Chapter Sixty-Three: Setting Out for the Palace

A long drought finally broken by a nourishing rain—indeed, one of life’s four great joys. This unexpected downpour swept away all problems with it. Though the season for the autumn harvest had passed, other crops could still be sown, and the grain stores in the county office would be enough to see the people of Lihuai through to the next season’s harvest.

Having awaited this life-saving rain, the people of their homeland could at last lay down their burdens and rest in peace. For a week straight, they had ladled out porridge beneath the scorching sun. The princess, raised in comfort and luxury, had never endured such hardship. Her delicate skin, fair and tender, was burned and peeled by the relentless heat, to Jasmine’s deep distress.

Fortunately, all manner of medicines were at hand. Jasmine promptly prepared a bath for the princess, sprinkling the water with petals and pouring in aloe juice to soothe the inflammation. After bathing, a thin layer of mint lotion was applied to cool and moisturize her skin.

Gu Li rested and recuperated for three full days in the county office. During this time, the Crown Prince and General Chang'an commanded the repair of the charity hall, providing shelter for the homeless, and, together with Lord Chen, divided the remaining grain to ensure the people could live on as usual. Only when all was settled did their mission come to an end.

With their task fulfilled, it was time to return to the palace. News of the Crown Prince and Princess’s departure spread quickly, and all the people of Lihuai County knelt by the roadside to bid them farewell. Seated in her carriage, Gu Li gazed at the sincere, grateful faces and wept freely.

When they arrived, the people were destitute; as they departed, the townsfolk lived in peace and contentment. So this, she realized, was the flourishing era her father, the Emperor, and her elder brother, the Crown Prince, had worked so tirelessly to maintain.

The road home was far less perilous than their journey outbound. The person lurking in the shadows, intent on their lives, had not sent more assassins, but the Crown Prince warned that the villain would not give up so easily—they must remain ever vigilant.

Their journey continued smoothly, drawing them ever closer to the capital.

That night, they stopped at an inn near a border checkpoint. Not far from the inn lay Suoluo Town, a place inhabited by a minority people, where the architecture and customs were rich with ethnic character.

Weary from travel, the Crown Prince decided they would rest here after lunch at the inn.

Gu Li awoke from a midday nap, feeling utterly refreshed. The Crown Prince, having heard that that very night Suoluo Town would hold a lantern festival, suggested they attend together.

Delighted at the prospect, Gu Li agreed at once. Apart from a brief, hurried stroll through a small town, she had yet to truly experience the pleasures of a journey beyond the city walls.

With Jasmine’s help, Gu Li changed into a new outfit: a long gown of pale pink and white, with cuffs embroidered with light blue peonies. Silver threads outlined drifting clouds, and the hem was densely patterned with waves and sea clouds in blue. Across her chest, a wide sash of pale yellow brocade was wrapped. As she turned gracefully, the skirt billowed around her, and every movement was as elegant as a willow swaying in the wind.

As she slowly descended the staircase, Lie Chang'an’s heart, calm as a still lake, was suddenly stirred by ripples.

Since leaving the palace, she had dressed simply, like a lotus in a clear stream, but now, adorned once more in her customary finery—resplendent and noble as a peony—she was just as dazzling and unattainable as ever.

Lie Chang'an forced down the tumult within, quickly lowered his eyes, and followed behind them without a sideways glance as they made their way to the lantern festival.

It was only upon arrival that they discovered the festival observed many traditions. The lantern festival of Suoluo Town was, in fact, an annual matchmaking event.

Why call it a “matchmaking festival”? It was because everyone attending, whether man or woman, was required to wear a mask. Women received a lantern at the entrance, while men took a red cord. The men would weave the cord into a token of their affection, and if they spotted someone who caught their fancy, they would present her with the red cord. If the woman accepted, she would tie the cord to her lantern—thus sealing a pledge of love.