So hard to coax
"Changfeng? When did you get back? Why didn't you go home?"
As night deepened, even the stars seemed to make way for the upcoming fireworks display. After the group parted ways, Wen Ruo hadn't gone far when a voice exploded in her ear, its tone as delicate and melodious as an orchid. Wen Ruo looked in the direction of the voice.
Madam Yue was younger than she had imagined. Her hair was piled high in a bun, her face was smooth and fair, and her waist was still graceful. As Wen Ruo walked past her, she felt the fragrance of orchids captivating her. Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but this lady did not seem like someone who had experienced those things.
"Mom, my brother scolded me. Please be the judge." Sun Yueyou clung to Yue Li's arm, as if she had found her pillar of support.
Wen Ruo put on a mask, and Miss Yue comforted her daughter in a soft voice, her eyes filled with unusual affection as she looked at her son. Chang Feng bowed and said a few auspicious words, which made her smile. The three of them became one, their faces radiating happiness.
Wen Ruo temporarily put her mind at ease. As the two left, she was preoccupied and didn't notice A Chu turning around. She bumped into Sun Changfeng, and their eyes met. He immediately nodded and looked away.
Sun Yueyou glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, "What, you've taken a fancy to Wen Ruo?"
"Wen Ruo? So it's her."
Sun Yueyou leaned on her shoulder, her face somewhat gloomy. Yue Li looked away, put her arm around her shoulder to comfort her, knowing full well what her daughter was thinking.
"Changfeng, shall we go to the terrace with Mom to watch the performance?"
Sun Changfeng: "Alright, I'll tell Brother Fu."
Sun Yueyou immediately stood up straight, a strange light flashing in her dark eyes. She sweetly called out "Brother," her little thoughts undisguised, "Why don't you invite your classmates over as guests?"
Unexpectedly, his brother became classmates with Fu Jingjiang.
"Don't anger your father. Both of you should go to the palace banquet and show your faces."
"Brother, were the palace banquets lively in previous years?"
"It's even more lively than the terrace."
Lanterns hung in layers above the terrace. As soon as the gongs and drums sounded, the long-rehearsed variety show began to be performed. The area in front of the building was brightly lit, and crowds of people gathered around the stage.
Outside, Shiliu Niang was carrying a Bodhi leaf lamp, walking towards her with a happy expression. It must have been bought for her, as someone had written her name on it, along with four short lines of text. The coquettish voices behind her grew closer and closer, and Wen Ruo's heart skipped a beat. What bad luck, she had run into the Sun family again.
The lantern fell to the ground, and the paper lantern surface immediately caught fire, burning down to just the bamboo frame. Shiliu Niang froze on the spot, her eyes darting around violently, her face filled with disbelief. Her once energetic body instantly became limp and listless.
Life is unpredictable; it's said that fate loves to play tricks on her. Wen Ruo's throat tightened, and a cold laugh escaped from her nose. She knew the answer.
"Her leg has actually healed!"
Miss Yue's expression suddenly changed, and her voice was colder than the day the snow melted, chilling to the bone. Sun Yueyou shivered. "Mother, do you know her?"
Sun Changfeng gave her a wink, signaling her not to ask any more questions.
Wen Ruo's heart sank. She quickly walked to Shi Liu's side, took her arm, and blocked the view behind her. "Mother, don't be afraid. As long as it's not murder, arson, illegal acts, or beheading, I will support whatever you want to do."
Pomegranate Girl was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay, go play."
Achu: "I'll stay with your mother."
"With Ah Chu here, what are you worried about? Have fun."
As Wen Ruo walked down the street, laughter and cheerful voices echoed from the colorful tent. The golden phoenix lantern descended along the rope to her side, but she lost all interest in it. In the blink of an eye, the golden phoenix lantern was in someone else's hands.
"You're not even playing with the lantern? Aren't you the one who loves free things the most?" Qi Guanlan held up the golden phoenix lantern, blocking her way. The warm yellow light shone on her face. "Why are you looking so grumpy on New Year's Eve? Who upset you?"
