Xiao Che might have guessed what was happening, but it was more fun to share the joy. With everyone together, it was even more interesting. Xiao Che, personally tutored by the Sage, was naturally a master of manipulating people's hearts.
Across from the Five Flavors Residence, people were crowding to guess lantern riddles. From their vantage point, they could see everything clearly. Gu Tingyun leaned by the window, reading the riddles on the lanterns for everyone.
After several correct guesses, the shop owner called up, "Gentlemen, we'll save the lanterns for you. Come down and collect them later."
It wasn't about the few lanterns themselves, but rather the moment and the atmosphere that made them reluctant to miss it.
Just as the mood was reaching its peak, Xiao Che's guard hurried in. Xiao Che's expression flickered, but he quickly recovered, "I understand."
Xiao Che then excused himself, citing an urgent matter. Although everyone was curious about what had happened, no one dared to ask.
After Xiao Che left, everyone was lost in their own thoughts, and the banquet soon dispersed.
"Mingjing, accompany me somewhere," Gu Tingyun called out to Yu Mingjing.
"Brother," Yu Mingyue said with concern.
Yu Mingjing patted his sister's hat to comfort her, "It's alright." Then he said to Xie Jiayan beside him, "Jiayan, I'm going out with Tingyun. Please trouble you to escort my sister home first."
"It's on my way. Don't worry, I will ensure your sister is safely returned home."
"Thank you!" Yu Mingjing cupped his hands at Xie Jiayan.
Xie Jiayan looked at Yu Mingyue, who was gazing wistfully in the direction her brother had left, and said, "Let's go!"
Not long after they left, the street was suddenly cordoned off. The sound of hooves approached rapidly, and soon they were upon them. The people on the street scrambled to get out of the way, causing chaos.
Xie Jiayan quickly shielded Yu Mingyue behind him. The horse troop passing through the crowd could easily cause a stampede, and she was young and easily knocked down.
"It's General Song of the Qianniu Guard," Yu Mingyue recognized the person on horseback at a glance.
The previous day, her father had gone out to apprehend the criminals, who were remnants of the previous dynasty. They had been fortunate to have General Song's assistance.
Could they be causing trouble again on the Lantern Festival?
Xie Jiayan frowned. It seemed a serious matter had occurred, even alarming the imperial guards.
"Let's go back to the manor first."
The street would only become more chaotic. It would be better to send her home first.
Zhu Yu and Chi Dan also became vigilant, guarding Yu Mingyue between them, fearing any trouble.
Upon reaching the Yu manor's entrance, Yu Mingyue bowed and thanked her, "Thank you, Brother Jiayan. This is for you!"
Xie Jiayan looked down at the rabbit lantern in Yu Mingyue's hand. Thinking of how everyone had teased Yu Mingjing today, he couldn't help but curve his lips.
However, he still reached out and accepted it, "Thank you, Sixth Lady!"
"Brother Jiayan, you don't need to be polite. You escorted me home, and I'm giving you a lantern. This is called returning a favor." Yu Mingyue waved her small hand, "Goodbye, Brother Jiayan."
After entering the manor, Yu Mingyue immediately dropped the smile from her face, "Not to Mingyue Residence, go to Qingfeng Courtyard."
Her father should be with her mother now. With the imperial guards mobilized, the matter was likely significant. The officials of the capital would probably not sleep tonight.
Yu Zeyan was admiring the moon with his wife in the courtyard. The moonlight was beautiful tonight. They didn't want to join the younger generation's festivities, so they hung a few lanterns in the courtyard, which also had its own charm.
"Why are you back so early?"
There was no curfew in the city today. In previous years, she would stay out until almost midnight.
"The imperial guards suddenly appeared in the city, causing chaos. There was nothing fun to do on the streets."
"Why would there be imperial guards?" Yu Zeyan felt a sense of foreboding. "Where is your brother?"
"We were guessing lantern riddles at the Five Flavors Residence. Later, the Seventh Prince's guard arrived and said something, after which the Seventh Prince left in a hurry. Brother was also called away by Brother Tingyun. Brother Jiayan escorted me back. On the way back, I saw General Song of the Qianniu Guard..."