Chapter 1957: Lantern Festival Chapter 1957: Lantern Festival Editor: Henyee Translations They also arranged for a special break for the guards.
Those with no pressing duties were permitted to take ti off and enjoy so leisure activities.
Grateful for the gesture, the guards happily expressed their thanks.
After indulging in the glutinous rice balls, they gathered their friends and ventured out in groups to join the festivities.
Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan decided to explore the lantern festival together.
However, Anan, still too young and with the crowds at the festival, was left behind.
Despite missing out on the lantern festival, Anan was entertained by the nurous lights in the yard.
Unbeknownst to him, Qiao Xuan slipped out of the door.
The lantern festival grounds had been ticulously planned by the yan, featuring two long streets and a spacious square interconnected.
Tonight, access to the area was restricted, with no carriages or horses allowed entry, and bailiffs stationed at the entrances.
Stepping off the wagon, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan found themselves engulfed by a bustling throng of revelers.
“So many lights, such a lively atmosphere!
Next year, when Anan is a bit older, we’ll bring him along too!” Qiao Xuan remarked with a smile, envisioning future outings with her child.
Shao Yunduan assisted Qiao Xuan in fastening her cloak, adorned with rose red embroidery and rabbit fur trim, before intertwining his fingers with hers and guiding her forward.
“Anan is still young; he’ll be fine on his own.” This year’s Lantern Festival held a dual significance, commorating the triumph over the bandits and celebrating the appointnt of the new Lord Prefect.
rchants and prominent families spared no expense in adorning the streets with a dazzling array of decorations.
The streets were aglow with myriad lanterns, each more splendid than the last.
Shao Yunduan admired them as they strolled, marveling not only at their exquisite designs and illustrations but also at the diverse materials used—silk, gauze, kraft paper, snow wave paper, mulberry paper, wood, bamboo, feathers, glass, jade, and more.
Each lantern boasted intricate craftsmanship, adorned with silk, jade, beads, and threads, captivating the eyes of passersby.
In the spacious plaza, enormous lanterns resembling miniature houses adorned the surroundings, their brilliance imbued with symbols of auspiciousness—pine cranes, springti scenes, carps leaping over the dragon gate, Chang’e ascending to the moon, flourishing lotus flowers, and bamboos signifying safety.
Crowds gathered around these magnificent displays, pausing to admire, jest, and point in awe.
Nurous grand lanterns were adorned with vibrant floral arrangents, surrounded by pots of blooming lilies, chrysanthemums, cockscombs, and more, enhancing the festive ambiance.
Qiao Xuan was filled with excitent, unable to contain her praises.
Yet, amidst her admiration, a tinge of regret lingered.
It was a sha that such a picturesque scene couldn’t be captured in photographs.
If she wished to behold it again after today, she’d have to wait until the following year.
Shao Yunduan reserved a private room at a teahouse overlooking the square.
As they made their way toward it, intending to savor the scenery from the comfort of the teahouse, they unexpectedly encountered Mrs.
Jia and two other acquaintances, also imrsed in lantern admiration.
Mrs.
Jia and her companions approached them with greetings, prompting Qiao Xuan to extend her hospitality.
One of the ladies, Mrs.
Lin, suggested they join her in the private room.
Mada Jia and Mrs.
Long chid in, smiling warmly.
Reluctant to appear inhospitable and mindful of preserving social decorum, Qiao Xuan acquiesced with a smile, urging Shao Yunduan to return ho with her.
The three ladies were delighted by Qiao Xuan’s decision, bidding farewell to Shao Yunduan politely before accompanying Qiao Xuan to the teahouse.
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