Chapter 398 - Chapter 398: Ugly and Beautiful
Chapter 398: Ugly and Beautiful
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
In the outskirts of Jing, a tent received an unexpected visitor. An eagle flew in, clutching a letter in its beak.
Chu Qingzhi caught the letter, her lips curling into a smile as she read. The letter detailed a series of mishaps that had befallen the Shen family. Now that they were no longer a threat, she couldn’t help feeling pleased.
She had bribed a servant in the Shen family to keep an eye on things. Surprisingly, he had proven himself quite useful, delivering this good news so swiftly.
The shopkeepers of Hongyan and Fuyuan restaurants, having heard of the Shen family’s downfall, breathed sighs of relief. The next day, they confidently brought their families back home, their trust in Chu Qingzhi solidifying even further.
Under the deep blue canopy of the sky, a full moon hung in the profound night, illuminating countless households in its silvery glow, creating a beautiful Mid-Autumn night.
After dinner, it was time for the Mid-Autumn Moon worship ceremony.
Chu Rong set up a table in the yard, using it as an altar. Grandma Chu, Li Qingyu, Chu Qingyue, and Chu Qingning brought plates with mooncakes, apples, dates, plums, and grapes, placing them on the altar as offerings.
This custom had been carried on for hundreds of years. Now, every household in Dating was preparing to worship the moon, praying for the Moon Goddess’s blessings.
Chu Qingzhi watched the scene, thinking to herself that the Moon Goddess they were worshiping was probably sound asleep in the Heavenly Palace, unable to hear their prayers.
Grandpa Chu led the worship ceremony, followed by Granny Chu and the rest of the family, including Chu Qingzhi.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Wu Yaqing and Ge Lihua also joined in the worship, praying fervently and appearing extremely devout.
Jiang Zhaoyong took the opportunity to join in as well. The elders of the Chu family were quite fond of him, and he soon became a frequent visitor at their home, quite content with his life.
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao were displeased. The guy had some nerve – he brought gifts, dined as if it was his house, and now even joined the Moon worship, which was supposed to be a family-only affair!
If Jiang Zhaoyong could hear their thoughts, he’d probably say, “Chasing a girl isn’t easy. Gotta keep a close eye on her, or she might get snatched away by someone else.”
“Sister Qingzhi, when are you going to light the lantern?” Chu Junbao, leading a group of children, came to visit Chu Qingzhi’s home and gathered around the Kirin lantern.
“Soon,” Chu Qingzhi replied, feeling like she had suddenly entered a kindergarten. All thirty-four children from the village had come.
Before long, some village youths also arrived at Chu Qingzhi’s home, curious to see the Kyrin lantern being released.
Seeing that everyone wanted to see it, Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment and flew to the roof with the Kirin lamp. She lit it on the roof.
After it was lit, the outline of the Kirin Lamp became even clearer. It emitted a five-colored light. Looking up from the bottom, it looked like the Kylin was really going to fly into the sky.
“So beautiful!”
“The Kylin lantern looks amazing.”
“I want to learn how to make one too. 1’11 make one for next year’s Mid-Autumn Festival.”
The children clapped and cheered, thrilled by the sight.
Everyone watched intently, unanimously agreeing that the Kylin lantern deserved to be ranked first among all lanterns. They admired Chu Qingzhi’s skills – she seemed to excel at everything.
Chu Qingzhi cast a protective layer around the Kylin lantern. It needed to be preserved until Jinghong returned to the village, so he could see it with his own eyes.
After admiring the Kylin lantern, everyone returned home to light their own lanterns. Every household in the village had made a lantern, but the quality differed.
Grandpa Chu presented a lotus lantern to Granny Chu, “1 made this especially for you. Light it and hang it under the eaves. The Lantern God will bless you.”
“Okay.” Granny Chu felt extremely happy. She took the lamp and lit the candles inside. She hung it on the hook under the roof with a clothes pole.
She took two steps back to take a look and praised, “Old man, your craftsmanship is getting better. It looks good.”
“I’ll make you an even better one next year,” Grandpa Chu replied with a smile, then asked Granny Chu to help hang his ‘Wanfu’ lantern as well.
After they hung up, it was Chu Rong and Li Qingyu’s turn. Chu Rong made a big cat lamp for Li Qingyu. It was a yellow and orange cat. It was chubby and had ears. It was especially cute. “This year is better than last year, right?”
Li Qingyu was not stingy with her praise. “Your craftsmanship has always been good. This year is even better.”
Chu Rong, who was simple and honest, smiled. He was very happy. “I’ll get you a better one next year.”
Li Qingyu held the big cat lamp and looked at Chu Rong happily. “Yes.”
Chu Rong’s lantern was red and looked especially festive. It hung under the roof and stole everyone’s attention.
After the elders finished, it was the younger generation’s turn to hang their lanterns.
Everyone had already lit their lanterns, now they were hanging them up.
Jiang Zhaoyong sneakily hung his plum flower lantern next to Chu Qingning’s. That morning, he had said he would make a plum flower lantern for her. The first one wasn’t very good, so he kept it for himself, but the second one turned out much better, which he gave to her.
Their lamps hung together, swaying in the night wind. One was ugly, and the other was beautiful. It was unique.
Ge Lihua hung her pear lantern and silently prayed for blessings.
Chu Xujin tilted his head and looked at Ge Lihua. For some reason, he felt that she was very sad and weak. He wanted to hug the girl beside him and comfort her.
Wu Yaqing hung up her little rabbit lamp. It was a cute little rabbit.
She had set up a total of ten little rabbit lamps. Once she was done, she sent them back to An Huai Kingdom. At the quickest, her mother would be able to receive it in ten days.
In her heart, she spoke, “Mother, thank you for letting me travel. I’ve been so happy these past days, happier than I’ve ever been. I’m even raising cows now..”
She rambled on in her heart. Perhaps due to the mother-child connection, the queen was leaning on the railing, gazing at the moon, and missing her daughter.
Li Zhangjie also hung up his lantern, a cow lantern. He hoped to learn well, become incredibly skilled, save enough money, and go home to build a house for his family.
Chu Qingzhi’s Kylin lantern was the first to be lit in the village, so she didn’t need to light it again.
As everyone lit their lanterns, Chu village lit up. Lanterns under the eaves shone brightly, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Shuiyun County.
The county was bustling on Mid-Autumn night, full of lively chatter.
Lanterns hung under eaves, and people walked the streets carrying lanterns. From above, these lanterns resembled stars in the sky, numerous and beautiful, creating a stunning sight.
Hong Yujun leaned against the window, her long hair spread out like her melancholic heart. She gazed at the full moon, thinking about her Young
Master..