The Jade Rabbit Festival that day was indeed exceptionally lively.

After Shen Miao finished her dinner, Bailu and Shuangjiang hurriedly ran in and said to her, “Miss, people in the city are setting off fireworks! We heard they’ll be launching fireworks continuously tonight. It’s so beautiful!” The eager anticipation in their voices was undisguised.

“What’s the rush?” Guyu scolded while combing Shen Miao’s hair. “We’ll go see them eventually. There’s no need to hurry.”

Before she finished speaking, Shen Qiu’s cheerful voice rang out from outside: “Sister, are you ready? Father and Mother are waiting for us in the front hall.”

“Young Master,” Jingzhe answered from outside. Miss has not finished arranging her hair. Please wait a moment longer.”

“How long does it take to do a young girl’s hair?” Shen Qiu grumbled. “It takes longer than soldiers putting on armor.” Then he shouted into the room: “Sister, I’ll go to the front hall to wait for you. Come over by yourself, alright?”

Shen Miao responded through the window. Guyu had just finished arranging her hair and was picking through a small box, finally selecting a jade hairpin to insert into Shen Miao’s hair. Shen Miao glanced at the bronze mirror and was startled. “Why this one?”

“This hairpin complements Miss’s clothes beautifully,” Guyu smiled. “Besides, it’s elegantly crafted without being too elaborate, perfect for today’s simple bun.”

Shen Miao couldn’t help touching the hairpin in her hair. It was the jade begonia hairpin that Xie Jingxing had given her. This hairpin had later been appraised by Guyu and the others as absolutely priceless. Shen Miao had initially wanted to return it to Xie Jingxing but eventually gave up, thinking that perhaps someday, when money was tight, she could sell it for some silver. If Xie Jingxing knew about this, however, she couldn’t imagine how furious he would be.

“Does Miss not like this hairpin?” Guyu asked, noticing Shen Miao’s hesitation. “We could change it for another. There are many beautiful jewelry pieces among the palace rewards that the Young Master brought. We could surely find some nice hairpins.”

“No need,” Shen Miao interrupted. “Finding another would just waste more time. This will do.” It was just a hairpin after all, she thought.

Guyu adjusted her collar again, draped a cloak over her shoulders, and smiled. “There, now you’re ready.”

“Don’t forget the hand warmer,” Jingzhe reminded, handing her a small warming device.

By the time Shen Miao’s group arrived at the main hall, everyone from the Shen household was already gathered. As in previous years, the entire Shen family would go out together for the Jade Rabbit Festival.

Chen Ruoqiu and Shen Wan were talking. Shen Yue wore a light pink “Twelve-Break Immortal” gown with a flowing hem. Despite the cold weather, her dress was extremely thin, covered only by an embroidered pink peach-colored cape that seemed more decorative than functional, likely unable to block even the wind. Yet she appeared very satisfied with her appearance. Seeing Shen Miao arrive, she smiled and called out, “Fifth Sister.”

Shen Miao nodded to her and turned to look toward Shen Gui’s side. If there was any difference from previous years, it was that Ren Wanyun was absent, as was Shen Yuanbai. Previously, Ren Wanyun would have brought Shen Yuanbai along, but now that Ren Wanyun had lost her mind and couldn’t go out, and Shen Yuanbai was too young, with so many kidnappers in the streets, the Old Madam had decided to keep Shen Yuanbai with her at the mansion. Shen Yuan stood beside Shen Wan, and behind Shen Wan, Concubine Wan held the hand of a young woman who was looking in their direction.

This must be the illegitimate daughter of the second branch, Shen Dongling.

Shen Dongling wore an apricot-colored padded jacket. Perhaps because of her alleged “sensitivity to cold,” the jacket was extremely thick and baggy, which made her look very thin. Looking closely, her features were as delicate and beautiful as Concubine Wan’s, but for some reason, her entire presence was so faint it was almost invisible. She didn’t greet Shen Miao, only silently watching, and it was impossible to tell whether from shyness or coldness.

