Chapter 159: Watching the Lanterns on Shangyuan Festival (Part 2)

In front of Wuben Workshop, there was also a bustling crowd. The residents of the workshop, bringing their families with them, walked toward the gate with joyful expressions, all in a hurry and eager. There were many wealthy families in Wuben Workshop, and among them were light carriages carrying the women who had come to watch the lanterns.

Watching the lanterns was, in fact, also about observing the people. Everyone on the streets was full of energy. Most men wore round-collared robes, leather belts around their waists, gauze hats or soft head coverings, and black leather boots. Their outfits were largely similar. Even ordinary porters and servants would don such attire and stride confidently down the streets to watch the lanterns.

But the most eye-catching were the women. It was the eve of Shangyuan Festival, and every woman had dressed up carefully, bringing out their best dresses. As the weather was still cold, older women mostly wore short jackets with long skirts, while younger women and those who had not yet undergone the hair-cutting ceremony all wore pomegranate-colored skirts—red, purple, yellow, and green, vying for beauty, with red being the most popular.

Li Qing’an and his dozen or so bodyguards had been waiting for almost half an hour. With the start of Shangyuan Festival, all his subordinates had taken leave and gone out in groups to enjoy the lanterns. He too was in a good mood, patiently waiting for the arrival of Mingyue.

But after half an hour with no sign of her, Li Qing’an began to grow impatient. Had Mingyue encountered some obstacle on her way out? Should he go and invite her instead of staying here?

Just then, Li Qing’an suddenly saw a rider approaching from afar. With his sharp eyes, he recognized it was Zhao Xuming, whom he had seen the previous day. Zhao Xuming’s face was brimming with excitement as he spurred his horse relentlessly, clearly anxious.

Needless to say, Li Qing’an guessed that Zhao Xuming was also trying to invite Mingyue, but seemingly without success. If he had failed, he should have looked depressed, yet he seemed full of energy. Could he have achieved something?

Zhao Xuming rushed over but didn’t see Li Qing’an and headed straight out of the workshop. Li Qing’an watched his retreating figure and immediately ordered one of his bodyguards, “Follow that man and see where he’s going.”

The bodyguard replied and rode after him. By now, Li Qing’an no longer wanted to wait. He spurred his horse and led his men toward the Gulonely Mansion.

Less than a mile later, a beautiful carriage came toward him, accompanied by over twenty servants. It was the very carriage he had been waiting for. Mingyue’s head appeared at the window, waving at him excitedly, her eyes smiling into two small crescents.

Immediately afterward, he saw Mingyue. Half of her face peeked out from the window, her beautiful eyes gazing at him tenderly, filled with shyness, anticipation, and excitement. A radiant joy illuminated her bright eyes and white teeth, making her look truly dazzling.

Li Qing’an was intoxicated with happiness. A sudden sense of bliss enveloped him, and all his worries and concerns were forgotten. At this moment, there was only Mingyue in his heart.

The carriage stopped in front of him. The door opened, and Mingzhu jumped out, saying with a smile, “I’m so sorry for making you wait.”

“It doesn’t matter!”

Li Qing’an didn’t know what to say. Hadn’t they agreed it would be a chance encounter? But this situation didn’t resemble a chance encounter at all. He looked up at the window again—Mingyue had disappeared. A noble lady appeared at the door, smiling and asking, “General Li, do you still remember me?”

“You are…” Li Qing’an suddenly remembered. “You’re Lady Wang!”

“That’s right! It’s me.”

Lady Wang smiled and pulled Mingyue along. “Get out of the carriage! Why be shy?”

Mingyue, her face red, slowly stepped down from the carriage. She lowered her head and said softly, “General Li, I’m sorry for making you wait.”

Li Qing’an’s eyes lit up. He had never seen Mingyue dressed so beautifully. She wore a green short jacket embroidered with brocade, with a sash draped over it. In the Tang Dynasty, the simplest way to tell whether a woman was married was to see whether she wore a sash or a veil. Veils were long and colorful, usually made of thick, fine brocade with patterns embroidered on them and jade pendants hanging below, unlike sashes that could flutter in the wind.

Mingyue wore a red sash over her shoulders, swirling around her arms in the wind like ribbons. She wore an orange-yellow long dress with small flowers embroidered on it. The waistband was tied high up to her chest, and the dress trailed on the ground, making her look exceptionally graceful and slender.

