fox spirit
As dusk falls, lanterns light up the streets, and figures move about on Xuan'an Tower. The Emperor and Empress will be present at the Lantern Festival to celebrate with the people. The towers on the east and west sides will be filled with princes and ministers.
The Lantern Festival has been like this for the past few years, gradually becoming a fixed part of the festival. The nine horns erected on the city tower resounded majestically throughout the sky.
At this time, people from every household, young and old, began to gather on the street without anyone knowing.
On the street, anyone with a little money dressed up meticulously, looking pleasing to the eye.
As soon as Wen Ruo stepped out, she attracted a lot of attention. When they saw that the person beside her was Zhao Heng, they were all wide-eyed and subconsciously followed behind the two of them, curious about their relationship.
Zhao Heng glanced around and said, "Miss Wen, what kind do you like? I'll give it to you."
Wen Ruo casually picked one, and Zhao Heng took out some silver. "If you accept the lantern I gave you, it means you like me. Have you ever heard that, Miss Wen?"
Wen Ruo paused, raising an eyebrow: "Is this how all the young ladies in your household are raised?"
Zhao Heng: "I still prefer your quick wit."
"You have a penchant for being insulted, don't you?"
"No, I just want to have a heart-to-heart talk with the girl."
Sincere? Your heart has long been torn to pieces. Wen Ruo sized him up. "You used the Lantern Festival to keep me company?"
“I consider you a confidant, what’s wrong with that?” Zhao Heng placed the lamp in her hand. “Everyone else has one, take it.”
"Confidant," Wen Ruo pondered these two words. Could it be that he knew Xi You was me? She was startled and slowly raised her head to meet his gaze, trying to find some clue on his face.
Zhao Heng maintained a smile throughout, his gaze fixed intently on her without any intention of looking away. It must be said, Zhao Heng certainly had the looks to be a womanizer. Wen Ruo felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me. I should thank you for returning the clay figure to me, otherwise Qi Guanlan would definitely have renege on his promise."
Wen Ruo: "I have a question, but I'm not sure if I should ask it?"
"you say."
"You're incredibly wealthy and unafraid of him, how could you possibly lose to him?"
Zhao Heng's eyes flickered slightly. "Cao Xi chose him."
His mother saw through his thoughts and told him that Cao Xi would marry whoever got the clay figurine, so he naturally prepared a thick stack of them.
However, halfway through the auction, he encountered Cao Xi. She nervously clutched her handkerchief, while her maid teased her, asking which one she wanted. He would never forget what Cao Xi had said then.
“She said.”
"I can't stand Qi Guanlan losing."
A casual remark, yet the smell of burning filled the air. Wen Ruo caught a whiff of bitterness. So he had personally sent Cao Xi away. She looked away thoughtfully.
"Cao Xi!"
Zhao Heng immediately looked over and saw the person in front of him take off his mask, his eyes flashing with a playful glint. It was indeed Cao Xi.
He glanced at Wen Ruo. As expected of a master of disguise, she was impersonating Xi You and probably knew Cao Xi's size and posture by heart, which was why she recognized him at a glance.
Cao Xi, carrying a goldfish lantern, walked over slowly. "Did I disturb you?"
Seeing Zhao Heng's figure dim in an instant, Wen Ruo suddenly felt a little sorry for him. If he had taken one more step, he probably wouldn't have been able to hear Cao Xi's voice.
But why was Cao Xi disappointed in Qi Guanlan? She tried to come to her senses, shook her head and smiled, "Why are you the only one here?"
"The two of you were such a handsome couple that I was distracted for a moment before I realized I had gotten separated from my sister."
She spoke lightly, holding the lantern to her side, the gloom lessening in her eyes. "You're doing well at the academy?"
"That would be wonderful. I would be even happier if you came."
The two were chatting happily when Wen Ruo glanced at Zhao Heng out of the corner of her eye. Zhao Heng held up a lantern and passed by, her face a kaleidoscope of colors, looking incredibly beautiful. She then looked to the side and asked, "Young Master Qi, how much longer are you going to watch?"
