The four of them emerged from the Drunken Fragrance Tower, and the street had transformed into a different scene.
The city was adorned with myriad lanterns, their colorful glows and patterns spilling through the varied paper shades. Pedestrians thronged the streets, a seemingly endless stream of people in fine attire. Lu Nianfu paused, marveling at the vibrant and bustling spectacle.
"Let's go," a large hand reached out and naturally intertwined with hers. He then turned to the other two, "I'm taking my wife to see the lanterns. What about you two?"
Ouyang Wen exclaimed in surprise, "Didn't we agree to go to the Bright Moon Tower to pick out tables?"
Ji Jin reminded him, "That's a hundred taels of silver. Enough for three meals at the Drunken Fragrance Tower."
"We'll wander around first before earning money. Otherwise, if all these beautiful lanterns are taken by others, what will there be to see? You two go have fun on your own." Gu Yanchen unceremoniously dismissed them. Being single had its drawbacks; they lacked any sense of timing. He didn't want to spend the joyous Lantern Festival with them tagging along, as it would ruin the atmosphere.
Lu Nianfu felt a pang of shame and discreetly pinched his waist.
Gu Yanchen exaggeratedly twisted, then gave Ouyang Wen and Ji Jin a meaningful look.
"Such a fair-weather friend, prioritizing romance over friendship."
Ouyang Wen and Ji Jin were quite annoyed, no longer wishing to be fed dog food. They agreed to meet at the Bright Moon Tower in an hour and chose a direction opposite to Gu Yanchen's.
Numerous stalls lined the streets, most of them selling lanterns. Each one was uniquely crafted and breathtakingly beautiful.
Lu Nianfu felt her eyes weren't enough to take it all in. Seeing her delight, Gu Yanchen suggested buying some to take home. However, Lu Nianfu refused, explaining that lanterns were beautiful only during specific times. Taking a few home, no matter how exquisite, would soon become tiresome. Why bother?
Beautiful scenery and delicious food, much like a good story, leave one longing for more when they end at the peak.
After walking through two streets, Lu Nianfu was drawn to a hair ornament at a small stall. It was a silver hairpin, with a small lantern pendant. The lantern was fashioned from delicate silver threads, with a blue gemstone embedded in its center.
Though she knew the gemstone was likely inexpensive, Lu Nianfu was captivated by the craftsmanship of the hairpin and immediately fell in love with it.
She stepped forward, taking it in her hand to admire. "Boss, how much is this?"
"Ah, young lady, you truly have discerning taste. This..."
"Ahhh! Move! Quickly, move! Help!" A series of screams, accompanied by the rapid pounding of hooves, drowned out the boss's voice. Startled, Lu Nianfu turned to see a white horse galloping towards them from a distance. The woman on its back clung tightly to its neck, her cries turning into wails. The horse, charging wildly, had already knocked over several stalls.
As the horse was about to collide with them, Lu Nianfu's vision blurred. Gu Yanchen, who had been beside her, sprang into action.
In a few swift movements, his dark blue figure leaped onto the horse's back, grabbing the reins from the woman.
Feeling the added weight on its back, the white horse became even more agitated, even attempting to accelerate. Unfortunately, it had encountered Gu Yanchen, who had vast experience with horses. The reins were held fast, and though the horse reared up on its hind legs, it couldn't break free.
The white horse reared again, then quickly settled back down.
After a few more struggles, it stopped obediently.
Seeing that the crisis was averted, Gu Yanchen dismounted. The woman on the horse looked up with tear-filled eyes and saw a strikingly handsome young man standing before her. Her startled heart began to beat uncontrollably again.
She composed herself and bowed gracefully, "Si Yue thanks you, kind sir, for saving my life. May I trouble you to leave your name and address? Si Yue will surely call upon you to express her gratitude."
Gu Yanchen asked, "What's your name, and where do you live?"
Zhao Si Yue's heart fluttered with joy, thinking he was going to escort her home. How considerate!
"My surname is Zhao. My father is Right Minister Zhao Zong."
"So you are the Right Minister's daughter. Did your father not teach you that one must not ride horses through the streets? Especially tonight, with so many pedestrians. Look back at the stalls you've damaged. Prepare your silver for apologies." Gu Yanchen's face was grim. "You should be thankful you didn't hit anyone tonight. Otherwise, I would have had you arrested and thrown in jail."
Zhao Si Yue: ...
Zhao Si Yue stared, dumbfounded, at the man before her. He was still so handsome, but his words were so strange!
Gu Yanchen's eyes widened even more than hers. "What are you looking at? I am the Minister of Dali Temple. You are a daughter of an official, and this matter falls under my jurisdiction. Go home and get the money from your father. I've noted the amount and will personally come to collect it tomorrow."
Without waiting for the young lady's reaction, he used his internal energy to project his voice loudly, "All stall owners whose stalls were overturned by the horse, bring your damaged goods here for registration immediately. No latecomers will be accommodated."
Soon, the vendors who rushed to register their damages crowded the place, making it impossible to move.