Chapter 27 Chapter 27 Discourtesy
The full moon has risen, casting a soft, silvery glow. Colorful lanterns hang high throughout the market, and colorful ribbons flutter in the breeze, creating a bustling and prosperous atmosphere.
After leaving Fanlou, Wen Lingzheng walked forward in the direction Pei Ning pointed.
Yao Guang initially wanted to follow, but Pei Ning hugged her from behind, "Hey, hey, hey... don't go. My second brother is here, your girl won't get lost, don't worry!"
The crowds of people coming and going to see the lanterns during the festival floated around me, bustling and eager. Occasionally, a fine carriage would pass by, with red makeup and green canopies, and the fragrance of cosmetics would fill the air.
As the riverbank drew closer, the octagonal pavilion, adorned with a solitary, unlit lantern, became increasingly clear.
Looking further ahead, one can see the lotus lanterns swaying and rising and falling on the Bian River, which shimmers with golden light, reminiscent of the pleasure boats of yesteryear. It's just a pity that the opera music, so melodious and sweet like the warbling of orioles, is missing.
The surroundings grew increasingly bustling, and the stalls on both sides where people were guessing riddles suddenly burst into laughter and chatter. A girl who had won a prize pulled a boy's hand and slipped out of the crowd.
Ruoli's pure and innocent youthful feelings were on full display under the city's dazzling lights.
As the saying goes—
Now that I have seen such a virtuous man, how could I not be happy?
The Zheng style, which was favored by the ancients, seems to have once again traversed countless years and crossed mountains and seas to arrive.
A smile involuntarily spread across Wen Lingzheng's lips. She shook her head and continued walking forward.
"Would you like a paper lantern, young lady?"
With her path blocked, Wen Lingzheng abruptly stopped. What suddenly appeared before her was a bright red lotus lantern, with wild geese painted on its petals, a rare sight.
The familiar scent of sandalwood mingled with the aroma of cooking fires. She looked up, following the outline of the paper lantern—
It was an exquisitely crafted fox mask, with lotus flowers at the corners of the eyes seemingly outlined in cinnabar and mixed with gold powder, making it uniquely dazzling amidst the myriad lights.
For a moment, she was completely mesmerized, feeling as if she were not in control of herself. Before she knew it, she was lost in the shadowy gaze of the person behind the fox mask.
"Have you been waiting a long time?" Wen Lingzheng smiled as she took the paper lantern from his hand, then suddenly stepped forward and touched the lotus flower at the corner of his eye. "Did you add it?"
Having his identity exposed, Pei Lin took the opportunity to remove his mask.
“A-Ning said that the more you meet someone, the more you are left with a deep impression, like a veil between you and them, so she found me a mask.”
"But I thought that mask was too ugly, so I bought a blank one and drew one myself."
He turned away from the myriad lights of the city, then looked at Wen Lingzheng. The mask he had just put down was raised again. "This is the first Lantern Festival we've spent together! I want you to always remember it."
The boy's innermost thoughts were laid bare, yet they were also sincere and open.
Even though they had been husband and wife for six years and had been reborn, Wen Lingzheng couldn't help but blush. After lowering her head in embarrassment and composing herself, she looked up and stared at him for a long time.
Is there something on my face?
Meeting Wen Lingzheng's gaze, Pei Lin subconsciously touched his face.
But there was clearly nothing there.
Wen Lingzheng couldn't help but laugh out loud, raising the lotus lantern in her hand, "Shall we go release some river lanterns together?"
Pei Lin: "Of course, together."
On the Dragon Boat Festival, as people gaze at the moon, lotus lanterns float on the Bian River, their flickering candlelight seemingly melting into the night behind them, mingling with the bright moonlight.
Slowly crouching down, Wen Lingzheng held the lotus lantern, subconsciously moving it a little further away from the water.
Her fingertips unconsciously traced the lotus petals, and she stared blankly at the lifelike wild geese on them for a long time before turning her head to look at Pei Lin.
The night was a blur of light and shadow, and a hazy halo flashed before my eyes. His sharp features were tempered with a gentle touch.
When was the last time she saw that expression on his face?
As the memories swirled, the terror of nearly drowning seemed to return.
The hazy passage of time made her seem to see again the poisonous gazes of those Pei clan members, and hear that familiar sound.
"Ah Zheng, don't be afraid."
A jumble of emotions welled up inside her. Under the myriad lights, she traced his features, but the warmth of her palms grew colder and colder.
It was just like that year, when she was drowning and on the verge of death, and he rushed over, still wearing his silver armor.
At this moment, Wen Lingzheng finally realized that even after being reborn, she was still so determined to find that answer.
That answer shouldn't be something she gleaned from what happened, nor should it be something she heard from others.
—But it should be the hidden love that he himself expressed.
"Why a wild goose?" Wen Lingzheng lowered her head silently, her fingertips lightly brushing against the goose's wing. "Do you know what a wild goose represents?"
Pei Lin: "It is loyalty."
Amidst the drifting clouds and mist, and the everyday life of ordinary people, he enveloped her with a tenderness he never showed to others.
