Chen Xuan Yue nodded earnestly, making all the maids laugh.
Gu Jin Chao didn’t bother to stop their little cheating—as long as they were happy.
Master Chen returned in the afternoon. In the evening, he went to pay respects to Old Madam Chen, then came back and ate a bowl of peanut tangyuan.
Chen Xuan Yue and Chen Xi had already been led by the servants to the front courtyard to see the lantern festival.
Gu Jin Chao watched him eat the tangyuan. After Master Chen slowly finished, he took out the “Surangama Sutra” that Old Madam Chen had given him and began reading.
Outside was bustling with noise, but inside was very quiet.
Gu Jin Chao had thought he would go see the lantern festival, but he sat reading Buddhist scriptures by her lamp, his prayer beads resting on the pages as he looked down attentively.
Gu Jin Chao remembered Old Madam Chen saying that there would be lantern riddles in the front courtyard… Outside Huaixiang Alley, there would be lion lanterns and dragon lanterns passing by. When the dragon lantern came, everyone would walk under it to be blessed with dragon energy. The common people would float lanterns along the river… She hadn’t seen such a grand lantern festival for several years.
He had contributed so much silver, yet he wasn’t going to see it?
Gu Jin Chao only saw Master Chen turn a page of the Buddhist scripture. She put down her embroidery frame and picked up scissors to trim the lamp wick, making a sharp sound.
He was reading the scripture and couldn’t help but smile as he lowered his head.
Gu Jin Chao took the opportunity to pull his hand: “Why don’t you go outside to see the lantern festival too! It’s not good to always be so cloistered.” He didn’t much like crowded events and usually avoided such occasions.
Master Chen, without looking up, said: “…You and Madam Sun and the others going is enough. Win some lanterns to bring back.”
Gu Jin Chao was somewhat disappointed but decided not to disturb his reading. She had promised Old Madam Chen she would go and see. The maid brought a cloak for her to wear; although they had changed to spring clothing a few days ago, it would likely still be cold at night.
She fastened the cloak, and Cai Fu raised a lantern, preparing to leave.
Gu Jin Chao turned back to look at Master Chen once more.
Master Chen then said: “I just remembered that I have a few things to discuss with Mother… I’ll go with you.” He put down his book and walked to Gu Jin Chao’s side. Gu Jin Chao knew he was accompanying her and couldn’t help but smile at him. But then she heard him sigh softly, “Couldn’t you have pleaded with me a bit more?”
Making such a grand lantern festival was originally for her enjoyment. He had only wanted to tease her a little.
She had given up after just one request.
How could Gu Jin Chao have known whether he truly wanted to go or not?
In the front courtyard, the lantern riddle guessing had already begun. Huaixiang Alley was filled with the clamor of voices that carried inside. Old Madam Chen had announced in advance that those who guessed lantern riddles correctly could win gold beans. Members from each household came to participate, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Seeing Chen Yan Yun come out, Old Madam Chen beckoned him over: “…It’s rare for you to come to see the lantern festival, sit here and keep me company.”
Chen Yan Yun sat beside his mother to chat with her, while Gu Jin Chao went around with Madam Wang, solving several lantern riddles. Whenever they encountered one they couldn’t solve, they would take it to Chen Yan Yun. In his spare moments, he would glance at it and immediately answer. After solving more than ten riddles this way, Old Madam Chen objected, laughing: “If we continue guessing like this, even my two bags of gold beans won’t be enough for him. Third Son is no longer allowed to participate in guessing lantern riddles!”
Everyone laughed upon hearing this.
The full moon rose into the night sky, and the lanterns in Rongxiang Alley were as brilliant as a sea of stars. People floating lanterns gradually moved toward the riverside.
Yu Wan Xue kept looking toward the moon gate. Chen Xuan Qing had not yet arrived.
Madam Zhuang comforted her: “Perhaps he’s been delayed by some matter. Let’s just enjoy ourselves.” She offered her a cup of plum wine.
Chen Xuan Qing was standing at the other end of the pond under the covered corridor, watching their festive scene from afar.
After standing there for a long while, he smiled faintly and turned to walk back.
What did all this festivity have to do with him anyway?