Chapter 61

He quickly climbed the steps and stepped through the door. With a creak, he felt like he had entered a world of sound from a silent one.

The whole world came alive.

A “thud” was the sound of a brush being thrown onto the table. Su Ci, who had been sitting at the table writing, turned around at the sound, “You’re back!” She smiled, her voice clear, light, and quick.

Su Ci dropped the brush, slipped on her shoes, and ran over, hugging his arm and glancing up, “Have you eaten? Do you want some supper?” She smiled brightly, her eyes large and shining. She had probably just bathed, with her hair slightly damp, looking lively and cute.

Yang Yanzong wrapped his arm around her waist and smiled, “I’ve eaten. No need to fuss.” He lifted her up, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Their faces brushed against each other, making her giggle and lean back, laughing happily.

She jumped back and ran off, “I’ll get someone to bring you bathwater!”

She teased him, “You stink! Didn’t bathe yesterday, did you?”

Yang Yanzong, too busy to bathe daily, was lucky to eat on time. He laughed and scolded, “Oh, you’ve grown bold, huh?” Daring to tease him now.

She laughed, called out, and soon hot water was brought in. Yang Yanzong grabbed her, dragging her towards the bathhouse. Su Ci protested, “Hey, hey, I’ve already bathed!!”

A couple’s bath was fun occasionally, but she wasn’t interested in bathing twice.

Yang Yanzong hummed, rubbing his head against her face and chest, “Didn’t you say I stink? Come on!”

Su Ci screamed and laughed, finally being carried over his shoulder into the bathhouse.

The laughter and noise from inside the house reached outside, cheerful and lively. A Zhao and A Kang exchanged glances and couldn’t help but smile. Hey, they kind of wanted to get married too.

“Let’s go, it’s time to bathe!” A group of young men laughed and headed off together.

Hot water washed over every inch of their skin. Yang Yanzong made Su Ci scrub his back, and of course, things got steamy. After thoroughly cleaning up, they were both soaked from head to toe. Finally, they lay on the soft couch, drying each other’s hair. Su Ci grumbled, “I was about to sleep. Look what you’ve done…” She glared at him.

Yang Yanzong, leaning lazily on the couch, felt relaxed and didn’t need to eat. He didn’t like eating late anyway. Lying there, their body heat mingling, he felt incredibly content. He pinched her cheek, “What’s wrong with keeping me company?” He glanced at her, “You’re not even sleepy.”

Su Ci’s eyes, still wet from the bath, sparkled, her long lashes glistening. Her black and white eyes were lively and bright, looking very awake.

Su Ci couldn’t help but laugh, lying on his chest, chuckling softly. Suddenly, she remembered something, jumped up, and handed him a few account books from the table, “Here, all done.”

She winced a bit. These were Yang Yanzong’s private accounts, and the large expenditures made her nervous.

Yang Yanzong had been too busy to handle them, so when his subordinates presented these accounts, he casually told them to give them to his wife.

Su Ci guessed it was only a part of it, but even that was enough to startle her. She knew Yang Yanzong must have some hidden dealings, but she never expected the accounts to be so large. Where did he get so much money, and where did it all go?

Yang Yanzong laughed and couldn’t help teasing her, “I’m busy. How about you handle these things from now on?”

“No, no,” Su Ci quickly shook her head and waved her hands. No way, big brother. As a lazy person, she wasn’t interested in these matters. The more she knew, the greater the responsibility. She was already exhausted. “Better not. I don’t like accounting.”

“Anyway, I’m not doing it. Did you hear me?” She used her charm, wrapping her arms around Yang Yanzong’s neck and acting coquettishly. Yang Yanzong couldn’t resist, “Alright, alright, you don’t have to.”

“So lazy.” He tapped her nose and kissed her.

With her goal achieved, Su Ci immediately brightened up, laughing and not forgetting to ask for a reward, “Aren’t you going to give me a reward?”

She blinked at him.

“A reward, huh?” Doing a bit of work and asking for a reward. Yang Yanzong smiled, pretending to think, and said, “How about I give you something tomorrow?”

Today was the fourteenth of August, and tomorrow was the fifteenth, the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions. They missed Qixi, but Mid-Autumn was also good.