Shen Miao looked away, only to hear Shen Qiu exclaiming loudly: “Sister, you’re looking more and more beautiful these days!”

“You rascal,” Shen Xin kicked Shen Qiu upon hearing this. “When has your sister ever not been beautiful?”

Luo Xuenian also smiled and walked to Shen Miao’s side, taking her hand. “Our little darling has grown into a young lady now.”

The eyes of everyone in the hall turned toward Shen Miao, their gazes carrying unclear meanings. A year ago, Shen Miao had been a foolish girl, dripping with gold and silver ornaments, wearing makeup thicker than a white wall. Now she wore a purple-blue cotton dress with gold embroidery, a peony-colored cloak with exquisite embroidered edges, her hair arranged in a simple bun with a jade hairpin inserted at an angle. Without jingling ornaments, she still carried an elegant nobility. Her features were clear and distinct, her eyes as clear as a young animal’s. If she had been gentler and more graceful, she would have appeared very girlish, but for some reason, she stood so dignified and imposing, like the bright moon high above, giving people a sense that they couldn’t stare directly at her.

She outshone all the women in the room, making them all seem like common flowers by comparison.

Jealousy flashed in Shen Yue’s eyes. She had once thought that Shen Miao was the least comparable to herself in the household, yet somehow she had unconsciously become capable of stealing her spotlight. Shen Yue was most confident in her scholarly elegance and beauty, but seeing Shen Miao today, she felt a sense of inferiority. She looked up at Chen Ruoqiu, hoping to see some disdain for Shen Miao in her mother’s eyes, but instead, she also saw a hint of gravity, which made her heart sink further.

Concubine Wan sighed inwardly, her grip on Shen Dongling’s hand unconsciously tightening. She didn’t have other thoughts, only feeling that Shen Miao was indeed worthy of being a legitimate daughter—a legitimate daughter’s bearing was different. No matter how clever her daughter was, having been confined to the courtyard for so many years, in terms of overall grace, she simply couldn’t compare to Shen Miao.

The men in the room had little reaction, except for Shen Xin and Shen Qiu. Shen Gui and Shen Wan merely frowned, while Shen Yuan stared at Shen Miao, his gaze deep and unreadable.

Chen Ruoqiu subtly changed the subject: “Now that everyone is here, let’s set out.”

The Old Madam was too elderly to attend such events. From the Shen household, only the Old Madam, Shen Yuanbai, Ren Wanyun, and the concubines of the second branch remained. Everyone else would go to the streets to enjoy the Jade Rabbit Festival. In previous years, they would have been chatting and laughing throughout the journey, but this year, because of the fire Shen Miao had set in the ancestral hall, Shen Xin and Shen Qiu deliberately maintained their distance from the other two brothers, speaking only with Luo Xuenian.

The Shen family’s guards followed behind. To ensure the safety of citizens and prevent bandits from causing trouble during the crowded festival, the city garrison had also deployed additional men to patrol both sides of the streets, making it relatively safe.

Since Shen Xin wasn’t speaking to Shen Gui and Shen Wan, they didn’t try to force conversation and talked among themselves. Shen Yue had previously walked with Shen Qing and Shen Miao, as Shen Miao had served to highlight her knowledge and grace. Now, Shen Miao was unwilling to pay her any attention, and Shen Yue didn’t want to be outshone by Shen Miao, so she went to talk with Shen Dongling. Concubine Wan was delighted to see Shen Yue being friendly, but Shen Dongling, whether from shyness or not, didn’t show much enthusiasm toward Shen Yue and instead appeared somewhat timid. After a while, Shen Yue lost interest.

As this group of people wandered the streets, the atmosphere became strangely awkward. One couldn’t say they were on bad terms, as the entire household was walking together, but one couldn’t call it harmonious either, as they were separated into different groups.

