On the night of Shangyuan in the third year of Yongxi's reign, the lanterns in the capital were first lit up, and the trees and flowers illuminated the majestic imperial city as if it were daytime. Zhuque Street is packed with people, chattering and laughing, and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of sugarcane and the slight choking of burnt saltpeter.
Shen Jinghong was wrapped in a half-worn moon-white cloak. The wide hood almost covered most of her face, only revealing her graceful lower jaw and a little pale pink lips. She didn't want to go out, but her concubine Shen Yujiao kept pestering her and insisted on accompanying her to guess lantern riddles and watch lanterns.
"Sister, look over there! It's the Lantern King of 'Yulou Chun', a big golden carp!" Shen Yujiao pointed excitedly at the crowded place in front of her, and involuntarily dragged Shen Jinghong forward. There was a huge crowd, and during the pushing and shoving, Shen Jinghong felt that the tie of his cloak was suddenly pulled by a force——
Hooray!
The wide hood slid back together with the cloak!
In an instant, with her as the center, the surging crowd seemed to have been pressed on the pause button by an invisible giant hand.
Time stagnated, everything was silent.