Su Ci’s eyes lit up, “What is it?”

Yang Yanzong smiled slightly, patted her bottom, and they rolled on the couch, changing positions. The evening breeze blew gently, and the moonlight filtered through the window screen, casting a soft glow on her face. He smiled, “I’ll tell you tomorrow.”

Amid her grumbling, he held the lively and restless girl tightly in his arms, smiling and closing his eyes.

“Sleep, aren’t you tired?”

“My hair is still a bit wet. How can I sleep…”

“Let me see, I’ll dry it for you.”

---

They played and laughed, their conversations sometimes wandering aimlessly, always circling back. They whispered until late at night, their hair almost dry, before finally falling asleep in each other’s arms.

The next day, it rained a little. Early in the morning, the sound of raindrops tapping on the window woke Yang Yanzong, but he didn’t want to get up.

A small, warm figure was curled up in his arms. In the cozy, fragrant room, after so many days of continuous travel, he was tired. Yang Yanzong decided to follow his heart and give himself a day off, sleeping in.

Holding her, he felt completely at ease. His long black hair half-covered him as he lazily turned over, draping his leg over her. Sure enough, she soon stirred and began to wake up.

Su Ci dreamed she was a turtle, struggling to climb a mountain with a heavy load. She climbed and climbed until she couldn’t take it anymore and woke up.

She rubbed her eyes, mumbled a few words, and snuggled back into his arms. They slept a bit more, waking up mid-morning. The water clock dripped steadily, indicating it was around mid-morning, but they didn’t get up. They lay there, talking and chatting, rolling around in bed, and sleeping again. This repeated twice, and they even skipped lunch. Su Ci fell asleep, while Yang Yanzong simply forgot about lunch.

On their day off, they lay in bed together, the curtains drawn, creating a warm, cozy world of their own, making it hard to leave.

Su Ci had been here for so long but had never enjoyed such a lazy morning. They slept until the afternoon, and when they finally got up, Su Ci, still sleepy, rubbed her growling stomach and looked at Yang Yanzong, unable to suppress a laugh.

He looked so lazy with his hair down, adding a touch of unrestrained elegance. From this angle, he looked a bit like a eunuch supervisor, haha.

Yang Yanzong didn’t know she was comparing him to a eunuch, or he might have exploded. But Su Ci’s sneaky smile was a bit provocative, “What are you laughing at?”

Her mischievous smile was a bit suspicious. Yang Yanzong hummed twice, grabbed her hand, and gave her a tickling attack. Su Ci almost laughed herself breathless. Finally, he dragged her to the dressing table, and she agreed to help him tie his hair.

Su Ci tried several times before finally succeeding. She complained about his thick hair, and he said it wasn’t as thick as hers.

She tied his hair and placed a crown on his head while he inserted a hairpin for her. Yang Yanzong wanted to draw her eyebrows, but Su Ci didn’t use makeup. Her naturally beautiful arched eyebrows didn’t need enhancement. He had to give up regretfully.

They had a late lunch and then set off for Suiping.

---

Dressed in plain clothes, Yang Yanzong mounted his horse, taking only a few close followers who kept a respectful distance. He held the reins and rode with her on the same horse.

Leaving the city, the big brown horse galloped, the wind rushing past.

The rain had fallen earlier that morning, but it wasn’t heavy, leaving the roads free of mud and the greenery even more vibrant and fresh. The gentle sunlight bathed the open countryside, making it feel expansive and invigorating.

Su Ci had felt a bit lazy initially, but after a few rounds with Yang Yanzong, she was tired yet somehow fully recharged. As Yang Yanzong sped up, she couldn’t help but laugh, her clear laughter spreading across the grassy fields, making the person behind her smile.

They rode their horses all the way back to Suiping, arriving around the end of the Shen hour. The setting sun casts a warm, golden glow.

Just as they were nearing the Yang family gate, Yang Yanzong suddenly reined in his horse. Su Ci, her large, curious eyes looking back at him, watched as he dismounted and led the horse into the alley leading to the Su family home. He raised an eyebrow, “Don’t you want to visit your family first?” He chose to take Su Ci to visit her family first.

