Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 132: Lantern Festival (Part )

The wing room of Lixiangyuan.

Tongxi, Tonggui and Liu Yan'er worked together to settle Xue Pan, and Liu Yan'er was secretly resentful of him.

He had hoped to extort some money from his own family to protect himself, but Chen Siyuan was so confident that he would not reveal his secrets. With the support of Prince Ping of Yan, he could withdraw at any time.

But what about Liu Yan'er? Not only had the three thousand taels of silver vanished, but now she had to become a concubine to a scoundrel. The more Liu Yan'er thought about it, the more aggrieved she became. Suddenly, she saw Zhen'er hurriedly heading to the kitchen outside, so she tiptoed out to find her.

As soon as I went out, I saw Zhen'er coming over with a tray holding a pot of warm wine.

Liu Yan'er hurriedly stopped him, saying, "I'm afraid Master Yuan has reached his limit by now, and shouldn't drink any more. Go see if there's any Shaoxing Huang left in the kitchen. Why don't you warm up a pot and bring it over?"

As he spoke, he took the tray. Zhen'er, unsuspecting, hurried back to the kitchen to search. Liu Yan'er glanced around, seeing no one was around, and pulled out a paper bag from her waist. With a flick of her hand, she poured all the powder inside into the wine.

With a smug smile on his face, he thought to himself, "I can't reveal the secrets or spread rumors. Do you think she can do anything?" Ha! No matter how cunning you are, you will have to drink my foot washing water soon!

I heard a noise, but it was Zhen'er who had returned and said, "Auntie, I didn't see Shaoxing Huang."

Liu Yan'er frowned and said, "Forget it. I'm afraid Master Yuan has drunk it all by himself. You can send this chrysanthemum white wine over. If it doesn't work later, go next door and ask Hongyu to come and help Master Yuan back."

Zhen'er agreed and then took the tray to the main room.

In the main room, both of them were seated.

Xue Pan had been drinking like a slut at the banquet, and Chen Siyuan was only slightly tipsy at the moment. He thought Aunt Xue was just being polite and was about to bow and take his leave when Aunt Xue said, "Come here, bring a few more dishes."

Seeing that Aunt Xue seemed to have something to say, Chen Siyuan wondered if Aunt Xue had something else to say besides the maritime trade. So he decided not to leave in a hurry.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and while they were talking, a maid took away the leftovers. After a while, a few cold dishes were placed on the table and a pot of chrysanthemum tea was warmed up.

Aunt Xue stood up and poured wine for him. Chen Siyuan did not dare to be impolite and quickly stood up to avoid her.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "Just sit down, Brother Yuan. I've been wanting to offer you this glass of wine for a long time." Filling the glass, Aunt Xue gently placed it in front of Chen Siyuan and poured herself another. "Firstly, we're bringing up the past as an apology; secondly, it's thanks to Brother Yuan for letting bygones be bygones. As the saying goes, 'No friendship without fighting,' and Brother Yuan's character is rare in this world. We'll see each other more often in the future, but we don't want to let things get estranged."

He immediately put down the wine pot, raised his glass and said, "Brother Yuan, please."

"Madam, please."

The two of them clinked their glasses briefly and then drank it all in one gulp.

After they sat down again, Aunt Xue used the serving chopsticks to serve them food, selecting a water chestnut cake and saying, "I think we were so busy drinking that Brother Yuan probably hasn't eaten enough. My wicked boy forgets everything when he drinks. I'm afraid I didn't treat him well enough."

Chen Siyuan smiled and said a few words, then tasted the water chestnut cake, which was indeed better than the ones outside. He took a quick look at Aunt Xue and saw that she was wearing a round-necked jacket with autumn-fragrance trimmings, a willow-yellow base, and multicolored peony embroidery. The lining was a white collar, and underneath it was a horse-faced skirt with fallen-leaf yellow multicolored floral embroidery.

He looked to be no more than thirty years old, with a little crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. At first glance, his face looked kind, but upon closer inspection, one could see a certain restraint and lingering charm in it.

