Below the colorful building, the woman collected the silver and handed out rope flowers woven from silk thread to the men and women standing to one side, serving as tokens for entering the building.

Seeing Lu Tong standing motionless, the woman tucked the silver into a box behind her and emphasized: “No refunds.”

Lu Tong was speechless.

Pei Yunying glanced at her and said: “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”

“I’ll go.” Lu Tong took the rope flower from the woman’s hand and walked straight inside: “She already said no refunds.”

Pei Yunying smiled and followed behind her.

The two walked to the entrance of the pavilion. Below the Qiqiao Tower, countless colorful embroidered magpies were woven at the entrance, called “Crossing the Magpie Bridge.”

Pairs of lovers stood at the entrance, entering one by one. With so many people, collisions were inevitable while walking.

Pei Yunying had Lu Tong walk on the inside, blocking the crowd while accompanying her upstairs.

Reaching the second floor, they found a spacious hall. The “Night of Cleverness Competition” admitted only twenty pairs of men and women at a time. The lanterns inside were also made in the shape of magpies, appearing festive and lively.

The hall was also decorated with embroidered clouds, fog, arched bridges, lotus leaves, lotus flowers and other patterns. At a glance, it looked like a celestial fairyland.

A woman in a colorful embroidered long dress stood at the head of a small wooden arched bridge, raising her hand: “Everyone please be quiet and listen to me.”

The hall fell silent.

“Look at your feet.”

Lu Tong looked down.

In the dim lamplight with so many people, she hadn’t noticed, but now with the woman’s reminder, she finally saw clearly that among these decorative patterns in the hall, five-colored silk threads were stretched taut on all sides, crisscrossing like a complex colorful spider web. One careless step could cause a fall.

“These five-colored silk threads are called ‘love threads.’ Hidden in the dark corners throughout the hall are a total of seven golden magpies.”

The woman said with a cheerful smile: “Everyone must find the seven golden magpies among the entangled love threads. Whoever finds the most will be tonight’s Marquis of Cleverness!”

At these words, the surrounding crowd began buzzing with discussion.

In pitch darkness with silk thread entanglements underfoot, companions must hold hands and stay close together to walk smoothly.

Lu Tong frowned slightly.

This place was dim – it would be an excellent location to quietly kill someone.

Unfortunately, Qi Yutai was cautious and wouldn’t come to such a place of common entertainment.

She raised her head and called to Pei Yunying: “General Commander.”

Pei Yunying was leaning against the wall, surveying the surroundings, seemingly unaccustomed to such a lively atmosphere. Hearing Lu Tong call him, he looked down and asked: “What?”

“Look carefully and see where those seven golden magpies are.”

He was startled: “What?”

“Aren’t you the Commander of the Palace Guard?” Lu Tong said: “Your skills should be excellent, able to see in darkness. I can’t see clearly, so you look. Once you’ve spotted them, we can go straight for them when it starts.”

He looked incredulous: “Is this what the Palace Guard Commander is for?”

He wasn’t some idle fellow running errands by Luo Yue Bridge.

Lu Tong was displeased: “How else can we win if you don’t help?”

He choked for a moment: “I never noticed before that Doctor Lu had such a strong competitive spirit.”

Lu Tong smiled: “That’s twenty copper coins.”

He glanced at Lu Tong and sighed: “Fine, I’ll let you boss me around just this once.”

Only then did Lu Tong relent.

She had never played “Night of Cleverness Competition” before and originally had no particular interest in it, but somehow, having arrived here by chance, she found herself looking forward to it.

The woman in the floral dress saw that everyone had finished discussing and smiled, then a copper gong sounded in the building, followed immediately by all the magpie lanterns in the room being extinguished.

“Ah—”

Some nearby young people exclaimed in surprise.

Actually, they weren’t all extinguished – about three or four dim lamps remained hidden in corners, only enough to vaguely make out human silhouettes. Anything deeper couldn’t be seen, let alone the entangled silk threads underfoot.

In the darkness, Pei Yunying’s voice came from beside her ear.

“By the wooden bridge, under the lotus leaves, there’s a golden magpie, closest to you.”

Lu Tong perked up: “Let’s get that one.”

She immediately started toward the wooden bridge.

However, the hall’s lamplight was already dim, and she could only vaguely make out the bridge’s shadow. Those silk threads underfoot seemed to have eyes – even though she had already stepped over them, they still tangled around her, nearly causing her to trip.

“Careful.”

Pei Yunying caught her with one hand.

Nearby came an “ouch” – apparently some young man had fallen, and the maiden with him was startled, hurriedly asking where he was hurt.

Pei Yunying paused and extended a hand: “It’s too dangerous to walk like this. Hold onto me.”