Su Ci’s eyes lit up, “Yes, yes!”

When this man was attentive, he could be very considerate. Time for a reward!

Su Ci jumped down, and Yang Yanzong caught her steadily. She wrapped her arms around his neck and showered him with kisses.

Yang Yanzong chuckled, “Happy?”

Su Ci giggled, “Mm~” She drew out the sound, making it sweet enough to squeeze out a pound of honey.

Yang Yanzong enjoyed it, humming in response, a smile playing on his lips. He held the reins in one hand and Su Ci in the other, heading to the Su family home first.

Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it was rare for Su Di to come home early. The family was busy preparing for the celebration. Although Su Yan was lively and energetic, Chen couldn’t help but miss her youngest daughter during such times.

Su Di was comforting her when they suddenly heard the sound of hooves and the door opening. Everyone looked up, surprised and delighted.

“Sister!” Su Yan jumped up and ran out, followed by the rest of the Su family, who were overjoyed.

“Father, Mother! Sister, Brother Yichu, I’m back!”

Su Di and Chen couldn’t stop smiling as they opened their arms to catch their youngest daughter. Su Di, always more reserved in his affection, patted Su Ci’s head and looked closely at her, relieved to see her healthy and radiant.

“Come in, come in and sit.”

After the joyful reunion, the family went inside. Since it was a major festival, Yang Yanzong formally knelt before Su Ci’s parents with her, bowing his head. “Father, Mother.”

Su Di felt a bit uneasy but held back. Once the couple finished bowing, he quickly helped Yang Yanzong up, unsure how to address him, and said, “Please, sit down.”

Yang Yanzong sat on the left, speaking briefly but with a calm demeanor. Soon, the room was filled with the cheerful chatter of Su Ci and Su Yan, mixed with Mrs. Chen’s laughter and scolding.

The men watched with smiles.

Lin Yichu, sitting at the back, stared at Su Ci’s smiling face and Yang Yanzong’s profile, lost in thought until Su Yan’s voice brought him back.

Su Yan, holding a pomelo, split it open with her hands. It was a special delivery from the southwest, and Su Ci had sent many back as festival gifts. Her mother, sister, and Lin Yichu all loved them, and they kept well.

“What are you thinking about?” Su Yan laughed, tossing a piece of pomelo at him, almost hitting his face. She laughed heartily as Lin Yi Chu caught it and shook his head.

The family shared the pomelo, peeled many tangerines and sunflower seeds, and made a mess of peels and shells. Time flew by happily, and soon Chen noticed it was getting dark and urged them to leave.

Yang Yanzong and Su Ci stood up, and the family sent them to the door. Waving goodbye, they walked past the poplar trees and turned a corner. The sky was darkening, and Su Ci, holding the reins of the big brown horse, ran ahead, looking back at him with a smile.

“What’s up?” Yang Yanzong raised an eyebrow.

Su Ci giggled, not answering him. She knew he was fishing for compliments. Well done, big brother. Keep up the good work!

Following the principle of rewarding good behavior, she jumped up and kissed him on the cheek, then looked around guiltily.

Yang Yanzong touched his face, smiling silently. They held hands and walked back to the Yang family home. When they arrived, the lanterns were already lit under the eaves, along with some paper cuttings and colorful paintings. The designs were a bit traditional, clearly reflecting Mrs. Yan’s aesthetic. But at night, with the lanterns glowing and the red silk ribbons and love knots still hanging under the eaves, it looked very festive. These red silk ribbons and love knots were left from Yang Yanxin and Su Rong’s wedding. The couple had been married for over a month. Yang Yanzong led Su Ci through the moon gate connecting the back courtyard, where they first saw Su Rong, dressed in a light red jacket and skirt, clearly in a married woman’s attire.

Su Rong had come to greet Yang Yanzong and his wife. Across the corridor stood Yang Yanxin and Yang Yanzhen, who had returned home earlier to change clothes. When Yang Yanzong and Su Ci entered, they quickly greeted them, “Big brother, sister-in-law.” Su Rong also bowed deeply, addressing them as brother and sister-in-law.