Chen Siyuan couldn't help but think to himself, it seems that Sister Bao is only three-tenths like Aunt Xue, and the other seven-tenths resembles Father Xue?
Then she thought again, based on her previous thoughts, Aunt Xue might not be someone she could easily get along with. Ever since she arrived at the Rongguo Mansion, Lady Wang had begun to consider interfering with Lady Jia. As for the gambling and publicity stunts, even if Baochai could offer some ideas, Aunt Xue should be the one making the final decisions on the bigger matters.

Thinking of this, I became a little alert.

Aunt Xue then began to ramble on about the past, explaining how Xue Pan was dull and how his father had taught him for a year when he was young, but seeing he wasn't learning, he abandoned him. After his father's sudden death, the Xue family, left alone and with a widowed mother, had no way of finding a living and was severely bullied by the shopkeepers. The family's fortune had gradually declined.

Chen Siyuan thought about it and was afraid that what she had said to Baochai last time, Baochai had not yet explained it to Aunt Xue.

Judging from the actions of the Xue family, it can be seen that Aunt Xue values ​​Xue Pan more, so she stays in the Jia family, hyping up the "golden jade match", and trying her best to make Baochai marry Baoyu, without caring at all what Sister Bao thinks.

Chen Siyuan thought to himself, if Sister Bao had a personality like Third Sister Yu, she would have quit long ago, right?
Some things can be said in front of Baochai, but they must be said differently in front of Aunt Xue.

After a brief thought, Chen Siyuan smiled and said, "Auntie, I am a junior and I have only just met a few people, so I will say a few words that are beyond my depth."

Aunt Xue said with a smile, "Brother Yuan, why are you so modest? To be appreciated by Prince Ping of Yan, you must have something extraordinary. And since you manage such a large business, even if Brother Yuan didn't tell me, I would still ask for his advice."

As he spoke, he poured wine for Chen Siyuan and invited him to drink together.

Chen Siyuan put down his wine glass and said, "Then I am being presumptuous. As the saying goes, every man has his own strengths and weaknesses. I have observed that Brother Wenlong has a pure character. He is filial to his concubine, loving to Sister Xue, and loyal to his friends. Although he may have some shortcomings in small matters, he has never failed in the greater good."

Aunt Xue was overjoyed when she heard this and said with a smile, "Pan'er is a very kind-hearted child. No matter how you treat him, he will definitely repay you double."

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded, then changed the subject and said, "But in my opinion, Brother Wenlong is not good at business." After a pause, he continued, "The shopkeepers here are all worldly-wise and accustomed to deceiving their superiors and subordinates. Brother Wenlong seems to be very gullible. If he just stays at home and waits for work, it would be fine. But if we let him manage the business, I'm afraid-"

Aunt Xue had already had a few drinks earlier, and for some reason, after two cups, she felt a touch of alcohol on her face. Hearing Chen Siyuan's heartfelt words, she frowned and sighed, "I know that too, but he's the only child in the first wife's family, and Baochai will eventually marry. You can't expect me to run the business all the time, right? For now, the only solution is to practice more. If I learn more, I'll at least make some progress."

Chen Siyuan nodded and said, "What the concubine said makes sense, but I am afraid of this."

"Ah? What did Brother Yuan say?"

Chen Siyuan asked, "Madam, do you know why the sons of the nobles in the capital would rather let them fly and roam freely than cultivate them into officials or businessmen?"

"I don't know about that."

"Because these sons of noble families are self-conscious of their noble birth, they always look down on others. At home, they are flattered by everyone, but once they leave home, they will face the treacherous people outside and suffer great losses."

Aunt Xue was stunned, and suddenly she remembered the time she was cheated out of seven thousand taels of silver. Although she didn't want to believe it, she was a little convinced.

At this time, Chen Siyuan continued, "That's why the head of the family had a good idea long ago. He gave him money to keep him by his side, allowing him to behave like a playboy, so as to prevent him from getting into trouble outside. In this way, when the next generation of children grows up, he will select the outstanding ones to train.

Madam, this is the long-term solution."