Lu Tong thought about it and didn’t stand on ceremony with him, following his suggestion.

It was too dark all around, and she couldn’t find the right spot immediately. She first touched Pei Yunying’s hand, and the moment their fingertips made contact, it felt like warm currents flowing by, creating a subtle sensation that made her suddenly feel uncomfortable. Lu Tong steadied herself and followed his hand up to his arm, then gripped tightly.

In the darkness, she couldn’t see Pei Yunying’s expression, only feeling that the arm she held was strong and powerful.

His soft laughter reached her ears: “Hold tight.”

Lu Tong hummed in acknowledgment.

The two walked toward the wooden bridge.

She didn’t know how Pei Yunying managed it – perhaps the Palace Guard selection didn’t rely entirely on appearance after all. In any case, he was quite capable. Though his steps weren’t fast, he walked very steadily. When people who couldn’t see the path bumped into them from the side, he would quickly pull Lu Tong away to prevent her from falling.

He took very good care of her.

Lu Tong gripped his arm tightly, confidently letting him lead. Perhaps in darkness, human senses become infinitely magnified – his steady breathing and the cool, light fragrance on his body became obvious, like the five-colored silk threads underfoot, densely entangled and lingering all around.

Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard Pei Yunying’s reminder: “We’re here.”

Lu Tong looked up.

Under that faint glimmer of light, the wooden bridge was right in front of them. Below the bridge were piled many lotus leaves and flowers woven from gold paper and colored thread. The most central lotus flower bloomed particularly brilliantly, with tiny golden glints sparkling within.

The golden magpie was found.

Lu Tong said: “I’ll get it,” and immediately headed under the bridge.

“Hey, slow down.”

Seeing her urgency, Pei Yunying quickly followed.

Nearby was another young couple who had also spotted the golden magpie in the lotus flower and were walking toward it.

Lu Tong quickened her pace, reaching for it before the young couple. The husband in the couple noticed her intention and also sped up. Both reached for the lotus flower at the same time. Lu Tong grabbed the lotus stem, but discovered it was embroidered to the bridge. With one pull, she lost her balance and staggered backward.

“Careful.”

Pei Yunying was behind her and reached out to steady her. Lu Tong’s back collided with his chest, while her foot stepped on something hard and protruding that suddenly sank down.

A mechanism?

Lu Tong immediately sensed trouble. Before she could speak, there was a sudden crisp sound, and something fell from above on all sides. Pei Yunying quickly shielded her, enveloping Lu Tong completely in his embrace, surrounding her with his cool, clean scent.

“What is it?” she asked tensely.

Protected in Pei Yunying’s arms, her cheek pressed against his cool clothing, something light and fluffy seemed to fall above and below, tickling slightly when it brushed her skin.

The next moment, dozens of magpie lanterns in the hall blazed bright, accompanied by the clear ring of copper gongs and the woman’s voice.

“The magpie bridge urges the phoenix carriage forward. Time is up, the magpies call—”

The couples in the hall were now scattered – some fallen, some toppled, others nestled together with magpies in hand, smiling sweetly.

Countless thin red threads were scattered on the ground. Lu Tong looked down to see many had also fallen on her and Pei Yunying. These red threads seemed to have sprung from the ground, landing on them both, making it appear from a distance as if they were bound together.

Extremely intimate.

Lu Tong had triggered the mechanism underfoot, causing these red silk threads to spring out.

“This is called ‘love thread binding.'”

The woman smiled cheerfully: “Spinning out thousands of love threads, writing new mandarin duck songs. All you young ladies and gentlemen who were touched by love threads will become paired lovers in the future, loving for a lifetime and growing old together – it’s a good omen!”

Lu Tong: “…”

She was about to speak when she looked up and met Pei Yunying’s lowered gaze.

Lu Tong froze.

In the dim light and shadow of the magpie lanterns in the hall, red threads swayed slightly in the breeze from outside, inexplicably adding an air of tender intimacy.

Her hand still gripped Pei Yunying’s arm tightly, leaning forward, while he had one hand supporting her back. When the unknown mechanism had triggered, he had completely protected her in his embrace, his other hand positioned at his waist near his sword sheath, keeping her perfectly safe.

Those dark eyes stared at her, their shadows entangled on the ground, and where their gazes met, something was gradually growing.

Lu Tong stood frozen in place.

The hand firmly supporting her back sent subtle warmth through her spine. For an instant, her heartbeat skipped, and she instinctively stepped back.

Pei Yunying’s gaze flickered, falling on the red threads wound around her dress hem. The threads clung tightly to her skirt, making movement difficult, so he knelt down and carefully brushed them away.

For some reason, Lin Danqing’s previous words suddenly echoed in Lu Tong’s ears.