In more formal settings, positions were important. Su Rong stood on the women’s side, closest to Su Ci.

Yang Yanzong nodded for them to rise. Su Rong stood up, and Yang Yanzong glanced at her, saying a few words about harmony and diligence. Su Rong quickly bowed again with Yang Yanxin.

When they stood up again, the two sisters exchanged a slightly awkward glance. Not exactly awkward, but subtly different from the natural feeling with others. But it didn’t matter. Su Ci didn’t mind. She smiled and nodded, moving on.

“Alright, let’s go in.” Yang Yanzong spoke, glancing at her. Su Ci smiled and followed him inside.

---

Overall, the atmosphere was quite harmonious today. Although rumors said that Yang Chongying and Mrs. Yan’s relationship had worsened, today they both smiled, and even Mrs. Yan managed to keep a smile throughout.

They entered, and the three brothers, in three groups, with or without wives, bowed to their parents. Yang Chongying and Mrs. Yan happily called them to rise.

Then came the family dinner. The table was already set, and the family didn’t separate by gender. Su Rong stood behind Mrs. Yan, not immediately taking her seat. Yang Chongying glanced at Mrs. Yan, calling her to sit, saying there was no need for formalities today. Mrs. Yan looked at Su Rong and said, “Alright, sit down.”

Su Rong smiled, bowed, served tea to Mrs. Yan and Yang Chongying, and then respectfully took her seat next to Yang Yanxin.

Su Ci, already seated and waiting to eat, caught Yang Yanzong’s glance, signaling her to observe how a daughter-in-law should behave.

Su Ci giggled and kicked him. Yang Yanzong’s expression didn’t change, but he moved his foot to pin hers down. She pinched him, and he grabbed her hand, holding it in his palm, immobilizing her. She struggled for a while, giving him a pitiful look, and he finally let her go.

They exchanged playful glances, engaging in a small, subtle game. When Su Rong sat down, everyone was present, and the feast began.

They enjoyed a lively family dinner, then moved to the small garden to admire the moon and chat. The family had been holding back for a long time. The recent events at the Sixth Prince’s residence and with Yang Yanzong had been intense, and the family had been anxious. Although Yang Chongying had some sources of information, they were relatively superficial. For deeper insights, they had to ask Yang Yanzong.

Yang Yanzong briefly explained the situation, concluding that the matters concerning the Sixth Prince’s residence were nearly settled. As for the ongoing issues with the old emperor, he didn’t elaborate, deeming it unnecessary.

Mrs. Yan felt relieved and immediately beamed with joy. She had been listening to Yang Chongying’s questions, and although Yang Yanzong was reserved, he mentioned that the Sixth Prince’s faction was currently under his leadership. She couldn’t contain her excitement. Once looking up to the Sixth Prince’s residence, she now felt as if she had ascended to a position of power herself. She expressed her happiness repeatedly, smiling broadly. However, she glanced at Su Ci, who remained quietly smiling and felt displeased. Thinking about her eldest daughter-in-law enjoying the comforts of the Yangdu residence daily, she said, “The eldest daughter-in-law has been away from home for some time. Now that she’s back, she should settle down.”

But before Su Ci could respond, Yang Yanzong interjected, “I need her help with some matters.” He refused to leave Su Ci alone in Suiping.

Mrs. Yan was momentarily taken aback, her face turning green. After a pause, she eagerly asked, “Son, will our family also move to Yangdu?”

Yang Chongying, who had been holding back, finally couldn’t stand it and scolded, “Shut your mouth! Is this house not enough for you? Go where you need to go!” He didn’t want to waste words with Mrs. Yan and turned to Yang Yanzong, saying, “Eldest son, don’t listen to your mother. Arrange things as you see fit.”

This matter concerned the whole family, and everyone looked up, especially Mrs. Yan, who was both resentful and hopeful, clutching her handkerchief and looking at her son.

Yang Yanzong thought for a moment. It was clear he couldn’t stay in Suiping. He would likely reside in Yangdu for a long time. The family arrangements needed a decision.

Yang Chongying hadn’t spelled it out, but Yang Yanzong understood. He knew his father realized that, given the political turmoil, staying in Suiping would be safer for the family.

