Zhong Muyu squatted by the river holding the lantern. Many men and women around her were making wishes silently. Zhong Muyu also made a wish and then pushed the lantern into the water.
The lanterns floated downstream and gradually merged into the water, becoming one of the twinkling lights.
Lu Ziyuan also released his lantern, and with a forceful push, he bumped into Zhong Muyu's lantern.
"Yu'er, what did you wish for?"
"I can't say this, or it won't work."
Lu Ziyuan was puzzled: "There's such a saying?"
"Of course you don't know?"
Lu Ziyuan smiled wryly: "I don't know. Even the lantern-releasing activity at the autumn harvest ceremony, I only heard about it from someone else. I thought it had a good meaning, so I bought it to release with you."
"You don't even know this? Doesn't Lingqing have an autumn harvest ceremony?"
"Have you forgotten? Lingqing's development relies mostly on commerce; only those villages and towns organize autumn harvest activities."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Muyu felt a slight disappointment: "Does that mean we don't have any fun activities?"
Not really.
Lu Ziyuan took her hand, and the two walked back to the post station.
"Merchants will prepare a grand Qili Festival at the end of the year, which is just as lively as the autumn harvest festival. Sea merchants and fishermen will hold a sea worship festival in the spring to worship the Dragon King and the Sea Goddess, so you don't have to worry about not having a lot of excitement to see."
Lu Ziyuan carefully explained some of the customs and festivals of Lingqing to her. This was the first time Zhong Muyu had learned about the place where she lived in such a way.
Indeed, to better protect and manage the mausoleum, we must understand it better.
Filled with anticipation for the future, the two returned to the inn with light steps, but unexpectedly encountered a stranger in the lobby.
It was getting late, and since they had to travel the next day, many people had already gone to bed early. Only Yin Ruixin and her maid remained in the large hall.
Upon seeing them return, Yin Ruixin immediately stood up from the stool and gracefully bowed, saying, "Your Highness, Your Highness, you are back."
The two exchanged a glance, quite surprised.
Unexpectedly, Yin Ruixin was waiting for them here.
Lu Ziyuan asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Your Highness and Princess have not returned so late, I was worried, so I came out to wait."
"Yes, we're fine. We have to travel tomorrow morning, so you should get some rest too."
"yes."
Yin Ruixin always kept her head down and looked meek. Even when Lu Ziyuan treated her so coldly, she just responded calmly and then silently returned to her room.
Zhong Muyu stroked his chin: "This attitude is the ultimate in being subservient, perhaps to leave a good impression on us."
"If she behaves herself, I can arrange a safe future for her. But if she's like Su Zhirou..."
Lu Ziyuan's expression instantly turned cold.
Zhong Muyu said, "She's not like Su Zhirou, but since she was given to you by the Empress, she's unlikely to be obedient. Be prepared."
"I understand, so I prepared a solution long ago."
"Huh? What is it?"
Seeing Zhong Muyu's curious expression, Lu Ziyuan left her in suspense: "Anyway, it won't do you any harm, so I won't tell you for now."
"If you don't want to say, then don't say. We'll find out sooner or later anyway."
Zhong Muyu suppressed her curiosity and did not pursue the matter further.
The next morning, they set off as quickly as possible, and after a few days, they finally returned to Lingqing.
As soon as he entered the city, the people lined the streets to welcome him, crowding around him so tightly that it was impossible to move. The excitement was no less than that in Yuanjing.
Zhong Muyu was no longer so conservative. She pulled up the carriage curtain and interacted with the people outside, and was eventually stuffed with countless flowers.
Yin Ruixin sat in the carriage behind, quietly watching this scene.
"The princess is so popular with the people of the city, and she has no airs at all. She shakes hands with everyone, no matter who they are."
Okra said, "You still need to be careful, Miss. You can't do this. There might be bad people among these people."
"Hmm, I won't, but sometimes I do envy someone like the princess."
Yin Ruixin lowered her head. The etiquette and rules she had learned since childhood had taught her not to do such a thing, but seeing Zhong Muyu chatting and laughing with others so freely, she was quite envious.
After the carriage arrived at the Prince's Mansion, Chengfeng, Zaochun, Uncle Qiu, and others came out to greet it.
Zao Chun was wondering why there was such a long convoy, but when she saw Lian Hua and Lian Qin, as well as that rich young lady she didn't recognize, her expression immediately changed.
Seeing this, Chengfeng gently touched her and asked, "Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"
"No, I just feel that the princess might be unhappy for a while."
"What?"
Chengfeng was still completely confused. He hadn't noticed Lianhua and Lianqin, but when he saw Yin Ruixin and her maid, he guessed about seven or eight parts of the story.
A young lady from a wealthy family traveled a long way to Lingqing with their prince; she certainly wasn't there for sightseeing. And he believed that Lu Ziyuan deeply loved Zhong Muyu and wouldn't seek to marry another young lady. Therefore, there was only one possibility: she had been betrothed to him.
Before Chengfeng could speak again, Zhong Muyu walked towards them cheerfully: "Chengfeng, early spring! Did you miss me?"
In early spring, she greeted him with a smile: "Of course I missed you! How have you been in Yuanjing?"
"It's nothing special, certainly not as good as home. But the Emperor has bestowed quite a few things upon us, so we'll find a chance to go to a restaurant for hot pot these next few days!"
Lu Ziyuan coughed lightly, "You're already thinking about what to eat as soon as you get back? Are you only taking them to eat?"
"How could I forget you? You were all included!"
Zhong Muyu fawned over him and clung to his arm. The group was all enjoying themselves, making Yin Ruixin feel even more out of place.
After settling everything in, Zhong Muyu finally remembered Yin Ruixin, who had been left out in the cold for half a day.
"Miss Yin, right? You're new here and don't have a place to stay. Let me think of somewhere you can stay..."
Zhong Muyu went through the layout of the Prince's Mansion. Originally, the Prince's Mansion had several courtyards, but because of Su Zhirou's matter, Lu Ziyuan demolished Tingzhi Courtyard and some of the surrounding side rooms. The current pavilion is still under construction.
Zhong Muyu also took it upon himself to occupy an open space in the courtyard to set up generators and other equipment, leaving no good locations available.
At this moment, Lu Ziyuan interrupted her thoughts: "Isn't Tingfeng Hall empty? Let's go there and quickly go and inventory the items for storage."
Lu Ziyuan pulled Zhong Muyu away without saying a word. Zhong Muyu was completely confused and couldn't remember where Tingfeng Hall was for a while.
At this moment, a servant came to Yin Ruixin: "Miss Yin, please come with me."
Yin Ruixin nodded and followed him around half of the palace, finally arriving at Tingfeng Hall.
Okra could hardly believe it: "This is it?"
"Yes, this is Tingfeng Hall."
There was a small courtyard located in the northwest corner of the Prince's Mansion. The courtyard was tidy and the house was fully furnished with the usual furniture, but there was only some simple vegetation in the courtyard, which made it look very desolate.
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