Within a couple of days, the Lantern Festival arrived.
The capital lifted its curfew.
With the help of his wet nurse, Lvluo, Chen Yi was dressed and ready.
He wore a tiger head cap on his head, a black cotton coat on his body, and a pair of cotton shoes on his feet, all wrapped up snugly.
Even so, Lvluo wasn't reassured and insisted on draping a fluffy fur coat over him, specifically reminding him, "It's cold outside; you mustn't catch a chill."
Chen Yi helplessly nodded and adjusted his tiger head cap, his pink little face glowing from the warmth of the heater.
What a hassle!
Unexpectedly, after just one trip to the training ground, he caught a cold the next day.
Although it was just for half a day, the anxious Xia Wanwan didn't dare let him step out of the courtyard again.
Seeing that he had nothing to do in the side room, she arranged for the teachers to come and give him lessons...
His rare days off were all wasted.
It wasn't until the day of the Lantern Festival that Xia Wanwan finally took him out for some fun, as agreed.
"Let's go! Aunt Wanyi has already sent someone to prepare the carriage."
Xia Wanwan took Chen Yi and met Zhou Wanyi and her son in the outer courtyard, and together they boarded the carriage to leave the Marquis Wu'an residence.
As soon as they exited the marquis's estate, Chen Yi and Chen Yuan each claimed a window and lifted the curtains to gaze outside.
The weather was clear and the sun was pleasantly warm.
The wide bluestone road was smooth and clean, with patches of snow still lingering at the sides.
Most households had red iron doors, with thresholds that varied in height. The eaves were tiled, and large red lanterns hung below.
Perhaps because Zhuque Street, where the marquis's residence was located, was predominantly inhabited by nobles, there weren't many pedestrians on the road. However, there were quite a few guards in black armor patrolling the area.
When those guards saw their carriage from a distance, they would stop to salute.
Chen Yi recognized that gesture; it was the salute of the martial officials in the imperial court.
From this, it was easy for him to infer the status and identity of the Marquis Wu'an.
Before long, the carriage exited Zhuque Street and arrived at a broader and cleaner road, which was divided into lanes for vehicles and pedestrians.
However, what attracted Chen Yi's attention even more were the various pedestrians dressed in different styles, as well as the shops lining the street.
"This is the most prosperous Zhuque Street in our capital," Xia Wanquan said, looking out the window. "It's said that when the late emperor conquered the Wei Dynasty and officially ascended the throne, an ancient Zhuque (Chinese mythical creature) flew in from the East Sea and followed this street all the way to the imperial city."
"That's how this street got its name."
"Is the same true for Xuanwu, Qinglong, and Baihu?"
Chen Yi didn't doubt the existence of divine beasts like the Zhuque; he was just curious if the other three divine beasts also had similar stories.
He also secretly wondered, if so many divine beasts came down at once, wouldn't they turn the capital upside down?
"Of course… not!"
Zhou Wanyi interjected, "This was a suggestion from the state preceptor at that time. Since there was a Zhuque, it would be best not to have the other three symbols to avoid upsetting them."
"Oh."
Chen Yi thought this made more sense.
For the next while, the carriage traveled along Zhuque Street, heading south before turning southeast toward the banks of Qujiang.
Along the way, Zhou Wanyi occasionally spoke up to introduce the sights, helping Chen Yi and Chen Yuan become familiar with the capital.
She mentioned bustling Baohua Street, the numerous merchant shops lining the eastern and western markets, as well as famous places like Fenghua Tower, Tianya Academy, and Taixu Daoist Sect.
It truly opened Chen Yi's eyes.
Although he had seen the geographical map of the capital before, those simplistic illustrations couldn't capture the prosperity and grandeur of the city.
It was just like their first stop today, the Dakuang Temple.
On a small mountain, clouds and mist swirled, appearing faintly. The halls were tall and spacious, adorned in gold and jade, shimmering in the sunlight like a sacred place.
Yet, on the geographical map, it was merely represented by a square Buddha head.
Upon arriving at their destination, Chen Yi obediently stayed by Xia Wanwan's side.
Chen Yuan, however, was more excited, pulling Zhou Wanyi to explore and touch everything, like a curious little child.
The four of them seemed unbothered, but it made the several guards from the marquis's residence behind them quite anxious, fearing any unexpected incidents.
"Offering incense and praying at the Lantern Festival is the most effective. I heard that the last time the Li family's lady came here to pray for a child, she returned and soon became pregnant."
"Is it really that effective?"
"Of course, but there are times when it doesn't work. It depends on the sincerity of the heart…"
Listening to the chatter of the other worshippers nearby, Chen Yi thought to himself that it couldn't possibly be that mysterious.
He had learned so much basic knowledge, but he had never heard of any Buddhist practices that could aid in conception. Instead, he had heard plenty of tales about unscrupulous monks taking advantage of women…
"Yi'er, your aunt and I are going to offer incense. You and Yuan'er wait here and don't run around, understood?"
Chen Yi's gaze turned to a courtyard not far away, where he noticed that only female worshippers were coming and going. He nodded obediently.
Once they left, a few guards stood by, alert to their surroundings.
Just as Chen Yi was growing bored, looking at the distant golden-roofed temple, a series of bell chimes rang out from the mountain.
"Ding ding, ding…"
The chimes were melodious and rhythmic but failed to attract the attention of those on the mountain.
However, the subsequent sound of chanting from the monks made everyone shudder slightly.
"Great Void Buddha Child descends, may the Buddha show mercy…"
Buddha Child?
Chen Yi was taken aback and quickly turned his gaze toward the other mountain peak, which was shrouded in mist.
There, a radiant golden light shone brightly, and a small figure was enveloped in the glow, surrounded by a golden lotus platform, as if a Buddha was descending to the world.
At that moment, a panel interface appeared before his eyes.
[You have witnessed the Great Void Buddha Child's lotus platform shining brightly; your mind is experiencing a slight influence.]
[You have absorbed the Buddhist will; Reversal Points +3]
(End of this chapter)