Wen Ruo looked up in a daze, her face hidden behind a fierce-looking mask. Qi Guanlan exclaimed, "You scared me to death!"
"How fake!" Wen Ruo forced a smile. "What are you doing here?"
"Of course I sneaked out to play," Qi Guanlan said casually, touching his nose. "Who knew I'd run into you?"
Wen Ruo nodded gently. "What a coincidence."
Qi Guanlan coughed lightly, slowly placing his hands behind his back. His long, crimson, beaded satin robe accentuated his tall and handsome figure, and several sachets hung from his waist with gold and jade ornaments. He picked one up and asked, "Want something delicious?"
"I'm not hungry."
Wen Ruo looked down at herself. She was also wearing the dress given to her by the princess today. It was also crimson, with large crabapple blossoms embroidered in gold thread on the hem and cuffs, all made from the same fabric.
She was simply too inexperienced to recognize where the fabric came from.
Qi Guanlan accepted the sachet, then his gaze shifted, and his eyes suddenly lit up. He pulled her to the clay figurine stall, put down a piece of silver, and said, "Make one for her."
The three-tiered wooden frame was decorated with various small figures, including men, women, and children, with a general and a bodhisattva figure in the center.
The shop owner's hands moved swiftly, kneading colorful clay into tiny figures that quickly took shape. He would occasionally glance up at them, and Qi Guanlan bent down and gestured, "Smile. Even the stall owner is afraid if you have a stern face."
Wen Ruo took a deep breath, smiled slightly, and the corners of the clay figure's mouth also turned up.
"nice."
Upon hearing this, Wen Ruo turned her head, and Qi Guanlan immediately realized what she meant, pointing at the clay figure, "I'm talking about this."
The clay figure had just been handed to Wen Ruo when he pulled it aside. Qi Guanlan pointed to the innermost part of the figure with a self-righteous air and said, "I gave it to you, now it's your turn to give it to me."
"Sir, would you like toss rings or pitch-pot? Five rings for ten coins, and whatever you catch is yours."
"Pouch?"
Wen Ruo glanced down at the embroidery; the materials and workmanship were quite ordinary. She turned to look at Qi Guanlan's waist, pointing to the exquisite sachet, "Can you really take this out?"
"Gifts are not distinguished by their value, and besides, I can't just keep them."
Urged on by Qi Guanlan, Wen Ruo took out her money and bought five rings, then casually threw them into position.
"Just a little short."
The shopkeeper bent down to pick it up, smiling as he said, "Try harder next time!"
Qi Guanlan looked regretful and put his hands on his hips, saying, "Be serious, I'm not leaving until I get it. You don't want to empty your purse, do you?"
Wen Ruo pursed her lips. Seeing how serious he was, she knew she couldn't fool him. She shifted her position and aimed again.
"I got it!"
Shop owner: "A master!"
Qi Guanlan was taken aback for a moment. Wen Ruo dusted herself off, and seeing his mischievous expression, she teased, "Remember to bring it."
"A sharpshooter!"
Qi Guanlan sighed, quickly hid the purse in his sleeve, and then instructed, "There are three left: the pen holder, the wooden sword, and the painting label. Take them all; I want them."
“You’re also a 100% accurate shot!” Wen Ruo rolled her eyes at him and handed him the ring. “Take it yourself.”
"How did you know?" Qi Guanlan frowned, that strange feeling in his heart returned. Wen Ruo suddenly came to her senses and said casually, "Everyone knows about the story of the pitch-pot competition in the Hundred Garden. It's all because you have Yang Cong as a good friend."
Qi Guanlan immediately curled his lip, "Why bring him up?"
Having received the goods, the vendor couldn't wait to see the two off. He quickly wiped his sweat and patted his chest with relief, "Luckily, I didn't buy the expensive ones."