The lantern on the table fell to the ground with a thud, filling the air with the scent of pine resin. Qi Guanlan dodged to the side and hurriedly picked out the largest crab lantern.
He tossed down a silver ingot, placed it in Wen Ruo's hand as soon as he came over, and openly snatched the one back from her hand, saying, "It's a perfect match for you; you can have several relationships at the same time."
Everyone present had a grudge against him.
Wen Ruo and Zhao Heng chatted happily, gazing at each other affectionately. The two women beside him were excited, saying that Wen Ruo was going to be taken away by Zhao Heng. Then Cao Xi came out, and the two women behind her started arguing about who was a better match for Zhao Heng.
ridiculous.
Cao Xi chuckled, "You're still the same as always."
Zhao Heng felt neglected. Cao Xi had been chatting with him for so long without saying a word to him, but Qi Guanlan immediately started catching up with him. Standing next to Wen Ruo, he immediately started mocking her, "When did Young Master Qi learn to spy?"
Qi Guanlan subconsciously turned his head, while Wen Ruo lowered her head. The wooden pole was carved with patterns, and its uneven surface hurt her palms. She tugged at the rope and said, "What are you looking at me for? I didn't teach you that."
Qi Guanlan looked at the crab claws bobbing up and down and sneered, "Yes, the one who followed the robber with me was a ghost."
Cao Xi suddenly realized.
Wen Ruo reluctantly changed the subject, "So you're saying my couplet hasn't been removed yet."
"A young hero emerges from your own hand, a talented man and a beautiful woman enter your door, truly a fine couplet."
“Quite talented.” Cao Xi chuckled, and Wen Ruo’s gaze softened. “Miss Cao has a discerning eye.”
"Cao Xi, why didn't you come to see me when you got back?" Sun Xuerong walked over, and the surrounding gazes made Wen Ruo feel overwhelmed. "You guys talk, I'm leaving first."
Wen Ruo left in a hurry, leaving behind her four former playmates, whose scrutinizing gazes still followed her. A familiar toy stall came into view. She paused for a moment, then took a step forward. The fox mask was placed in the most prominent position, smiling at her.
The mask covered her face, and the exposed corners of her lips were pressed into a straight line.
Wen Ruo quickly slipped into the crowd, and suddenly everything around her became quiet, even the noisy and polluted air smelled sweet.
"Feel sorry."
Wen Ruo rubbed her shoulders and turned her face to the side. There was a faint smell of oil on the spot where the person had brushed against her. She subconsciously looked at her waist and realized that the begonia bag was gone.
"stop!"
She immediately looked up and shouted, "Stop thief!"
Wen Ruo hurriedly chased after him, but a dark shadow flashed past her, so fast that Wen Ruo didn't even notice it. She ran for a while, but the thief had long since disappeared.
Damn it!
Two tear tracks slid down to the corners of her mouth. Wen Ruo pursed her lower lip and wiped away the tears. "Out with the old, in with the new."
As she spoke, her eyes were still red.
"Is this yours?"
“Yes,” Wen Ruo immediately accepted it. The young man opposite her was panting, clearly having run over. “Thank you!”
You're welcome, but please be careful.
Wen Ruo tucked the purse into her sleeve, thanked her again, and prepared to leave.
Are you alone?
"That's too unsafe."
"My uncle said there are too many people around tonight, so it's best to stay with your family. Where are you going? I'll take you."
What's your name?
This person is so outgoing! He has a bright smile, long arms and legs, and walks with a swagger. There's a sense of déjà vu about him.
"My name is Wen Ruo. Would you like some candied hawthorn? It's on me."
He narrowed his eyes slightly. "Do you know Qi Guanlan?"
Wen Ruo was puzzled, but seeing that he meant no harm, she nodded.
He instantly became excited, "You are Wen Ruo! My uncle mentioned you when he taught me military strategy, and he praised you highly."