With her beauty resembling that of the moon and her fair, plump skin, she gave off an air of serenity, like the Goddess of Mercy. Li Qing’an was filled with admiration. He stepped forward quickly and bowed deeply, saying, “It’s my fortune to accompany Miss Mingyue to enjoy the lanterns.”

“You two! Bowing back and forth—why be so formal? Go and see the lanterns already.”

Lady Wang smiled and waved at Mingzhu. “Mingzhu, let’s go see the lanterns together!”

Mingzhu was stunned. She glanced at Li Qing’an and hesitantly said, “But…”

She really wanted to go see the lanterns with him.

“Stop hesitating. Come with me quickly!”

Mingyue stepped forward eagerly. “Grandma, let Mingzhu go with us to watch the lanterns!”

Madam Wang smiled faintly and said, “If she goes with you, what will I do? Usually I speak up for her, but on the Lantern Festival, this little girl needs to stay with me.” She stretched out her voice and added, “Mingzhu, if you don’t come with me now, I won’t speak up for you again, and your grandfather will scold you.” With that, she took Mingzhu’s hand and gave it a light pinch on the wrist. Mingzhu understood and said listlessly, “Sis, go ahead! I’ll accompany Grandmother to watch the lanterns.” She got into the carriage and glared at Li Qing’an resentfully. That heartless man—she had worked hard for him yet he hadn’t spoken up for her. Li Qing’an just smiled and winked at her. Mingzhu lay down boredly and asked lazily, “Grandmother, where do you want to go to watch the lanterns? My legs hurt today; I can’t walk far.”

…

Chang’an was the most prosperous city in the world. Tonight, on the eve of the Lantern Festival, it seemed to fulfill the saying, “On the 15th day of the eighth month, clouds cover the moon; on the 15th day of the first month, snow hits the lanterns.” Fine snow began to fall from the sky—it was a light snow in early spring, but it couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the people of Chang’an. As soon as it darkened, every family finished dinner early, locked their doors, and went out into the streets with their wives to watch the lanterns.

The streets were already crowded with people. Millions of Chang’an residents came out in droves to enjoy this annual celebration of the Tang Dynasty. Zhuque Street had the most and most spectacular lanterns, as well as the largest crowd. Stretching for over ten miles, the lights were so bright they resembled daylight. Pavilions and towers were covered in silver, and the streets and alleys sparkled like scattered jade. Trees everywhere were adorned with colorful decorations, looking like jade umbrellas. When the moon rose and osmanthus blossoms bloomed, various lantern structures were set up in every crowded area—exquisitely crafted and full of wonders. The silver candles and glowing orbs illuminated everything as if it were daytime.

“Miss Mingyue, how did you watch the lanterns last year?”

Amid the crowded crowd, Li Qing’an and Du Gu Mingyue walked side by side, slowly admiring the colorful lanterns and chatting leisurely. Their bodyguards followed behind, pulling the horses, and they too whispered in amazement at each lantern. The shyness from at the beginning had faded from Mingyue’s face; she was filled with ease and joy. She smiled and said, “Every year I go to watch the lanterns with my friends and sisters. Last year, it was with Cui Yanyan, Cui Yiyun, and Wei Qi. The four of us went together. At first, we took a carriage, but since there were too many people, we had to walk. Cui Yiyun even sprained her ankle. In the end, we only walked a short distance before going back.”

She glanced at Li Qing’an and saw that he was listening to her attentively. She felt pleased and smiled again. “What about you? Are there lanterns on the Lantern Festival in Anxi?”

