go out for a walk. Everyone was very happy to thank him, and after a lively meal of glutinous rice balls, they called their friends and went out for a walk in groups of three or five.
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan also went out together.
An An was still too young, and the lantern festival was packed with people, so the two of them did not take him with them.
There were many lights in the yard, and An An was having a lot of fun. Qiao Xuan deliberately avoided him and sneaked out, but he didn't notice.
The lantern area was designated by the government early on, with two long streets connected by a wide square.
The lantern area is under control tonight, no carriages, sedan chairs or horses are allowed to enter, and there are yamen runners blocking each entrance.
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan got off the carriage, and before they could even walk forward, they were surrounded by the noisy and bustling crowd.
"There are so many lights, it's so lively! Next year when An An is a little older, I can bring him along!"
Qiao Xuan couldn't help but smile and said. Sure enough, after having a child, whenever she went out without him, she would definitely bring him along during the three sentences.
Shao Yunduan tightened her rose-red embroidered cloak with rabbit fur trim, and walked forward holding her hand. "An'an is still young. Once he can walk by himself, he can go anywhere."
This year's Lantern Festival was meant to celebrate the successful suppression of bandits, as well as to bring good luck to the newly appointed prefect. All merchants and wealthy families gave this festival a try and decorated these two streets with so many splendid and dazzling things that dazzled the eyes and made people sigh with admiration at every step.
There are all kinds of lanterns to admire as you walk along. Not to mention the exquisite styles and patterns, the materials include silk, gauze, satin, kraft paper, snow wave paper, mulberry paper, wood, bamboo, feathers, glass, jade, etc., with various shapes and colorful patterns, and matched with various silk fabrics, jade pendants, beads, embroidery... The exquisite workmanship and unique craftsmanship will make people's eyes shine from time to time.
In the wide square, there are twenty-four giant lanterns shaped like small houses, with designs of National Beauty, Abundant Good Fortune, Pine and Crane Returning to Spring, Carp Leaping over the Dragon Gate, Chang'e Flying to the Moon, Lotus in Prosperous Times, and Bamboo Reporting Peace... They are vying for beauty and are in clusters, attracting countless people to stop and talk and give comments.
Many giant lanterns are surrounded by clusters of potted flowers, with lilies, chrysanthemums, azaleas and other flowers in full bloom, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Qiao Xuan was very excited along the way, and she almost never stopped praising the scenery. She felt very sorry in her heart. It was a pity that such a beautiful scenery could not be preserved in the form of photos. If you want to see it after today, you will have to wait until next year!
Shao Yunduan had booked a private room in a teahouse on the edge of the square in advance. After the two of them walked around the square, they decided to go to the teahouse to sit and look at the scenery from afar.
Unexpectedly, before they had walked far, they happened to run into Mrs. Jia and two other ladies who were also watching the lanterns together.
Mrs. Jia and the other two were very surprised and came up to greet them, so Qiao Xuan had to respond.
One of them, Madam Lin, smiled very attentively and said that she had booked a private room and warmly invited Qiao Xuan to sit with her. Madam Jia and Madam Long also smiled and invited her. It would have been fine for others, but Qiao Xuan couldn't refuse Madam Jia's face. Besides, she didn't want people to think she was unkind, so she smiled and agreed, letting Shao Yunduan go by himself, and she would return home with Madam Jia later.
The three ladies were even more delighted after hearing this. They said goodbye to Lord Shao politely and solemnly, and then surrounded Qiao Xuan and left.
(End of this chapter)
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