It had been two months since Feng Ruyi found herself in this strange, ancient world within the book. Though the path to return was unclear, she found herself unwilling to leave. She decided to embrace her life here, day by day, blending into the world around her. The once proud and difficult Eldest Miss had become surprisingly gentle, her arrogance softened into kindness. Of course, there were still occasional quirks that left her servants baffled, but they had learned to quietly tolerate them.
For example, one morning, Feng Ruyi summoned her maid, Liqin, to fetch a mat and place it outside. Once set, she stepped onto it, lifting one leg behind her and balancing gracefully on the other, palms together in an unusual posture, almost as if in prayer. The servants exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of this odd behavior. Embarrassed, they politely turned their heads, unaccustomed to seeing a lady conduct herself in such a manner.
"Dear Buddha, please guide our Eldest Miss back to the right path," the servants whispered under their breaths, gathering in a circle and bowing their heads. They cast worried glances in her direction as she struck another pose, balancing unsteadily with one leg stretched high and palms pressed together.
"What are you all praying for?" Feng Ruyi called out, exasperated. "I'm just doing yoga!" She sighed, feeling somewhat wronged as she held her position.
Meanwhile, the Youngest Miss, Feng Qingqing, had also changed. The once shy and soft-spoken girl had blossomed into someone unexpectedly lively and confident. Her laughter often echoed through the hallways, a sound the servants had seldom heard from her before.
What puzzled them most was the growing bond between the two sisters. Feng Ruyi and Feng Qingqing now shared an easy companionship, frequently trading jokes that left the servants bewildered. They'd even begun mentioning some mysterious figure named Wang Yibo in their conversations. At one point, a servant whispered, "Is that perhaps a secret name for the Crown Prince?"
The other servants exchanged wary looks, unsure if their mistresses were indeed speaking in code—or if it was just another one of the sisters' strange inside jokes.
The happiest person in the Feng household at this moment was their father, Feng Wangshu. Watching his two daughters, Feng Ruyi and Feng Qingqing, finally getting along brought him a rare sense of peace. As Prime Minister, he seldom had time to spend with his family, his days consumed by endless state affairs and political responsibilities. Yet here, in the quiet moments within his own home, he felt something he hadn't felt in years: contentment.
Feng Wangshu's life had long been filled with regrets, especially when it came to his daughters. Both of their mothers had passed away far too soon, leaving a hollow sadness within the household. Feng Ruyi's mother, his first wife, had been a gentle and wise woman. She had been the love of his youth, a partner in all things, and her passing had struck him deeply. In the years since her death, he had felt her absence every day, a quiet ache that had shaped him into a man even more devoted to his duties, perhaps as a means of forgetting the loss.
A year later, when he took Song Caiji as his concubine, he had hoped to rekindle some semblance of warmth and family. Feng Qingqing's mother had been kind and nurturing, and she had brought a new light into his life. But that light, too, was extinguished far too soon. He had watched helplessly as Qingqing struggled with her grief, withdrawing into herself and growing ever more distant from her half-sister and from him. In the wake of each of their mothers' deaths, the girls had grown apart, and he could see the lingering resentment and loneliness in their eyes. It haunted him, knowing he had failed to protect his daughters from the harshness of life.
Looking back, he realized how much he had neglected them, pouring himself into his work to numb his grief. His position as Prime Minister had required his complete attention, and he had convinced himself that his sacrifices were for the good of the family. But deep down, he knew it was an excuse—a way to avoid facing the painful truth of his inadequacies as a father. He hadn't been there for them when they needed him most, and the weight of that guilt had grown heavier with each passing year.
But now, watching Feng Ruyi and Feng Qingqing sitting together, he dared to hope that perhaps things could be different. They were speaking quietly, almost as if they were true sisters for the first time. Seeing them finally begin to understand and care for one another made him feel that perhaps he could leave this world without regrets. For the first time in years, the burden of his own regrets felt a little lighter, and he allowed himself to smile.
At this time, the entire Feng household buzzed with activity as everyone prepared for the approaching New Year. The servants worked tirelessly, draping the manor in vibrant red—a color of luck and prosperity. Silk lanterns in various shades of crimson and gold hung from every awning and doorway, casting a warm, inviting glow throughout the estate. Intricate strings of red tassels and paper cutouts of auspicious symbols adorned the walls and corridors, turning every corner of the house into a tribute to the holiday's joy and renewal.