“Don’t look at how Pei Yunying appears friendly on the surface – when talking to people, he doesn’t even bend his waist. He’s quite proud inside.”

Quite proud…

Thinking about it now, he always seemed to bend down in front of her.

Lowering himself to speak with her, bending to pick up her medical kit, and even now when she triggered the mechanism, he had first protected her in a safer position.

He was always accommodating toward her.

Accommodating and patient, which was why she always acted fearlessly in front of him, confident that he wouldn’t be petty about such things.

But she had forgotten that he wasn’t actually someone accustomed to bending down.

“Oh my, young master and miss have so many love threads on you – you must be very loving!” The woman in floral dress floated over to them. Lu Tong lowered her head and stepped back, while Pei Yunying looked away.

Neither explained.

The woman glanced at them both and smiled knowingly: “What a perfectly matched couple! You two, did you find any golden magpies?”

Lu Tong paused, then came back to her senses. Earlier when she pulled the lotus stem unsuccessfully and accidentally triggered the mechanism, startled, her hand had slipped and she’d missed the golden magpie.

Just one step away – Lu Tong felt somewhat regretful.

Pei Yunying glanced at her, the corner of his mouth curving up as a golden little magpie appeared from his palm.

Lu Tong focused her gaze.

Looking carefully, the golden magpie was carved from water chestnuts and lotus roots, covered with colors and gold paper. Palm-sized, it was lifelike.

“When did you get that?” she asked.

“After all, I am the Palace Guard Commander,” Pei Yunying looked down at her, saying leisurely: “If I couldn’t even win this little prize, it would damage the Palace Guard’s reputation.”

Lu Tong was speechless.

This person was quite pleased with himself.

The woman in floral dress laughed: “Young master has good eyesight – winning the golden magpie means gaining ‘cleverness.’ Come, here’s the Seventh Lady’s prize for you both!”

Lu Tong was somewhat curious.

The prizes for “Threading Needle Cleverness Seeking” and “Happy Spider Divination” were “grain boards.” This twenty-copper-coin “Night of Cleverness Competition” should have an even better prize.

The woman in floral dress walked to the building entrance and took out a very small peony-patterned wooden comb from a flower-filled box, handing it to Lu Tong.

Lu Tong accepted it: “A comb?”

“Yes, miss! This is a comb blessed by the Weaver Girl. As they say, ‘strand by strand of black hair carries continuous thoughts, inch by inch of longing densely combed.’ Using this comb for your hair, the two of you will grow more loving with each combing!”

Lu Tong fell silent.

Just an ordinary wooden comb with unremarkable carving, yet it required twenty copper coins and a search through the building. The people of the capital were truly good at business.

Yet looking around at the other “cleverness competitors,” all seemed satisfied and didn’t mind at all.

Noticing her disappointment, the woman in floral dress smiled and pointed upstairs: “Miss, young master, our Qiqiao Tower’s third floor has excellent scenery – no worse than the Immortal Meeting Tower on Qinghe Street. Those who paid for the Night of Cleverness Competition can go to the third floor to observe stars – quite a bargain!”

“Perfect for resting after the tiring competition, go up and enjoy the breeze.” The woman spoke while pushing them upward, clearly wanting to maximize this business opportunity.

Lu Tong looked at Pei Yunying, who asked: “Do you want to see?”

“Yes.”

Lu Tong walked forward: “We paid for it.”

She wouldn’t take advantage of others, nor would she let others take advantage of her. This prize was already disappointing – Lu Tong wanted to see just how “no worse than the Immortal Meeting Tower on Qinghe Street” this star-gazing tower really was.

Fortunately, this time it wasn’t a lie.

Going up another floor in the Qiqiao Tower, the lights were brighter, but not from the hall itself. Lu Tong walked to the railing and looked down to see a sea of people with torches, flower lanterns, and music, making the area below bright and brilliant.

In the distance, a vast procession passed by with singing and dancing. People hid behind enormous puppet figures that were crafted exquisitely and charmingly. Under the bright colored lights, they made the Qixi night even livelier.

Pei Yunying walked over.

“Those are puppet variety shows,” he said.

Seeing Lu Tong didn’t understand, he explained: “People hide inside them, and the puppets perform various acts for celebration and prayer.”

Pei Yunying glanced at the crowd passing below: “Folk variety shows aren’t grand enough. Soon after the palace’s Tianzhang Platform ceremony, the Nuo ritual will be even livelier than this.”

“Nuo ritual?”

“The Emperor’s prayer celebration banquet. All officials will be present – you’ll be able to see it too.”

Lu Tong nodded thoughtfully.

He turned his head: “Do you like watching this?”

Lu Tong shook her head, looking at the enormous puppets being lifted and lowered by people.

