However, Ning Wanwan questioned why he married into the Ning family and had her. If she hadn’t existed, perhaps her mother wouldn’t have died.
She waved her hand at Wu Deng, saying indifferently, “Go inside.”
Wu Deng quickly took back the silver notes from Fuyi and put them back in the box, then ran into the mansion.
Fuyi asked, “Miss, aren’t you going to ask what business the master has been doing to earn so much money?”
“No need,” Ning Wanwan replied. The Song people valued commerce, and even the imperial court encouraged trade. Thus, Qi Song was almost entirely commercial, with noble families and officials engaging in private business.
As long as Lin Zhengyang was doing legitimate business, she didn’t care how much money he made.
In the southern part of the city, Sun Maozhi, the son of a county magistrate, who had just come of age, asked, “Miss, would you be willing to accompany me to view the lanterns?”
Ning Wanwan was stunned for a moment, then quickly understood. In Qi Song, during the Lantern Festival, women would carry fresh flowers while men carried small red lanterns. If someone caught their eye, a woman would throw her flower to show affection, and a man would offer his lantern. Accepting meant they could walk together and establish their feelings.
Could Sun Maozhi be expressing his affection for her? Imperial Uncle! If you don’t come soon, your wife will be snatched away!!!
Chapter 40: Holding Hands
Ning Wanwan was about to refuse when her right hand was suddenly grabbed, and Si Zhan’s urgent voice rang in her ear.
“She already has someone in her heart.”
Ning Wanwan turned and saw Si Zhan, slightly out of breath with disheveled hair from pushing through the crowd.
He held her hand tightly, glaring at Sun Maozhi with hostile eyes.
Sun Maozhi, half regretful and half apologetic, cupped his hands in respect and left.
Ning Wanwan looked at Si Zhan’s hand holding hers. Si Zhan quickly let go, awkwardly explaining, “Just now… it was… a moment of urgency…”
Ning Wanwan smiled softly and reached out to hold Si Zhan’s hand, lowering her eyes shyly. “There are many people on the street, and I’m afraid of getting lost. Imperial Uncle, please hold my hand.”
Si Zhan was stunned, then surprised and delighted, replying, “…Okay.”
He interlocked their fingers, and they walked forward, quiet and peaceful.
As they walked, Ning Wanwan intertwined her fingers with Si Zhan’s.
Fu Yi, watching from behind, covered her mouth and laughed softly.
Yuan Bi looked ahead at the two, hearing Fu Yi’s laughter, and couldn’t help but find her adorable.
They followed the crowd to the foot of Jade Mountain, where the water in the wooden cabins had been used up, and the waterfall had stopped.
Suddenly, numerous “fairy women” in colorful clothes emerged from the mountain, carrying flower baskets and scattering flowers mixed with copper coins.
The people below immediately gathered their clothes and skirts, rushing to catch the coins.
Fearing a collision, Si Zhan pulled Ning Wanwan’s hand, retreating to a safer position while watching everyone eagerly collect the money.
After the blessing distribution, it was time for the Jade Mountain lantern release.
Colorful lanterns were tied with silk threads between the mountain peaks. At a signal, the lanterns broke free and rose into the sky.
In an instant, countless lanterns filled the sky, creating a spectacular sight.
The crowd jumped and pointed, calling out until the lanterns drifted far away.
After the lantern release, people began to disperse.
Not wanting to return early and reluctant to let go of Ning Wanwan’s hand, Si Zhan carefully suggested, “It’s still early. Shall we go to the South Fragrant Tower to appreciate the moon?”
“Mm,” Ning Wanwan nodded shyly.
Si Zhan felt a surge of excitement, realizing Wanwan was shy because of him.
His mouth curved upward involuntarily as he held Ning Wanwan’s hand tightly while they walked south along Imperial Street, lined with stages featuring performances such as ball games, rope walking, sword swallowing, puppet shows, monkey acts, and more—creating a vibrant scene.
They ambled along, enjoying the beauty of the bustling moment.
“Passersby, don’t miss this! Master Cloud Li, a traveling artist, is here to paint portraits! Only ten taels of silver, and if it doesn’t look like you, it’s free!”
Ning Wanwan paused at the sound, glancing toward an elegantly decorated stage where a long-bearded artist painted a woman’s portrait.
“Do you want to paint?” Si Zhan asked.
“Grandmother has had an artist paint my portrait every year, but I haven’t had one this year,” she replied.
“Then let’s paint one,” he suggested.
“Okay,” she agreed.
Si Zhan led her to the stage, placed a silver ingot on the table, and told the young manager, “A portrait.”
The manager suggested queuing, but Si Zhan insisted on painting himself and only needed to borrow writing materials.
The manager quickly complied, and Si Zhan sat down, looking at Ning Wanwan.
Nervously, she asked, “Should I stand over there?”
Si Zhan gently shook his head. “Wherever you stand is the background. It’s perfect here.”
Yun Li, the painter, put down his brush, coldly snorting. “I have traveled for decades and painted millions of portraits, yet I’ve never seen anyone so arrogant as to show off their painting skills. Young sir, do you dare to compete with me?”
“How shall we compete?” Si Zhan asked, slightly furrowing his brow.
“We’ll compete in time and painting skill. Paint the woman beside you. If I lose, all portrait seekers will be free today. If you lose, you’ll pay for all day’s portrait fees,” Yun Li challenged. “Do you dare?”
Si Zhan lightly laughed. “Why not?” He turned to Yuan Bi. “Bring a blindfold.”
“Yes,” Yuan Bi agreed, then realized where to find a blindfold. He quickly tore a strip from his clothing.
“Master, will this do?”
Si Zhan gave the cloth strip an exasperated glance. “Blindfold me.”
Yuan Bi walked behind Si Zhan and blindfolded him. The crowd exclaimed, “He’s going to paint blindfolded? What an extraordinary person!” Passersby quickly filled the pavilion to capacity.
Yun Li was furious, thinking this young man was disrespecting him and would soon be humbled by his lack of painting skill.
A young attendant announced the competition’s start.
Yun Li quickly began painting, occasionally glancing at Ning Wan Wan, who was curious whether Si Zhan could truly paint her blindfolded.
After a short while, Si Zhan reached for the brush, as if he’d practiced countless times.
Ning Wan Wan watched as Si Zhan’s brush moved gracefully— Tracing dragons and snakes, the outline formed. Delicately outlining, she came to life. Casually adding color, capturing the lantern festival’s splendor…
Soon, a vivid portrait of Ning Wan Wan during the Lantern Festival emerged.
Surrounding voices erupted in admiration: “Wow, so well painted!” “It looks just like her!”
With the final stroke complete, Si Zhan gently put down his brush, a satisfied smile on his lips.
Yun Li also finished his painting, walking eagerly to Si Zhan’s side to examine the portrait. His expression transformed from disdain to admiration.
He finally nodded and said, “Young sir, despite your youth, you possess extraordinary skill. I concede defeat.”
He placed the painting down and announced to the crowd, “I will honor my bet. Today, all portrait seekers will be free of charge.”
The crowd erupted in cheers: “Wonderful! Thank you, young sir!” People rushed to queue for portraits.
Si Zhan picked up his painting and blew on the still-wet ink.
“Are you satisfied with the painting?” he asked Ning Wan Wan.
She smiled and asked, “How did you do this?” Painting blindfolded was miraculous, yet he’d captured her so vividly.