This remark touched Aunt Xue's heart. The following year, Xue Pan was approaching the age of twenty, and it was time for him to find a suitable family to marry him. However, due to the Jinling case, Xue Pan had become a living dead, so how could he find a suitable family to marry him at that time?
Aunt Xue's face was filled with sorrow as she sighed, "What you said makes sense, but I'm afraid you don't know the difficulties my family is facing."

Chen Siyuan, for some reason, felt the alcohol creeping up on him. Looking at Aunt Xue, he suddenly noticed she was becoming even more stunningly beautiful. He suppressed his thoughts and explained to Aunt Xue, "Since ancient times, marriages have always been about marrying the lower-class into the upper-class. Madam, there's no need to worry about family background. You should find a virtuous woman to marry Brother Wenlong. They'll be a good match, and Brother Wenlong won't make any mistakes. In two years, if we have a legitimate son, Madam will carefully raise him. In another decade or so, he might even become an official. Wouldn't that transform the Xue family's status?"

Aunt Xue nodded repeatedly at this time and said, "That's right, brother."

When she looked at Chen Siyuan, her vision blurred slightly, and she suddenly felt that the man before her became more approachable. Suddenly, she recalled the fleeting glance she had shared with that handsome scholar by the shores of Mochou Lake when she was a young girl. It was that very glance that had sent a flutter through Aunt Xue's heart.

When I think about it carefully again, I can't remember what the scholar looks like. Now I think that the scholar has become Chen Siyuan.

Aunt Xue's heart skipped a beat and she wondered what was wrong with her.
Suddenly realizing it, Aunt Xue quickly picked up the wine pot to cover up and said, "It's rare for Brother Yuan to speak so sincerely. Come, let me toast Brother Yuan again."

As he spoke, he stood up to pour her wine. Chen Siyuan hurriedly held up the cup to meet her. In their haste, one went east and the other went west, and the wine pot and the wine glass were accidentally pushed aside. Not only did the wine spill on the table, but Aunt Xue's plump hands also touched Chen Siyuan's big hands.

Aunt Xue's heart suddenly began to beat wildly. Chen Siyuan felt even more suspicious, and suddenly he became alert—Oh no! I'm afraid Liu Yan'er might have added something to the wine!
He was still able to remain clear-headed, but Aunt Xue was already looking at him in a daze.

At this moment, a maidservant outside said, "Madam, the young lady is back."

Aunt Xue was immediately alert when she heard this. She smiled uncomfortably and said, "Look at me. I must have drunk too much. I've spilled it all over the table. Are your clothes wet?"

Chen Siyuan bowed and said, "In that case, I will take my leave first. We will meet again in the future."

"That's fine."

As they were talking, Baochai, wearing a snow-white cloak, came in. Seeing Chen Siyuan saying goodbye to his mother, she stepped forward and bowed, "Brother Yuan."

"Sister Xue."

After only one glance at Baochai, Chen Siyuan could hardly contain his desire and said, regardless of his loss of composure, "People have three urgent matters. I won't stay any longer. Madam, Sister Xue, I will be leaving first. You two will stay."

"I..." Aunt Xue was about to go and see him off herself, but when the words were on the tip of her tongue, she changed her tone and said, "...Baochai, please see Yuan-ge off for me."

Baochai agreed, and when she turned around, she saw Chen Siyuan had already left the main room with big strides. Baochai was puzzled, wondering if he had a stomachache. She immediately gave chase and found Chen Siyuan had already left the Pear Fragrance Courtyard when she reached the courtyard.

Sister Bao was at a loss for words, wondering what the hell this guy had eaten. Could it be that he really had an upset stomach?
After waiting for a while, Baochai returned inside. When she looked up, she saw Aunt Xue sitting on the couch in a daze.

Baochai came over and said, "Mom, Brother Yuan has left."

"Oh... well." Aunt Xue felt the effects of the drug taking effect, and her body felt scorching hot. Chen Siyuan's figure kept appearing in her mind. Although she knew it was wrong, she couldn't stop thinking about it.

In front of her daughter, Aunt Xue said hurriedly, "My dear, I feel a little drunk and very sleepy. I need to rest now."

