Chapter Sixty-Four: Each Harbors Their Own Thoughts

This so-called “pledge of love” was, of course, the local custom: donning a mask meant that appearances were set aside, and only temperament and inner qualities were to be considered in choosing a companion. The local people were open-minded—if two were mutually attracted, once the lantern festival ended, they could remove their masks and pledge themselves to each other for life.

However, outsiders were naturally not bound by this custom and could simply enjoy the merriment. This group of travelers had come for the novelty of it; after hearing the rules of the festival, each harbored their own thoughts yet obediently purchased masks to wear. Then, Gu Li and Yu Yang went to collect lanterns, while the Crown Prince and Lie Chang’an went to fetch red cords.

Gu Li chose a rabbit lantern; Yu Yang, meanwhile, selected one adorned with peach blossoms.

Selecting lanterns was quick, unlike the men who still needed to weave their red cords. After they finished, the two women went to find their companions at the red cord stall.

From afar, Gu Li spotted that deep blue figure. Though he wore a mask, his attire and bearing were unmistakable to her. She saw him with his head lowered, diligently weaving the red cord in his hands. His fingers were long and nimble as they worked.

Gu Li realized he was weaving a rabbit.

Beside him, the Crown Prince held his red cord untouched, watching the process with complete seriousness.

Seeing the rabbit lantern in her own hand, Gu Li couldn’t help but smile, her lips curving gently.

Yu Yang had never been to such a place before. Though not confined to the imperial palace and having traveled the martial world, she bore heavy responsibilities and had never experienced these matters of youthful affection or romantic festivities. The novelty and curiosity delighted her.

“I want to go have a look over there,” Yu Yang said, pointing toward a lively crowd not far away, where something fun appeared to be happening.

Gu Li saw that Lie Chang’an and the Crown Prince were still weaving their cords and would likely be some time yet, so she nodded and accompanied Yu Yang to investigate.

There, people were gathered to solve lantern riddles—scholars and beauties alike, discussing and debating. Gu Li was no stranger to these riddles; every festival in the palace, her father would organize such games among the consorts and children to liven the mood.

Finding little novelty in it, since she had heard these riddles countless times in the palace, Gu Li soon grew bored. Still, seeing Yu Yang so entertained, she refrained from interrupting and wandered off with Jasmine to seek other amusements.

The lantern fairgrounds were indeed vast; lanterns hung everywhere, bathing the scene in brilliant light. Many of the lanterns were strung from branches in full bloom, and Gu Li found the flowers even more enchanting than the lanterns, lost in their beauty as she wandered further and further away.

“Princess, we can’t go any farther,” Jasmine said nervously. The grounds were immense, and fewer lanterns hung ahead; the darkness grew oppressive. Afraid they might lose their way, Jasmine quickly tugged Gu Li’s sleeve.

Only then did Gu Li realize how far they had strayed. They hastily turned back, intending to retrace their steps, but somehow grew confused, failing to return to the riddle site. Instead, they stumbled upon a lively pavilion, filled with masked scholars and beauties laughing and chatting together.

To Gu Li’s surprise, she spotted Yu Yang—who was supposed to be at the riddles—sitting in the pavilion.

“What are you doing here?” Gu Li asked.

Yu Yang, hearing the voice, turned to see them safe and sound, and let out a breath of relief. “I noticed you two were missing and started looking for you. Somehow, I ended up here,” she replied. Though she was not fond of the princess, she had no wish for any mishap to befall her.

Gu Li hadn’t expected Yu Yang to be so concerned for them and was a little taken aback by the kindness. She said nothing, merely sitting down beside her.

As she did, her gaze involuntarily fell upon Yu Yang’s lantern, her heart tightening inexplicably.