The next day, at dawn, the Temple Capital lay within a tableau haloed in white light, yet figures were already coming and going along its streets.
They strung up colorful decorations, hanging paper cut into all manner of shapes, along with bark and wooden plaques inscribed in red ink, on tree trunks, drawing men and women, gentlemen and ladies, to gather and look.
Two figures emerged beside an enormous, leafless apricot tree in the distance. Though their faces could not be seen, their silhouettes and gaits identified them as Zeng Mu and Ma Linya.
"Oh, I didn't expect so many people to be up even earlier than us." Ma Linya had thought that waking and getting up at half past five would let them see the deserted streets of the Temple Capital and enjoy the morning scenery alone. But once they left the palace gates and reached the street, those expectations were utterly shattered, and she had to accept this bustling morning that was not quite what she had hoped for.
"It looks like today's Flower Festival really is an important occasion. Apparently, it's unique to the Temple Capital, and it only happens once a year." As Zeng Mu spoke, he admired everything around them.
The lamps had long since gone out, but the morning light had yet to cast its radiant hues over the paving stones and roof tiles. The Temple Capital hovered between darkness and light; people could be seen coming and going, but their faces remained indistinct.
It was this hint of mystery and haziness that drew people in and enchanted them most.
A lady passed beside a gentleman. He could not see her face, and when he turned, all he could make out was her indistinct, dark silhouette. At the same time, he caught a floral