"Uncle? Military strategy?" A hint of surprise flashed in Wen Ruo's eyes. She remembered him and said he looked familiar. He did look a lot like General Gu. "It can't be that much of a coincidence, can it?"
What merit or ability does she possess to receive such praise from General Gu?
“My name is Gu Dongxuan. Mr. Yi came to my house for drinks and mentioned you to me.”
Wen Ruo chuckled, "Mr. Yi truly lives up to his words."
"Sister Wen, this fox spirit mask really suits you. You're surrounded by men one after another. Who is this one? Where is your good brother?"
What merit or ability did she possess that Qi Guanlan would so eagerly acknowledge her as his sworn sister? Sun Yueyou's face was gloomy, and the chill emanating from her was so intense that even the lanterns on the entire street couldn't dispel it.
The lingering spirit caused Wen Ruo to frown.
Gu Dongxuan stared at the two of them for a few more moments, then said with a hint of regret, "The young lady is beautiful, but her mouth is truly unbearable to look at."
"What did you say!"
Wen Ruo said softly, "I'm telling you, your mouth stinks!"
"Don't call me sister. I'm an orphan. I don't have a sister who doesn't know her place."
"No matter how good your brother is, it has nothing to do with you. You don't need to try to claim kinship with me."
"Otherwise, if I were to actually gain a good brother, I wouldn't know whether to thank him or what."
Sun Yueyou gritted her teeth in anger. She turned her head and said, "Is this what you call heartbroken, sad, and dejected? I can't see it at all."
Fu Jingjiang's reluctance vanished instantly, and he bowed slightly to Wen Ruo, saying, "Miss Wen, please don't take offense."
"Of course, I wish you a healthy baby soon."
"Having both a son and a daughter."
The two men turned pale instantly.
"What's wrong, Miss Sun? I'm just apologizing. My good sister and brother are gone, and I have to compensate them with two more."
Gu Dongxuan chuckled and left with Wen Ruo.
"Good brother?"
Wen Ruo felt a chill run down her spine. Listening to him ramble on was truly embarrassing, but thankfully she had a mask to cover it up.
Qi Guanlan perked up his ears with a playful look, raised an eyebrow and said, "Just call me, I'll get used to it!"
Wen Ruo wished she could fly away as fast as she could, but Gu Dongxuan was still there.
"Brother Qi!"
Gu Dongxuan bowed, and Qi Guanlan turned to look at him. "Why are you still here? Didn't you volunteer to maintain order?"
Seeing the disdain in his eyes, Gu Dongxuan immediately understood, "Then Brother Qi, please escort me for a while."
Qi Guanlan nodded, thinking that he did have some sense.
As soon as Gu Dongxuan left, Wen Ruo immediately tried to slip away, saying, "Young Master, there's no need to see me off. I can walk by myself!"
"And then your purse gets stolen?"
Wen Ruo was somewhat incredulous, "You were following me?"
"I've surpassed my master, so how about it? Have you graduated yet?"
You really hold a grudge!
Wen Ruo said that she had noticed the colorful tent next to her when she arrived, which was a place to rest.
Upon entering, one sees thick bamboo poles covered with a layer of blackout tarpaulin, protecting them from the rain. Tables and chairs are scattered here and there, with some tattered oil paper bags left on the tables, untouched by anyone.
"So messing with me will end badly."
Her rounded fingertips landed lightly on the mask like feathers. "Hide your fox tail."
Wen Ruo smiled and said, half-jokingly, "Of course."
"So you saw Sun Yueyou too?"
Qi Guanlan pinched his chin and observed for a moment. "What vixen? It seems she's only somewhat cunning."
"To accuse me so unjustly... suddenly a word comes to mind?"
"What?"
"The fox borrows the tiger's might!"
Wen Ruo was eager to try, "If I really brought you in front of her and called you 'brother,' what would her reaction be!"
Qi Guanlan clicked his tongue and shook his head. "That's so boring. I have a better idea."
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