"The young master is the one who can take it easy, I’m just feeling sorry for him," the servant complained a few times, but didn’t say much more, shaking his head and letting it be.
"Let’s find a restaurant first and have dinner," The young master said indifferently.
"Eh, alright."
——
Gradually, the sky darkened, and the colorful flower lanterns throughout the town lit up. There were lanterns of rabbits, little pigs, lotus flowers, various colors and shapes, and countless creative lantern designs, which were absolutely beautiful.
The streets became bustling with people, and the sounds of laughter were endless.
After having dinner at Guilin Residence with Ji Xinhe, Ji Dong, and Xiao Bei, Xiao Bei couldn’t sit still and immediately ran out. He was excited, jumping for joy: "Big sister, big brother! Look at these beautiful lanterns! The whole street is full of them!"
Ji Xinhe laughed helplessly: "Take it easy, you just had dinner. Your food hasn’t even digested yet. If you keep running around like this, you’ll probably get a stomachache."
However, Xiao Bei couldn’t stop himself, "Sister, there are so many lanterns! This is the first time I’ve seen so many! Let’s go over there and check them out!"
Ji Xinhe laughed helplessly and shook her head, deciding to follow him.
Ji Dong laughed, "Xiao Bei has never seen such a lively scene before. Little kids always like excitement."
"From now on, let’s bring him to the Lantern Festival every year, since he loves it so much," Ji Xinhe smiled.
Actually, she was happy to see that Xiao Bei’s nature had become brighter day by day. He had grown up under the oppression of Ji Dashan and Lady Ding, and Xinhe was initially worried that his nature would be affected. However, he was still a child, and where could innocence and romance be easily erased?
"Mm."
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Ji Xinhei asked, "Why didn’t Xiao Cui come out today? Big Brother, it’s unusual for you to accompany me and Xiao Bei."
Ji Dong’s face reddened: "What do you mean unusual?"
Xin He laughed out loud: "I just mentioned it casually, and you’re nervous! Why didn’t Xiao Cui come out? What a pity to miss such a beautiful Lantern Festival!"
"Her parents are strict and won’t let her come out. Besides, she’s getting married this month," said Ji Dong, scratching his head shyly.
"Oh~" Xin He responded with an expression of sudden realization: "I almost forgot, next month is your big wedding day, no wonder Xiao Cui wasn’t allowed to come out for the Lantern Festival."
Traditionally, a girl must stay at home for a month before getting married, remaining quietly inside during that time.
Xinhe had only been an exception in order to do business, but in the end, that marriage didn’t happen, so it’s best not to mention it.
Suddenly, drums and gongs played, and the street became extraordinarily lively. The crowd began to cheer.
Ji Xinhe looked up to see a dragon lantern that spanned almost an entire street being held high by servants, parading around. The majestic dragon, crafted lifelike, was truly a masterpiece of skilled craftsmen.
"Wow! What a big dragon lantern! Big sister, take a look! The dragon lantern is so beautiful! Even its eyeballs seem to be alive!" Xiao Bei cheered with the others.
Many children excitedly weaved through the crowd of servants holding the dragon lantern, following the long lantern as it moved.
The dragon lantern procession stopped, and the brightly lit lanterns illuminated the streets. Several lion dancers joined the festivities, and it turned out that a lion dance troupe had been specifically invited.
Xiao Bei was ecstatic, jumping and clapping, unable to contain his excitement: "Wow! Wow! That’s amazing!"
Standing in the crowd, watching the lively people, the spectacular lion dance performance, and the various beautiful lanterns, Xin He’s heart inexplicably rose a faint chill.
Even though she appeared calm and indifferent on the outside, she couldn’t suppress the torment deep within her heart, and she couldn’t deceive herself any longer.
Suddenly, she remembered what he had once said to her.
"Xinhe, today when I saw you in that wedding dress, I thought that even if I had to give up my whole empire for you, it would be worth it."
At that time, she didn’t believe him and joked, "If that’s the case, if I ask you to exchange your high position for me now, would you do it?"
"Of course I would. With a wife like you, what more could I ask for as a husband?"
Those past memories were still vivid in her mind, but today, everything had changed.
A man who had boasted of giving up his whole empire for her had ultimately abandoned her at her wedding, relinquishing his empire to save another woman.
What a joke!
Ji Xinhe forced a smile while watching the joyful Xiao Bei and her brother’s smiling face. Her heart was bitter, as she knew that Ji Dong and Xiao Bei wanted her to be happy, which was why they had looked forward to this Lantern Festival so much. But her heart had grown cold; how could a single Lantern Festival warm it again?
No matter how many lively scenes and bustling events surrounded her, she felt as if they didn’t belong to her.
Ji Xinhe’s eyes dimmed slightly.
Ji Dong ran over, laughing, "Xinhe, the lion dance troupe and the dragon lantern are about to leave. Xiao Bei said he wants to follow the dragon lantern as it goes."
Xin He nodded, "Big brother, take him to play. I’m a little tired and want to rest in the teahouse on that side. You can come find me later."
Ji Dong furrowed his brow, "How can I feel at ease leaving you here alone?"
Xinhe couldn’t help but laugh, "I alone can kill wild boars. Do you really think I’ll get lost? Also, the streets are filled with people, including many young boudoir daughters who came out especially for today’s event. What could possibly happen?"
Ji Dong scratched his head, "I suppose you’re right." His sister’s health had improved day by day, and her martial skills had grown stronger too. Sometimes when he saw her, he was simply dumbfounded.
Especially during the last incident with the annoying Lady
Ding, she had kicked her so hard that she sent Lady Ding flying ten meters away!
Quickly, Ji Xinhe said, "The lion dance troupe is leaving. Big brother, you should hurry and follow Xiao Bei. Make sure he doesn’t get lost."
Only then did Ji Dong say, "Alright, you be careful. Don’t wander around, just wait for us in the teahouse. Xiao Bei and I will come find you as soon as we finish watching the lion dance."
With that, Ji Dong quickly ran to Xiao Bei’s side and disappeared into the crowd.
Xinhe waved her hand until she could no longer see Ji Dong and Xiao Bei. She shook her head with a light smile and turned to head toward the teahouse.
She had originally planned to stay at the teahouse for some peace and quiet, but surprisingly, the teahouse was even more lively.
The teahouse’s shopkeeper personally stood at the door, warmly welcoming the common people: "Our teahouse is hosting a challenge activity. Whoever makes it to the final stage will win our grand prize, the hundred-flower lantern!"
Ji Xinhe looked up at the hundred-flower lantern hanging high above the teahouse’s entrance. The nine-layer lantern was covered in painted flowers of all colors and was said to be the work of a master craftsman. What was even more amazing was the design of the lantern, which was made up of nine layers of overlapping petals. It was incredibly beautiful.
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