Reborn, the daughter of the Marquisate went crazy

Xie Qingli stared at Chu Yuncang in a daze. Fireworks bloomed in the sky behind him, the brilliant light illuminating his travel-weary face. She thought he must have traveled day and night, and upon entering the city, he went straight to the Jiang Mansion to find her.

Xie Qingli's nose suddenly felt sore, and a warm current that was both sour and sweet surged in his heart, and even his fingertips trembled slightly.

She took two steps forward, her voice soft as if she was afraid to disturb the moment: "I thought you... wouldn't be able to make it back on New Year's Eve."

Chu Yuncang chuckled softly, the weariness in his eyes unable to conceal the tenderness: "Originally, I couldn't make it back in time, but I wanted to spend the New Year's Eve with Li'er, so I rode my horse for a few days." He reached out and stroked the top of Xie Qingli's head, smiling brightly: "Fortunately, I finally caught up."

Before he finished speaking, a myriad of fireworks suddenly shot up into the sky, illuminating the night sky like day. Xie Qingli looked up and saw a stream of golden and jade-like stars pouring down from the sky. He couldn't help but sigh, "Shengjing City's fireworks are so breathtakingly beautiful!"

"As long as Li'er likes it." Chu Yuncang's voice came with a smile, three times warmer than the fireworks in the sky.

Xie Qingli's heart moved slightly, and she turned her head suddenly, meeting his smiling eyes. He took out an oil-paper package from his arms, unfolded it layer by layer, revealing the crystal clear snow pear cake inside. The sweet fragrance instantly spread in the cold night.

"I bought this on my way through Yongzhou." He picked up a piece and handed it to Xie Qingli: "Try it, is it tasty?"

Xie Qingli took the cake, her fingertips carelessly brushing against his palm, sending a tingling sensation that made the tips of her ears turn slightly red. He took a bite, the sweetness of the pear and the aroma of honey melting on his tongue, and a glint of surprise suddenly lit up his eyes.

Xie Qingli's eyebrows curved as she looked up. The brilliant colors of the sky were reflected in his gentle eyebrows and eyes. She suddenly felt the most delicious taste in the world. But at this moment, the sweetness between her lips and teeth, the warmth of the person in front of her, and the gorgeous fireworks outside the window that illuminated half a lifetime of memories...

"What are you doing?"

A cold voice suddenly pierced the warm atmosphere. Xie Tingyu stepped onto the last step and saw his sister standing opposite a man with a slightly red cheek. Alarm bells immediately rang in his heart. Who was this scoundrel who dared to kidnap his Li'er on New Year's Eve?

Hearing the sound, they both turned around at the same time. Upon seeing that familiar face, Xie Tingyu's pupils suddenly shrank. He quickly stepped forward and saluted, "When did Your Highness return to the capital? I haven't heard a single word."

A trace of panic flashed across Xie Qingli's face, but Chu Yuncang turned around calmly, a gentle smile on his lips: "Brother Tingyu, long time no see. I just came back from the north, and thinking of the New Year's Eve, I stopped by to see you."

Xie Tingyu's suspicious gaze flickered between the two of them, and then he suddenly remembered the oath Chu Yuncang had sworn, and his tense expression gradually relaxed. His Highness must treat Li'er the same way he treated Princess Fu'an, treating her like the younger sister of a close friend.

Thinking this way, he once again missed the opportunity to discover the truth.

Chu Yuncang calmly pushed Xie Qingli behind him and said softly, "I haven't seen the general for a long time. Brother Tingyu, can you take me to see him?"

Xie Tingyu had no doubts and nodded in response, "I just came from the Marquis' Mansion. Grandfather must be in the study. Your Highness, please follow me."

The two walked down the stairs one after the other, their footsteps particularly clear in the silent corridor.

Xie Qingli trailed a few steps behind, using the dim light of the lanterns in the corridor to quietly tuck the still-warm oil-paper bag into her sleeve. Her lips curled up unconsciously, and her eyes reflected the lingering fireworks in the distance, as if hiding an entire galaxy...