Seeing Aunt Xue's rosy complexion, Baochai didn't suspect anything, thinking she had just had a few too many drinks with Chen Siyuan. Hearing this, she said, "Then I'll ask Tongxi to help you wash up."

Aunt Xue stood up and waved her hand, saying, "No, it won't make any difference. I'll go to bed now."

Baochai was puzzled and had no choice but to help Aunt Xue to the west bedroom. Without waiting for Tongxi and Tonggui to serve her, Aunt Xue undressed and in a moment she was on the bed instead of the warm room. She bit her lower lip and said, "I snore easily when I drink. Let's sleep separately tonight."

Without waiting for Baochai to speak, he urged her, "Go and see how your brother is doing. Oh, just leave some warm tea for him tonight, there's no need to keep anyone here."

Baochai felt more and more puzzled, and agreed to it in person. When she saw Aunt Xue rolled up the quilt and lay down, she moved out of the room.

She first looked around the side rooms and saw that Xue Pan had already gone to bed, so she returned to the main room. She looked outside the west side room and then went to ask Zhen'er about it.

Zhen'er answered honestly. Baochai thought about it for a long time but didn't notice anything unusual, so she just thought she was overthinking it.

After a while, Ying'er came to help Baochai wash. Fearing to disturb her mother, Baochai washed in the hall. And because Aunt Xue was occupying the bed, Baochai told the maids, "Just leave one of them here tonight. Let her rest on the soft couch in the hall."

Tonggui agreed, and Baochai tiptoed back to the western room. The candle inside had long since gone out, leaving only the charcoal fire in the incense burner. Baochai, groping in her undergarments, thought she heard a faint rustling sound, but when she listened carefully and it died down, she assumed it was Aunt Xue turning over.

She tiptoed into the warm room and soon rolled up the quilt and lay down with her eyes closed. Because she had just spent a lot of time talking to Baoyu, Baochai was now feeling sleepy and was about to fall asleep in a daze.

Suddenly, a faint rustling sound reached Baochai's ears, and she woke up suddenly. After listening for a while, Baochai's face turned red and she didn't know what to do.

She would be coming of age in a year, so how could she not know the ways of the world? She had heard Aunt Xue say this from time to time over the past three or four years. At first she had thought her mother was ill, but later she gradually realized what was happening.

Sister Bao suddenly didn't know what to do, so she quietly covered herself with the quilt, but now she couldn't sleep any more. She couldn't help but think randomly, thinking that maybe her mother had drunk too much today and that was why she was like this?
Then she couldn't help but think of Chen Siyuan. Sister Bao pursed her lips, thinking to herself, "This time, that man didn't make her angry, but instead made her mother think about it. How annoying!" Sister Bao became increasingly irritable and could only recite scriptures silently. She didn't know how long it took before she finally drifted off to sleep.

In the next room, Chen Siyuan's shirt was open, and his body was covered with sweat. Xiangling, who was wearing a small dress, found a handkerchief to wipe his sweat.

Hongyu put on her inner coat and tiptoed back, frowning and saying, "My brother was just drunk and acting crazy, but you, sir, got drunk and had to act crazy with us!"

As he spoke, he brought a cup of tea and carefully fed Chen Siyuan a cup.

Xiangling also frowned and said, "That's right, Master, your body hasn't grown yet, how can you not take care of it?"

Xiangling was still feeling sore after the ordeal.

The effects of the drug had worn off by then, and Chen Siyuan didn't bother to explain. He secretly remembered Liu Yan'er's kindness, hoping to repay her in full someday. It was difficult to tell them about this, so Chen Siyuan said, "You don't know, but the 50,000 taels of silver are almost complete. After deducting the money from various places in the mansion and the money from outside, I'll be able to make a 10% profit in half a year. That's quite a bit of money."

Hongyu was skeptical, but Xiangling, simple-minded, believed it. Frowning, she said, "Money is precious, but how can it compare to health? Master is short of money, and where can I find fifteen hundred taels?"

As soon as these words came out, Hongyu was immediately surprised! My goodness, Xiangling usually seemed to be very modest, so how could she have saved so much money? Then she thought about herself. Before, when she was living with Master Bao, she had no money saved at all and usually needed help from her parents. But after coming to Master Yuan, she saved dozens of taels of silver.

