Chapter 28: A Spectacle of Lanterns, Starlight Reflecting Love

The annual Lantern Festival was like a grand, star-studded dream brought to life in the mortal realm.

The night sky, a vast expanse of ink-blue silk, draped gently over the capital. The countless lanterns, scattered like glittering gems, illuminated the world until it was as bright as day, creating a surreal and ethereal scene. A soft breeze drifted by, carrying a delicate, sweet fragrance—a unique scent woven from the sugar figurines and fresh flowers sold in every street and alley.

Within the imperial palace, the Emperor issued a decree, tasking Li Chengyin with overseeing the entirety of the festival.

Li Chengyin accepted the command and stepped out, dressed in a deep purple robe embroidered with gold patterns. As he walked, the hem of his garment swayed with his stride; his posture was as upright as a pine, his bearing as distinguished as the moon. Beside him, Xiaofeng wore a vibrant red dress, bright as the sunset clouds. Her sleeves fluttered as she moved, making her resemble a passionate, blooming rose in the mundane world—stunningly beautiful and full of playful, spirited charm.

The two walked together through the bustling market, appearing like a pair of lovers stepped straight out of a painting, drawing the gaze of everyone around them. Li Chengyin kept his hands elegantly clasped behind his back, his deep eyes filled with indulgence as they remained fixed on Xiaofeng. She, like a joyful bird, darted between the various lantern stalls, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement.

"Li Chengyin, buy this for me!"
"Li Chengyin, I want that one!"

Her voice was crisp and melodious, carrying the coquettish, lively tone of a young girl. It echoed through the noisy market like a string of silver bells dancing in the wind. Li Chengyin wore a faint, tender smile as he instructed, "Pei Zhao, carry these for the Crown Princess."

Pei Zhao nodded silently, taking the items Xiaofeng had chosen and following close behind.

They strolled through an ocean of lanterns, each colorful and unique: some were lotus lanterns in full bloom, their petals as warm and smooth as mutton-fat jade, the candlelight within the stamens flickering as if whispering soft endearments; others were butterfly lanterns, their wings crafted from paper as thin as cicada silk, painted with intricate patterns that seemed to flutter in the breeze as if they were truly taking flight; and then there were the majestic rabbit lanterns, their snow-white fur casting soft halos under the light, their ruby-like eyes gleaming with life.

Bathed in the brilliant glow, Xiaofeng’s face looked particularly enchanting. Li Chengyin’s gaze never left her for a moment, as if she were the only real and precious thing in the world.

Suddenly, chaos erupted ahead. Thick smoke billowed upward like a fierce, giant beast, clawing and tearing as it consumed everything in its path. The fire spread rapidly, and the crowd descended into panic. Screams and shouts intertwined, rising in waves like a surging tide.

In the midst of the mayhem, a child’s cry pierced through the noise. The child stood alone, face streaked with tears, looking around in vain for an adult. Seeing this, Xiaofeng’s heart tightened, and without a second thought, she sprinted toward the child.

Li Chengyin was stunned for a heartbeat before his expression shifted drastically. "Xiaofeng, come back! It’s dangerous up there!" he shouted.

But Xiaofeng seemed not to hear him; her eyes were fixed solely on the child in peril. Li Chengyin, burning with anxiety, rushed after her. Just then, a burning timber, engulfed in flames, crashed down from a collapsing house. Xiaofeng lunged forward, scooped up the child, and turned to dodge, but the beam moved too fast. With no way to escape, she shielded the child with her own body.

A dull thud echoed as the timber slammed into Xiaofeng’s back. Everything went black, and she collapsed to the ground.

Li Chengyin’s heart constricted violently, as if the entire world had stopped in that instant. He charged forward like a madman, heedless of the danger and chaos surrounding him. His eyes were filled with terror and despair as he tremblingly gathered Xiaofeng into his arms, his voice choked with sobs. "Xiaofeng, are you alright? Xiaofeng, don't scare me!"

Pei Zhao arrived quickly, shielding them and assisting Li Chengyin as they hurried back to the Eastern Palace with the unconscious Xiaofeng.

Upon their return, the palace was cloaked in tension and dread. Li Chengyin kept vigil by her bedside, clutching her hand, his eyes unable to tear away from her pale face. His heart was heavy with self-reproach and regret; if only he had been faster, if only he had been more firm in stopping her, none of this would have happened.

Within the palace, news of the festival disaster reached the Emperor’s ears. Enraged, he immediately summoned Li Chengyin. Li Chengyin hurried to the audience hall and knelt before the Emperor. The Emperor glared, his eyes wide with fury. "Li Chengyin, I tasked you with hosting the Lantern Festival, yet you failed, neglecting your station to frolic in the markets with the Crown Princess, causing such panic! What is your defense?"

Li Chengyin bowed his head, his mind racing. He knew that this seemingly accidental fire and chaos had undoubtedly been orchestrated by someone.

After leaving the Emperor's palace and returning to the Eastern Palace, Li Chengyin sat in his study, calmly analyzing the events. His eyes gradually turned cold and sharp; he already had his answer.

This was surely the work of Chancellor Gao. He had sought to divert the Emperor’s attention, hoping the Emperor would vent his dissatisfaction and rage upon Li Chengyin, thereby ignoring his own corruption and various crimes. He wanted to use the chaos to convince the Emperor that Li Chengyin was a man governed only by sentiment, unfit for great responsibilities, and thus diminish his influence at court.

Li Chengyin stood up and walked to the window, staring into the night. He silently vowed that he would never let Chancellor Gao’s schemes succeed. He would triumph in this game of power—not only to clear his own name but, more importantly, to protect Xiaofeng. He knew the road ahead was filled with thorns and challenges, but for Xiaofeng, and for their future, he would pay any price.

After a long slumber, Xiaofeng finally began to stir. Li Chengyin had been guarding her side the entire time; the moment she opened her eyes, a tide of joy and relief washed over him. He held her tightly, whispering, "Xiaofeng, you’re finally awake. Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

Xiaofeng smiled weakly. "Li Chengyin, I’m fine. What about the child?"

Li Chengyin felt both helpless and moved; even in such a moment, Xiaofeng was still thinking of others. "The child is safe," he comforted her. "Rest now; leave the rest to me."

During the days of her recovery, Li Chengyin tended to her with devotion while accelerating his investigation into Chancellor Gao’s crimes and advancing his plans for vengeance. He knew the confrontation with the Chancellor had reached a critical juncture; he had to be even more cautious and decisive.

At night, Li Chengyin would accompany Xiaofeng for walks in the Eastern Palace garden. The moonlight, like water, spilled quietly over them, cloaking them in a silver shroud. The flowers in the garden exhaled a faint fragrance in the moonlight, lingering around them like a soft whisper.

Xiaofeng leaned against Li Chengyin’s shoulder, feeling his warmth and strength. "Li Chengyin, I know you are planning something great. I may not understand the affairs of the court, but I will always be by your side to support you."

Her voice was soft yet resolute. Li Chengyin felt a warmth in his heart as he took her hand. "Xiaofeng, with you here, I have nothing to fear."