Chapter Fifteen: Admiring Lanterns, Moonlight, and the Precious Pearl

The fifteenth day of the first month was the Lantern Festival. Originally, they had hoped to go out to admire the lanterns and perhaps catch sight of Baozhu as well, but unexpectedly, the palace itself was ablaze with lanterns and fireworks. Among them was the Ao Mountain lantern, composed of more than ten tiers, adorned outside with gold and jade, its lights scattered like stars. Most astonishing of all, it could spout fireworks from within, making it breathtaking to behold.

Titi was utterly transfixed. “Last year I happened to fall ill and missed it. This year, I must make up for it,” she declared, grabbing Zhu Xiaoqi and dragging him toward the lanterns clustered in the palace. Zhu Xiaoqi followed her carefully, always alert to keep her from getting too close to the fireworks while ensuring she enjoyed herself fully; before he knew it, a fine sheen of sweat had appeared on his brow.

There were so many sights to take in that it wasn't until midnight that Titi finally left, still reluctant. Zhu Youxiao asked Li Jinzhong about the lantern festival in the capital, and learned it would last for seven days. Satisfied, he went to sleep, already looking forward to the festivities tomorrow.

On the sixteenth day of the first month, they could finally leave the palace to enjoy the lanterns. The best place in Beijing for lantern-viewing was North Dong’anmen Street, where not only were there countless lanterns, but merchants from all directions set up stalls to sell their wares, thus it was called the Lantern Market. To feast, to marvel, and perhaps to encounter beauty—such pleasures were truly delightful. Zhou Yuji, by considering the location of Baozhu’s house, easily deduced the route her family would take to see the lanterns. He then waited at a teahouse along their way, hoping for a fortuitous meeting. They arrived very early, before most lantern-goers had even ventured out, ensuring Zhu Xiaoqi's planned encounter would not be disturbed.

The moon hung above the willow branches, but no one appeared after dusk. Their stomachs were full from tea, and they'd visited the privy several times, yet the beloved remained elusive. In the distant Lantern Market, crowds thronged, while the teahouse was left with only three lonely souls. Unwilling to give up, Zhu Xiaoqi decided to go to her home. Zhou Yuji led him there, only to find the house deserted. Zhu Xiaoqi was devastated.

Li Jinzhong asked the neighbors and learned that the family had returned to their ancestral home in Henan for a visit. Hearing this, Zhu Xiaoqi revived, immediately instructing Li Jinzhong to investigate the family, wanting every detail known—he did not wish to endure heartbreak so soon after crossing into this world. He also asked Zhou Yuji to check daily for their return. Zhou Yuji lived nearby, and could easily alter his route to the imperial city to pass by her door.

On the morning of the eighteenth day of the first month, Zhou Yuji reported that Baozhu’s family had returned the previous day. Li Jinzhong had also gathered information: Zhang Guoji, a scholar from Xiangfu County, Kaifeng Prefecture in Henan, currently serving as Assistant Director at the Yunnan Bureau of the Ministry of Revenue. His wife was Lady Li, with Lady Wang as the second wife; their eldest son, Zhang Cheng, was a student at the Imperial Academy; eldest daughter, Zhang Yan; second daughter, Zhang Ran; and second son, Zhang Shi. Zhu Xiaoqi was finally at ease, eagerly anticipating tonight’s encounter.

That evening, he waited in the teahouse as before, but this time, it wasn’t long before he spotted his quarry—Zhang’s four siblings and Xiao Qian. The three paid their bill and followed after them, hastening their pace to catch up. Zhu Xiaoqi feigned astonishment and greeted them, “Is that Brother Zhang ahead? I am Zhu Xiaoqi, pleased to meet you.” Zhang Cheng replied with suspicion, “Do you live here as well?” Zhu Xiaoqi gave Zhou Yuji’s address. Xiao Qian pursed her lips, clearly unconvinced, while Baozhu still wore her veil, keeping her head down and avoiding his gaze.

Zhu Xiaoqi, knowing Zhang Cheng’s interests, began discussing the failures in the war against the Jianzhou Jurchens, criticizing the court for its poor use of spies. Zhang Cheng quickly warmed to him, and soon, lively conversation surrounded them as they walked.

They arrived at the Lantern Market, where the crowds grew dense and their group became less orderly. Zhu Xiaoqi seized the chance to approach Baozhu, saying, “I came to see the lanterns the other night, but didn't see you, young lady.” Baozhu said nothing, instead tending to her younger siblings and occasionally admiring the lanterns. Unwilling to give up, Zhu Xiaoqi took out a sachet, inhaled its scent, and said, “This sachet is truly lovely—thank you, young lady!” Baozhu blushed and glared at him fiercely. That glance held a mixture of delight, reproach, coyness, and uncertainty, making Zhu Xiaoqi’s heart melt.

When Baozhu first saw him, she felt both surprised and happy, but soon noticed he wasn’t wearing the sachet, and her heart sank. She thought, “He teased me before, and now seems indifferent.” Thus, she ignored his attempts at conversation. When she realized he had kept the sachet with him, the night suddenly seemed bright and radiant. Yet, however mutual their affection, she wondered if he was already betrothed. He always traveled with attendants, and those attendants dared to address him as Duke in public; clearly, his family was well-off. Could such a high-born man marry the daughter of an Assistant Director? All these thoughts and feelings converged in a single glance, reflecting her complex emotions.

Zhu Xiaoqi, however, was unconcerned with such matters. He quietly asked, “May I inquire if you are promised to anyone, young lady?” Baozhu felt a rush of happiness, but kept her head down and said nothing. Zhu Xiaoqi understood and continued, “I am not yet engaged myself. May I ask where you reside?” Baozhu remained silent, turning to look at Xiao Qian, and Zhu Xiaoqi understood again.

Just then, Zhang Cheng squeezed through the crowd, calling, “There are so many people—I almost lost you! Baozhu, Xiao Qian, watch over the younger ones.”

Their group was swept along, sometimes together, sometimes apart. With Li Jinzhong and Zhou Yuji to protect him, Zhu Xiaoqi managed to stay close to Baozhu. He tried to approach her and speak, but now that he had hinted at marriage, Baozhu became more reserved, rarely responding except for the occasional soft hum. Yet even that gentle sound intoxicated him. He wondered if his self-control was weakening, or if the young lady was simply too enchanting. He concluded that both were true.

Taking advantage of a moment, Zhu Xiaoqi quietly slipped a jade pendant into Baozhu’s hand. She refused to accept it, but Zhu Xiaoqi said, “It is rude not to reciprocate. If you won’t take my jade pendant, then I cannot accept your sachet.” Baozhu gritted her teeth, knowing he was being cheeky, but if she truly rejected the pendant, he would not return the sachet—it was merely a ploy. Yet, thinking it over, his insistence on reciprocation meant he cared about their exchange, so she blushed and reluctantly accepted the pendant.

Zhu Xiaoqi was triumphant, his heart completely at ease. He found a chance to ask Xiao Qian for Zhang’s address. Xiao Qian, pleased with the silver coin he gave her, warmed to this “future brother-in-law” and told him the address in detail.

Tonight’s success left Zhu Xiaoqi deeply satisfied. The disappointment of the previous days vanished like mist. He thought the moon was beautiful, the lanterns were beautiful, and the moonlight and lanterns made Baozhu, veiled as she was, even more beautiful.