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "Nonsense! A man of integrity is a man of high character. How can he use a girl's money?"

Xiangling said, "We are all yours, why should we be so divided?"

Chen Siyuan immediately hugged Xiangling and kissed her intimately. The two girls were afraid that he would have other thoughts again, so they stopped talking and urged her repeatedly. Finally, the three of them slept peacefully on the same bed.

............................................................

The next day was the Lantern Festival. Chen Siyuan lingered in bed for a long time, only getting up around noon. He had expected back pain and leg aches, but surprisingly, he felt fine. Chen Siyuan was secretly delighted, thinking it was because his health was improving.

Just as he was enjoying his breakfast, the little maid Yunxiang came bouncing into the main room and said cheerfully, "Master, there are 108 lanterns in the mansion, just waiting to be lit at the end of the afternoon. And there are also box lanterns piled outside the ceremonial gate. They look to be a full three feet high, and I heard they can burn for half an hour."

The 108 lanterns were quite common. Customs were similar throughout Jiangnan. Rich families would also light 108 lanterns and place them on the well platform, stove, door, anvil stone, etc. They were called "scattered lanterns."

The box lamp is more like a fireworks rack than a lamp. Fireworks are stacked in layers on it and lit one by one at night. Hundreds of fireworks are set off in succession, which is magnificent.

Hongyu came out from the west room, frowning slightly and said, "You've been gossiping since you came in this morning. If you have time, go ask the maid to fill the water jar."

She tossed and turned for half the night and didn't sleep well.

The maidservant Yunxiang left in a muffled voice. Chen Siyuan said gloomily, "There's nothing else to do today, so you should get some extra sleep this afternoon."

Hongyu agreed, and then someone knocked on the door. Hongyu went to greet them and immediately led Ping'er in.

Chen Siyuan didn't dare to neglect the matter and quickly stood up to greet him. Ping'er bowed and said with a smile, "Today, our family has set up a banquet in Rongxi Hall. Second Madam asked me to invite Master Yuan. Master Yuan, please come at twilight hour."

Chen Siyuan bowed and smiled, "Excuse me Miss Ping'er, but I'm afraid I can't go today. I had an appointment with someone to walk on the moon on the Lantern Festival, and I can't break it."

Ping'er smiled and said, "Since Master Yuan has his own arrangements, I will go and report to Madam right away."

Chen Siyuan smiled and nodded, then escorted Ping'er out of the room before turning back and hurriedly finishing his breakfast. After Hongyu and Xiangling had cleared the food boxes, Chen Siyuan went into the study, sent Liu Wu'er to grind ink, and thoughtfully wrote two verses.

After the ink dried, Chen Siyuan reached out and called Hongyu over, saying, "Send this poem to Xueyan when you have time. Don't let anyone else see it."

Hongyu agreed with a smile, and Xiangling said with a smile, "I think Hongyu should change her name...why not change it to Hongniang?"

Chen Siyuan said, "Don't laugh. It's not convenient right now, but you might end up doing this job in the future."

"Me?" Xiangling was puzzled.

Chen Siyuan said, "Sister Lin is still in Rongqing Hall. She will have to move out someday...Xiangling doesn't want to learn to write poetry anymore?"

Xiangling's eyes suddenly lit up, and she smiled, "So Master wants me to become Miss Lin's apprentice? That's fantastic. I've heard Miss Lin is incredibly talented!"

Chen Siyuan smiled and thought to himself that Yuanchun would probably not come home to visit her parents until next year, and Daiyu would probably not move to Xiaoxiang Pavilion until next year either.

At the same time, in the Lixiang Courtyard next door, Aunt Xue just woke up suddenly.

I had a lot of beautiful dreams last night. Aunt Xue was like an old house on fire. How could she control herself?
When she woke up, Aunt Xue was naturally flustered. She had let herself go without scruples the previous night, and she was afraid Baochai must have overheard her. When mother and daughter met again, Baochai looked normal, but Aunt Xue felt guilty, thinking her daughter's eyes were strange.