……

After New Year's Eve, Shengjing was abuzz with joy. The imperial court had lifted the curfew to celebrate the New Year, and the streets were brightly lit and bustling with people, completely dispelling the gloom brought by the months-long snowstorm.

A remarkable story spread like wildfire throughout Shengjing. By chance, several guards from the Third Prince's residence rescued the eldest daughter of the Jiang family from danger. To show their gratitude, the Jiang family not only gifted each guard a thousand taels of silver but also hosted a five-day banquet at the Zuixianlou, Shengjing's premier restaurant. Anyone with any acquaintance with the guards was invited to join in the celebration. For a time, the guards became the talk of the town.

As word spread, the streets of Zuixian Tower were jammed with carriages and guests daily. The people of Shengjing sighed: "These guards are truly blessed!" The Jiang family's willingness to repay a small favor with a massive debt of gratitude was truly rare. Even rarer still was the Third Prince's humility. He could have claimed all the credit for himself, but he willingly gave it to others. Such noble character truly embodied the magnanimity of a royal family.

When everyone in the Jiang Mansion heard the rumors, they all laughed and clapped their hands; but in the Third Prince's mansion, the Third Prince was so angry that he closed the door to visitors and smashed all the treasures in the room to pieces.

Suddenly it was the Lantern Festival and the whole city was brightly lit like day.

Princess Fu'an had already sent an invitation to Xie Qingli to enjoy the Lantern Festival. Hearing that Xie Tingyu would be returning to his southwest base after the Wanshou Festival, she secretly resolved to declare her feelings tonight, no matter what.

As the lights came on, the long street was bustling with people. Xie Tingyu and his sister walked together with Chu Yuncang and his sister, followed by their maids and guards. Their group was so impressive that it attracted many glances from passersby.

When they arrived at a busy lantern stall, Princess Fu'an caught a glimpse of Chu Yuncang protecting Xie Qingli inconspicuously, blocking the crowded crowd.

Her eyes flickered slightly, and she gently tugged at Xie Tingyu's sleeve, pointing to an exquisite rabbit palace lantern high up, and whispered softly, "Master Xie, that lantern is so beautiful, can you win it for me?"

Xie Tingyu followed her finger and saw the exquisitely carved palace lanterns, their eyes inlaid with red jade, looking lifelike. He tilted his head and met Princess Fu'an's watery eyes. His heart suddenly softened. If Li'er looked at him like that, he would have wanted to bring all the palace lanterns on the street to her.

He nodded slightly and strode towards the lantern stall. Princess Fu'an's lips curled slightly, a blush on her cheeks. She followed Xie Tingyu step by step, her fingertips quietly clenching the handkerchief. The first step was completed.

The riddle wasn't difficult. Xie Tingyu pondered for a moment before answering. The stall owner, smiling, took down the palace lantern and handed it to him. He handed it to Princess Fu'an, his eyes still lingering on the stall, hoping to find another exquisite one for Xie Qingli. However, after browsing through the vast selection, he found nothing as ingenious and unique.

While he was pondering, Princess Fu'an suddenly took a half step forward and whispered, "Master Xie, my brother and sister Li'er... seem to have disappeared."

Xie Tingyu's heart trembled, and he immediately looked around. The long street was ablaze with lights and bustling with people, but he couldn't see the two familiar figures. He frowned slightly and was about to send someone to search for them, but then he thought, these two people are highly skilled in martial arts, and they have shadow guards protecting them secretly. It seems that they have simply been separated by the crowd.

"Thank you, sir." Princess Fu'an's fingertips were as white as jade in the light of the rabbit palace lantern. "I've already prepared a pleasure boat, and Sister Li'er knows about this. Why don't we go to the pleasure boat and wait?"

Xie Tingyu lowered his eyes slightly, and seeing the sparkling light in her eyes, full of sincerity, he nodded and said, "Okay."

The pearl curtains of the pleasure boat were half-rolled, revealing the warm yellow candlelight within. Princess Fu'an, carrying the rabbit lantern, walked ahead, her brocade skirt sweeping the side, shimmering like pearls in the moonlight. Xie Tingyu followed half a step behind, unaware of the unconcealed joy on Princess Fu'an's blushing cheeks...