Shen Miao walked while carefully examining the lanterns and riddles throughout the streets. Shen Xin and his family weren’t fond of solving lantern riddles, being from a family of military generals—”coarse people” who couldn’t sit still to solve literary puzzles. In Shen Qiu’s words: “Sister, if you like those prize lanterns, tomorrow I’ll find a craftsman in the capital to carve an identical one for you. Why go to all that trouble?”

Shen Qiu couldn’t appreciate Chen Ruoqiu’s group’s “refined taste.” After they had finally finished solving lantern riddles and continued walking, Concubine Wan suddenly spoke to Shen Gui: “My Lord, I heard that at Wanli Lake tonight, the Jade Rabbit Fairy will be dancing. The Jade Rabbit lanterns will also be released by the lake. Why don’t we go there to see?”

Chen Ruoqiu frowned upon hearing this and said softly, “Those Jade Rabbit Fairies are from Baoxiang House. We have the young ladies with us today. It doesn’t seem appropriate.” Everyone knew what Baoxiang House was—the largest pleasure house in the capital. Its women were like warm jade and soft perfume; countless men abandoned their wives and spent fortunes just to sleep with Baoxiang House’s courtesans. All proper wives despised the mention of Baoxiang House. However, no matter how much those madams looked down on them, it couldn’t change the fact that Baoxiang House’s courtesans were all exceptionally talented. So this year’s Jade Rabbit Fairy was still played by the courtesans of Baoxiang House.

“Second Madam,” Concubine Wan said softly, “Though that may be the case, they are only performing roles. Surely, in front of so many people, the Jade Rabbit Fairy wouldn’t do anything improper. It’s just watching the festivities—there’s no need to be so serious.” Concubine Wan hadn’t initially intended to argue with Chen Ruoqiu, but like Ren Wanyun, she couldn’t stand Chen Ruoqiu’s high-minded attitude, constantly putting on airs about her scholarly background. Compared to Ren Wanyun, Concubine Wan disliked Chen Ruoqiu even more because she came from a theatrical troupe. Chen Ruoqiu’s criticism of Baoxiang House was undoubtedly looking down on her background as well.

Their confrontation was heard by everyone, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense again. The men wouldn’t interfere in women’s disputes. Shen Dongling simply clutched Concubine Wan’s hand, keeping her lips tightly closed without speaking. Shen Yue wanted to defend Chen Ruoqiu but felt that doing so would diminish her status as a legitimate daughter. For a moment, no one spoke.

“Who says going to Wanli Lake means watching the Jade Rabbit Fairy?” Shen Miao spoke softly in the silence. “The grand sight of thousands releasing lanterns isn’t something you see every day. Besides, one cannot choose their birth, humble or noble—there’s no need to look down on others because of it. Whatever her identity, today she is the Jade Rabbit Fairy. Those with clear hearts need not concern themselves with such external matters.”

Everyone was stunned at first. Shen Xin was the first to laugh heartily: “Jiaojiao is right! One cannot choose their birth, humble or noble. Looking down on others isn’t any kind of accomplishment!”

Luo Xuenian also smiled. On the battlefield, the soldiers under their command came from officials’ families, but more came from ordinary citizens. Some couldn’t even afford food, some had elderly relatives nearly starving to death—each had their hardships. Therefore, they never looked down on people from poor families. Shen Miao’s words completely resonated with them.

“Sister,” Shen Qiu patted Shen Miao’s shoulder, “You sound like a great figure who cares for the whole world. Such breadth of mind—even I can’t compare.”

Though she knew Shen Qiu was teasing her, Shen Miao was momentarily lost in thought. In her previous life, she had married Fu Xiuyi and became Empress. Initially, it was for love, but as Empress, she had carried no less responsibility than others. The four words “Mother of the Nation” meant ensuring all citizens lived in peace and prosperity. The ruler must love their subjects—this was what Fu Xiuyi had taught her, though he had failed to live up to it.

As they exchanged words, Chen Ruoqiu’s face alternated between pale and flushed. Shen Xin’s praising Shen Miao for her frankness was implicitly highlighting her hypocrisy, wasn’t it? Shen Wan’s expression also darkened, and Shen Yue was furious but restrained herself from making sarcastic remarks to Shen Miao.