She was not a thick-skinned person, so how could she dare to stay any longer? She said, "It's the Lantern Festival today, I'm going to ask your aunt for help. If my son has nothing to do, why not go and play with his brothers and sisters?"

Throwing down a few words, she hurriedly washed and headed for Lady Wang's courtyard. She led Tongxi and Tonggui, her mind racing as she walked forward. That enchanting dream was filled with Chen Siyuan. Aunt Xue cursed herself countless times as she recalled it, but the agonizing feeling was unforgettable, and she couldn't help but think about it, as if possessed.

She sighed inwardly and frowned as she thought about it. It was probably because she drank a few too many glasses. She would not dare to drink more in the future.

As soon as they entered Lady Wang's courtyard, the moment the two sisters saw each other, Lady Wang was surprised and said, "You look so radiant, as if you have suddenly become several years younger."

Aunt Xue blinked and said with a wry smile, "Pan'er gave me a box of gouache yesterday. I tried applying some this morning. Sure enough, I look younger."

Mrs. Wang smiled and nodded. Then, taking a closer look, she noticed that the fine lines around Aunt Xue's eyes seemed to have faded somewhat. She couldn't help but wonder, what kind of gouache could have such an effect? ​​Women's love of beauty transcends age. Since it was Mrs. Wang, she pressed her questions repeatedly. Aunt Xue, forced into a corner, said she would have Xue Pan buy a box of gouache for her tomorrow.

At noon that day, Chen Siyuan was still studying in his study when someone knocked on the door. It turned out to be Mrs. Xing.

Chen Siyuan welcomed Madam Xing and her group into the house. After everyone was seated and tea was served, Madam Xing frowned and asked, "Brother, aren't you going to the dinner party today?"

Chen Siyuan said, "I've already decided to go to the Lantern Festival." After a pause, he added, "This time I'm going to make a name for myself."

Mrs. Xing was relieved. Because the old man from Wang Shanbao's family insisted on coming with her, Mrs. Xing only gave him some instructions and some common advice before leaving with regret.

It was past 3:00 PM when Chen Siyuan, dressed in his full attire, said goodbye to Hongyu and Xiangling and headed straight for the stables ahead. It was nearly dusk, and the 108 scattered lanterns in the mansion were lit one after another, illuminating the surrounding sky with a twinkling starry sky. Walking through it felt like walking through a galaxy.

When they arrived at the stable in front, they saw that Yu Si, the doorman of the east wing, had been waiting for a long time and was sitting on the shaft of the cart, whipping it wildly.

Seeing Chen Siyuan, Yu Si hurriedly came down and bowed.

Chen Siyuan asked with a smile, "Why is it your turn today?"

Yu Si said, "Master, you don't know. The government office is busy today, and the driver has taken leave due to a cold. So I volunteered to drive for Master Yuan."

Chen Siyuan knew that Yu Si was after the reward. He didn't bother to argue and simply tossed him a silver coin, saying, "Serve well, and you'll be rewarded in the future!"

Yu Si reached out to take it, and immediately felt that it was a silver coin worth one tael. He was immediately overjoyed and bowed repeatedly, saying, "Master Yuan, don't worry. Even if I fall into the ditch, I dare not drag you down!"

Chen Siyuan got on the carriage, Yu Si got on the shaft, and with the whip waved, the carriage came out from the corner gate, circled around Rongguo Mansion half a circle, and entered Xiaohuazhi Lane, and soon stopped in front of the gate of the Sanheyuan.

Before the four corners of the courtyard were opened, the person inside caught a glimpse of Chen Siyuan, who had opened the curtains to look at him. He immediately smiled. Then he stepped out and bowed from a distance, saying, "Brother Chen, please come and meet me. I am truly grateful."

Third Sister You had changed into a scholar's outfit, holding a folding fan in her hand. Her pretty face was as radiant as a peach blossom, and no amount of concealing it could hide it. Chen Siyuan said with a smile, "Sanlang, hurry up and get in the car. If you're late, you might not be able to get in."

You Sanjie agreed, and Yu Si took a footstool from the back. You Sanjie stepped on the stool and entered the carriage. When she saw Chen Siyuan, her eyes suddenly became moist.

