Chapter 81: Passage of Joy
First day of the New Year.
Emperor Chen did not appear on the tower to enjoy the festivities with the people. There were rumors that the emperor was sick. This news cast a shadow over the whole New Year's festival, especially the scholars in the inn, who couldn't help but worry about the upcoming Spring Exams.
That night, Jing Yue took Qin Yanzhi for a stroll around the surrounding vicinity of the imperial palace. He found that the entire palace was surrounded by an enchantment formed by magical power. It would be a little difficult to sneak in unnoticed and it would be bad to invite trouble. Jing Yue stood outside the gate of the palace and tweaked his fingers for divination. For some unknown reason, he suddenly chuckled and left with Qin Yanzhi.
After that, they just remained in the inn.
On the fifteenth, a lantern festival was held in the capital city as usual. The entire city was decorated with lanterns and the people took to the streets to admire the sight. Even the ladies who scarcely stepped out of the house dressed up on this day and enjoyed a rare time of relaxation.
In the crowd, Jing Yue carried little blue phoenix in his arms, held Lil Yanzhi with one hand, and Qin Yanzhi also carried a rabbit lantern in his hand.
Many people passed by from time to time, be it the rich and noble, or the poor and hungry. But tonight, they basked under the same starlight, enjoyed the same scenery, and even their mood may be the same satisfaction and tranquility.
The stalls on the street were full of lanterns of various colors and shapes, some so unique which even Jing Yue couldn't help but look twice. He thought inwardly that this was the beauty of being a mortal. They could always bloom in their limited lives and make it more exciting.
Suddenly, he felt the person next to him slowed down and he looked down. Qin Yanzhi was staring fixedly at a hawker selling candied haws. A father and son stood in front of the hawker. The father paid the money and handed the candied haws to the son in his arms. The son gave his father a bite, and both of them smiled contentedly.