Quick Travel to the Clouds

Chapter 693 My Family 11

Tang Yunmo didn't know if she had been too embarrassing just now, and at this moment she just wanted the fragrant tea and pastries to save face a little.

She stood there, gazing in the direction of the waterside pavilion, biting her lower lip, her face still flushed. She was both annoyed by her earlier loss of composure and anxious about whether the dessert would be too slow. Her heart was pounding for the white-robed gentleman admiring the lotus flowers alone in the waterside pavilion, and she was no longer the same as she used to be.

This is precisely the feeling of being caught in the throes of first love, a feeling that is impossible to sever or untangle.

Tea and snacks were quickly brought over by a nimble maid. A mahogany food box was opened on the bluestone pavilion floor, instantly filling the room with fragrance. On the delicate lotus leaf-shaped porcelain plates were fresh and juicy seasonal fruits from Jiangnan, crisp and delicious water chestnut cakes, and bowls of warm and translucent lotus root starch soup.

Tang Yunmo lowered her eyes, personally held up a plate of the most exquisite candied plums drizzled with honey, and handed it to the small table next to Jiang Junyou, her fingertips trembling slightly.

"Young Master Jiang... please have some tea and snacks..." Her voice was so soft it was almost drowned out by the croaking of frogs in the pond, and the blush on her cheeks spread all the way to her slender neck.

Jiang Junyou smiled as she accepted the fragrant tea offered by the maid, took a gentle sniff, and praised, "What fragrant tea! Paired with these green plums, it's just right for early summer. You've gone to so much trouble, Miss."

His voice was as gentle as ever, and his clear eyes looked at the flustered girl. "The snacks from the water towns of Jiangnan may seem plain, but they have a lasting flavor, just like the ambiance of this waterside pavilion, Miss."

This gentle compliment made Tang Yunmo raise her eyes slightly, only to meet his smiling eyes. Like a startled deer, she quickly lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously twisting her sleeve, her heart pounding.

She stammered, replying almost without thinking, "It was...it was prepared by Mother...and my sister..." As soon as she finished speaking, she bit her lip in annoyance. Wasn't this just pushing away the credit?

She opened her mouth to try and make amends, but felt that anything she said would be clumsy. She could only pick up another cup of tea, lower her head and sip it as if to cover up her embarrassment, and felt that the tea was scalding hot, burning all the way to her heart.

Fortunately, this agonizing solitude did not last long.

About an incense stick's time later, Tang Wencheng's hearty laughter came from afar.

He held Du Feiqin's hand, followed by the composed Gu Ting and the elated Tang Yunlian. The group walked up the waterside pavilion bridge, chatting and laughing. Tang Yunmo immediately breathed a sigh of relief, like a lost boat seeing a lighthouse. She rushed forward, unconsciously shifting her body behind her mother.

"Father, Mother! You've finally arrived!" Her tone was light with relief, but she couldn't help but glance quickly at Jiang Junyou, who had already stood up and was waiting with a smile. Her fingertips unconsciously touched her burning earlobe.

As everyone took their seats, she listened to her parents and the two young masters discussing the scenery of the lotus pond and the interesting stories of the academy. Her tense heartstrings gradually relaxed, and a shy yet satisfied smile quietly curved her lips as she secretly observed the white-robed young master sitting opposite her, whose temperament was as gentle and refined as jade.

As Jiang Junyou and Gu Ting rose to take their leave, she stood beside her parents and respectfully said goodbye. However, her gaze couldn't help but follow the moon-white figure as it disappeared into the depths of the corridor, and a faint sense of melancholy and reluctance quietly spread through her heart.

---

The lantern festival in Meizhou during the Mid-Autumn Festival is far superior to that in Kangdu.

The banks of the Qinhuai River are brightly lit, like a starry river poured down to earth.

Tourists thronged shoulder to shoulder, laughing and chatting. Lanterns of all colors competed for attention, with rabbit lanterns, lotus lanterns, and revolving lanterns shimmering and reflecting on the sparkling water, breaking into shimmering golden scales.