This was practical. However, with his new position and increased control over the Left Guard Camp, he had transferred many people, including Su Di and Yang Chongying. Running back and forth would be inconvenient. Not moving the family would seem deliberate.

Considering his mother’s wishes, Yang Yanzong finally decided, “Alright, the family will move to Yangdu.”

“The Su family should move too.” He glanced at Su Rong and instructed, “Yanxin’s wife, assist Mother in organizing the household. Discuss with Ci’s parents and choose a date to move to the Yangdu residence.”

Su Ci was not interested in managing household affairs, such as grocery expenses and trivial matters, nor did she want to deal with Mrs. Yan. Yang Yanzong had asked her before, and she was unwilling.

Since she didn’t want to, and Mrs. Yan managing the household alone might lead to mistakes, Yang Yanzong decided to have Su Rong assist her.

This was a way of transferring some household management authority to her. Su Rong was momentarily stunned but quickly responded, suppressing her joy, and respectfully agreed.

Mrs. Yan was not pleased, but her dissatisfaction was overshadowed by the prospect of moving to the Yangdu residence and enjoying a better life. She quickly smiled broadly.

“Alright, then hurry and organize the household. Don’t delay.” Mrs. Yan urged, even giving Su Rong a rare smile.

This cheerful atmosphere continued until the moon-viewing ended. Yang Yanzong didn’t stay long. When the conversation was nearly over, he stood up.

“Alright, father, mother, we’ll head back now.” He glanced at Su Ci, who understood and quickly followed.

She laughed, feeling satisfied with how well Yang Yanzong handled everything.

“Where are we going? Aren’t we going back to our room…?” They took a shortcut through the small garden to the stables.

Coincidentally, the back window of Su Rong’s new room had a view of the stables. After the gathering, she returned to her room and heard the sound of horses and faint laughter from the stables. Curious, she gently pushed the window open a bit.

What she saw made her heart ache a little. Under the moonlight, she saw a tall, handsome man holding a horse with one hand and a familiar, charming girl with the other. The girl laughed, her eyes crinkling with joy. The usually cold and indifferent man had shed his aloofness, his lips curling into a gentle smile. It was a stark contrast to what she had seen earlier. From a distance, their deep affection was evident, making one think he must love her very much.

Su Rong felt a pang of sadness. Her small courtyard was spacious, and although Yang Yanxin initially disliked her for being a concubine’s daughter, her gentle nature had improved their relationship. Given time, they would likely continue to rise together. Her future children would have their uncle’s support and wouldn’t fall into hardship. She was the second lady of the Yang family, and she had achieved everything she wanted.

However, Yang Yanxin was far from affectionate, and Mrs. Yan was difficult to serve. Even before she entered the household, Mrs. Yan had arranged a concubine for Yang Yanxin, and he hadn’t refused.

Alright, stop thinking about it. Life can’t be perfect. You’ve achieved everything you wanted, and now you even have some household management authority. Focus on managing well, don’t compare, don’t dwell on it!

Su Rong closed her eyes briefly, then opened them, clear-headed. She quickly and quietly closed the window. But before closing it, she couldn’t help but take one last look, thinking, she must be very happy, right?

---

Whether happy or not, Su Ci hadn’t considered that question. But she was indeed very happy at the moment. Because Yang Yanzong said he would take her to see the lanterns. As soon as they were alone, she pestered Yang Yanzong for the gift he promised her yesterday.

“What are you going to give me?” She looked at him with her beautiful eyes, running around him and occasionally kicking small stones on the road. No matter where they went, she was always so enthusiastic.

Yang Yanzong held her hand, smiling without saying a word, wanting to keep it a surprise.

“Huh? Why are we at the stables? Aren’t we going back to the room?”

Yang Yanzong stopped, untied the reins of his big brown horse, and held them in his hand. “Do you want to go to the city to see the lanterns?”

Su Ci’s eyes lit up. “Yes, yes, I want to go!”

How could she have forgotten that the Mid-Autumn Festival also had a lantern festival in ancient times? It was said to be a grand event with the whole city participating, and even the curfew was lifted for the day.

She felt a bit regretful, having never experienced it since she arrived. She had forgotten such an important event.