“There are lantern fairs in Kucha and Bahuhan City, but only in places where Han people live. We call it the Lantern Market. Every household puts a lantern in front of their door, and larger shops have two or more, all in different shapes, as if in a competition to see whose lantern is the most beautiful. People of all ages go out for strolls, attracting many foreigners to watch the lanterns too. Children gather in groups, adding to the lively atmosphere. But if you go there, the Lantern Market will surely become deserted.”
“Why?” Mingyue asked in surprise.
Li Qing’an smiled and said, “Because everyone will come to see you. There are no such beautiful women in Anxi.”
“You’re such a smooth talker!” Mingyue glared at him playfully, feeling sweet inside but deliberately putting on a stern face. “I didn’t say I wanted to go to Anxi to see lanterns. I said I wanted to go to see the Sky City.”
Mingyue’s beautiful eyes were like rippling autumn waters. Her affectionate gaze was full of charm, leaving Li Qing’an stunned. At that moment, someone shouted from behind, “Move aside! A carriage is coming!”
Everyone complained about the crowded crowd and still having to make way for the carriage to see the lanterns. When they saw the triangular flag with the character “Yang” on it, along with a large group of fierce guards, no one dared to speak again and quickly stepped aside.
Li Qing’an quickly took Mingyue’s hand and moved to the side. Several luxurious carriages passed through the crowd. When the curtains on the windows were pulled back, Li Qing’an saw the sharp-faced Lady Han and her daughter Cui Ningbi. The two looked quite alike and were also enjoying the lanterns, but they didn’t notice them.
The next carriage seemed to belong to Lady Qin. The middle carriage was tall, flanked by fifty cavalry guards each wearing bright armor, carrying spears and swords, exuding a fierce aura. Eighteen banners fluttered in the wind on the carriage, with a white token of the Sword South Military Governor at the very front. That was Yang Zhao’s carriage.
Li Qing’an couldn’t help but snort. “What a powerful military governor! What a grand display!”
The carriages slowly passed by. Li Qing’an was lost in thought and forgot he was still holding Mingyue’s hand. Suddenly, Mingyue spotted a few acquaintances and her face turned red. She quickly pulled her hand away from Li Qing’an, who then realized what had happened and quickly let go. “I’m sorry!”
At that moment, a group of young women rushed over—about twenty of them, who had come together to go shopping. Their pretty faces complemented the lanterns, their beauty dazzling and captivating.
“Mingyue!” someone shouted in delight. Two women ran over—Cui Yanyan and Cui Liuli, the sisters.

“Moonlight, why are you here by yourself?” Cui Yanyan’s eyes weren’t sharp enough to notice Li Qing’an. She took Moonlight’s hand and said with a smile, “I just met Mingzhu. Why aren’t you two together?”
Her sister Cui Liuli quickly pulled her sister aside, and only then did Cui Yanyan realize Li Qing’an was standing right there. She was stunned for a moment before winking at Moonlight and saying with a laugh, “I wondered! Why didn’t you come to see me this year? It turns out you had an appointment with your beloved.”
“Don’t talk nonsense!”
Moonlight’s face turned as red as a persimmon. She quickly explained in a low voice, “We just happened to meet on the way. It was just a coincidence.”
“Oh, so it was a coincidence. Sigh! Why don’t I have such good luck?”
Cui Yanyan winked at Li Qing’an before turning to her sister and saying, “Liuli, let’s go. Don’t disturb them anymore.”
Filled with jealousy, Cui Liuli suddenly said to Li Qing’an, “I just saw Ningbi. She said she would come to see you this afternoon. She’s not far behind. Be careful!”
Li Qing’an smiled faintly and said, “Who’s Cui Ningbi? I don’t know her.”
He then said to Moonlight, “Let’s go.”
Moonlight smiled and said to Cui Yanyan, “Yanyan, I’ll be going then.”
She pointed to a large elephant lantern ahead and said, “General Li, let’s go see the elephant lanterns. I love them the most.”
The two walked side by side. Cui Liuli watched their backs with jealousy, turning around frequently. Cui Yanyan shook her head and sighed, “Liuli, enough. Stop being jealous.”
“What am I jealous of? There are plenty of better boys than him. What does he matter?”
Cui Liuli huffed and followed her sister at a quick pace.
Li Qing’an and Moonlight stopped in front of an elephant lantern to take a look. It was a lifelike elephant hanging in midair, looking endearing, with light radiating from all around it. Seeing the longing in Moonlight’s eyes, he asked with a smile, “Do you like elephants?”
“Mm!” Moonlight nodded gently. “When I was little, I went to Shu Province and saw a Nanzhao man leading an elephant in a performance. My father even helped me sit on the elephant. That feeling is still unforgettable to me.”
Li Qing’an looked around and saw a small stall selling handheld flower lanterns. A crowd was gathered around choosing ones, so he said, “Wait a moment.”
He pushed his way into the crowd. Soon, he came out holding a small elephant-shaped lantern and handed it to Moonlight with a smile, “Here for you!”
“Thank you!”
Moonlight took the small elephant lantern. Seeing how vivid and cute it was, she was overjoyed and couldn’t help but laugh.
Just then, several Jinwu Guard soldiers on horseback rushed over shouting, “The colorful pagoda lanterns in front of Xuandu Temple are lit up! Everyone, go and see!”

