On this day, when Ning Wanwan decided to return to the Ning Guogong Mansion, Si Zhan had not yet returned from court.
She asked Fu Yi to arrange the carriage, planning to travel light and return quietly. However, upon stepping outside, she saw the Yi Wang Mansion’s carriages, servants, and soldiers, numbering about a hundred. Yuan Zhu was following, and surprisingly, so was Yuan Bi.
“Yuan Bi, why aren’t you with the Prince?”
Yuan Bi’s expression was evasive. “The master said that the Princess might go out these days and ordered me to follow and protect her at all times.”
Although she was pregnant and needed to be careful, she felt the grand display unnecessary, especially since Si Zhan had left both Yuan Zhu and Yuan Bi with her, seeming like an overreaction. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy. “Has something happened in Biandu?”
“Nothing.”
Ning Wanwan frowned but didn’t inquire further. She had Yuan Bi send the soldiers and servants back, then traveled to the Ning Guogong Mansion with her brother and Fu Yi.
Upon returning, Old Madam Ning pulled Ning Wanwan to chat, lamenting how lonely the last New Year’s Eve was without her. She mentioned that Lin Yutong had drowned and that He shi had quickly died after hearing the news.
After lunch and some conversation, Ning Wanwan, feeling restless, returned to the Yi Wang Mansion while her grandmother took an afternoon nap.
Soon, the Lantern Festival arrived. Concerned about the crowds that might jostle Ning Wanwan yet knowing she loved watching lanterns, Si Zhan ordered the purchase of various lanterns from the market, decorating the entire Zhuohua Courtyard brightly.
Still feeling it wasn’t enough, he had a long table brought to the courtyard, set up with brushes, ink, paper, and tools for making lanterns, intending to create one himself.
Ning Wanwan sat under the eaves, sipping tea and watching Si Zhan standing under the bright moon, surrounded by lanterns. His presence stirred her imagination.
Si Zhan lowered his head, holding a brush with one hand behind his back, seemingly contemplating how to begin. Her lips curved in a smile.
Half an incense stick later, Si Zhan put down his brush and said, “It’s done, Wanwan, come and see.” He turned, walked a few steps, and extended his hand to her. She laughed and took it, standing up.