Concubine Wan thought Shen Miao’s words were supporting her, and her face brightened. Seeing this, Shen Dongling slightly shook her head. Shen Yuan maintained his cold smile, and Shen Gui pretended not to notice.

“Then let’s go to Wanli Lake,” Luo Xuenian commanded. Accustomed to being a female general, her orders came naturally. Even if the Shen family members were unwilling, with the Shen Army guards behind them, they had no choice but to follow.

Wanli Lake was located slightly west of the center of the capital city. The entire lake was embedded in the heart of the city, appearing like a piece of emerald jade in spring. In winter, when light snow fell, boats would glide across the snowy lake surface, where people could drink wine and discuss history—quite an interesting experience.

Today there was also light snow. Under the reflection of countless lights, the snowflakes became like crystalline jade flowers, swirling down from the sky. The willows along the lake shore were hung with snow, making it momentarily impossible to distinguish between snow and lanterns.

Before they even reached Wanli Lake, they heard the sound of fireworks. Looking up, they saw large bursts of color almost dazzling their eyes against the night sky. Below, the crowds surged, lovers side by side, families enjoying themselves together, all looking up at the fireworks without blinking, watching this moment of eternity.

“Miss, Miss, look!” Jingzhe exclaimed excitedly. “Those are the fireworks by Wanli Lake. I heard they’ll be launching them all night long!”

“They’re truly beautiful,” Guyu murmured.

“Ha, the capital is indeed prosperous,” Shen Qiu said to Luo Xuenian. “Much more fun than our Northwest.”

Luo Xuenian also walked along, marveling at the sights.

As they continued forward, they suddenly noticed people in the crowd rushing ahead, though it wasn’t clear why they were hurrying. Shen Xin grabbed a man running past him and asked, “Brother, what’s happening ahead? Why is everyone running forward?”

“The Jade Rabbit Fairy has arrived!” the man replied. “Everyone’s going to see the Jade Rabbit Fairy!” He looked at Shen Xin and suddenly said, “Brother, you must be new here. This year’s Jade Rabbit Fairy is played by Miss Liuying from Baoxiang House. Hurry up!” With that, he ran off joyfully.

Shen Xin turned back, and Luo Xuenian remarked coolly, “Aren’t you going to rush to see Miss Liuying?”

“How could you say that, Wife?” Shen Xin wiped sweat from his forehead. “I think you’re the one who can’t get enough. Who is Miss Liuying? She certainly can’t compare to my wife’s beauty and grace.”

Despite his words, since they had come this far, Luo Xuenian wouldn’t spoil everyone’s enjoyment and continued walking forward. After pushing through the dense crowd, they suddenly heard someone shout: “Miss Liuying is coming! Miss Liuying is coming!”

Shen Miao was too short to see over the crowd. Shen Qiu pulled her to a stone platform nearby and lifted her up, then stood beside her. Shen Miao looked up and saw a flower carriage approaching, surrounded by people.

In the dead of winter, this flower carriage was adorned with fresh flowers, showing the dedication of those behind it. The flowers were colorful and splendid, blurring together at first glance, but Shen Miao could see the person inside the carriage.

It was a young woman, sitting elegantly in the flower carriage, wearing a moon-white gauze dress covered by a fluffy cape. Her hair was styled in a flying immortal bun, giving her an ethereal appearance. She had a delicate face and perfectly aligned teeth, but her most captivating feature was her pair of narrow, elongated eyes that tilted slightly upward at the corners, effortlessly adding a touch of allure. Cold yet enticing, faint yet striking, it seemed that with her arrival, even the surrounding air gained a subtle, ambiguous fragrance. This Jade Rabbit Fairy was called “Immortal,” yet she carried a hint of worldly charm; called “worldly,” yet that bewitching coldness was a color not found in the mortal realm.

