TSWRLM -Chapter 267 Fire

The temple fair was crowded. In previous years, Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue would just go to a teahouse to watch the festivities. Walking through the crowd while eating and browsing, like this year, was a first for them.

Chun Xi, following her memory, bought some street food for the two of them. Though the ingredients were simple and the cooking not as refined as the mansion chefs, the freshness made everyone happy.

Eating and strolling along the way, the group soon arrived at the ring-toss game.

Xiao Qingyang immediately volunteered: “Little Aunt, tell us what you like. The two of us brothers can help you get it.”

“You’re kind, but the real fun in ring-toss isn’t in winning prizes—it’s in the process. I’ll try it myself.”

No sooner had Chun Xi said this than Shen Qingyuan bought all the rings from the vendor, and Chun Xi handed them to Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue: “Come on, don’t be shy. Today, your Uncle Shen is treating. Play however you like.”

Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue had practiced riding and archery with Chun Xi before. Though their skills weren’t perfect, with Chun Xi there, they were happy to try themselves.

With enough rings, all three of them won what they wanted.

Though the prizes were just roughly made vases and porcelain figurines, Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue were delighted.

Winning something with their own hands felt completely different from having their older brothers get it for them.

Xiao Qingyue couldn’t help but complain: “Why didn’t Big Brother and Second Brother tell me it’s so fun to play this myself? No wonder I always thought temple fairs were boring.”

Xiao Qingyang crossed his arms and rolled his eyes at her: “You just like to complain. Without Little Aunt playing with you, would you dare do it yourself?”

In noble families, women were held to strict standards of etiquette. Though Xiao Qingyue was pampered and a bit spoiled, playing ring-toss alone in front of so many people was still bold for her.

And if she missed, she’d be embarrassed in front of everyone.

Xiao Qingyue paused, but seeing the chubby little porcelain figurine in her hand and the smiling faces of Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe, she quickly resolved: “I didn’t dare before, but next time, I’ll do it myself!”

After finishing ring-toss, they moved on to lantern riddles.

The spring imperial examination would be held the next year, so many students had already come to the capital to prepare. The young scholars guessing lantern riddles were numerous, and today’s lanterns were especially beautiful.

Chun Xi carefully chose one and pointed at a fox-shaped lantern hanging at the top. “I’m not good at guessing riddles, but I really want that lantern. He’er, can you help me?”

No sooner had she spoken than Xiao Qingyue objected: “Why does Little Aunt only ask Sister and not me?”

“Would you like to help me, Yue’er?”

Chun Xi looked surprised—not doubting Xiao Qingyue’s abilities, just not expecting her willingness.

Xiao Qingyue regretted how rude she usually was to Chun Xi but couldn’t bring herself to explain, so she said while touching her scarf: “You gave me a scarf, of course I won’t refuse to help.”

After that, she carefully studied the riddle on the lantern.

The riddles increased in difficulty from bottom to top. Whoever solved one could take the lantern.

Xiao Qingyue guessed one correctly, but someone else immediately solved the next-level riddle.

Seeing competitors, she nervously tugged at Xiao Qinghe’s sleeve: “Sister, help me think! Otherwise, someone else will win the lantern.”

Xiao Qinghe gave another answer, but before Xiao Qingyue could rejoice, the opponent solved the next riddle above.

Four lanterns were taken in succession. Only five remained before Chun Xi’s desired fox lantern.

The difficulty increased, and under the pressure, Xiao Qingyue struggled to guess the next solution, sweat beading on her forehead.

Xiao Qingyang teased: “Little sister, haven’t you figured it out yet? Want Second Brother to help?”

Xiao Qingyue had just said she would win the prize herself, so she glared at him instead of asking for help. Just then, her elder sister gently gave two answers.

When the vendor announced them correct, Xiao Qingyue straightened with an inexplicable sense of pride and raised her brow at Xiao Qingyang: “Don’t underestimate her. Sister has read just as much as you have.”

The group was already elegantly dressed and attractive, naturally drawing attention. With Xiao Qinghe solving several riddles in a row, they quickly became the center of the crowd. People began to gossip: “This lady guesses riddles so well and is beautiful too. Such a pity she’s already married. I wonder which fortunate man married such a talented wife.”

“Yes, her dress and demeanor are refined, surely from a good family. With a wife like this, one’s life is complete.”

Hearing the praise, Xiao Qinghe remained calm, focusing entirely on the riddles. Xiao Qingyue, however, proudly lifted her chin.

See? Any normal person with eyes would be impressed by Sister.

Xiao Qinghe guessed another answer. Xiao Qingyue clapped excitedly: “Sister, you’re amazing! Just two more correct answers and the fox lantern is ours.”

Just then, a harsh voice came from the crowd: “A married woman should stay in the inner courtyard. This riddle event is for scholars to gather and make friends. Why is she stealing the spotlight?”

“Exactly, a married woman shouldn’t aim for honors. Managing the household is her proper duty. What’s the use of guessing riddles well?”

Hearing this, Xiao Qingyue and Xiao Qingyang’s glances pierced the speakers.

“What are you two, daring to lecture my sister?”

Xiao Qingyue frowned, glaring at the two men.

The men were well-dressed, with jade pendants at their waists, likely from affluent families, but arrogant and dismissive of women.

Xiao Qingyue hadn’t married yet. Before she could speak further, Xiao Qingyang stood behind her, his smile cold and calculating.

“There are no restrictions on this riddle event. Anyone may showcase talent. Instead of gossiping and belittling others, you’d do better to focus on the riddles. If you can’t solve them, admit it graciously and speak less, so you don’t embarrass yourselves.”

His words were sharp, causing laughter in the crowd. The two men’s faces fell. As they tried to respond, a lantern above suddenly fell.

Its wick landed on the two men, setting their clothes on fire.

The accident happened so fast that no one reacted immediately. Then a shout rose from the crowd: “Fire! Run!”

The voice was Xingzhou.

Chun Xi’s expression darkened. She grabbed Shen Qingyuan’s arm and whispered urgently: “Husband, it’s Wei Lingze!”