Joyful and Worry-Free
"Yes, it's okay to pull a little more." Yu Linlang lifted the curtain and poked out half of her head. "Just stop here."
The coachman quickly brought a small stool to help her get off the carriage.
"You all can go back now. I'll walk around for a bit. I heard there's a lantern festival tonight, so I'll take a look and return later."
Jiujin hurriedly jumped out of the carriage. "Miss—"
Baliang gently tugged at Jiujin's sleeve and whispered, "Let the girl go. It's rare for her to be interested in an outing. Let's not ruin her mood."
"Alright then, let the girl enjoy herself. She stays cooped up in that small mansion all day, dealing with one mess after another. It's suffocating."
Miss Yu's heart was light and carefree, but back at the Yu residence, Huo was not in a good mood.
When she learned that Yu Linlang had not even returned home for the New Year's Eve dinner, a surge of anger welled up inside her.
"This is outrageous! What kind of respectable young lady wanders the streets all day? She may not care about her reputation, but our Yu family certainly does!"
"Mother, don't be angry." Yu Pianpian handed her a cup of hot tea, leaning against her with a gentle smile. "Sister Linlang is quite talented, and her medical skills are impressive. Prince Pingkang invites her to the palace every few days. If she truly manages to cure the prince's long-standing leg ailment, she will become famous."
"If that happens, the entire Yu family will benefit. It's a good thing, Mother."
"Bah!" Huo spat, reaching out to tap her daughter's forehead. "You're too naive. With her arrogant and unruly nature, what good can come of it? I just hope she doesn't bring disaster upon our family. If she does, I'll be thanking the heavens if we survive it!"
"Mother, don't say that. Didn't Father mention last time that the demon murder case was solved thanks to Linlang's excellent painting skills?"
Huo scoffed in disgust. "She can sketch criminals, sure. But can she paint delicate and lifelike flowers, birds, and beasts like you? Can she?!"
"A perfectly good New Year's Eve dinner, and now I'm fuming just thinking about her! It's just as well that she didn't come. Your father will be back soon—call your brother. Let the four of us enjoy a proper family meal together."
---
Yu Linlang strolled leisurely down Chongyuanfang Street, making her way toward the East City. The bustling street was alive with festivities.
She stopped at a money shop to exchange some silver for a bag of copper coins, intending to feast on all the delicious foods Dongshi had to offer.
In past years, she had spent New Year's Eve with her adoptive father and mother's family. This year, she was alone. But that was fine—she would eat, wander, and enjoy the lanterns on her own.
Yu Linlang handed over eight copper coins in exchange for a koi lantern. Holding it in her hand, she wandered through the lively streets, where vendors and merchants called out their wares, their voices blending into the bustling crowd.
She bought a bag of rice dumpling candies and eagerly made her way to a stone arch bridge, her koi lantern swinging lightly. She had planned to cross the bridge to watch the lion dance, but as she lifted her eyes, she unexpectedly met Mu Zhao's gaze.
Under the shimmering night sky and the glow of lanterns, their eyes locked across the bridge. Both were momentarily stunned.
Mu Zhao was the first to recover, stepping forward and bowing slightly. "Miss Yu, are you also out alone for the festival?"
Yu Linlang quickly returned the gesture. "Greetings, Your Highness."
"Tonight is New Year's Eve, and we've met by chance. There's no need to be so formal. We are familiar with each other, so you may call me Huaizhi."
Yu Linlang tried to smile, but somehow, she just couldn't.
Mu Zhao chuckled. "Miss Yu, are you here to watch the dragon dance?"
Yu Linlang nodded, but instead of responding further, she studied his face intently, scrutinizing his complexion with unwavering focus.
Mu Zhao felt a little unsettled.
As a prince, he was used to the admiring gazes of noble ladies in the capital. But Yu Linlang's stare was different—void of love or admiration. It was more like… she was examining a freshly prepared medicinal experiment.
"You…" They both spoke at the same time, then stopped abruptly.
"You first," Yu Linlang said with a nod, her expression patient and expectant.
"The medicine you gave me last time was very effective."
Yu Linlang nodded eagerly. "Has your physician checked on you? What did he say?"
"The imperial physician has been eager to visit you, hoping to learn the formula for the pill. He wants me to continue taking it long-term."
"I'm afraid that won't work," Yu Linlang shook her head. "This medicine isn't meant for prolonged use. The prescription should be adjusted every ten years based on the patient's condition. Medicine must match the illness—it cannot remain static."
Mu Zhao looked down at the young woman standing before him. For some reason, in that moment, even the fireworks overhead seemed to tremble.
Yu Linlang looked up at the sky, captivated by the bursts of color.
Mu Zhao's voice was warm. "Shall we go to the riverbank? The view is clearer there, and plenty of street vendors sell snacks along the way. I believe Miss Yu will enjoy it."
Yu Linlang's eyes lit up. She eagerly followed him toward the river.
Sure enough, the street was lined with delicious food stalls. Miss Yu happily indulged in roasted mutton, grilled quail, and sweet soup before moving on to sample various steamed cakes.
Mu Zhao found her straightforward and carefree nature amusing. Watching her eat with such enthusiasm was oddly delightful.
Yu Linlang was just as pleased. When she spotted Uncle Biao selling plum blossom soup cakes, she greeted him with a smile.
"Miss Yu, Young Master, please sit! Business has been good in Dongshi, so I set up here for a few days. I never expected to meet two esteemed guests. Please, have a seat!"
"Uncle Biao, don't trouble yourself. Just bring us two bowls."
Soon, steaming bowls of plum blossom soup cakes were served.
Yu Linlang sipped her soup slowly, her eyes drawn to the fireworks exploding over the river.
Clusters of bright colors illuminated the sky, crackling in succession.
Mu Zhao set his spoon down and smiled. "I am fortunate to spend this evening with you. May Miss Linlang's new year be filled with joy, peace, and a life free of worries."
Yu Linlang's eyes sparkled. Sitting face to face with a handsome man, listening to his gentle blessings—it was truly a pleasing sight.
She returned his smile. "Then I wish Your Highness peace every day and eternal youth. May next year be just as prosperous."
"Miss Linlang, would you like another bowl?"
"Since you asked, I'll have one more."
Mu Zhao almost laughed aloud.
The serious expression on her face was particularly endearing beneath the glow of the fireworks.
---
Bang! Bang bang!
"Watch the lanterns and be mindful of fire hazards!"
A lantern-holder shrank back as a drunken man staggered past him.
"Is that Li Mazi? Why are you still wandering around at this hour?"
"There's no curfew on New Year's Eve," the drunken Li Mazi slurred, stumbling forward.
"Go home quickly! Weizhou City has been unsafe lately. Are you not afraid of the demon killings? Wandering alone at night is foolish!"
Li Mazi waved dismissively. "The case has been solved! It wasn't a demon—just a man-made imitation. There are no demons in this world. It's all nonsense to scare children."
But moments later, as he stumbled into a dark alley, a long tongue coiled around his body and dragged him into the shadows.
Blood-red eyes gleamed in the darkness. A chilling gnawing sound echoed through the empty street.