Love at First Sight Chapter 54: New Year's Eve

Wen Yueqing was in the front courtyard learning etiquette from Liu Jiu; tomorrow night, she would accompany Zun You to the palace banquet. At this moment, a wave of nervousness suddenly swept over her. The rules within the palace were truly numerous—she had grown accustomed to the freedom of the prince’s residence and feared she might not remember them all at once.

“Miss Wen, you don’t need to be afraid. There’ll be so many people at the banquet. Just speak less, and you’ll be fine,” Liu Jiu said, amused by her troubled expression, which he’d never seen before.

“I’ll get used to it soon enough,” she replied with an embarrassed smile, thinking silently: This is the price for wanting to join in the excitement.

Just before noon, Lady Tian arrived at the front courtyard with Qiao’er. She had originally come to see Zun You, wanting to know how His Highness planned to arrange the celebrations for the coming New Year. Last year, she and Lady Li had spent the festival together, with Zun You inviting an opera troupe for them—a lively affair. Now, with Lady Li pregnant and confined, it was clear she wouldn’t be celebrating together this time.

Hearing that His Highness had gone out, Lady Tian could only return to wait in the back courtyard. Just as she was about to leave, she saw Liu Jiu and Wen Yueqing deep in conversation, gesturing as they spoke.

“Yueqing, what are you two up to?” She walked over gracefully, taking small steps.

Upon seeing Lady Tian, Wen Yueqing felt a twinge of annoyance, but outwardly she smiled and said, “Sister Tian, are you feeling better? How come you had time to come to the front courtyard today? I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had a chance to visit you.”

“It’s nothing. I’ve been fine since a couple of days ago. With the New Year approaching, I came to see His Highness,” Lady Tian replied with a gentle smile.

“Oh, that’s unfortunate. His Highness isn’t here,” Wen Yueqing said, and fell silent.

Liu Jiu bowed and advised, “Perhaps you should return for now, my lady. His Highness won’t be back until evening, and the weather is so cold—don’t risk catching a chill.”

Lady Tian nodded, “Thank you for your concern,” and then continued to ask Wen Yueqing, “Yueqing, what are your plans for New Year’s Eve? Why don’t we celebrate together? It would be more lively.”

“That won’t be necessary. Tong’er and I plan to pray for blessings in our rooms. It’s bitterly cold, and I really don’t want to move about—please do as you wish, Sister Tian.”

The matter of attending the palace banquet with Zun You needed to be kept secret. She didn’t want this woman to know, lest it cause unnecessary trouble.

“Praying for blessings on New Year’s Eve—that’s a good idea. Well then, I’ll head back now. Let me wish you a happy New Year in advance.” With polite words, Lady Tian took Qiao’er back to the rear courtyard.

“Miss, how do you suppose they pray for blessings?” Qiao’er asked curiously.

“Who cares? It’s just bowing to the gods and burning some incense. His Highness hasn’t made any arrangements for Wen Yueqing, so it seems my own New Year’s will be dull as well.” Lady Tian sighed, finding the days tedious and wondering when things would ever change.

That evening, Lady Tian went to see Zun You again.

“Is there something you need?” he asked, tired from a long day and wishing to rest, but she had arrived soon after he returned.

“Your Highness, Lady Li is indisposed this year, and I inevitably feel lonely. I’d like to ask a favor.” She knelt gracefully, bowing before him.

“Speak, I’m listening.” He sat on a stool, rubbing his temples.

Lady Tian quickly rose and walked over, saying, “Your Highness, let me massage you.”

He nodded and closed his eyes. Her delicate hands rested gently on his head, massaging him softly.

“Your Highness, I’ve been in the residence for two years now. My mother’s health has always been poor. This New Year’s Eve, I wish to visit my family and have the reunion dinner at home,” she said in a gentle voice. “Please grant me your permission.”

“Very well, I agree. After dinner, return to the residence promptly,” Zun You said, considering Lady Tian to be dutiful. He was willing to honor her filial devotion; after all, during the New Year, he hoped no one would be left with regrets.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” She was delighted and continued to massage his shoulders. Seeing him relaxed, Lady Tian felt sweetness in her heart.

Though His Highness did not keep her by his side for the night, she was already content. Being allowed to return home was a great favor.

Early the next morning, she set out with Qiao’er.

On New Year’s Eve, Wen Yueqing donned a brand-new eunuch’s uniform, her face bare. To appear more convincing, she drew thick eyebrows.

Zun You could not help but laugh at her awkward appearance. “What are you laughing at? Eunuchs are half men, after all—can’t have willow-leaf slender brows,” Wen Yueqing protested.

“You’re absolutely right. Clearly, you’ve put effort into it. Come, let’s take the carriage,” Zun You said, draping his sable cloak over her shoulders to keep her warm. If it were just he and Liu Yi, they would have ridden on horseback.

“Wow, this sable is so warm,” Wen Yueqing exclaimed, instantly feeling the chill vanish. Then she regretted her words; how could she appear so unsophisticated? In her modern life, she had a wardrobe full of furs.

She looked at Zun You and smiled, “Thank you.”

Today, he wore a deep purple ceremonial robe embroidered with golden patterns, tied with a multicolored silk sash adorned with golden flowers and long tassels. On his feet were blue satin boots with silver soles, a delicate jade ornament the size of an egg attached to the back. His jet-black hair was tied high, and he wore a two-tiered golden dragon crown, decorated with ten Eastern pearls and a ruby in the center, which complemented his fair complexion, lending him a subtle glow.

His cheeks were tinged red by the wind, making him appear extraordinarily handsome.

Wen Yueqing glanced at her own attire and murmured, “People really are defined by their clothes, just like horses by their saddles.”

“What are you muttering about? Get in the carriage—we can’t be late.” He urged, reaching out his hand.

“I said you look so handsome today—like the legendary Pan An,” she joked, taking his hand.

Inside the carriage, Zun You asked, “I’m only handsome today? Am I not handsome every day?”

“I should never have praised you, you’re not humble at all,” Wen Yueqing retorted, casting him a sideways glance.

Liu Yi drove the carriage swiftly toward the palace. Soon after leaving the residence, Wen Yueqing lifted the curtain to peer at the bustling streets. Lanterns hung everywhere, casting a festive glow; red lanterns adorned every doorway, couplets pasted on each household, and crowds of smiling pedestrians filled the roads.

She sighed inwardly, “This era of Tianshun is truly remarkable.” Though it was not her original world, its peaceful prosperity reminded her greatly of the glorious Tang dynasty.