Yan Chi arrived nearly half an hour earlier than the agreed time. However, since the Marquis Anyang Manor's party was to accompany Qin Guan, they took a longer route. Moreover, with the Grand Princess in attendance, the carriage moved extremely slowly. By the time the group reached the shores of Lishui Lake, dusk had already begun to settle.
The last traces of sunset had just faded, the sky shrouded in a layer of gray haze. Nightfall lingered at the threshold, yet the entire lakeside was already bustling with excitement. From afar, Qin Guan could hear the lively, festive clamor outside.
"Have you been here before, Guan'er?"
Qin Guan shook her head. "No, I was always confined indoors before."
The Grand Princess immediately understood the implication and gave Qin Guan's hand a reassuring squeeze, saying no more. Soon, the carriage came to a halt.
No sooner had the carriage stopped than footsteps approached from behind. The curtain was lifted, and Yue Qing stood at the doorway. "Grandmother, shall I escort you aboard the boat first?"
The Grand Princess smiled warmly. "The Lantern Market is below. Don't you want to go have some fun?"
Yue Qing glanced at Qin Guan. "The Lantern Market is the same every year—what's so fun about it? Naturally, I'll see to you first, Grandmother."
The Grand Princess nodded and released Qin Guan's hand, extending hers to Yue Qing instead. "Very well. Since you're so filial, you may accompany me aboard." She then turned to Qin Guan. "Since you've never been here before, let Ning'er take you to explore the Lantern Market first. Later, you can release Sky Lanterns or floating lanterns. If you see anything you like, buy a trinket or two for fun. Just don't eat too much from the street vendors—it's unclean and might upset your stomach. It's also chilly by the lake, so don't remove your cape."
The Grand Princess's gentle admonitions warmed Qin Guan's heart, and she quickly agreed.
Meanwhile, Yue Qing was dumbfounded. He had assumed Qin Guan would accompany the Grand Princess aboard...
The Grand Princess turned back to him. "Qing'er? What's the matter? Changed your mind about going to play?"
Yue Qing hastily shook his head, though inwardly he was bitterly disappointed. "Of course not! I'll escort you aboard first, then come back to explore later."
The Grand Princess chuckled affectionately before addressing Yue Jia and Yan Chi. "You all go enjoy yourselves too. A vegetarian feast will be prepared on the boat for dinner. We'll call for you when it's time for the lake tour!"
Lishui Lake was a natural body of water in the southern part of Jinzhou, connected to the Lishui River that encircled the city. The river flowed southward from the city and eventually merged into the Lijiang River. The lakeside was typically a refined gathering spot for Jinzhou's literati, lined with pleasure boats, taverns, teahouses, and bookshops—all frequented by the city's scholars and artists.
Tonight, for the Mid-Autumn Lantern Market, the festivities encircled the entire lake. The shimmering waters mirrored the vibrant lights of the market—neither too small nor too large—ensuring that groups could easily reunite after wandering.
After the Grand Princess's instructions, Yue Qing reluctantly helped her toward the Marquis Anyang Manor's pleasure boat.
Lishui Lake could accommodate hundreds of anchored boats, yet tonight, only about twenty were moored. Each vessel represented the wealth and influence of Jinzhou's elite. Adorned in dazzling splendor, no two boats were alike, resembling celestial palaces floating on the water. Even ordinary townsfolk, though unable to board, found the sight breathtaking. These pleasure boats were, without a doubt, one of Lishui Lake's grandest spectacles!"Where would you like to go?" Yue Ning pointed ahead. "There are sights, games, and food all around this lakeside. Have you never attended any garden parties before?"
Qin Guan thought for a moment before shaking her head. "I don't believe so."
Yue Ning frowned. "You don't believe so?"
Fuling, following behind Qin Guan, quickly interjected, "Reporting to the Princess, my young mistress injured her head after falling into the lake and can't clearly remember things from before. The last time she attended a lantern festival was when her parents were still alive."
Yue Ning studied Qin Guan for a moment. "How strange. You can't recall events, yet you remember all the medical knowledge you've learned."
Qin Guan exhaled softly. In the first few days, she had been quite nervous, afraid of revealing any flaws. But now, she had fully embraced the identity of Ninth Miss and remained perfectly calm in the face of such suspicions.
"It's not impossible. I've read in medical texts that many who suffer injuries or trauma forget even their own family members, yet retain their learned skills—writing, painting, cooking, carpentry—such cases are numerous."
When it came to medical knowledge, no one could challenge Qin Guan. Yue Ning nodded. "Why didn't you mention that you injured your head from falling into the lake?"
Qin Guan glanced around and, seeing Yue Jia and the others still waiting, smiled. "If the Princess wishes to know, Qin Guan can tell you later. Right now, the Princess is supposed to be taking me to the Lantern Market. Young Master Yue Jia must have been here before, but Young Master Wei and Prince Chi are visiting Jinzhou for the first time. The Princess should be a good guide."
Yue Ning rolled her eyes and then shrugged, pointing ahead. "In that case, let's go this way..."
With that, Yue Ning took the lead, walking at the front. Qin Guan followed with Fuling, and behind them, Yue Jia and the others began to move as well. Though Yue Jia was shadowed by the gloom of his impending wedding, the grief of Wei Yanzhi beside him was even greater—mingled with fear and self-reproach. So Yue Jia did his duty as host, introducing the sights to Wei Yanzhi.
They hadn't gone far when the clear, resonant notes of a zither suddenly rose from a nearby pleasure boat, filling the entire Lishui Lake as night began to fall.
"'Gulls and Egrets Forget Their Cares'?"
A voice spoke up abruptly. Qin Guan turned to see it was Wei Yanzhi who had spoken. She listened carefully for a few moments—indeed, it was that very melody. A faint smile touched her lips. "Young Master Wei recognized the tune so swiftly—you must be skilled in the zither?"
Wei Yanzhi had been momentarily lost in appreciation of the music, but at Qin Guan's words, he snapped back to attention. He shook his head. "Not at all. My elder brother is the true master of the zither. I only remember this piece because I've heard him play it often."
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