Chapter 78: Miss Fu, My Lord Is Not Here

“Will there be any lantern festivals here on the fifteenth?” It was now the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, yet she wasn’t sure whether such festivities or night markets with lantern displays were held in this place.

“Lantern festival?” Xiaolian only repeated the word in confusion, clearly having no idea what it meant.

“Judging by your expression, I can tell it hasn’t appeared yet. But there must be some kind of parades or temple fairs, right?”

Zhang Xiaolan was hoping to find an opportunity to go out and experience some folk activities. In this era, what was most famous were the religious processions similar to parading the gods, and temple fairs had started to become popular around this time too.

During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the custom of “parading images” flourished. Statues of gods and Buddhas would be placed on colorful carriages and paraded through urban and rural areas in a grand religious ceremony. On the eve of these processions, all the temples in Luoyang would send their statues to Jingming Temple. At times, there would be over a thousand statues. The procession would be led by lions to ward off evil, followed by canopies and banners, accompanied by music, acrobatics, and all manner of entertainers—creating a scene of vibrant festivity. In later Tang and Song dynasties, the temple fairs’ welcoming of deities and processions largely evolved from this very tradition.

“Oh, we do have those, just not as grand and lively as in Northern Wei.” After all, this was the imperial capital, and although Buddhism was revered, for the sake of public order, festivals couldn’t be held on such a grand scale.

“We should go join the festivities together when the time comes.” Hearing this confirmation, Zhang Xiaolan beamed with delight, looking forward to the day she could go out and have some fun.

“Hehe, yes, let’s go!” Xiaolian happily agreed as well. In previous years, she’d never had the chance to see such events. The thought of going out to enjoy them now filled her with joy.

As Zhang Xiaolan and Xiaolian were discussing their plans to attend the temple fair on the fifteenth in Li Rui’s study, a charming young lady arrived at the gates of the Prince’s residence in a flurry. She was so eager to enter that not even Steward Chen could dissuade her.

“Miss Fu, my lord is not at home,” Steward Chen said politely, mindful of her distinguished status. Yet this young lady was clearly used to being doted on and respected, paying no heed to his words and even suspecting he was lying.

This was Miss Fu, the eldest granddaughter of the Left Prime Minister, Fu Yan. Though only eighteen, she had long harbored deep affection for Li Rui. She had trailed after him for over two years, yet Li Rui had never shown any interest—making her a classic example of a woman pursuing a man.

She had heard from her father earlier that Li Rui had attended court that morning, and now that her father had returned home, how could Li Rui not be back as well?

“Steward Chen, you needn’t try to fool me. It’s already afternoon—how could Brother Rui not be home?” Fu Yan’s face showed her displeasure. This was not the first time such a situation had occurred, so she certainly didn’t believe him this time.

“Miss Liu, this old servant truly isn’t lying. My lord has not yet returned today.” For once, Steward Chen was telling the truth—Li Rui really was not in the residence.

Yet, having been deceived before, Fu Yan stubbornly refused to believe him. With several of her maids in tow, she forced her way into the Prince’s residence, striding unhurriedly and with familiarity towards the study, knowing well that was where Li Rui most often spent his time—she was sure she wouldn’t be mistaken.

Steward Chen and the household servants followed behind with worried expressions. As the pampered eldest granddaughter of the Left Prime Minister, she was not someone they dared offend. All they could do was trail after her, explaining as they went. But Fu Yan paid no attention to their incessant chatter, pausing only to shoot a glare at Steward Chen that silenced him immediately. He could only follow obediently as she made her way directly toward the study.