Chapter 274: Releasing Sky Lanterns

Emperor, Gao Ziang, and Minister Zhang walked for a while and were about to leave the area of Yunyan Pavilion. Gao Ziang felt a little reluctant; he thought that the Emperor was also reluctant at this moment, perhaps still wanting to accompany his beloved consort. Otherwise, why would he mention going to Yunyan Pavilion to have a drink together?
So he said, "Your Majesty, this place is very close to the Cloud and Smoke Pavilion. Why don't we release some sky lanterns here, and the lanterns will gracefully rise up above the pavilion. It will be a beautiful sight. Women are easily swayed by this, and the lady will surely be very happy."
The emperor pondered for a moment and chuckled, praising, "Kid, you have it."
Since Zhang Gonggong happened to be there, the emperor gave him some instructions.
After a while, Zhang Gonggong led a few people to bring Kongming lanterns, fuel, and writing materials.
The emperor personally wrote blessings to express his love for the talented woman. However, Gao Ziang initially changed the prayers he was supposed to write on the lantern to words of longing: "Thinking of you, missing you, wishing you well...", gradually transforming them into the love words he wanted to say.
The sky above Yunyan Pavilion started to brighten as the lanterns rose one after another.
Wanning and Zhou Cairen stood in the courtyard, with Cairen gazing at the lanterns and feeling moved, she joyfully said, "Wanning, it must be them, the Emperor and his entourage."
"Yes, the emperor is really thoughtful," Wan Ning deliberately praised the emperor.
"Wan Ning, look closely at the prayer words on the lantern. There is more than one person's handwriting," he said.
Wan Ning looked closely and indeed, part of it was the emperor's handwriting, and the other part was from Brother Zi Ang. The words on the sky lantern were written by them personally.
But she still said unkindly, "Using these tricks again." She turned to leave, but was stopped by Xiao Feiyan.
"Yan'er, you!"
"Miss, Young Master is sincere towards you. How can it be considered tricks? It's so romantic and touching! With such a man treating Yan'er like this, Yan'er doesn't care about anything else."
Wannin glanced at her and said, "Sincerely? Even if there's only a tiny bit of sincerity, I am surely as insignificant as a cloud in his heart. Otherwise, how could he easily change his mind? The romantic gestures are also for the emperor, it's the emperor who is being romantic for his concubines."
"Miss, you are right, it was the emperor who ordered it for the talented woman, but it was also the young master who ordered it for you. Our emperor is concerned about the welfare of the nation, and this kind of careful consideration must have been the young master's idea. Of course, it was decided together by the emperor and the young master. Otherwise, in the palace, the young master would not dare to be so bold. Both the emperor and the young master have put their hearts into it."
"Yan'er, you always speak up for him."
"Wanning was too lazy to listen, she was about to leave, but was pulled back by Zhou Cairn: 'Wanning, stay with me a little longer, it's so enjoyable!'"
Afterwards, Yaner didn't want to bother Wanning anymore, so she stopped talking. Cairen instructed Wanning not to leave, so she had to stay with Cairen and look at the sky full of sky lanterns.
In the distant night sky, small lights adorned it, as if stars. The writings on the lanterns were clearly visible from below, and those words were truly moving. Wanning, who was originally disdainful, couldn't help but be attracted by her gaze.
"Wanning, let's make a wish," Zhou Cairn said.
Wanning stood there in a daze, and Yane pulled her hard before she snapped out of it: "Make a wish? What kind of wish?"
"Of course, it's to grant your deepest wishes," said Zhou Renren, placing her hands on her chest and closing her eyes, making a wish.
Wanning mimicked her actions.
Yan'er believes that Wan Ning's current wish should be to be with Gao Shao Ye forever or something like that. But Wan Ning's first wish is for her father and mother to be safe and happy in another world. Her second wish is for her own lifetime to be able to obtain true happiness. She didn't really mention him.
The number of sky lanterns is increasing, and the dim light gathers together, illuminating the night sky. With the bright moonlight, the entire night becomes as bright as day.
The brightness attracts the attention of the entire palace, causing all the halls and courtyards to come out and watch. The sound of talking and bustling suddenly fills the palace.
Everyone can see clearly, it's the direction of Yunyan Pavilion. It must be the emperor's doing, it is the emperor's great favor to Yunyan Pavilion. At this moment, Yunyan Pavilion has become the most eye-catching place in the entire palace. Some people look at the sky filled with lanterns, full of emotions. While others naturally dismiss it.
After a long time of fussing around, regardless of whether the Lord of YunyanGe is bursting with happiness, the Emperor and Gao Zi'ang are extremely pleased in their hearts.
Gao Zi'ang happily escorts the Emperor back to the sleeping palace. Along the way, he thinks to himself that with Wan Ning's stubborn temperament, tonight's experience might not be enough for her to forgive him. But it's much better to do something than to do nothing, and he understands Wan Ning.
The emperor walking ahead seems to be a little quiet at this moment, probably tired. It is also getting late. It is not necessary for Gao Ziang to follow all the way to the emperor's bedroom. He bids farewell to the emperor, but the emperor does not immediately turn away. Instead, he stops and continues to talk to him for a while.
Since the emperor intends to get closer to the father and son, why not invite him to the Gao family's house and experience this journey? Perhaps this could alleviate the punishment towards his father. Instantly, he realized that he shouldn't think like this, but at least he could try to understand the emperor's thoughts.
He tentatively asked the emperor, but unexpectedly he agreed willingly. The time is set for the day after tomorrow.
That night, when he returned to his mansion, he instructed everyone in the mansion to be fully prepared and welcome the emperor's arrival with great enthusiasm.
Those who came to visit the Gao family, the emperor did not call the queen, only Zhou Cairen and Wanning. The emperor's intention seemed to be to gather close associates of the Gao family.
If Wanning is also included, she herself doesn't know whether to be happy or not. Actually, Wanning wants to obtain something. The Gao family must have intentions when inviting the emperor at this time. Can such big and numerous transgressions really be resolved just by inviting someone to dinner? She believes that the emperor wouldn't be so confused.
The most important thing is that the emperor agreed and even asked her to go.
The emperor's orders are not to be disobeyed. Even if there is a slight unwillingness or discomfort in her heart, she must bury it deep down and not embarrass the emperor. Moreover, she is going to the Gao family, which she is familiar with since childhood, not some kind of earthly hell.
Early in the morning, she started thinking about how to dress herself. After much contemplation, she finally made a decision. She told Yaner, who was beside her, "Yaner, wear that light green dress today." She was conflicted, not very confident when she said it. She didn't want to pay attention to her brother, but couldn't help but wear the long skirt that he liked.
Yan'er actually understood in her heart, but deliberately teased her: "Which one?"
"It's the light green long dress that my brother likes. I have worn it before and made a few more just like it because he likes it."
"Miss Wan, have you changed your mind? Have you forgiven Master Gao--"
There was a trace of weariness in Wan Ning's eyes, and her words were brief but still interrupted Xiao Feiyan's words: "Going to his house, dressing up carefully just to add a few friendly points, and besides, I also want to change my mood."