Rebirth and Rewriting Fate

On Qixi Festival, as night slowly fell, the entire street seemed to be enchanted, gradually becoming lively. Every household lit lanterns, making the night sky exceptionally warm and romantic.

On such a night, even the secluded courtyard hidden behind the hustle and bustle cannot escape the festive noise and joy. A gentle breeze blows, and through the half-open window, the sounds of revelry can be clearly heard from afar.

After the meal, Yun Chu asked Xu Li, Nan Rao, Zhu Ling, and Zi Su to take the children and Ping An to play in the street.

Nan Rao and Zhu Ling were unwilling to go, but Yun Chu pushed them out of the courtyard, and the door slammed shut.

Yun Chu looked at Mo Han behind her.

Mo Han said, "Wherever Miss is, I am."

Yun Chu sighed and walked back to her study, scribbling casually on a piece of paper. When she realized what she was doing, the paper was covered in Gu Ruoxiao's name. She couldn't help but smile bitterly at the words, feeling a pang of disappointment.

"What are you doing?" A familiar voice came from the doorway, and someone stepped into the study. "I've come to pick you up for the holiday!"

Yun Chu jumped up, her eyes filled with surprise and delight. "Didn't you go out of the city?"

Gu Ruoxiao walked to her side, raised his hand and touched the hair on her forehead, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You're too busy," Yun Chu said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Nothing is more important than you," he said affectionately. "Don't do it again next time."

Yun Chu looked at him and smiled. Suddenly, she felt that whether it was a holiday or not didn't matter. She was happy as long as he was by her side.

He hadn't realized it was Qixi Festival today if Chengfeng hadn't asked him, "Master, aren't you celebrating the festival with Miss Yun Chu today?" He rushed back to the palace and then came here.

Gu Ruoxiao handed over a package, saying, "Here, go exchange it."

Yun Chu opened it with a puzzle in mind, and inside was a sky-blue dress.

Yun Chu looked up and saw that Gu Ruoxiao was also wearing a sky-blue dress today, as if he had stepped out of a light ink painting, fresh and refined, neither ostentatious nor understated, perfectly showcasing his temperament.

She felt a sweet warmth in her heart. "Then I'll go change." She took the package and went into the bedroom.

Gu Ruoxiao stood in the courtyard waiting for Yun Chu.

Soon after, Yun Chu came out dressed. Gu Ruoxiao was slightly stunned. He was a little reluctant to take her out. His pearl was too dazzling.

The new dress, made of Jiangnan silk woven with delicate silver threads, shimmered softly in the moonlight, like the gentlest galaxy in the night sky, gently spreading over her body. The elegant sky-blue color perfectly complemented her cool yet tender temperament. The dress was exquisitely tailored, perfectly outlining her graceful figure, dignified yet revealing an indescribable charm. The wide sleeves swayed gently with her light steps, like lotus leaves swaying in the morning mist. The skirt was layered, each embroidered with delicate lotus patterns, as if a subtle fragrance wafted with her movements, refreshing and delightful.

Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a hairpin inlaid with pearls and jade, which swayed gently with her movements.

She smiled at him, and in the moonlight, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

"Ruo Xiao?" she called to him.

He came to his senses.

"Does it look good?" Nan Rao and Zhu Ling weren't here tonight, and Yun Chu wasn't sure if she looked good dressed like this. She was a little nervous.

Gu Ruoxiao stepped forward, bent down slightly, and whispered in her ear, "You look beautiful, so beautiful that I don't want to take you out."

"Gu Ruoxiao!" Yun Chu said coquettishly, her cheeks unconsciously flushing red.

He smiled at her and took her hand.

"You can go do whatever you need to do, you don't need to follow me," Gu Ruoxiao instructed.

As night falls, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, dotted with countless stars, adding a touch of mystery and romance to this ancient Qixi Festival night. The streets are already adorned with all sorts of lanterns, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Holding his hand, she nimbly weaved through the bustling crowd, each step filled with excitement and anticipation. Her smile was bright and radiant, never faltering for a moment.

He stayed close to her, occasionally turning to shield her from the crowd with his broad shoulders, his gaze gentle and focused.

"Ruoxiao, look, that acrobatic fire-breathing dragon. I saw an even longer one when I was a kid."

"Ruoxiao, look, that puppet show guy is so funny."

"Ruoxiao, look, this purse isn't even as nice as the one from Shili Pu."

"Ruoxiao, try this candied hawthorn, it's so sweet."

"Ruoxiao, there are wishing lanterns over there, let's go release them."

In front of the river lantern stall.

"Boss, one river lantern." Gu Ruoxiao hurriedly paid.

"Here you go. You can write your prayers over there." The shopkeeper handed over a river lantern and pointed to the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone next to him.

"Thank you."

Yun Chu handed the river lantern to Gu Ruoxiao, "You take it down for me first, I'll write it down."

"What do you want to write?" Gu Ruoxiao couldn't help but ask.

"It's a secret! Turn around."

Yun Chu finished writing quickly. She rolled the paper into a tube, took the river lantern, and placed it over the lantern's flame.

Gu Ruoxiao was about to take it when Yun Chu stopped her, saying, "I'll take it myself."

Gu Ruoxiao shook her head helplessly, still not letting him see.

To get to the riverbank, you have to go up a long stone staircase.

Gu Ruoxiao spoke up from above the stone steps, "Let me help you get the river lantern."

"Okay." Yun Chu stepped forward, carefully lifted her skirt, and walked down step by step.

Gu Ruoxiao looked at the river lantern she handed him and couldn't help but shake his head. She had already forgotten so quickly that she wouldn't let him see it.

Then Gu Ruoxiao saw the prayers on the river lanterns. He was taken aback, and then looked at the figure carefully descending the steps.

He lowered his head and smiled, his heart filled with emotion.

It read: May Ruoxiao be safe and happy, and live a carefree life.

Yun Chu placed the river lantern into the water and clasped her hands together to make a wish.

Gu Ruoxiao looked at the person in front of her. Yun Chu, reflected in the shimmering water, was breathtakingly beautiful.

He stood beside her, unable to take his eyes off her face, and subconsciously lowered his head to gently peck her soft and warm lips.

Then Yun Chu covered her mouth in surprise and said coquettishly, "Gu Ruoxiao!" Her eyes were full of surprise and shyness.

Gu Ruoxiao smiled and took her hand as they returned to the main street. The person beside them said angrily, "If you keep acting like this, I won't talk to you anymore."

His smile deepened.

"Yun Chu!" someone called out.

Yun Chu turned around and replied with delight, "Luo Yan, you're shopping too!"

Luo Yan's gaze shifted from their clasped hands to his. "Greetings, Your Highness. This temple fair is sponsored by the imperial court, and I am here to inspect it."

"You must be so busy, with so many people around," Yun Chu couldn't help but say.

Today, Yun Chu wore a sky-blue dress, her hair styled in a high bun, making her appear even more refined and elegant. Gu Ruoxiao beside her was also dressed in sky-blue. A sense of loss welled up inside Luo Yan.