He stood up, took a step forward, and slowly extended his hand to her. "A-Zheng, come with me."
With just one word, she unconsciously extended her hand.
Amidst the swirling snowflakes, she felt no chill or coldness, only lost in his warm and bright eyes, as if in the springtime.
Ironically, the argument that "one should not indulge in it" that she had just heard in Fanlou was now completely forgotten by her.
It was the season of lantern festivals, and the banks of the Bian River, brightly lit, were filled with the shadows of countless boats.
The old man, who was rowing the boat, had graying hair and was wearing a faded cotton-padded jacket. His beard was cleanly shaved.
As the awning swayed gently, he smiled and looked at the young official and his wife leaning against the stern, lighting lanterns, and couldn't help but exclaim, "What a perfect couple!"
The lotus lantern drifted downstream, floating further and further away. As her thoughts returned, Wen Lingzheng sat up straight, but unexpectedly the boat suddenly rocked, and she almost bumped into his arms.
"Hey!—"
"careful!--"
In a flash, Pei Lin swiftly grabbed Wen Lingzheng's shoulder and brought her back to safety.
He lowered his head slightly to meet her gaze, just as fireworks began to rise on both sides of the strait.
In the dazzling, fleeting white light, he caught a glimpse of her reddened eyes, and his heart clenched, momentarily forgetting to move.
Old man: "I'm so sorry! I'm really so sorry!"
The old boatman's apology pulled Wen Lingzheng back to reality.
She subconsciously twisted her shoulder, only then realizing something was wrong.
The palm covering my arm felt like it was burning hot, able to penetrate my skin and reach deep into my heart.
Her face flushed instantly, and Wen Lingzheng stammered, unsure of what to say. Only then did Pei Lin realize his mistake. Seeing her settled, he hastily withdrew his hand, repeatedly apologizing, "I'm sorry... just now... I..."
The bewildered boy's ears turned red, whether from the cold snow or from embarrassment, it was hard to tell.
She waited a long time before she heard him stammer out, "I'm sorry, I... I was rude just now."
A suppressed laugh finally escaped her lips. She smiled at him, her arched eyebrows reflecting the moonlight, adding a touch of cunning. "Impolite? You were saving me, so it's not impolite."
As dusk fell, the old man, mindful of his earlier oversight, rowed the boat with great care, bringing it steadily to a stop on the shore.
Pei Lin jumped off the boat first, then went behind to help Wen Lingzheng.
On the octagonal pavilion standing behind him, countless lanterns painted with wild geese and depicting horses were lit up one by one.
The soft light pierced through the paper lamp and fell on Wen Lingzheng's face. She couldn't help but take a step forward, pick up a horse-drawn lantern placed by the corridor, and examine it closely.
The smooth and delicate brushstrokes depict each feather of the wild goose with a soft and lifelike quality, as if the southward-flying geese had unintentionally wandered into this prosperous world.
"How long did it take to draw?" Wen Lingzheng turned to look at Pei Lin.
"Wild geese are birds of loyalty, so I wanted to give them to you. Do you like them?"
"No beating around the bush!"
He said honestly, "I started drawing from the day you agreed. I could have let you see it sooner, but unfortunately my drawing skills are not good. I drew it and revised it, revised it and drew it again, which delayed me for a long time."
Fireworks suddenly burst open on the opposite bank of the river, their colorful bursts illuminating the dark night sky, making even the bright moon seem like a mere backdrop.
Wen Lingzheng: "Look! Fireworks!"
While Pei Lin turned around, Wen Lingzheng quickly closed the distance between them, so that when he looked back, he could easily smell the fragrance of her hair.
Pei Lin: "A-Zheng, you..."
He tried to retreat in a panic, but the girl grabbed his wrist, bringing them even closer together.
Wen Lingzheng: "Pei Jianwei, do you even know what true rudeness is?"
The girl looked up at him, her smile as pure as flawless jade, her bright black eyes clear and untouched by any desire.
He was so captivated by her beauty that he didn't have time to reply before the girl tiptoed and placed her slender hands on his shoulders.
Wen Lingzheng: "Pei Jianwei, this is what true rudeness is."
A soft, warm fragrance wafted towards him, and before he could react, a soft touch had already covered his cheek.
Just then, the fireworks on the opposite bank were in full bloom, and fine wines were being served. He hadn't drunk a drop, yet he felt as if he were trapped in an endless dream, unwilling to wake up.
"Second Brother!" On the carriage ride back, Pei Ning looked at her brother with great interest and repeatedly asked, "I'm asking you a question! Did you hear me?"
Just as he came to his senses, Pei Lin subconsciously picked up the water pouch and took a sip to cover his flustered state. "What did you ask?"
"I'm asking you, how did your lantern parade with A-Zheng go today?" Pei Ning leaned forward slightly, her blinking eyes full of curiosity.
Composing himself, Pei Lin looked at Pei Ning with a half-smile, "You really want to know?"
