The wind was so strong that after only a few steps with the kite in hand, it caught the breeze and soared into the sky.
Pan Yun watched the kite climb higher and higher, then nodded in satisfaction. Her gaze passed over the crowds of travelers and landed on the procession of carriages passing along the roadside.
By the river, village elders were offering sacrifices to the Water God. Beside them ran a small stream diverted from the river, with scholars and young girls claiming either bank to play the game of floating wine cups along winding water.
No one knew that a prince sat inside one of the carriages passing by the road.
Prince Lu had always kept a low profile. After the verdict in the case of the intercepted diplomatic mission was announced, he became even more discreet.
Even if local officials knew Prince Lu was passing through, they did not dare approach him.
Prince Lu also tried his best to dispel suspicions of forming factions for private gain. Thus, even though he happened to encounter the Shangsi Festival, he did not stay in the city and instead continued on his journey, spending the night at a relay station outside the city.
Pan Yun did not wish to harm anyone on such a lovely holiday, so she waited until midnight had passed before bringing Xiao Hong and Hong Yan to the relay station to see Prince Lu.
Xiao Hong was there to see him, Hong Yan was there to join the fun, and Pan Yun was there to tie up loose ends.
Xiao Hong stood before Prince Lu's bed and studied him intently. Cold air continually seeped from her body. Prince Lu lay unmoving for a long while, until she grew angry and reached out to touch his