The regent is determined to get the daughter of a minor official.

Chapter 157 A Big Day

In a blink of an eye, it is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, commonly known as the Lantern Festival.

This is a major festival.

Early in the morning, as the dawn breaks, the streets and alleys are already bustling with activity.

At the market, vendors set up their stalls early, and the dazzling array of goods is dazzling.

Brightly colored silks flutter gently in the breeze, and exquisite porcelain shines with a warm luster.

The flower girl's basket is filled with beautiful flowers, and the rich fragrance fills the air.

The street food stalls are emitting steam, and the fried Yuanxiao, freshly out of the pan, are golden and crispy.

The sweet smell attracted people to stop and buy.

The bun shop was crowded with people, and steaming buns came out of the oven one after another.

Children were running around in the crowd, laughing and playing with their newly bought toys in their hands.

Jugglers performed wonderful skills in the open space, balancing bowls and breathing fire, which attracted bursts of exclamations and cheers.

In the square in the city center, dragon and lion dance teams are rehearsing, preparing to shine at the evening celebration.

The drummers beat the drums with all their might, and the passionate drumbeats seemed to break through the sky.

The temple is filled with incense, and believers burn incense and pray devoutly, hoping for peace and prosperity in the new year.

The shop assistants were shouting loudly to attract customers, and lively conversations were heard one after another.

"I heard that the Regent's army is already twenty miles away from the capital and will arrive there tomorrow."

"That's right. If we can come a day earlier, we can catch the Lantern Festival."

"The Prince Regent has made great achievements in battle. His return this time will surely bring him even more glory."

"Of course. The peace in Shengjing City is all thanks to the regent's courage and wisdom, his stewardship of government and his battles on the battlefield."

"I wonder what changes will happen to the court situation after my return this time."

"We ordinary people can't care about so many things. We just hope that our lives can be stable."

"That's right. Come, come, take a look at this new silk I've got. The quality is so good!"

"Oh, that's great. Give me two feet."

At the same time, the ministers in the court were busy preparing to welcome the Regent.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites repeatedly confirmed the welcoming etiquette procedures, fearing that there would be any mistakes.

Other ministers were also discussing in their respective residences how to behave in front of the Regent.

In order to gain more benefits or consolidate one's own position.

The private rooms in the taverns and teahouses were all booked out, and dignitaries all wanted to occupy the best seats.

Just to catch a glimpse of the Regent.

In a private room of a tavern, several rich young men were talking loudly.

"I've long heard that the Regent is incredibly handsome. This time, he returned victorious from his campaign against the Northern Di. I want to see it with my own eyes."

"I've also booked a tea room today because several of my sisters at home are clamoring to see the Regent."

"Anyway, it was worth the trip to see this legendary figure in person."

Amidst the discussions of the crowd, the bustle of Shengjing City continued, and the streets and alleys were filled with joy and bustle.

Everyone is making careful preparations for the Lantern Festival, as if the returning army is just a small episode in life.

The joy and warmth in front of you are the most important.

There was also a busy scene in Prince Sheng's Mansion.

Manager Yao was busy directing his servants to arrange the lanterns in the mansion in an orderly manner.

Nanny Wang came to Jinyun Palace with a smile on her face.

"Princess, the prince has sent his personal guards to deliver the news to the palace, and he will return to the capital tomorrow.

Do you have any plans? Would you like me to go to the restaurant and reserve a private room?"

Xu Keke stood up from the couch and stretched, unable to hide the joy on his face.

"Guard Sheng has been going to greet the prince for several days, but no news has been sent back. I don't know which main streets the prince will pass through after entering the city.

However, I have already asked Anxiang to inform the restaurants under the palace's name to reserve one room for me."

Nanny Wang kept complaining that Sheng Er was unreliable, and then asked.

"Tonight is the Lantern Festival. Princess, would you like to leave the palace and watch the lantern festival in the capital?"

"A lantern festival? What is it like? Madam, tell me about it."

Xu Ke asked curiously, but the original owner didn't have many memories about the Lantern Festival.

In addition, this was her first Lantern Festival since she came here.

Nanny Wang helped Xu Keke sit down and described everything to her in detail.

"The Lantern Festival in previous years was very lively, with all the streets and alleys lit up brightly by lanterns, just like daytime.

The children were holding the cute little lanterns in their hands, running and making noises in the streets, with laughter ringing out one after another.

There were so many people at the lantern riddle guessing area that it was almost impossible to squeeze in.

Everyone was thinking hard, and whoever guessed the answer would be cheered by the people around him.

There are various rewards for guessing the riddles, such as lanterns, writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone.

There are also various snacks, the sugar-roasted chestnuts are fragrant, the candied haws are red, and the hot dumplings are steaming. Just smelling them makes you greedy.

The street performers were really talented. One of them could breathe fire, and the flames shot up very high.

Someone was holding the vat steady on his head, and people were clapping and cheering.

There is a constant stream of people releasing lanterns by the river. The lanterns float on the water, carrying people's wishes slowly along the current, looking as beautiful as a dream.

Especially young men and women also took this opportunity to get together.

The girls wore beautiful masks and took a sneak peek when they walked past the men they liked.

When our eyes meet, we can no longer hide our little thoughts.

Then there are the dragon and lion dance teams, dancing joyfully to the sound of gongs and drums, so vivid and majestic!

This Lantern Festival night is so lively and everyone is having a great time.

Xu Keke gently stroked her belly, listening to Nanny Wang's vivid description, her face full of longing.

"After hearing Madam's praises, I really want to go and see it, but unfortunately I'm pregnant now and the prince is not around.

I won't join in the fun, Ma'am, you can take the maids to enjoy the lanterns later!"

Nanny Wang smiled and nodded.

"Princess, you have thought it through. The young prince is very precious. We will just wait for the prince's return in peace in the mansion.

I watch this lantern show every year and am tired of it. Tonight, I will let Dingdang and Anxiang go and enjoy it while I accompany the princess to appreciate the lanterns in our palace."

As he was speaking, Anxiang coughed outside the door.

Nanny Wang frowned.

"Could this girl have caught a cold?"

Xu Keke glanced outside, turned back and said to Nanny Wang with a smile.

"Anxiang is in good health. I guess she wants to say that she wants to go to the Lantern Festival tonight."

"Really? My beloved concubine is so clever that she didn't guess that your maid was trying to remind you that I'm back?"

Xu Keke and Nanny Wang stood up at the same time and looked towards the door.