The servants bustled about with renewed vigor, grateful for the generous New Year's bonuses bestowed by the Prime Minister. Knowing they were appreciated—and well-compensated—added an extra layer of enthusiasm to their work. Their dedication was evident in every carefully arranged flower, every polished vase, and every meticulous dusting. Each of them seemed to work with pride as if their efforts were not only for their esteemed master but also for themselves, as they, too, were part of the Feng manor. Under the brilliant red canopy of decorations, the manor felt alive with both tradition and joy, ready to welcome the New Year with open arms.
Currently, Feng Ruyi and Feng Qingqing were trying to convince their father to let them go outside to celebrate the Lantern Festival. Feng Ruyi has been to many Lantern Festivals outside the book but having read many historical records, she knows that the ones in the modern world could not compare to Ancient China. Furthermore, she has heard some of the servants talking about it, making her want to experience it even more! She couldn't stand being in the house any longer and was itching to explore the outside world!
"No," Feng Wangshu said resolutely.
"But why not, Father? This only happens once a year and Qingqing and I wish to see it," Feng Ruyi says, trying to convince her father.
Feng Wangshu couldn't help but rub his temples. Of course, he wants his girls to have fun and experience the world but after the conversation with the Crown Prince and the increase in human trafficking, he forced himself to turn down their request.
"We want to light a lantern for our mothers in heaven. We'd also like to light up one for you and our grandparents as well to wish you guys happiness and health. The commoners say this is only effective at the Huai Lake," Feng Ruyi continued sweetly.
"Yes, we want to pray for the safety of our family," Feng Qingqing agreed with a nod.
Feng Wangshu fought back his smile; seeing his daughters being echoes of each other was quite amusing. "As I said, the answer is no-"
"What if I go with them?" a loud and deep voice said from the entrance of the room. Everyone turned towards the owner of the voice only to see the Crown Prince entering the room in a leisure pace before stopping in front of the Feng's. "I am also planning to attend the Lantern Festival. I won't mind watching over them for you."
"He's coming and going without making an announcement as if this is his manor," Feng Wangshu complained internally.
Hearing that the Crown Prince wanted to go with them, Feng Qingqing frowned and was about to open her mouth to reject his offer. She has not seen him since the cancellation of the engagement between him and Feng Ruyi. She almost forgot about him and his charming face.
However, Feng Ruyi was a bit faster. "Great! Since His Highness is willing to come with us, I'm sure we'll be well-guarded. Father, I promise you won't have anything to fear. So, can we go?" She looked at her father, purposely making her eyes appear bigger and her smile wider.
Feng Wangshu sighed. He knew he wasn't going to win this argument. "Alright you can go but you have to remain by the Crown Prince's side. And make sure you are back before midnight." Before Feng Wangshu could even finish listing his terms to the girls, Yangmi was already dragging Feng Qingqing.
"Your highness," Feng Wangshu called out to Tian Weilong. Tian Weilong stopped in his tracks and turned to face Feng Wangshu.
"I trust that you will take care of my daughters," Feng Wangshu said threatingly.
Tian Weilong only smiled in a response and quickly walked to catch up with the girls.
Feng Wangshu watched them leave, their laughter and excitement echoing faintly down the corridors as they disappeared from sight. He took a steadying breath, but the uneasy feeling only deepened. Despite the Crown Prince's assurance, something didn't sit right. He thought back to the rumors circulating about unrest in the city. It was one thing to grant them a small freedom, but sending them into a city bustling with strangers and potential threats?
Feng Wangshu turned, his mind racing. Suddenly, the decision to let them go seemed rash, clouded by the eagerness of the moment. He ran out to hold them back but by the time Feng Wangshu stepped outside, they were gone, disappearing into the evening. He stood alone at the edge of the manor, looking up at the dark clouds gathering ominously in the sky. The lively red lanterns and banners hanging throughout the household contrasted against the gloomy backdrop, and a shiver ran down his spine. The feeling of foreboding tightened in his chest. A small voice told him he should have kept them home.
But it was too late.