Liuying wasn’t exceptionally beautiful. Judging by her features alone, she was even slightly inferior to Concubine Wan, but that innate, cold sensuality captivated people’s hearts. Whether this Jade Rabbit Fairy was immortal or an enchantress, she provoked contemplation. But for ordinary men, this quality was fatally bewitching.

Shen Miao’s gaze lingered on Liuying for a moment before turning to scan the surroundings, as if looking for someone. After searching without success, Shen Qiu noticed her action and asked curiously, “Sister, what are you looking for?”

“Why isn’t Brother watching Miss Liuying?” Shen Miao deftly changed the subject.

Though Shen Qiu wasn’t stupid, he rarely thought deeply when it came to Shen Miao. Hearing her question, he answered, “I don’t like women like that.”

Shen Miao raised an eyebrow and asked, “Then what kind does Brother like?”

Shen Qiu was speechless.

Shen Miao found Shen Qiu’s embarrassment amusing and felt like laughing. In her previous life, Shen Qiu had married that vicious sister-in-law and probably never met a girl he truly liked. Now, in this new life, she wondered who would be destined to become her sister-in-law.

“Let’s go,” Shen Qiu extended his hand to help Shen Miao down from the platform. Earlier, to let her see Miss Liuying clearly, Shen Qiu had brought her to this spot, about ten meters away from Shen Xin and the others. Now that they had seen the spectacle, they naturally needed to return to Shen Xin’s side to release lanterns at Wanli Lake together.

Shen Miao was about to jump down when she suddenly heard a child crying. Shen Qiu heard it too, and they both turned to look. A few meters away, a child of three or four was hanging upside down from a beam of a shoreside shop. The child had likely been mischievous, climbing onto the high beam to see the festivities, but had slipped. Now, both hands were tightly gripping the beam, with half of the body dangling outside. If the child fell, it would be disastrous. People around were already fetching ladders, but the child couldn’t hold on much longer. The child’s mother was already covering her face, weeping.

“Sister, wait here for me,” Shen Qiu instructed Shen Miao upon seeing this. The stone platform was only a few meters away, and he was skilled in martial arts, so he immediately headed toward the scene.

Before he could reach the child, the little hands weakened, and the child fell. A collective gasp rose from the crowd. Shen Qiu, with a light kick, stepped onto a nearby pillar and caught the child in mid-air, barely saving the child’s life. The surrounding crowd cheered for his skillful maneuver. Shen Qiu returned the child to its mother, who tearfully apologized repeatedly, making Shen Qiu somewhat embarrassed.

Having finally calmed the mother and child, Shen Qiu prepared to return to the stone platform to get Shen Miao. It was only a few meters away, but as soon as he turned his head, he froze.

The stone platform was empty—not a single person was there.

Shen Qiu’s heart tightened. Taking three steps at once, he forcefully pushed through the dense crowd and ran to the platform. There was no one there, not a trace. Still hoping, Shen Qiu looked around and called out loudly twice: “Jiaojiao!” But there was no answer.

He grabbed someone standing not far from the platform and asked, “Where is the young lady who was standing here? Did you see the young lady?”

The person impatiently replied, “What young lady? No, no!” Then, looking at him again: “Could it be that your young lady was kidnapped? There are many kidnappers at this Jade Rabbit Festival. If a young lady from your household got separated without guards, she’s most likely been kidnapped!”

Shen Qiu’s body began to shake violently. This man, eight feet tall, who wouldn’t even blink when facing great enemies on the battlefield, suddenly changed color at this moment.

…

On the streets by Wanli Lake, among the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, two men walked together. One wore blue robes with a jade crown, commanding and dignified; the other was in purple attire, handsome and elegant as a painting.

These two men were quite good-looking, especially the youth in purple, who moved with an effortless, refined dignity. The faint smile on his lips attracted glances from the women around them.

“How long are you going to follow me?” Xie Jingxing asked.

Su Mingfeng shook his head playfully: “On such a fine festival day, as your friend, I should naturally accompany you. Why must you be so unwilling?”

