In Feng Jinlin's courtyard, bamboo strips and materials for making lanterns were piled high.
Song Nan and Song Bei, looking at their master, whose face was flushed but helpless, almost burst into laughter.
Feng Jinlin, accomplished in both civil and military arts, proficient in poetry and romance, and skilled in everything, was stumped by making lanterns. Staring at the "lantern" before him, which looked like it was contorting its limbs, for a moment, he felt utterly foolish.
In contrast, Yin Canwen, standing beside him, handled the bamboo strips as if they were alive. In no time, he had assembled the frame. Feng Jinlin peered closely and realized it was quite unusual.
"Canwen, what kind of lantern are you making? I can't quite make it out!"
Yin Canwen’s hands didn't stop working as he continued to tinker. Soon, the rough shape of the lantern emerged. "It's a rabbit!"
Feng Jinlin was somewhat astonished by his dexterity.
Following this, white oil paper was gradually wrapped around the rabbit's outline, leaving space at the bottom for a candle. The rest was sealed tightly. The two ears stood tall, and he picked up a brush to draw the eyes and mouth.
In less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the rabbit lantern was finished.
"When I was young and my family was poor, my mother would make lanterns for others to supplement our income. I learned from her, so I picked it up quickly."
Yin Canwen handed the rabbit over. Feng Jinlin examined it from all angles and couldn't help but praise, "I must keep this lantern safe. When you pass your imperial examinations, we'll sell it on the black market. It will fetch a good price."
The second son of the Ministry of Revenue's minister, acting like a shrewd merchant, made Yin Canwen's lingering sense of inferiority vanish with his jest.
Outside the courtyard gate, Xiuqiu arrived with some items. Upon entering, she saw the rabbit lantern and her eyes widened in surprise. She immediately bowed to Feng Jinlin.
"Second Master, did you make this lantern?"
"Xiuqiu, are you indirectly insulting me? Do you think I, the esteemed Second Young Master Feng, could make such a splendid lantern?"
Song Nan and Song Bei struggled to suppress their laughter. Xiuqiu was confused. She then looked down at the "lantern" at her feet and understood. "Oh, so this is what Second Master made. My eyesight is poor. What kind of lantern is this? A giant turtle?"
Song Nan couldn't hold back any longer and let out a snort of laughter. Song Bei gave Xiuqiu a thumbs-up, acknowledging her sharp observation.
Feng Jinlin was so angry his nostrils flared. "What giant turtle! That's the Xuanwu divine beast I made!!!"
This time, it was Xiuqiu's turn to be dumbfounded. She could never have imagined that the "thing" before her was the Xuanwu divine beast she had read about in books. Yin Canwen, standing nearby, also couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Taking the rabbit lantern, he said innocently, "Ah, it's much simpler to make a Jade Rabbit from the Moon Palace."
"So it was Young Master Yin who made this rabbit lantern. I knew it, how could Second Master be so skillful." Xiuqiu appeared to have a sudden realization, which infuriated Feng Jinlin, though he couldn't do anything about her.
"Second Master, don't be angry. Miss's lantern is much like your divine beast. She spent the entire afternoon with bamboo strips and didn't manage to make anything."
Thinking of his own sister's helpless state, Feng Jinlin felt much better.
"Perhaps all Feng family members are clumsy. It's not just me, is it?"
Xiuqiu chuckled. Distracted by his words, she almost forgot her purpose. She handed over the box she was holding. "This is fluorescent powder from Miss Xu. She said it's the most beautiful when applied to lanterns. Even if the candlelight goes out, the fluorescence will still show at night. Miss asked me to bring it for Second Master and Young Master Yin."
Feng Jinlin, with his sharp eyes, recognized the box as being from the Imperial Manufactory. He asked curiously, "How does Miss Xu have such an item?"
"According to Haitang, Miss's cousin, Princess Fulin has recognized Miss Xu as her goddaughter. This item was sent by the Princess's people."
Princess Fulin's goddaughter?
This time, even Feng Jinlin was somewhat speechless.
The engagement between the Liang and Wei families had become the most talked-about matter in the Eastern Capital these days. However, the Xu family was always brought up in the discussion, making this Miss Xu quite innocent.
Yet, to transform herself into the Princess's goddaughter when everyone pitied her was no ordinary feat.
"I heard that Princess Fulin dotes on Miss Xu very much. I wonder if she will become a郡主 (junzhu - princess of the first rank) or a县主 (xianzhu - princess of the second rank) in the future."
Xiuqiu had a very good impression of Xu Mingyue. If she were to become a junzhu or xianzhu one day, it would be her good fortune.
"It's hard to say. Princess Fulin is the Emperor's elder sister and holds considerable influence in court. Her children and grandchildren are all outstanding members of the royal family. Miss Xu gaining her favor is indeed a fortunate event."
Feng Er spoke truthfully. Since this news was released, no one dared to openly discuss Miss Xu's broken engagement. Otherwise, offending this stern princess would bring disaster upon their entire clan. No one was foolish enough to court trouble at this juncture.
"Alright, leave the items here. We will use them later."
Feng Er gave a few instructions and then asked Xiuqiu to return to her duties. Yin Canwen, however, didn't remember much else except for one thing: Feng Jinyao also couldn't make lanterns.
A faint smile touched his lips. Perhaps this was an opportunity.
He picked up the bamboo strips nearby and pondered carefully, what kind of lantern would suit her?
In Ning'an Courtyard, Feng Jinyao looked at the table full of bamboo strips, at a loss. "Alas, my needlework has always been poor since childhood. Writing and painting are simpler for me."
Although making lanterns and needlework were not the same, they were both manual crafts. Perhaps Feng Jinlin was right, and the Feng family members had no talent in this area. Thinking this, she stopped pressuring herself.
Yun Xu was skillful and quickly made a four-sided lantern. It couldn't compare to Yin Canwen's rabbit lantern, but at least it was a lantern.
"This one it is."
As she spoke, she picked up a brush and began to paint on the oil paper. Soon, four lifelike festival celebration scenes appeared on the paper.
Yun Xu looked at Feng Jinyao, her eyes curved into a smile. "Miss's painting skills have improved again. I see the depiction of children setting off firecrackers is so vivid."
Feng Jinyao's gaze also fell on that part. Indeed, among the four scenes, this was her favorite.
"Mount it. We'll take it out tomorrow."
"Yes."
The mistress and servant, in perfect sync, worked quickly. By the time Xiuqiu returned after delivering the fluorescent powder, the lanterns were almost done.
"Did Second Brother receive it?"
"He did, but Miss, Second Master's lantern is truly... astonishing."
Hearing Xiuqiu recount the entire incident, both mistress and servant laughed. Second Brother was still the same Second Brother. Feng Jinyao hoped he would always remain so carefree and happy.