The sky was ablaze with fireworks, turning the night as bright as day. Wen Ningwan stood frozen, lifting her gaze to see the hand resting atop her head.
The State Preceptor was momentarily stunned, her outstretched hand pausing mid-air as her mind went blank.
You Ran came running over, but upon seeing the scene before her, she halted abruptly, stumbling and nearly falling in her shock as she stared at the person whose hand was on Wen Ningwan’s head.
“State Preceptor! You mustn’t!” You Ran shouted, rushing forward and pulling Wen Ningwan behind her. With righteous indignation, she declared, “She’s the Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, an official of the imperial court! You can’t just kill her! Even if she must die, it shouldn’t be by your hand!”
“…”
“…”
The second round of fireworks began lighting up the sky. Wen Ningwan looked up and tugged at You Ran’s sleeve. “Look, it’s so beautiful!”
You Ran turned to see Wen Ningwan’s delighted expression, then glanced at the composed State Preceptor. Awkwardly, she laughed, “I thought.”
The State Preceptor shook her head helplessly, her eyes briefly flickering to the fireworks before settling on the person beside her, who had clasped their hands in prayer, eyes closed in devotion.
You Ran looked from the State Preceptor to Wen Ningwan, then up at the dazzling fireworks. Who in the world prayed to fireworks?
But if the Assistant Minister was doing it, it must work, right? You Ran glanced at Wen Ningwan and quickly imitated her, silently offering her own earnest prayer.
May the State Preceptor succeed in all her endeavors and live a peaceful life. You Ran prayed devoutly.
Wen Ningwan lowered her hands, glanced at You Ran, then turned to the State Preceptor with a cheerful grin. “Aren’t you joining us?”
The State Preceptor calmly observed You Ran’s praying form before replying, “I don’t believe in such things. I only believe that man can conquer fate.”
Wen Ningwan pouted. You Ran watched the retreating State Preceptor and shrugged, whispering mischievously, “She really doesn’t believe.”
Wen Ningwan stuck out her tongue and hurried after her. The State Preceptor glanced at the woman walking beside her. “Assistant Minister Wen, what did you wish for just now?”
“You don’t believe in it, so why ask? Hmm?” Wen Ningwan smirked triumphantly, playfully raising an eyebrow.
The State Preceptor pressed her lips together slightly, her expression serene as she watched the woman ahead.
“I’m hungry. You’re treating.” Wen Ningwan eagerly strode forward.
The innkeeper’s wife froze for a moment upon seeing the group enter, then quickly rose with a warm smile. “This humble one greets the State Preceptor, Assistant Minister Wen, and Miss You Ran.”
“Bring us all your signature dishes and wine. The State Preceptor’s paying.” Wen Ningwan marched upstairs triumphantly, finally able to ascend without sneaking around.
The innkeeper’s wife glanced at the silent State Preceptor and bowed respectfully. “Right this way.”
Wen Ningwan plopped down without a care for decorum. You Ran shot her a disapproving look, then turned to the State Preceptor, whose expression remained unreadable, before walking over in disdain.
“Assistant Minister Wen, shouldn’t you let the State Preceptor sit first?”
Wen Ningwan looked up at her in confusion, then at the State Preceptor, who calmly took the seat opposite her, seemingly unbothered.
Wen Ningwan spread her hands smugly. “The State Preceptor doesn’t fuss over such trivialities. Besides, my reverence for her is etched into my very bones, no need to waste my sincere devotion on formalities.”
“…”
“…” You Ran rolled her eyes in disgust and sat down with a huff.
A waiter approached with a teapot, but Wen Ningwan stopped him. “I want wine, not tea.”
“Ah, yes, yes, yes.” The waiter hastily nodded and retreated. “I’ll go change it right away.”
“Is Young Lord Wen a heavy drinker?” You Ran asked provocatively.
“Of course!” Wen Ningwan had already tasted it, the alcohol content here wasn’t high, barely more than a beverage.
“Let’s have a contest.” You Ran suddenly grew enthusiastic.
As the waiter brought out the wine and dishes, Wen Ningwan said smugly, “Sure, but just competing is boring. Let’s make a bet on something?”
The State Preceptor glanced at Wen Ningwan, who clearly didn’t know her limits, and remarked offhandedly, “No one in all of Jinling has ever outdrunk her.”
You Ran lifted her chin proudly. “It’s not too late to back out now.”
“Ha!” Wen Ningwan’s competitive spirit flared instantly. “Whoever loses has to acknowledge the other as their boss and become their lackey. From now on, whenever we meet on the streets, they must show respect! The State Preceptor will bear witness.”
“Deal!” You Ran laughed incredulously as she poured the wine and instructed the waiter, “Bring us a few more jugs!”
The State Preceptor sighed helplessly at the two of them and continued eating and drinking with elegant composure.
After several rounds, Wen Ningwan was already tipsy. She rolled up her sleeves, leaned on the table, and grinned at You Ran, whose cheeks were flushed red. “If you can’t drink anymore, you can admit defeat. I won’t laugh at you.”
“Neither will I!” You Ran glared at her fiercely before taking another swig.
Having eaten her fill, the State Preceptor set down her bowl and chopsticks, picked up a bottle of wine, and walked to the balcony. Calmly, she gazed at the bustling city of Jinling, the entire street was ablaze with lights, their glow illuminating the sky. She took a sip of wine and watched the foreigners passing below.
After a night of revelry, everything returned to normal.
Wen Ningwan was awakened by a crisp voice. Inside the Dali Temple, Miao Shiyi frowned deeply as he fed her a hangover remedy.
The moment she drank it, Wen Ningwan jolted awake. She sat up straight, squinting at the glaring sunlight outside, and immediately grabbed Miao Shiyi in alarm. “How did I get back?”
Miao Shiyi wiped his brow and gave her a resigned, resentful look. “You’re asking me? The State Preceptor carried you here!”
As he spoke, he rolled his eyes in disdain and muttered, “Why does it always have to be her?”
“The State Preceptor? Carried? Me.” Wen Ningwan pointed at herself in horror. “Did I win?”