Amidst the cheers of "Long live," no one noticed the faint smile on the Duke of Wei's lips.
The Empress's faction did not understand the principle of falling from a great height.
The current glory was merely a reflection in the water and the moon; true power still lay with him.
Glancing at the Ninth Prince, they exchanged knowing smiles.
Leaning by the window, Madam Wen's eyes gleamed as she watched the spectacular "Four Dragons Competing for the Pearl."
"Master, my father is in Shuzhou. If the harvest in the west is as bountiful as expected this year, will my father possibly be promoted?"
"Your father-in-law is the Prefect of Shuzhou. His performance review is not yet finalized, but if it is indeed a year of abundance, a decree from His Majesty could lead to a transfer."
Promotion meant a possible move to the Eastern Capital, and perhaps the family could reunite then.
Thinking that she had not returned to her distant maternal home for seven or eight years due to her poor health, Madam Wen's joy was somewhat dampened.
Feng Jinxu, who saw this clearly, understood her thoughts and comforted her.
"Your father holds an official post and cannot easily come to the capital. However, your mother and younger siblings are welcome. If you miss them, I can arrange for them to come to the capital."
"Really? Master, can you really?"
"Of course. You are due to give birth in a few months. It is only natural for your family to come and look after you. I will inform the Road and Town Office in advance. Once we obtain the travel permit, your mother and the others can come to the capital."
Hearing Feng Jinxu's words, Madam Wen was more delighted than if she had taken any elixir.
Seeing Madam Wen's long-frowning face finally lighten, Feng Jinxu felt relieved.
He had overlooked too much in the past; it would never happen again.
Feeling Feng Jinxu's firm gaze and warm embrace, Madam Wen wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes. "I suspect this child will be a daughter. I tend to cry easily."
"A daughter would be good too, as considerate as you."
Inside the Changchun Tower, the couple shared tender moments. On the imperial street, it was now crowded with people, one after another.
After the "Four Dragons Competing for the Pearl" concluded, the common folk dispersed throughout the Eastern Capital.
Now, centered around Zhengde Tower, with the imperial street to the south as the main thoroughfare, the entire road was filled with various lantern festival stalls.
From grand juggling performances to small cosmetic stalls, crowds gathered everywhere.
Inn servers loudly beckoned customers inside, while men and women walked in twos and threes.
The frozen river had been replenished with hot spring water ahead of schedule. As it melted, lotus lanterns filled the river, reflecting the joyful smiles of the people lining the streets.
Feng Jinyao and the others held finished lanterns. Hers was simple, square, and without any particular design.
In contrast, the rabbit lantern in Feng'er's hand made Bai Siruo envious.
"Second Cousin, where did you find such a beautiful rabbit lantern? You didn't even give one to A'yao. Look at what she's holding!"
Indeed, compared to Feng Jinlin's rabbit lantern, Feng Jinyao's lantern was not only ordinary but also somewhat crude.
It seemed more appropriate if they had exchanged them.
"Hmph, you little girl, your words are so unpleasant. Be careful you don't get dealt with later." While speaking, he winked at Xiao Muqian, making Bai Siruo want to hit him. "My lantern was made by Canwen. He's very skillful, and I snatched it as soon as he finished it. There's a distinction between men and women, and besides, this lantern has other auspicious meanings, so I couldn't give it to A'yao."
Yin Canwen. Hearing this, Bai Siruo and Xu Mingyue became curious. It was rare for a man to be so skillful.
Feng Jinyao had heard about him from Xiuqiu. Seeing the rabbit lantern today, she indeed found it beautiful.
"Young Master Yin is truly remarkable. Not only is he excellent in his studies, but his hands are also so skillful. I think, Second Cousin, you've been outshone."
"Little girl, it's a festival, and you insist on competing with me."
Feng Er hated it the most when people said he was inferior to others, especially when it was his cousin with whom he had bickered since childhood. How could he concede defeat?
Xiao Muqian's initial impression of Bai Siruo was merely his aunt's daughter. Now, seeing her lively and radiant appearance, he found her incredibly vibrant.
The trip to Sucheng was worthwhile.
His greatest fear was a wife as beautiful as a statue. Perhaps having stayed in Liangzhou City for too long, he had become accustomed to a free and unrestrained life. If he were to marry a wife who strictly adhered to all rules, their desire for a harmonious life might become a futile wish.
Now, seeing Bai Siruo like this, he felt more anticipation for this marriage.
Not far away, in a wine shop, Lu Yuanfeng happened to see this scene. The wine in his cup and the person in his arms instantly lost their appeal.
He closed the window, fearing Bai Siruo might see him. This action displeased the charming young woman in his arms.
"Sir, it's lively outside, why are you closing the window?"
A pair of delicate hands pushed Lu Yuanfeng's shoulder, but he showed no reaction. Her displeasure grew, and she pushed harder, angering Lu Yuanfeng. He slapped her, knocking her from his arms, and cursed fiercely.
"Get out!"
"Sir..."
"I'll say it again, get out!"
The charming young woman, covering her stinging cheek, ran out crying, leaving Lu Yuanfeng alone in the room, sulking.
This Grand Princess of Changlin was also a pushover. She had been so willful in the past, yet she was suppressed by Xiao Muqian.
He had thought his stumbling block would be removed, but instead, it had helped him gain a good reputation.
Thinking of this, he became even more enraged.
Although it was only a fleeting glance, Bai Siruo's charming and adorable appearance earlier had scratched at his heart and lungs like cat's claws. He didn't want to let go, not to mention the Bai family behind her.
Such a prize, if he let it slip away, wouldn't he have missed a heaven-sent opportunity?
Hmph, how could that be.
He gently opened the window a crack, and his amorous eyes fixed on Bai Siruo and her companions passing by outside. His determination to possess her grew even stronger.
At this moment, the group, happily strolling, was unaware of Lu Yuanfeng. Instead, they were being scolded fiercely by Su Cheng, who had caught up.
"Feng'er, you're too disloyal! You don't look after your own cousin and trouble an outsider like me?"
Su Cheng had finally squeezed through the crowd to catch up with them. However, Bai Sihan behind him clung to him like an octopus. As a young lady of the Bai family, he couldn't truly lose her, so he took his anger out on Feng Jinlin.
"Brothers are meant to stand by each other, aren't they? Besides, Uncle Su has been urging you to get married for a long time, but you just mess around all day. Aren't I helping you?"
Su Cheng was three or four years older than Feng Jinlin. Although the families of military officers were generally more lenient about marriage age, he clearly had no intention of getting married. Su Cheng's father was willing, but his mother was not. She had introduced him to several girls, but he hadn't agreed to any.