Time flew, and before long, the morning of the Lantern Festival arrived. Su Ziji rose early, ate breakfast, and went to his study to deal with the day's affairs.
For several days now, Capital City had been brimming with festive cheer, and the palace even more so. Its lanterns had gone up on the tenth day of the first lunar month and, reportedly, would not come down until the seventeenth.
"Your Highness." Wild Daoist pushed the door open and entered with a smile. "This is Princess Xinping's reply to you."
Su Ziji took it and slowly opened it.
Wild Daoist did not look at the letter, keeping his gaze on the desk instead. "We have replied to all the other guests who visited, and you have read all their responses. This is the only one left."
"You have been working since you got up. You can take a break now."
Su Ziji nodded. "I know."
As he spoke, he unconsciously pinched the space between his brows. Almost without realizing it, he rose and walked to the steps to look around. Sure enough, people were hanging lanterns from the nearby upturned eaves. The eight palace lanterns were beautifully painted, with riddles written on them as well.
Farther away, figures moved through the courtyards. From what he could make out, they were all hanging lanterns and putting up decorations.
"What are you thinking about, Your Highness?" Wild Daoist could not help asking when he saw Su Ziji gazing out wistfully.
"I am looking at all these lanterns and decorations, all this leaping joy. New Year's was already lively enough, but at the Lantern Festival, everyone inside and outside the Imperial City celebrates together. I hear even the emperor will view the lanterns and receive congratulations."
Seemingly lost in thought, Su Ziji said