The gathering in the south of the capital city was held at this time every year, exceptionally bustling.
A Mei followed An Sheng to the south of the city. As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, she could palpably feel the surging crowds. There were vendors selling snacks, accessories, and trinkets, as well as street performers beating gongs—everything one could possibly imagine was right there at a glance.
It was A Mei's first time attending such a grand event, and everything looked novel to her. Holding An Sheng's hand, she looked here and there, bubbling with endless joy.
A Mei wore a pink ruqun, looking pretty and delicate in her maidenly attire. An Sheng, on the other hand, wore a cyan long gown with a center opening. He had a lean figure and a complexion paler than an ordinary person's. His average facial contours appeared somewhat softer right now as he narrowed his slender eyes. Walking hand in hand, they looked in every way like an ordinary, deeply affectionate young couple.
"Husband, A Mei wants to eat steamed cake."
"Husband, this is delicious, have a taste."
"Husband, this doesn't taste good, hold it for A Mei for now."
"Oh, what is this? Husband, come look."
...
A Mei chattered non-stop along the way, while An Sheng carried bags big and small in his hands, a tolerant and doting smile ever-present on his face.
Finally, A Mei lingered at a tea stall, refusing to go any further.
"Hic..." A Mei let out a soft burp, rubbing her stomach, and said with a look of regret, "Husband, how about we don't go to that Feihe Pavilion anymore? A Mei is already full."
An Sheng said helplessly, "We're almost there. I've already sent someone to book a private room. We'll go over and rest for a bit. The lantern festival tonight is the real highlight. If you don't take a break now, you won't have the energy to stroll around tonight."
Hearing her husband say this, A Mei really did feel a bit tired. She murmured in agreement, obediently stood up, and let An Sheng lead her to Feihe Pavilion.
When the two of them came out of Feihe Pavilion in the evening, A Mei finally understood the true meaning of a sea of people and empty alleys.
The streets were lit with festive lanterns everywhere. The various colorful lights were a feast for the eyes, and there were many spots for guessing lantern riddles and singing operas. Her ears were filled with cheers and laughter. The streets were packed with people; everywhere they went, it was shoulder to shoulder. An Sheng held A Mei tightly in his arms with one hand, while they each carried a lantern in their other hand, moving forward with the crowd.
As A Mei walked, she occasionally turned her head to exchange glances with An Sheng, her sparkling eyes full of joy.
"Husband, husband," A Mei called out, and then called again.
"Hmm?" The street was truly noisy, and An Sheng couldn't hear clearly. He leaned down, bringing his ear close to A Mei's lips. "What is it?"
A Mei suppressed a smile and planted a firm kiss on An Sheng's approaching cheek.
An Sheng froze for a moment. Turning his head to meet A Mei's watery, affectionate eyes, he heard her softly exclaim to him, "A Mei really likes Husband so much."
In a flash, An Sheng's dark eyes grew incredibly deep.
He couldn't help but tighten his arm around her, but immediately afraid of hurting her, he loosened his grip and continued to slowly walk forward with her in his embrace.
The lantern festival lasted from dusk until the hour of Xu before it gradually dispersed. It was A Mei's first time witnessing such a lively scene. Once her excitement faded, she finally felt tired and completely wilted.
Looking at A Mei, who had gone from being full of energy to utterly listless, An Sheng wanted to laugh but also felt a pang of heartache. "You, you're this tired yet you kept dragging me everywhere. Do your feet hurt?"
A Mei pouted and looked at An Sheng with grievance. "A little bit."
Saying this, she felt a bit embarrassed. "Husband, A Mei wasn't this delicate before. It's just that ever since we moved, A Mei hasn't had to do anything all day, so I've become lazier than before."
An Sheng raised an eyebrow and let out a soft snort. "That's how it should be. Our An family is no longer the humble household it used to be. You are the lady of the house now, so naturally, you should live comfortably and be pampered."
With that, An Sheng let go of A Mei's hand, took a step forward, and half-crouched. "Get on, I'll carry you back on my back."
A Mei felt a sweet warmth in her heart. She actually didn't want to tire her husband further, but her body moved on its own. She involuntarily took a step forward and, blushing, slowly leaned onto An Sheng's back.
An Sheng hoisted A Mei up and stepped forward. He didn't walk too fast, just steadily treading along the path illuminated by the waning lantern lights.
Pressed tightly against An Sheng's back, A Mei felt her face grow hotter and hotter as they walked, as if it were burning up—whether from shyness or embarrassment, she couldn't tell.
The lights from both sides shone on An Sheng's side profile. A Mei stared intently, tracing her husband's features over and over with her gaze. Lying comfortably on his shoulder, her heart was filled with warmth and contentment. For a moment, she wished this road could stretch on forever...
Upon exiting the street, the An Manor's carriage was waiting by the roadside. The two got into the carriage. After being out for nearly a whole day, they finally returned to the An Manor.
As soon as A Mei returned to the room, she was so tired she wanted to flop onto the bed. It was An Sheng who pulled her up, took her to the bathing room, undressed her, and settled her into a tub filled with hot water.
"Phew, so comfortable." Surrounded by the hot water, A Mei's exhausted body felt warm and toasty, instantly soothing and relaxing her.
"Mhm, when you're this tired, a soak makes sleeping much more comfortable. Come on, raise your right hand."
A Mei obediently raised her right hand. Holding a cloth, An Sheng carefully washed her.
A Mei wriggled a bit, turned her back to An Sheng, and said softly, "Husband, A Mei's back is a little itchy, help me scratch it."
A large hand stroked A Mei's smooth, tender back. "Here?"
"No, Husband, a bit lower."
"Here?"
"A little more to the left."
"Yes, yes, right there."
But as he scratched, An Sheng's hand became restless. His large hands began to knead and caress along her undulating curves.
"Mmph, Husband... not there... ah... Husband..."
"Husband... A Mei is so tired... don't..."
"Be good, I know you're tired. I won't bother you, I'm just touching."
Hearing her husband say this, A Mei finally relaxed. Feeling tired, she blushed and obediently curled up in her husband's embrace, dozing off...
...
