The General Said She Would Not Take a Wife

Chapter 32: Lantern Festival

It was agreed with Lin Aoxue to go see the lanterns together the next day. Yunyan didn't linger at the inn for long, and before leaving, she reminded Lin Aoxue to have the inn's attendant tidy up her room and change the hard, cold bedding.

Lin Aoxue readily agreed and sent Yunyan off from the inn.

As Yunyan stepped outside, she realized that the streets were already lined with lanterns. The lanterns hanging from shop eaves had been changed to brighter colors—red, yellow, and a stunning array of hues—creating a lively and festive atmosphere that was full of the spirit of the Lantern Festival. Yunyan looked up and smiled at Lin Aoxue, speaking softly:

"Shall we take a leisurely walk?"

Lin Aoxue didn't refuse. She followed Yunyan, walking slowly down the street, continuing the journey they had started a few days ago. As they passed by the brightly colored lanterns, Lin Aoxue's mind seemed lost in thought.

Before long, she had escorted Yunyan to the gate of her residence. It wasn't until Yunyan waved at her and entered the gate that Lin Aoxue snapped out of her reverie.

She glanced at the now-closed gate and, on the way back to the inn, stopped by a nearby shop to buy some dried bamboo and colored paper. Upon returning to the inn, she sat on the stone steps in the inner courtyard and began crafting lanterns.

Her right hand, which had been injured over the past ten days, was healing, and her right arm had scabbed over. She split the dried bamboo into thin, fine strips to create the frame for the lanterns. After working for an entire afternoon, by the time evening arrived, she had covered the frames with colored paper. The lanterns now looked presentable.

She made two lanterns in total, and as night fell, Lin Aoxue carried them into her room, placing them on the table. After having the inn's attendant bring some water, she washed up briefly, then lay down on the bed. Remarkably, she didn't dream of anything related to the past, enjoying a peaceful, undisturbed sleep.

The next morning, Lin Aoxue woke up early, took the two lanterns in hand, and bought some steamed cakes for breakfast at the market before heading to Yunyan's house as promised.

Yunyan was surprised when she opened the door and saw Lin Aoxue standing outside with the steamed cakes in one hand and the lanterns in the other. Yunyan took the lanterns from her hands, examining them closely before exclaiming:

"Did you make these yourself?"

Having seen Lin Aoxue's ability to craft things before, and noticing how the lanterns were different from the ones sold outside, she couldn't help but ask. Lin Aoxue, who hadn't thought much about it when she came over, suddenly became bashful and awkward when Yunyan brought it up. She nodded nonchalantly:

"Mm."

Yunyan rolled her eyes helplessly at her, then smiled and pulled her inside. She went to the kitchen, brought out a plate, and served the still-warm steamed cakes. The two sat down together and ate.

The lanterns would look best in the evening, so after finishing their meal and resting for a bit, they went out. Yunyan took Lin Aoxue to Zanyang Lake, a famous spot in the capital. The lake was vast, and even in winter, it hadn't frozen over. Many talented individuals were out on the lake, boating leisurely.

There were lanterns hanging along the lakeshore, and small stalls had been set up. As night fell, the area became even livelier.

The two of them arrived with their lanterns and rented a boat, drifting on the water. Looking around, the wide expanse of water stretched to the horizon, and the willow trees along the shore hadn't yet sprouted new buds, adding a touch of melancholy. Beneath the water, fish swam in and out of view. The cool breeze gently brushed against their faces, refreshing and peaceful.