Sugar paintings, pastries, and bamboo wine—Wen Ruo's hands were full of things. Qi Guanlan walked ahead, looking around.
His handsome profile was always upturned at the corners of his mouth. He would glance back from time to time, his eyes smiling and even his sword-like eyebrows softening. Iron trees and silver flowers soared into the sky, and thousands of stars fell into his eyes, his pupils flashing with dazzling light.
Qi Guanlan quickly turned her around, "Does it look good?"
Fireworks exploded in the dark night sky, and golden flowers bloomed on the ground. In that instant, Wen Ruo felt something explode in her mind as well.
The sound of her heartbeat drowned out the laughter and chatter around her. She licked her lips, the sweet taste of the sugar painting lingering on her tongue.
I was stunned!
"Have you forgotten your troubles? Shouldn't you thank me?" Qi Guanlan's smile was almost touching. "Are you happy?"
"With Young Master Qi accompanying me, it's truly a feast for the eyes." Wen Ruo's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile. Realizing what was happening, she immediately composed herself and said solemnly, "Thank you."
"They change their tune so quickly," Qi Guanlan muttered, straightening his posture. Then he looked at the lantern boats on the lake. "Let's go take a look."
Wen Ruo: "Is it just my imagination, or are you trying to comfort me?"
"Yes, this is the first time I've ever coaxed someone. Aren't you honored?"
Wen Ruo lifted her foot to follow, and laughed instantly upon hearing this.
You don't believe me?
Seeing that he was about to get angry, Wen Ruo quickly nodded, "I believe you, I believe you from the bottom of my heart."
"fraud!"
Qi Guanlan bought two lanterns and said coldly, "Make a wish."
The lanterns on the lantern boats were adorned with wooden plaques, most with two hanging below each lantern, bearing wishes and blessings. Some had even more, perhaps belonging to a family. Those with only one lantern were pitifully few. Wen Ruo tied it on and, carrying the pole herself, hung it at the highest point.
Qi Guanlan craned his neck, but the lantern swayed so much that he couldn't see it clearly at all.
Wen Ruo: "Aren't you going to write it?"
His signboard was still empty. Qi Guanlan picked up a pen and quickly wrote a few strokes, then handed it to her, saying, "Learn from me, see how generous I am."
"I'm not going to the banquet."
Wen Ruo smiled again, "Young Master is of noble birth, please bear with me. Others are scrambling to go, so I can't go."
On the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, Baojuan Pavilion was spotless. The hall was fully equipped with braziers and carpets, making it as warm as spring. Officials sat in rows, surrounded by gold and jade cups and delicacies. The melodious sound of a zither slowly rose, and dancers filed in, gracefully beginning their dance.
Every year it's the same few things. Qi Guanlan leaned back in his chair, looking around the Sun family with a wan expression. The fourth young master was refined and cultured, just like his father.
After several rounds of drinks, the civil and military officials subtly split into two groups: one group composed poems and essays, while the other group gestured wildly. Their relatives and family members, on the other hand, were much more composed.
Qi Guanlan followed his uncle and cousin's gaze and couldn't help but shake his head. Being the emperor's crown prince wasn't an easy job either.
But why am I so tired too?
In the distance, the women, dressed in their finest attire, vied with each other for attention. Their makeup was novel and unique. More importantly, any petite girl would shyly turn her face away when she saw him. The moment he looked away, she became a target in the hunting ground, as if he were a wooden puppet.
"Isn't there anyone you like?" Princess Rongjing asked secretly.
Qi Guanlan's lips twitched. "With so many people, I'm overwhelmed. What do you like? You're just rushing through things. Mother, you're not paying attention."
Wen Ruo, well done, but what's infuriating is that I can't say no.
He gave a forced smile, but his eyes held a different story; he wished he could immediately capture Wen Ruo and let her experience what it felt like to fall into a den of wolves.
"Never mind."
"What?" Rong Jing turned around and saw that his eyes were blank, and she wondered where his mind had wandered off to again.
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