She was about to say something else when Chen Siyuan pulled her into his arms.

Chen Siyuan whispered, "Sister, are you getting impatient?"

Third Sister You smiled with her face tilted upwards. She shook her head at first, then nodded. "I've made up my mind," she said coquettishly. "If you don't come, I might as well go by myself. Who knows, I might even find a pretty young lady by the lantern."

Seeing the playful look in his eyes, Chen Siyuan pondered seriously, "Who knows, Sanlang might actually be able to make a move... I didn't expect you to be so fond of such phony things."

Third Sister You was immediately annoyed and spat, "Bah, I didn't!" Suddenly, she thought of something and said with a strange look, "How about I pick up a young lady and give it to Brother Yuan?"

Chen Siyuan burst into laughter. Third Sister Yu was just like that, hot-tempered and bold, sometimes daring to say anything... Tsk, maybe she could even do what she said. Fortunately, she cared so deeply about him, otherwise he wouldn't dare to provoke a woman like her.

The two of them were like a young couple, huddled together and talking sweetly, you bumping into me, I touching you, and sometimes getting intimate with each other.

As they passed the Imperial City, the two men gathered their clothes and then went to look around. They saw a large crowd of tourists outside, many of them girls holding lanterns, gathering in groups towards the Lantern Market.

Big red lanterns were hung everywhere in the imperial city, and Chang'an Avenue to the west was crowded with all kinds of sedan chairs, carriages, and even camels!

Since there were only Chen Siyuan and You Sanjie there today, they saw that there was a traffic jam ahead and simply told Yu Si to wait in the alley. After getting out of the car, they held hands and headed towards Dengshikou.

Today's Lantern Festival was even more lively than the 13th day of the first lunar month. The streets were packed with stalls and vendors, fireworks occasionally exploded in the air, gongs, drums, and flutes played in unison, and the hanging lanterns and colored lights, as well as the lanterns carried by passersby, converged into a galaxy stretching for miles, even more dazzling than the Milky Way in the sky.

Not far ahead, we came upon a large shed made of sorghum stalks, with a variety of lanterns hanging around it. Covering two mu (approximately 1.5 acres), the lanterns twisted and turned like a chasm, and if one didn't know how to turn them, it would take a while to spin. This lantern is known as the "Yellow River Nine-Bend Lantern."

Further ahead, there are lanterns made of eggshells. Hundreds of eggshells are stacked together, each with four doors carved into them. Each door has arched windows and lattices, creating a magnificent display of gold and jade, a truly ingenious masterpiece.
Every few blocks of road, there were lantern riddles. For twenty copper coins, you could guess the riddle, and if you guessed correctly, you would receive a colorful lantern as a gift from the store.

Third Sister You took a fancy to a goldfish lantern and excitedly guessed the answer more than ten times. It was only after Chen Siyuan gave her a hint that she finally guessed the riddle correctly.

The two of them carried the goldfish lantern and walked forward again. The further they went, the more lively the scene became. There were people performing acrobatics, drilling through barrels, stepping on jars, and climbing ladders, people playing "Han Dongshan", "Haiqing", and "Shiban", and there was also a group of young people beating Taiping drums.

The two of them strolled slowly and before they knew it, they were at the foot of Qingyuan Tower. From a distance, they could see the downstairs crowded with scholars, while upstairs, the doors and windows were open, and inside, the sound of stringed instruments played melodiously, and graceful figures wandered about.

Third Sister You took one look and said, "It's Qingyuan Tower. Brother Yuan, do you want to go upstairs? I'll wait outside."

Chen Siyuan laughed and said, "How could I leave you behind? Come on, I'll take you to see what's going on."

Third Sister You was immediately delighted and said, "Great! I've never seen what the female teachers in the bookshops are like. I heard that they are all extremely beautiful and proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. I wonder if that's true."

Chen Siyuan pulled Third Sister You forward, repeatedly saying "Excuse me." As they were about to reach the building, several scholars suddenly stopped them: "Wait a minute, why are you pushing us? Do you understand the rules?"

(End of this chapter)