Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty Chapter 15 : Jin Feng Yu Lu
"Rumbling!" A burst of festive guns sounded, blowing large tracts of white snowflakes into the street lanes. Countless children laughed, playing and enjoying the fun. With the resounding noises, they covered their ears. The fireworks display was grand and extravagant, ascending into the sky in a spectacle of sparks.
The Great Summer Dynasty celebrated the 25th Lantern Festival, opening its festivities with echoes like gunfire, a majestic show of drumbeats, fire dragon dancers, and fireworks lighting up the royal skies. The regal emperor ascended the throne, and it also marked Emperor Zhao Zhengde's 57th birthday. The whole country was lively with lantern parades full of lights and colors, while the crowd cheered. Military officials showcased their weaponry and demonstrated sword drills. They also handed out free firecrackers that resembled artillery. The highlight of the festivities was the entrance into the Imperial Fortress at Wei Palace, which resembled the Kyoto Prefecture and was built to protect the emperor. In the evening, to the emperor's delight, he announced the Imperial good news, awarding the creator of Wei Fortress, located in Royal Park, where Wei Shu Ye permitted them to pass through for the first time.
The Zhuge household also prepared a dazzling fireworks display for the festival. On this day, Huang Cheng was filled with snow, the snowflakes falling thick like goose feathers. An old man in the city remarked, "It's rare to see the city under snow this year. In previous years, it was all covered in frost."
Chu Qiao wore a new light pink skirt, her coat made of fox fur, and her cloak concealed her iconic face, resembling a soft, white jade fox. Her natural pink cheeks and large round eyes were dusted with fluttering snowflakes, and a few landed on the tip of her nose. The child's little nose wrinkled gently, making her look adorable.
"Star child, the young master has called for you."
The new little maidservant ran over, gasping for air like a sheep as she spoke, her voice trembling as if she were about to cry.
Chu Qiao slowly turned around, facing the wind. Her half-braided hair had become tousled. Calmly, she smoothed her hair and said, "Look at you! Will you not slow down? What's the matter?"
Huan, an eleven-year-old girl who looked no older than eight due to her small stature, bent down and whispered in Chu Qiao's ear, "Star child, you must go. The young master is waiting for you."
Chu Qiao nodded as she finished braiding her hair, replying, "Go." The main Xuan Hall was only eight steps away; there was no need to hurry.
She pouted for a moment, shook her head, and then hurried toward the hall.
Compared to Chu Qiao, Zhuge Yue was a slower child. When Chu Qiao opened the door to the Xuan Hall, she found Zhuge Yue, the fourth young master, sitting on the couch, playing chess. He noticed Chu Qiao's arrival and frowned slightly, giving her a stern look.
Chu Qiao busied herself, checking the items they needed one by one to ensure everything was in order. She instructed the other attendants to ease their work, and after finishing, she poured tea and placed Zhuge Yue's books back on the shelf. She then sat quietly, resting her cheeks on her hands, waiting in silence.
Time passed slowly as the attendants dressed Zhuge Yue in his formal attire, a white and dark blue inner dress with a white robe adorned with fire-red fox fur. His aura matched that of a thirteen-year-old boy, though without the robe, he still looked quite young.
"Hey," Zhuge Yue called out softly. The young men standing at the door reacted quickly. Zhuge Yue's household had prepared a row of horses, but because of his delay, the other young men had already left. A slave knelt on the ground, and Zhuge Yue, without a word, stepped on the slave's back to mount his horse.
As he was about to leave, Zhuge Yue suddenly turned and called out to the maid at the door, "Star child, come with me to the Lantern Festival."
Chu Qiao was surprised for a moment and quickly shook her head. Zhuge Yue nodded and insisted, "Come with me. I'll take you."
Chu Qiao hesitated but quickly responded, "Master, that would not be appropriate."
Zhuge Yue frowned, but before he could speak, Chu Qiao stepped forward and said, "Star child can ride her own horse."
Zhuge Yue looked puzzled and examined Chu Qiao's small frame, clearly doubting her ability.
A servant suggested, "A pony would be suitable for Star child since she said she can ride."
Zhuge Yue smiled coldly and nodded. Soon, a red pony was brought out. Although small, compared to Chu Qiao, it seemed even tinier. The crowd watched as Chu Qiao sized up the pony, and Zhuge Yue observed her with amusement. Just as he was about to help her mount, Chu Qiao confidently grabbed the reins and climbed up herself, her actions surprisingly smooth and quick.
The crowd erupted in excitement. Zhuge Yue was momentarily awestruck, but when he saw Chu Qiao steady on her pony, he chuckled, mounted his horse, and led the way.
Chu Qiao, though riding a small pony, followed gracefully. The pony was gentle, obediently following the other horses.
The curfew was lifted for the Lantern Festival, the most awaited event of the year. The streets grew livelier as the sky darkened. The streets were soon illuminated with bright and beautiful lights. The fire trees and Yinhua flowers released a fragrant breeze. Looking ahead, Chu Qiao saw the city from Jiuwei Road for the first time, its scenery breathtaking. On both sides of the road were two rows of long, red lanterns, and countless architectural marvels set the stage for the night's festivities. Singers, dancers, jugglers, and musicians filled the streets. Beautiful lanterns were strung overhead, and fireworks turned the night sky into day. Street vendors shouted to attract business, selling everything from tea to jewelry, clothing, and fireworks.
Chu Qiao sat quietly on her pony, her eyes wandering, taking in the rare beauty of the ancient city at night.
The Zhuge household's power and influence were well known, and wherever Chu Qiao went, people made way for them, a sign of respect. She noticed a stage adorned with colorful lanterns, showcasing all kinds of animals and fairy flowers, each more novel and chic than the next.
As Zhuge Yue stopped at a stall, the vendor eagerly offered a large dragon lantern, speaking highly of its brightness and fortune. But Zhuge Yue, indifferent, pointed to a white rabbit lantern and said to his marshal, "Take that one."
The vendor was surprised but quickly handed over the rabbit lantern, and Zhuge Yue, showing a rare smile, handed it to Chu Qiao. "For you," he said.
Chu Qiao blushed slightly, accepting the lantern with some reluctance, not wanting to draw more attention. Zhuge Yue, calm as ever, mounted his horse and rode forward, as if nothing had happened. The attendants, however, exchanged knowing glances, speculating about the gesture.
Chu Qiao, surprised, examined the rabbit lantern. It was intricately made, with a white body and red eyes. As she gently touched the rabbit's mouth, its little pink tongue stretched out, startling her.
A chuckle caught her attention, but just then, a team of lantern carriers passed by, blocking her view of Zhuge Yue. The night was alive with colors, lights, and people moving about. As the lantern team dispersed, Chu Qiao saw, in the distance, the frozen Chishui Lake. Snow hung from the trees like willow branches, and a black horse stood nearby. Leaning lazily against a tree trunk was a young man with bright eyes, watching her with a faint smile.
Suddenly, the sound of fireworks filled the air, lighting up the sky in a dazzling display. Amid the celebration, someone mischievously struck Chu Qiao's pony with a whip, causing the small horse to bolt, racing southeast like an eagle in flight.
The Zhuge household exclaimed in alarm, but Chu Qiao, lost in the crowd, was momentarily helpless.
The young man under the tree, noticing her distress, swiftly leaped into action, chasing after her.
AC afterthoughts – imagining the pony's horse. It is so adorable.