The night was deep, lamp-lighting time. Various exquisite flower lanterns hung along the street, reddish candlelight spilling everywhere, like a dream. Occasionally, young couples laughed while carrying lanterns, leaving trails of happiness.
“Jiao Long, where are we?” The person in my hand gripped me tightly.
I released my hand. His hand trembled, seemingly anxious to hold onto me. I smiled slightly, standing behind him on tiptoes, removing the blue ribbon covering his eyes, softly asking, “Is it beautiful?”
Liu Yu gently rubbed his confined eyes, then opened them. Surprise crossed his handsome face. His clear eyes were deeply attracted by the street’s flower lanterns. A slight smile curved his mouth as he turned to gaze at me: “Extremely beautiful.”
I laughed: “I heard tonight is the annual lantern festival, where everyone goes to the riverside to release lanterns and make wishes.”
As we spoke, a gentle breeze caressed my cheek, tousling my hair.
Just as I was about to thank him, he embraced me from behind, whispering in my ear: “Yet all these beautiful scenes pale in comparison to you, becoming mere decorations…”
The three of them walked to the famous Supplication Lake nearby, carefully carved lanterns of various styles floating on the lake surface.
candlelight brushing the dark water. A group of subordinates gathered to spar, Zhang Yang’s mother sitting by the river mending shoe soles. Seeing us approach, everyone stopped, shouting enthusiastically, “Long live the Chenchen Wang! Long live the Chenchen Wang! Long live the Chenchen Wang…”
“The winner of the sparring will be generously rewarded by this Prince!” Liu Yu laughed, letting go of my hand and walking towards them.
I walked to the riverbank, carefully holding a lotus lantern and gently placing it on the lake surface, my fingertips touching the icy water, cold and slightly painful…
Suddenly, a cry: “Assassin! Protect the Chenchen Wang!”
Screams erupted, amid flashing blades, flower lanterns fell everywhere, splashing flames, several black figures darting where the sparring had been. Assassins?! Where was Liu Yu? He couldn’t be in danger, right?