“Let’s go, let’s go now,” she said excitedly. “Can we still make it in time?” She was a bit worried. It was already late; wouldn’t the market be closing?

“We’ll make it.”

It was just the right time for the festivities. He tapped her nose with his finger, mounted the horse, and leaned down. Su Ci, already very skilled, jumped up with a smile, and he caught her by the waist, holding her in his arms. He wrapped her in a cloak, nudged the horse’s belly, and the horse leaped forward, quickly leaving the house.

The moon was big and yellow tonight, casting a soft glow and illuminating the sky full of stars. The moonlight and starlight shone on them.

The horse’s hooves were light and fast. Yang Yanzong held her as they rode swiftly, reaching the south gate of Suiping City in just over two-quarters of an hour.

“Wow!”

It was really lively today. People and vehicles were everywhere inside and outside the city, making it hard to move. After finally entering the city gate, the south gate was the lantern district. Su Ci had never seen such a grand traditional festival before.

Three-story-high scaffolding stretched from one end of the street to the other, on both sides, with one street connected to another. The shops along the road went all out, displaying dazzling and beautiful lanterns. The upper-level disturbances didn’t affect the common people, who were all in high spirits. By dusk, the shops and street vendors lit all their lanterns, making the whole city bright and splendid.

Su Ci’s eyes widened, and she repeatedly said how beautiful it was. She was so happy that she almost jumped up and down.

Her excitement naturally pleased Yang Yanzong, proving that his plan was right. To be honest, he hadn’t been interested in lantern festivals for years, but now, holding her hand, he found it quite enjoyable. He patted her head, handed the big brown horse to A Zhao behind him, and smiled, “Let’s go.”

They joined the crowd, walking slowly along the street.

There were lanterns, riddles, stalls, and performances. Su Ci clapped so much her hands turned red. Whenever she was happy, Yang Yanzong would toss a silver coin.

But the most common thing on the street was lantern riddles. Su Ci wasn’t very good at guessing riddles, but she eagerly pulled Yang Yanzong into the crowd. She didn’t guess anything correctly, but Yang Yanzong won a nice prize: a large paper lantern. Su Ci happily carried it, but before she could enjoy it, the lantern’s candle holder tilted or wasn’t well-made, and it caught fire. She exclaimed and quickly dropped it, stomping it out.

She was a bit disappointed, walking with her head down for a while. But then Yang Yanzong turned around, holding a gorgeous revolving lantern, and handed it to her.

“Here’s a gift for you. Do you like it?”

The revolving lantern was specially made, with redwood edges carved with butterflies and phoenixes, polished to a smooth, splinter-free finish. The gauze was as thin as a cicada’s wings, made of apricot-colored silk, so thin that the flickering candle inside was clearly visible. It featured beautiful women with fans chasing butterflies and children playing, and it was even inlaid with glass. Glass was very precious at the time and considered a treasure. This lantern had twelve pieces of glass, each the size of a palm and perfectly identical, set in the redwood-carved frame. The glass was of the highest quality and very transparent. As the hot air rose, it turned the revolving lantern, making the figures of women and children move gracefully.

Su Ci exclaimed in awe, “Wow, this is a folk art treasure!” She was so careful not to shake it too much, afraid it might catch fire again.

She was genuinely surprised and delighted. “It’s so beautiful, so amazing, so wonderful!”

She happily told Yang Yanzong.

Yang Yanzong smiled slightly, pleased that she liked it. He had taken time out of his busy schedule to have A Kang find a master lantern maker. He had personally designed the pattern, and Su Ci hadn’t noticed yet that the side profile of the woman chasing butterflies looked just like her.

But it didn’t matter if she didn’t notice now; it would be a nice surprise for later.

Yang Yanzong reassured her, “Don’t worry, this lantern won’t catch fire. Just keep walking.”

Su Ci tested it by shaking it slightly, and the candle remained steady. She laughed with delight.

Yang Yanzong held her hand, “Let’s go.”

“Okay!” She eagerly carried the beautiful revolving lantern, walking through the streets and alleys. Children stopped to watch, and she enthusiastically compared her lantern with theirs, winning every time, and continued happily.

