Lantern Festival II

The usual darkness of the night was transformed by the brilliant glow of thousands of lanterns strung from every corner, casting a warm, enchanting light over the entire capital. For the Lantern Festival, Qilin was awash in vibrant colors, each hue more vivid than the last, painting the night sky in celebration of the New Year. Each lantern was uniquely crafted—a testament to the dedication of the blacksmiths who forged the frames and the seamstresses who hand-stitched the silks. Their delicate designs bore everything from painted blossoms and auspicious symbols to poems written in elegant calligraphy. Inside each lantern, a single candle flickered, casting a golden light that shimmered against the twilight as prayers and songs filled the air.

The city was a scene of joyful chaos, alive with the energy of the festival season. Vendors called out from stalls piled high with fragrant delicacies, intricate trinkets, and charms, their voices blending with the laughter of children and the chatter of the crowds. Streets that were usually quiet after sundown were now packed with townsfolk and visitors, shoulder to shoulder, creating a lively, almost claustrophobic energy that pulsed with the rhythm of the capital's heartbeat. Old friends reunited with warm embraces, families shared laughter over treats, and strangers forged new friendships under the lantern-lit sky. 

As the trio strolled down the streets, it didn't take long for them to become the center of everyone's attention. Despite their simple attire, their nobility and charm seemed to radiate, drawing every eye in their direction. The man stood tall and graceful, with a strong jawline and a high, distinguished nose. His dark eyes gleamed with quiet intensity, captivating many young onlookers who stole glances, entranced by his effortless confidence. This was none other than Tian Weilong, the Crown Prince himself.

The two young women beside him were each enchanting in their own way, appearing almost like fairies who had stepped out from a dream. The one in the pastel-yellow dress embodied a classic beauty. Her deep brown eyes were warm and expressive, framed by long lashes that made them appear almost liquid in the soft glow of the lanterns. High, refined cheekbones and a symmetrical face lent her a grace that was both delicate and captivating. An elegant butterfly hairpin adorned her ebony hair, which cascaded over her shoulders in gentle waves, adding a playful yet sophisticated charm. This was Feng Qingqing, exuding a quiet allure that drew subtle admiration.

In contrast, the girl in white beside her had an otherworldly, almost ethereal beauty. Feng Ruyi's skin was fair as porcelain, accentuating the simplicity of her flowing white gown that moved like mist around her as she walked. Her beauty was refreshing, untouched by self-awareness, making her appear both mysterious and approachable. Her long hair was partially pulled back with a single white ribbon, emphasizing the elegance of her profile. There was a light in her eyes—a blend of curiosity, intelligence, and serenity—that held a magnetic quality, drawing those around her in, as if she were privy to secrets beyond the world they knew.

Together, these three walked like a scene from a painting, a striking trio whose elegance and quiet power made even the bustling crowd fall silent in awe.

Suddenly, Feng Ruyi paused mid-step, turning to face Tian Weilong and Feng Qingqing with a mischievous smile. "I think I'll do a bit of browsing at the stalls," she said. "But I know Qing Qing has been wanting to see The Tree of Fortune for some time now. Your Highness, why don't you take her?"

Feng Qingqing's eyes narrowed slightly, her patience waning. "Jie jie, Father instructed us to stay together. How about I join you at the stalls for a bit, and then we can all head to The Tree of Fortune?"

"Oh, mei mei, don't worry so much!" Feng Ruyi replied with a playful wave of her hand. "If we follow that plan, we won't have enough time to fully enjoy the festival. Since we're interested in different things, it makes more sense to split up, doesn't it? How about this: let's meet back at the Huai River at xū shí to light the lanterns together. What do you think, Your Highness?" She cast a sly wink at Tian Weilong, knowing he'd catch on to her intentions.

She saw the briefest flicker of amusement in Tian Weilong's eyes as he turned his gaze to Feng Qingqing. Feng Ruyi grinned inwardly, pleased. She was the self-proclaimed captain of this "ship," and if Tian Weilong didn't understand her efforts to give him time alone with her sister, well, he wasn't quite as clever as a Crown Prince should be!

Tian Weilong immediately understood Feng Ruyi's subtle maneuver. A wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and for a brief moment, he felt a pang of guilt. The cancellation of the engagement with Feng Ruyi still weighed on his conscience. He had never wanted to hurt her, but his heart had never been in the engagement, and he knew he had disappointed her. However, seeing her now, so carefree and cunning in her own way, almost... light-hearted, brought him a strange sense of relief.

He cleared his throat, brushing aside the lingering feeling of guilt. "I think what Miss Ruyi said is right," he said with a helpless smile. "This way, we'll save time and experience more of the festival." He glanced at Feng Qingqing, who still looked a bit hesitant. "Besides, you two wouldn't want to waste time on something you've already seen, would you?" His tone was smooth, though there was an undercurrent of playfulness that matched Feng Ruyi's intentions.

"Then it's settled," Feng Ruyi clapped her hands, her tone light and triumphant as if she had orchestrated the entire conversation.

Feng Qingqing, however, was not so easily swayed. "But father wouldn't be happy knowing I left you by yourself," she said, her brows furrowing slightly in concern. Clearly, she wasn't going to back down without putting up a fight. The idea of leaving her sister in the hands of the Crown Prince, no matter how well-intentioned, still felt wrong to her.

Feng Ruyi, unfazed by the objection, tilted her head with a playful smile. "But I wouldn't be alone. Two, no, three of the Crown Prince's personal guards can follow me. That will be fine, right?" She flashed a quick glance at Tian Weilong, who was standing a few steps behind. Before either of them could voice any objections, Feng Ruyi spun on her heel, already beginning to walk toward the bustling stalls ahead. "Now, I'm off to see explore. "The festival isn't going to wait for us," she called over her shoulder, her voice tinged with excitement, as the three bodyguards responsible for Feng Ruyi's safety quickly chased after her, falling into step with her every movement. 

Tian Weilong and Feng Qingqing were left momentarily silent as they exchanged glances, each caught between the awkwardness of the situation and their internal hesitations. The awkward silence between them lingered, as Feng Qingqing's gaze remained fixed on her sister disappearing into the crowd, her expression unreadable. Tian Weilong, sensing the tension, stepped closer, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Without thinking, he reached out and gently took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. Feng Qingqing blinked in surprise and instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but Tian Weilong's grasp was firm, though not harsh. He held her hand with quiet confidence as if urging her to let go of her hesitation. "Let's go," he said softly, his voice steady despite the strange flutter in his chest. Feng Qingqing hesitated for a moment, her heart racing, but eventually, she didn't resist. With a quiet nod, she allowed him to lead her forward, their fingers still intertwined as they made their way toward the Tree of Fortune, the vibrant festival buzzing around them, but for a moment, it was just the two of them.

Notes: xū shí (7pm -9pm)