Chapter 32: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 32: Qiqiao Festival (2)

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Just then, Qianqian and Qi Xi also arrived at the riverbank. Curiosity sparkled in their eyes. At a glance, Qianqian took a liking to a yellow flower lantern; that bright yellow was like warm sunlight, giving a pleasant feeling.

Qi Xi chose a red flower lantern; red symbolizes passion and vitality.

The two impatiently picked up brushes and wrote their wishes on the paper. Qi Xi wrote "First place in every subject"; she longed to achieve outstanding academic results and bring honor to herself and her family. Qianqian wrote "Not having to attend classes at the Shangshufang"; for her, the Shangshufang's coursework always made her feel a bit pressured, and she hoped to have some free time of her own.

After writing, they likewise lit the flower lanterns and then carefully placed them into the river.

Watching the flower lanterns drift away, the two little ones were as happy as children at New Year, hopping and cheering, their laughter echoing in the air. On the river surface, colorful flower lanterns reflected each other's light, beautiful beyond description, as if the whole world were enveloped by this lovely scene.

At this moment, time seemed to stand still; everyone was immersed in this warm and beautiful atmosphere, hearts full of yearning and anticipation for the future.

After releasing those gorgeous flower lanterns, the lively and playful Yan Shuang'er, like a joyful little deer, pulled the equally expectant Yan Xiner and ran all the way to the tallest, most magnificent tree by the moat — that far-famed Marriage Tree.

Gazing from afar, one saw the stout trunk already hung with many, many small wooden plaques tied fast with red strings, like strings of red wind chimes carrying countless beautiful wishes, swaying gently in the breeze, exuding a mysterious and romantic air.

Yan Shuang'er impatiently bought an exquisite small wooden plaque from a peddler selling trinkets nearby, then solemnly handed it to Yan Xiner, eyes flashing with anticipation, and said softly: "Elder Sister, quickly write your name on it and throw it onto the Marriage Tree."

Yan Xiner took the plaque, pursed her lips slightly, carefully picked up the brush, and with full concentration wrote her graceful name stroke by stroke. After finishing, she even blew on it gently a few times, as if giving life to the name. Once the ink dried, she took a deep breath, walked slowly to the tree, and with all her strength tossed the plaque upward. The red thread danced in the air like a spirit snake, then wound securely around the tree, and the plaque finally hung suspended in the very center of the tree, as if it had found its most fitting resting place.

Having done this, Yan Shuang'er walked with light steps toward the riverbank where Qianqian and the others were waiting, a satisfied smile on her face, and asked: "Go home? Or play a while longer?"

Qianqian looked around and, seeing there was indeed nothing more fun to do, nodded and said: "Let's go home." At this time, Qi Yu and Yan Wang had still not returned, so everyone could only take Qi Xi back to the Wangfu first. Along the way, all were silent, each immersed in the interesting time just past.

Back at the Wangfu, Yan Si and Yan Xiner also returned to their own courtyards one after another to rest, while Yan Shuang'er hurried to the Princess Consort's courtyard and reported the day's task in minute detail to the Princess Consort, her eyes revealing a trace of complacency and pride, as if displaying her day's achievements to the Princess Consort.

Yan Qianqian cheerfully pulled Qi Xi, like two happy little birds, running toward her own courtyard full of vitality. The moment they stepped into the courtyard, the two innocent children were immediately drawn to Daji's lively figure. Daji seemed to know of their arrival, showing not the slightest fear or strangeness; when Qi Xi gently reached out to stroke it, Daji obediently lay on the ground, letting Qi Xi gently caress its soft fur. Qi Xi's eyes shone with joy, her heart loving Daji to the utmost.

After petting the cat, the two walked hand in hand, like inseparable sisters, toward Yan Shuang'er's study. Over this past year they had studied hard in the Shangshufang, and now finally reaped abundant rewards, already able to recognize many characters. Entering Yan Shuang'er's study, the two little ones shuttled among the bookshelves and finally picked out a picture book each liked best.

The two little ones sat at the desk, flipping through the picture book while chattering and laughing, the joyful atmosphere seeming able to infect the whole study. Just as they were engrossed, Yan Shuang'er quietly returned. Seeing the two little ones reading so attentively in the study, the corners of her mouth curved up slightly, a flash of relief in her eyes; she merely stood quietly to one side and did not disturb them. Afterwards, she instructed Xiao Jin to bring some fruit for the two adorable little ones.

The fruit was mostly eaten by the two when, at this time, Yan Wang and Qi Yu returned together. Everyone rose and together saw Qi Xi to the gate. Qi Yu sincerely thanked Yan Shuang'er, grateful for the wonderful time she had given the children. Yan Shuang'er smiled and nodded, watching Qi Yu take Qi Xi away. Finally, everyone also returned to their own courtyards with happy hearts, preparing to enter sweet dreams, their minds still echoing with the evening's wonderful scenes…