Chapter 53 – Ancient Era: A Dance to Enchant the City—The Emperor’s Celestial Fairy (23)
“They say that if you write your wish on a lantern and set it adrift on the river, the River God will see it and grant your desire. And if a married couple or a bonded pair writes their blessings on a sky lantern together, the celestial deities will bless them with lifelong happiness,” Eunuch Li recounted with a warm smile, sharing the legend he knew.
Bai Tang held his little rabbit-shaped lantern, hesitating. He glanced behind him at Jiang Liangwu, who had been following him the whole time. After a moment of thought, he finally wrote on the lantern:
“May Father, Mother, Royal Mother, and Grandpa Li live long and happy lives.”
“Grandpa, can you hold me for a moment? I’m a little scared,” the little squirrel-like boy murmured softly.
It had rained earlier that evening, and the soil by the riverbank was still damp. The last thing he wanted was to slip and fall into the water.
Eunuch Li supported Bai Tang as he released the lantern into the river. When he caught a glimpse of the wish written on the small rabbit, his eyes filled with tears once more.
He was just a mere servant—what had he done to deserve being written alongside the Prime Minister and the Empress Dowager in the esteemed wishes of the Emperor’s beloved consort?
“Your Highness, it’s not proper to include a servant like me…” Eunuch Li whispered hesitantly.
But Bai Tang, who had been raised in a modern world with decades of values like respecting the elderly and cherishing loved ones, saw no issue with it. To him, Eunuch Li was the second kindest person to him in the palace—right after Jiang Liangwu.
“But I like Grandpa Li,” Bai Tang said matter-of-factly. “You’re just like a grandfather to me.”
“What a good child.” A warmth spread through Eunuch Li’s heart, filling him with a deep sense of devotion. In that moment, he silently vowed to use all his power to protect Bai Tang in the palace.
“Alright, Grandpa Li! I also want to buy a sky lantern!” Bai Tang announced, though his gaze kept darting toward Jiang Liangwu.
“Of course! Whatever you like, we’ll buy it,” Eunuch Li declared, officially stepping into full doting elder mode. If Bai Tang had asked for the stars in the sky, the old eunuch would have probably rushed to the imperial archives to find out how to retrieve them.
“Hurry, Grandpa!” Bai Tang huffed impatiently, puffing out his cheeks.
He felt like he had already hinted at Jiang Liangwu for so long—yet that thick-headed man still hadn’t stepped up to take him to buy the lantern!
Was he even serious about their relationship or not?!
Ever since Jiang Liangwu discovered that Bai Tang was actually a squirrel spirit, he had been terrified of making him angry—afraid that if Bai Tang got too upset, he would retreat into the mountains, leaving Jiang Liangwu unable to find him.
So every time Bai Tang showed signs of irritation, Jiang Liangwu would constantly remind himself: Hold it in, just hold it in. Don’t tease him anymore. Just wait until he calms down.
But the result? Bai Tang only grew more furious when he saw that Jiang Liangwu didn’t seem to take him seriously at all.
Seeing that Jiang Liangwu still wasn’t reacting, Bai Tang fumed even more. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got, until he finally stomped his foot hard and huffed, “Hmph! I’m going to the Yue Lao Temple to find someone else to release a sky lantern with me!”
His words were a blatant declaration: I don’t want you anymore! I’m going to fall for someone else!
How could Jiang Liangwu possibly endure that? He immediately reached out to grab Bai Tang’s hand, but Bai Tang angrily shook him off.
He grabbed him again—Bai Tang shook him off again… And just like that, they bickered their way all the way to the Yue Lao Temple.
By the time they arrived, Bai Tang’s anger had mostly dissipated. Inside, countless men and women had gathered to pray for a good marriage. Seeing this, Jiang Liangwu quickly stopped messing around and held onto Bai Tang tightly.
“What are you doing? I can walk on my own,” Bai Tang pretended to struggle.
Jiang Liangwu leaned in close and murmured, “Baby, there are so many people here. If someone steals my precious Tang Tang away, I’ll cry from dusk till dawn.”
And with that, he stole a quick kiss.
Bai Tang’s cheeks instantly turned red, his heart fluttering with sweetness. “Then hurry up and hold on tight!”
“As you command, my Empress.” Jiang Liangwu whispered softly in Bai Tang’s ear.
The tall, handsome young man and the delicate, adorable youth were already eye-catching enough. But now, with the two of them whispering sweet nothings to each other in public, they became the object of envy for all the single men and women around.
“Their love is so sweet… Wuwuwu, when will I find such a perfect husband?” — The young ladies bit their handkerchiefs in jealousy.
“One day, I will find myself such an adorable consort!” — The young men fanned themselves, seething with envy.
Author’s Note:
Ahh—open wide and eat some sweetness~