They walked through the streets filled with children, and as the night deepened, the crowd thinned a bit. Now, they mostly saw couples.

The phrase “The moon above the willow tree, people meet after dusk” describes tonight and the Lantern Festival. Today was like Valentine’s Day in ancient times.

Ordinary families had few formalities; they had to work and earn money. The strict rules of high society didn’t apply to commoners. On this day, couples, both commoners and well-dressed young lovers, met secretly. The streets were filled with pink bubbles. At that moment, fireworks burst into the sky from the south gate. Bright red and blue, they exploded one after another, and many people lit sparklers, spraying sparks.

As the fireworks neared their end and paused for a moment, many young men took the opportunity to secretly kiss their beloved girls. Yang Yanzong even heard a blushing young man under a locust tree say softly, “I love you!”

The girl blushed and whispered back, making the boy’s ears turn red with joy.

Yang Yanzong’s heart also warmed. When emotions run deep, one longs for a response. He was no exception. He had wanted to say these words to her for a long time and ask her, but he never found the right moment.

During this time together, she seemed to melt his heart and emotions.

He could feel that she was genuinely happy when they were together. So he couldn’t help but have high expectations.

“Ci’er.” He held her hand, placing it over his heart. As the largest firework exploded in the sky, illuminating his bright eyes, he whispered, “I love you too.”

He originally wanted to say, “I adore you,” but influenced by the surroundings, he felt a bit embarrassed and quickly said it. He held her, gently caressing her face, “Do you love me?”

Su Ci: “…” Why did the topic jump so suddenly?

To be honest, Su Ci was watching the fireworks intently. It was her first time seeing ancient fireworks, and she was suddenly pulled back by Yang Yanzong. Then, she was stunned. Oh no! This crucial question caught her off guard.

She had a feeling about Yang Yanzong’s changing emotions, which made her anxious, fearing he might suddenly ask some difficult questions.

Su Ci smiled, her expression unchanged, glanced at him, and kissed his neck. “You’re so amazing. Who wouldn’t love you?”

Yang Yanzong smiled, “How amazing.” He kissed her back but didn’t let her dodge the question, turning her face back and asking again, “What about you? Do you love me?”

Yang Yanzong was very serious, and she couldn’t brush it off. Su Ci felt a bit cornered. She knew the right answer, but this man was not easy to fool. He was sharp and serious, especially now when emotions were intense.

Su Ci thought for a moment. At least, Yang Yanzong was sincere with her now. He had even risked his life to guard the gate for her. For this sincerity, she didn’t want to lie to him. She hesitated, then put away her usual playful demeanor and gave him the most honest answer.

Love, the word was too heavy. She had never loved and didn’t know what it felt like.

She softly said, “As long as you never have anyone else, I’ll always like you.”

The more expectations he had, the greater his shock and disappointment.

In an instant, it felt like he had fallen from the sky to the ground!

His heart felt as if a cold wind had blown through it, leaving it empty. The excitement and joy he had felt suddenly came to a halt.

“As long as I don’t have anyone else, you’ll always like me?”

This was an unexpected answer for Yang Yanzong, leaving him momentarily unsure how to react. He repeated it, his smile frozen on his face. After a while, he said, “Your feelings are quite unique.”

As long as I don’t have anyone else, you’ll always like me? What if there was someone else?

He wanted to ask this, but love is a deep, bone-penetrating emotion. If it can be discarded so easily, it means something is wrong.

No, no, he had asked about love. She had joked about love. But now she answered with “like.” It was just like her feelings for him; they were not on the same level. The deeper he fell, the more she stood on the shore.

She knew everything, understood everything. But she had never thought about truly loving him, never thought about giving him her heart. She had never thought about it!!

For a moment, Yang Yanzong hated himself for being too clear-headed. His sharp mind had analyzed the problem to the extreme in an instant. He felt confused, incredulous. Tonight’s happiness and romance, compared to this moment, felt like a joke.

He stared at her, his Adam’s apple moving as if suppressing something. After a long time, he laughed mockingly, released Su Ci, and turned away. He walked faster and faster, finally running. In just a few steps, he was lost in the crowd, out of sight.