“I have matters to attend to.”

“Being invited doesn’t compare to a chance meeting. Since we’ve met, just come along with me. How many years has it been since we enjoyed the Jade Rabbit Festival together?” Su Mingfeng complained. “You’re becoming more and more mysterious these days.”

Today, Su Mingfeng had come out with his family and happened to encounter Xie Jingxing alone, so he insisted on bringing him along. The Su and Xie families had always maintained good relations, so Master Su wouldn’t object. Currently, Master Su and the others walked ahead, with Su Mingfeng and Xie Jingxing following behind.

Su Mingfeng asked, “You’ve come out alone again today. Isn’t your father angry?”

During the Jade Rabbit Festival, families usually went out together, but now only Xie Jingxing was here alone. Undoubtedly, he had come out by himself again. Xie Ding was probably furious, but what could he do? Having such a son was like having someone from a previous life coming to collect a debt.

“With his son accompanying him, I don’t need to join the crowd,” Xie Jingxing said casually. “I’m not that idle.”

Su Mingfeng shook his head: “You’re quite carefree, aren’t you?”

As they spoke, they noticed a group of people approaching from ahead. Su Mingfeng was startled: “Isn’t that General Shen?”

Xie Jingxing looked up and saw Shen Xin hurriedly walking toward them, followed closely by Shen Qiu and Luo Xuenian, and behind them, a group of guards. Everyone’s expression was extremely grave and tense. Su Mingfeng stroked his chin and said, “It looks like something’s gone wrong with the Shen family. Why do they all have such expressions?”

Among the joyful crowds, the Shen family’s expressions stood out starkly—undoubtedly something bad had happened. Master Su also noticed them and stopped to chat. Xie Jingxing and Su Mingfeng didn’t approach but stood at a distance. Being trained in martial arts, they could still hear the conversation.

Master Su asked, “Where is General Shen headed?”

“Ha, just wandering around,” Shen Xin replied. “But my wife suddenly felt unwell, so we must return to the mansion. Master Su, enjoy your stroll.” With that, he bowed slightly and left without looking back.

The Shen and Su families weren’t politically aligned, so seeing Shen Xin’s reluctance to speak with him, Master Su naturally felt uncomfortable. Unwilling to meddle, he simply continued forward. Su Mingfeng, however, remarked, “General Shen is so arrogant. But doesn’t it look like something serious has happened? Even if Lady Shen is unwell, why would they need so many guards?”

Xie Jingxing’s gaze swept across the guards and said, “The Shen family’s Fifth Miss is missing.”

“What?” Su Mingfeng was startled.

“Shen Miao is not there,” Xie Jingxing glanced at the Shen family’s procession. Given Shen Miao’s relationship with the other two branches, there was no possibility she would abandon her mother to enjoy lanterns with the others at this moment. And now, Shen Miao wasn’t in the procession. It couldn’t be that she hadn’t left the mansion for such a major festival—even if Shen Miao herself was unwilling, Shen Xin wouldn’t leave her alone at home.

Just then, they suddenly heard a soft, sweet voice: “The Shen family’s sister is missing!”

Xie Jingxing looked down. Su Minglang had somehow slipped away from Master Su and run to Su Mingfeng’s side. Clutching his brother’s clothes, he repeated in a crisp voice: “I just snuck over to them and heard those people say they need to find the Shen family’s sister quickly.”

Su Minglang was like a little glutinous rice ball, almost invisible in the crowd, and brave enough not to fear being separated and lost.

“They said the Shen family’s sister might have been taken by kidnappers,” Su Minglang continued. “Big brother, let’s go rescue the Shen family’s sister!”

“Missing?” Xie Jingxing thoughtfully watched the departing Shen family, then suddenly said to Su Mingfeng: “Don’t spread word of this. I’ll leave first.” He then looked down at Su Minglang and smiled wickedly: “If you mention that Shen Miao is missing, I’ll sell you to the kidnappers.”