The carefree sixth prince, my father respectfully invites me to ascend the throne.

Yang Ling led Yang Yan and Yang Wanru to the venue of the Lantern Festival, only to find it already packed with people, with nowhere to stand.

Fortunately, Yang Yan was quick-witted and suggested, "Why don't we find a teahouse to sit down and rest?"

Yang Wanru readily agreed, "I also agree that we should go have a cup of tea to quench our thirst."

Yang Ling had no objection. He wasn't hungry, just tired and wanted to rest.

So, the three Yang brothers headed toward a nearby teahouse.

Above the entrance of the teahouse is a plaque with four large, gilded characters written in a vigorous, flowing style: "Wangchunlou" (望春楼).

Yang Ling clicked his tongue in surprise, never expecting that the old man of the Yang family would choose such a common name.

However, the aesthetic views of the ancients are somewhat different from those of modern people, and Yang Ling dared not have any wild thoughts, after all, he was still young.

The teahouse was bustling with activity and filled with lively chatter.

The three entered the teahouse and were immediately given a warm welcome by the waiters.

"What kind of tea would you gentlemen like to drink?" the waiter asked eagerly.

Yang Ye looked around and then pointed to an empty chair: "Let's sit here."

"Alright, sir, please wait a moment while I bring you a pot of hot tea." The waiter acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Soon, the waiter brought over a pot of tea and several plates of exquisite and delicious pastries.

Yang Ye and his two companions enjoyed the pastries while waiting for the lantern festival to begin.

Just then, a commotion arose at the shop entrance, as if some high-ranking official had arrived.

"Look, it's the convoy from the Prince Ning's residence!"

"I heard that Princess Ning is the Emperor's most beloved younger sister, and Prince Ning dotes on her, which is why the carriages at Prince Ning's residence are so luxurious and imposing."

"Of course, didn't you see Prince Ning's honor guard? That's the guard that Prince Ning personally trained, it's so majestic and impressive."

The diners in the teahouse cast envious glances and began to discuss among themselves.

"So it's the Prince Ning's residence." Yang Wanru muttered softly, then smiled and said, "A-Ling, let's hurry up and leave, so as not to disturb them while they're entertaining their guests."

"Oh, okay." Yang Ling agreed and followed them out of the teahouse.

They came to a banyan tree by the street.

Yang Yan looked up at the lush banyan tree and said, "It's quite cool here, let's rest here for a while."

The three of them found a stone bench and sat down.

Yang Ling glanced at the sky and estimated that there was still some time before the luncheon would begin.

"Big brother, second sister, you two sit here and chat for a while. I'm going to browse the lanterns and I'll be right back." After saying that, Yang Ling ran off.

"Oh, Ah Ling, slow down," Yang Wanru said worriedly.

Yang Yan didn't take it seriously: "Don't worry about him. He's not a child anymore. How could he possibly get lost?"

“Even so, I’m still a little worried…” Yang Wanru said, frowning.

Yang Yan smiled faintly and interrupted her: "A-Ling has grown up. There are some things he needs to bear on his own. If you spoil him too much, he will suffer in the future."

"..." Yang Wanru fell silent, lowered her eyes to think, and no longer insisted.

A meaningful smile appeared on Yang Yan's lips, and a deep, unfathomable light was hidden in his eyes.

Yang Ling ran off in a flash, came to the riverbank, squatted down and touched the river water. It was clear and cold, with gentle ripples.

This river is the only living water source near the capital, and not many people usually visit it.

Yang Ling took off her shoes and socks, braced herself against the riverbank, and stood up.

Clusters of blooming flowers line both banks of the river, their fragrance filling the air.

Yang Ling closed her eyes and smelled the fragrance of the flowers. She felt refreshed and relaxed, and all her fatigue disappeared.

Yang Ling admired the scenery along the way as she walked towards the more crowded area.

Suddenly, a familiar figure came into his sight.

A figure in flowing red robes, with a jade belt of emerald green around her waist, and jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders, possessed fair and delicate skin like solidified cream. Her features were striking and beautiful, and she exuded a bewitching and alluring charm, much like a captivating fox.

He held a woman in his arms. She was slender and delicate, with a charming and alluring face. She nestled shyly in his embrace.

The woman raised her bright and beautiful almond-shaped eyes and happened to see Yang Ling.

Their eyes met across the distance.

Yang Ling was stunned. The woman in his memory was a handsome and dashing young man. How did she turn into a bewitching woman in red?

Yang Ling narrowed her peach blossom eyes and called out uncertainly, "Mother?"

The beautiful woman in red stiffened slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes, before she smiled and said, "Ling'er, what brings you here?"

The beautiful woman in red was none other than Yang Ling's mother, Zhao.

She was confined to her home by Yang Zhende today, and was not allowed to step out of her room, so she was unaware of what was happening outside.

Yang Ling pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, and decided to tell the truth: "Mother, there is a lantern festival tonight, so we thought we'd like to go out for a stroll."

"Oh, I see." Madam Zhao nodded in realization, then sighed, "Ling'er, I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you this time. I've been confined to my quarters."

"Huh?" Yang Ling was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise. He knew that the reason Zhao was confined to her home was because in her previous life she had run away from her arranged marriage without permission, which angered her father and caused him to die of illness due to his resentment.

Zhao said apologetically, "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have run away from the wedding." Her eyes were full of remorse, and tears welled up in them, as if she was about to cry.

Yang Ling quickly took Zhao's hand and comforted her, "Mother, it's all over now, don't take it to heart. Besides, Father has already forgiven you and won't blame you."

He paused, then continued, "Mother, don't be sad. There's a lantern festival tonight. Let's have fun and not think about other worries."

Yang Wanru also advised, "Mother, let's go buy lanterns tonight. You've been saying you wanted to make lanterns for Father. Let's take advantage of this time and make lanterns quickly, so that Father won't forget when he comes back."

Yang Zhende always loved lively occasions and would go to the market to sell lanterns on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month, so Yang Wanru and Yang Ye both remembered this.

Zhao wiped away her tears and smiled through her tears: "You are all my sweet little darlings." Her gaze fell on Yang Ye and she said softly, "Ye'er, why don't you go shopping with A-Ling and the others, and buy a few lanterns for your aunt and cousin?"

"Thank you, Mother." Yang Ye smiled happily.

His mother finally came to her senses and was willing to reconcile with his father.

Yang Ling also said happily, "I want to make a big rabbit lantern to give to my grandfather."

“Okay, I’ll make a rabbit lantern for Grandfather,” Yang Wanru agreed with a smile.

"By the way, let's buy some fish to make soup," Yang Wanru suggested. "It'll be perfect for making soup to nourish Father's body."

Yang Ling nodded in agreement: "I also think that stewed chicken soup is more nourishing."