"Mmm-hmm!" At this moment, Pei Ning hadn't realized something was wrong, and honestly nodded in agreement.
Even the horseman outside the carriage, gripping the reins tightly, couldn't help but prick up his ears.
After taking another small sip of water, Pei Lin sealed the water pouch tightly, raised an eyebrow at Pei Ning, and asked, "Do you want to explain to me where that new rabbit kite in your yard came from?"
Uncharacteristically fawning, Pei Ning carefully smiled and said, "Fine, I won't say... Why do you have to interfere even with me flying a kite..."
Pei Lin didn't believe Pei Ning's nonsense.
His delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of unfathomable regret, as he gazed at Pei Ning for a long time.
"Have you thought it through?"
"What have you decided?"
Pei Ning leaned back, sensing danger with her keen awareness. She had a premonition about what Pei Lin was about to say, but pretended not to know.
Unexpectedly, Pei Lin directly stated his meaning.
"I've decided to live my whole life without envy or resentment; I understand that the emperor's favor is like flowing water, here today, there tomorrow; and I'm prepared to endure every lonely day and night alone..."
Although she had expected this day to come, Pei Ning was still unable to answer when Pei Lin questioned her.
She gently lifted the curtain. The lanterns in the market gradually faded, the fireworks disappeared, and the bustling crowds dispersed overnight, leaving behind only a scene of devastation.
The smile that usually graced Pei Ning's face faded, and her expression became confused and repressed.
"Second brother, Father and eldest brother would never betray the country, right?"
"There must be something else going on behind that incident, and it must involve someone in a high position of power, or even someone from above, right?"
Pei Ning understood the answer from Pei Lin's silence. She silently withdrew her hand, her expression calm and gentle.
"The Marquis of Dingbei's mansion and the Duke of Jing's mansion are both too prosperous. The Emperor trusts you and Brother Yun'an, but the Empress Dowager and the entire imperial family will not. This is a path that A-Shang and I simply cannot avoid."
“Back then, Father and Uncle Xiao could refuse the Empress Dowager once on the grounds that Ah Chang and I were still young, but what about now? Disobeying the imperial decree is a serious crime.”
Pei Lin clenched his fists, which were resting on his knees, and pressed his lips together, filled with remorse. "A Ning, I'm sorry..."
Pei Ning smiled, her fair and flawless face growing even more resolute. "Second brother, this is my home too! I want to do my part for it, and besides..."
After a long pause, Pei Ning said, "Besides, high positions are lonely and cold. I want to accompany him. I've wanted to accompany him since I was a child."
The atmosphere inside the carriage suddenly turned cold; even the horse-drawn boatman felt a chill run down his spine, and his hair stood on end.
He couldn't help but recall the events of the Qinghe era.
At that time, the emperor was only the crown prince. Because Pei Lin was his study companion, he often sneaked off to play at the Marquis of Dingbei's residence.
There once stood an old banyan tree in Yunzhong Pavilion. Beneath its shady green branches, kites soared into the blue sky and white clouds, and the tender feelings of a young girl quietly blossomed.
The banquet for childhood friends was filled with laughter and conversation.
They made solemn vows, but never considered the consequences.
Unfortunately, in the third year of the Xuanren reign, during the Emperor's wedding, the old banyan tree was personally cut down by the late Marquis of Dingbei, Pei Shen.
Those secret girlish thoughts were thus buried beneath the pond that was later built.
A brief moment of distraction caused Xingzhou to overlook the situation ahead.
On the wide official road, a person suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The startled horse reared up and was about to gallop. He almost lost control, but fortunately Pei Lin steadied him in time and then took the reins.
The horse neighed, the carriage came to a stop, and Pei Ning, relieved to have escaped unharmed, rubbed her sore arm and peered out, asking, "What happened?"
"Go back to the carriage first!" Pei Lin frowned slightly, jumped off the carriage nimbly, and instructed Xingzhou, "Xingzhou, keep an eye on her."
Lying not far from the horse's front hooves was a young man covered in blood.
His hair was messy, with clumps sticking to his face. His simple linen clothes were so thin that they were almost unrecognizable, and the tattered, torn pieces were covered with dried bloodstains.
Is this a form of vigilante justice?
Pei Lin frowned, reached out and helped him up. Seeing that he was still breathing, he felt a little relieved. "Are you alright?"
The scene before him grew increasingly blurry. After groping around for a long time and using all his strength, the man finally managed to grab Pei Lin's hem.
He struggled to lift his head, his purplish, chapped lips trembling as he whispered, "Help me, help me..."
Pei Lin's breathing slowed for a moment when he caught a glimpse of the mark on the man's forehead.
Since its founding, the Great Zhou Dynasty has always advocated benevolent governance, and both the late emperor and the current emperor have done so.
The punishment of tattooing the face was too cruel; in the three generations, it was only used during the Jianzhao reign of Emperor Taizu.
—This refers to the Lin family embezzlement case that occurred in the twentieth year of Jianzhao's reign.
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Author's Note: The next chapter will be about the wedding~ This volume will be coming to an end soon~
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