The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus, the aroma of fried dough sticks, and the smell of burning candle wax, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Gu Ting arrived as promised, accompanied by Jiang Junyou, who looked even more dashing in his simple blue robe. When the two groups met, Tang Yunmo's heart skipped a beat when she saw that elegant figure. She tried to remain calm and stood beside Yun Chu, twisting a plain handkerchief embroidered with orchids in her hand.

Yun Chu had already made up her mind. She pretended to be attracted by an exceptionally ornate canopy with a huge revolving palace lantern hanging from it, and pulled Tang Yunlian's arm, exclaiming, "Brother, look! Is the painting on that lantern still moving?"

Tang Yunlian, being a child at heart, immediately looked in the direction of the sound: "Huh? It really is spinning! Let's go! Let's squeeze through and take a look!" He was about to rush over.

Just then, Yun Chu, who had been watching closely, staggered slightly and exclaimed, "Ouch!" She then grabbed Tang Yunlian's sleeve, immobilizing him, while quietly tugging at Gu Ting's clothes with her other hand.

Gu Ting was incredibly astute; a knowing smile flickered across his lips.

He paused slightly, his figure intentionally or unintentionally blocking the way in the bustling crowd, his tall stature instantly creating an invisible barrier.

He turned to Jiang Junyou and Tang Yunmo and said, "The crowd ahead is too dense. Yunlian, please take your two younger sisters and slow down a bit. Junyou, please look after the young lady and wait for us at the more open Zhuangyuan Bridge ahead."

Jiang Junyou met Gu Ting's gaze and instantly understood, nodding with a smile, "Don't worry, Brother Gu." He turned to Tang Yunmo, who was still somewhat dazed and whose cheeks were slightly flushed, and smiled gently, "Miss, shall we move forward a little?"

Tang Yunmo's heart pounded like a deer's. Amidst the deafening gongs and drums and the clamor of the crowd, his voice seemed exceptionally clear and pleasant. She responded softly, "...Thank you for your trouble, Young Master Jiang." Then she obediently followed him, and the two of them joined the crowd, walking towards the Zhuangyuan Bridge, which was brightly lit by countless lanterns.

Only after the two figures disappeared into the dazzling sea of ​​lights and people did Yun Chu release her brother's sleeve and gently pat her chest: "That was close, we almost got separated by the crowd."

Tang Yunlian was oblivious, still craning her neck to find the revolving lantern. Gu Ting's smile deepened, as if hiding the bright moon above his head: "It's alright, Brother Junyou is reliable."

Meanwhile, Tang Yunmo and Jiang Junyou, who had reached the bridgehead, came to their senses and realized that they had indeed become separated from the other three.

"It seems we're separated by this sea of ​​lights." Jiang Junyou looked around, his tone devoid of any anxiety, but rather carrying the air of leisurely strolling under the moonlight.

Tang Yunmo looked at him by the bright lantern light on the bridge. Seeing that he was calm and composed, the panic in her heart subsided, and instead, a secret joy rose up.

Just as I was about to speak, a commotion arose from a colorful lantern stall by the bridge that read "Wen Kui Lantern Riddles." A delicate and exquisite lantern, shaped like a crescent moon, with its candlelight flickering in a glass dome, depicting Chang'e holding a rabbit, was hung high as the prize, attracting many people to stop and try to guess the riddles.

The stall owner, an old scholar with a goatee, slammed his hand on the table and said, "Gentlemen, please look at this riddle—'A white snake crosses the river, with a red sun above its head.' Guess what it is!"

The crowd buzzed with discussion, and many were stumped. Jiang Junyou pondered for a moment, a smile playing on his lips, and said loudly, "This is an 'oil lamp.' The white snake represents the wick, crossing the river symbolizes being immersed in oil, and the red sun naturally represents the flame. Is that correct?"

The old scholar clapped his hands and laughed: "Young master, you are truly talented! It is indeed an oil lamp! This 'Jade Palace Jade Rabbit' lamp is yours!" The servant immediately and carefully took down the exquisite Chang'e Jade Rabbit lamp.

Amidst envious glances from the crowd, Jiang Junyou accepted the lamp. Turning around, the light from the glass lamp reflected in his gentle eyes and shone on Tang Yunmo's beautiful face. He smiled slightly and handed the lamp to her: "This lamp is small and exquisite, and the jade rabbit on it is perfect for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Would you like to give it to Miss to enjoy?"