The crowd grew restless as they all rushed toward Chongye Fang. Mingyue was also extremely excited and said, “It’s the Multicolored Pagoda Lantern! General Li, let’s go take a look!”
“Come on, let’s go too!”
Li Qing’an took Mingyue’s hand, and the two ran toward Chongye Fang with the crowd.
…
On the polo field in Chongye Fang, a Multicolored Pagoda Lantern tower over twenty zhang tall was lit up, adorned with fifty thousand lanterns that emitted a brilliant glow, like a gathering of stars. Its light could reach hundreds of miles in all directions. Li Qing’an was also stunned by the grandeur of this tower.
Mingyue gazed up at the dazzling pagoda, her beautiful eyes filled with admiration as she murmured, “On the Lantern Festival night of the second year of Tianbao, when I was ten years old, this pagoda lantern appeared once. It’s a pity my mother wouldn’t let us go outside. Back then, I heard how beautiful it was, and my sister and I cried. It’s truly magnificent.”
“Sis, Brother Li!”
Mingzhu suddenly appeared before them. She took Mingyue’s hand, jumping and laughing, so excited she was on the verge of tears. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
“You silly girl, just two hours apart, and you’re already so excited.”
Mingyue gently wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled, “Where’s Grandma? Why isn’t she with you?”
“She met Grandpa and wants to watch the lanterns with him. She thought I was in the way, so she sent me to explore on my own. I heard there was a pagoda lantern here and thought you might be here, so I came. I didn’t expect to actually find you.”
She then hung onto Li Qing’an’s arm and coquettishly said, “I don’t care! From now on, I’m following you. Don’t even think about leaving me behind!”
Li Qing’an tapped her nose and laughed, “No problem!”
At that moment, cheerful singing came from beneath the pagoda, and the much-anticipated singing dance began. This singing dance was the favorite form of entertainment among the people of the Tang Dynasty, especially among young men and women. On the joyful night of the Lantern Festival, under the bright spring sunlight, young men and women held hands, dancing and singing in circles, moving in and out. On the Lantern Festival of the first year of Kaiyuan, over three thousand palace maids danced all night long in the palace. In the second year of Tianbao, Emperor Li Longji even set up a large pavilion outside the palace, erecting a Multicolored Pagoda Lantern tower over twenty zhang tall. The people of Chang’an flocked out to sing and dance under the lanterns, continuing the singing dance for three days and three nights—unprecedented in its joy.
At this moment, young men and women came running from all directions, their eyes filled with excitement and longing. Mingyue’s enthusiasm was also ignited. She took her sister’s and Li Qing’an’s hands and said with a smile, “Let’s go join the singing dance too!”
“Let’s go!”

The three of them rushed toward the Colorful Pagoda Lantern. Thousands of men and women were already dancing there, some surrounding the pagoda and others forming their own circles. Holding hands, they danced with graceful movements and melodious songs.

Li Qing’an and the Du Gu sisters danced and sang. Gradually, Li Qing’an and Mingyue became the focus. Surrounded by everyone, Li Qing’an danced with boldness and vigor, filled with the strength characteristic of the Western Regions. He raised his head and sang, “The sunset in the sky is like blood; snow covers the mountain peaks; endless yellow sands beneath my feet; the moonlight shines like frost on the night.”

Mingyue moved with delicate grace, like a blooming water lily. Her eyes conveyed affection as she softly sang, “If you are the clouds in the sky, I am the bird among them; we follow each other, bathed in sunlight and wind. If you are the water in the lake, I am the flower at its heart; we cherish each other, playing in the moonlight. Why do people part and reunite in this world? Why are there joys and sorrows? I only wish to stay with you forever, never as a fleeting bloom.”

Under the bright lights, their hands were intertwined. Mingyue felt his strong, broad hands holding hers tightly—so tightly that it hurt, a pain that reached deep into her heart. Yet this pain also brought her satisfaction, giving her a sense of reliance she had never experienced before. At that moment, the dark clouds that had long weighed on her heart seemed to dissipate suddenly, giving way to bright and joyful sparks. When she saw a passionate flame in Li Qing’an’s eyes as well, her heart melted. Her face turned red, and her eyes revealed sweet love and boundless tenderness, enveloping Li Qing’an completely. In that instant, she wished he would always hold her hand, never let go, and fly with her to that beautiful sky city.