“I was just thinking that killing someone here wouldn’t be discovered for quite some time.”

Pei Yunying: “…”

He sighed: “You really know how to ruin the mood.”

Lu Tong paused, looked away, raised her eyes to search carefully below, and asked Pei Yunying: “Where are Sister Yunshu and the others?”

Pei Yunshu had pushed them both into the Qiqiao Tower. Now that the Night of Cleverness Competition was over, looking down from upstairs, there was no sign of Pei Yunshu and the others.

“Don’t bother looking – she definitely wouldn’t wait for us in the same place.”

“But…”

“Deputy Commander Xiao will protect her.” He spoke deliberately: “Although Doctor Lu has considerable prejudice against our Palace Guard, please believe that Palace Guard selection isn’t based solely on appearance.”

Lu Tong: “…”

Damn, how did he know what she was thinking?

Pei Yunying chuckled softly, bracing his hands on the railing to watch the visitors below.

Behind them, other lovers passed by the railing, whispering intimately with deep affection. Lu Tong thought for a moment and asked: “Does Deputy Commander Xiao like Sister Yunshu?”

Pei Yunying paused and suddenly turned to look at her, surprise in his eyes.

“How did you know?”

His reaction surprised Lu Tong as well.

“Every time I visit the General Commander’s mansion, he looks at me as if I owe your household money. But the way he looks at Sister Yunshu…”

Lu Tong pondered: “Like he owes Sister Yunshu money.”

Pei Yunying laughed: “Why all this owing back and forth?”

Lu Tong continued: “Just now while walking, he also protected Sister Yunshu’s side.”

“Just that?”

Pei Yunying smiled and spoke casually: “Then I owe you too, protecting you all along the way – what do you say about that?”

Lu Tong froze, her heartbeat suddenly accelerating.

Vast moonlight poured down like lake water throughout the city, transforming into countless lively stars when it reached the mortal world. Below, lanterns blazed brightly and crowds laughed competitively, while he turned to look at her, his smiling eyes seeming to hold secret tenderness.

The noisy crowds felt distant for a moment, and the night grew silent.

Until a figure brushed past Lu Tong’s back, bumping her shoulder and jolting her from that momentary daze.

There were too many men and women “stargazing.” As the ladies waved their round fans, faint jasmine fragrance drifted by.

Yet it wasn’t as clear and cool as the orchid and musk scent on him.

Lu Tong steadied herself and changed the subject.

“Why doesn’t Deputy Commander Xiao tell Sister Yunshu that he likes her?”

From Pei Yunying’s manner, he seemed to acknowledge Xiao Zhufeng’s feelings. However, from what she’d observed today at the birthday gathering, Xiao Zhufeng was evasive, silent, and even when walking, only quietly followed behind Pei Yunshu without taking initiative.

Lu Tong didn’t understand why, if Xiao Zhufeng admired Pei Yunshu, he wouldn’t tell her directly, especially since Pei Yunshu had already divorced and was no longer Princess Wen.

Pei Yunying looked her over: “You really are direct.”

“What’s the need for such roundabout approaches?”

He sighed, seeing her rare interest in matters beyond revenge, and simply turned around to lean back against the railing, thinking for a moment before saying: “Because he has concerns.”

“What concerns?”

“Many.” Pei Yunying said calmly: “Family background, temperament, the future – perhaps he worries that sister doesn’t like him at all.”

Lu Tong couldn’t understand.

She said: “Deputy Commander Xiao doesn’t seem like someone who looks forward and backward like that.”

She wasn’t familiar with Xiao Zhufeng, but from their few encounters, she could sense this person was cold and rigid, like an eternally frozen iceberg, unlikely to become sentimental over trivial matters.

The Xiao Zhufeng in Pei Yunying’s description seemed like a stranger.

He smiled, his tone light: “No matter what kind of person, once bound by love, they become anxious about gains and losses.”

These words carried a hint of melancholy. Lu Tong looked at him and blurted out: “Would the General Commander also be bound by love?”

He didn’t speak.

Under the brilliant capital night sky, the distant Milky Way flowed on. The magpie lanterns under the building eaves rustled in the wind. Pei Yunying leaned back against the carved railing, light and shadow falling across the young man’s features. That handsome, sharp face had lost its smile, and even in silence, he was movingly heartless.

It was just a casual question, but the one answering chose silence, only gazing at her wordlessly for a long time.

In the melting wind and moon, under beautiful scenery and lovely evening, amid the city’s osmanthus fragrance and gentle breeze, paired mandarin ducks were carved into the decorative railings.

In the complete stillness, he stared fixedly at Lu Tong. After a long while, he said softly:

“I feel it’s coming soon.”