Love at First Sight – Chapter 56 The laughter of fireworks, a smile that captivates the city

Wen Yueqing was truly famished this time, and even the simple pastries tasted like delicacies to her. As she ate, she asked, “Your Highness, the two of us staying here—will there be any trouble?”

“No, everything’s fine. Rest a while longer, and we’ll go back together soon,” Zun You replied with a smile.

“Being a servant is such hard work—you know what that’s called?” she grumbled, a look of displeasure on her face.

“There are clear distinctions between master and servant—what else would you call it?”

Zun You had always believed that all palace maids and eunuchs served their masters in this fashion; he saw nothing amiss.

Wen Yueqing snorted. “It’s blatant exploitation, squeezing every drop out of the laborers.”

“Nonsense. They get a generous stipend every month,” Zun You said earnestly.

“Easy for you to say, you’re the master.”

She was just venting her grievances, not truly intent on debating him.

Zun You understood her temperament and took no offense. Instead, the corners of his mouth curled into a smile.

He leaned forward, coming close to Wen Yueqing, and teased, “Since you’re so unhappy, why not marry me sooner and become the mistress yourself? How about that?”

Wen Yueqing hurriedly clamped a hand over his mouth, her expression flustered. In a hushed voice, she warned, “Hey, hey, hey, I’m just a lowly eunuch now! Don’t get me into trouble—if anyone overhears, I’ll be arrested on the spot!”

Seeing her like this, Zun You laughed even harder. “It’s just us here—what are you afraid of? Where’s that fearless person I know?”

“You were the one who told me not to be reckless before, and now you’re the one spouting nonsense. So only officials are allowed to set fires, but commoners can’t even light a lamp?”

She thought to herself, “You’re a prince—you can say whatever you want. How can I compare?”

“Very good, you’ve finally learned to be cautious,” Zun You said, nodding with approval.

At that moment, music and lively voices drifted from Baohe Hall, where the guests were still drinking and conversing merrily.

Liu Yi, left behind in the hall, grew anxious. “Where did those two go? Why haven’t they returned yet?”

“Are you still hungry?” Zun You noticed she looked somewhat drained.

She nodded, “Yes, but it’s not so bad anymore. Maybe we should head back—I’m not tired now.”

Feeling her stomach, Wen Yueqing decided it was best to return; lingering here wasn’t a solution.

“Let’s go, then. Just hold on a bit longer—once we’re back at the residence, I’ll treat you to a grand feast.”

He stood and straightened his clothes, with Wen Yueqing following closely behind.

The two strolled leisurely toward Baohe Hall.

Suddenly, the “whoosh” and “swish” of fireworks broke the night air—someone in the city had already begun the celebrations.

A great firework exploded in the night sky, cascading colors and shimmering sparks in all directions before fading swiftly away.

“Look! Look!” Wen Yueqing cried out, overcome with joy.

She grabbed Zun You’s arm with both hands, stopping in her tracks.

“Not bad—it’s beautiful,” Zun You said, standing beside her and tilting his head to gaze at the sky.

More fireworks bloomed one after another.

Some burst like golden chrysanthemums or peonies in full bloom; others fluttered like colorful butterflies or soared like dragons; some lit up the sky like radiant trees or rainbows dancing wildly.

“Wow, these are stunning! Look at that one—so huge!” Wen Yueqing beamed, her face radiant with delight.

In modern times, fireworks and firecrackers had long since been banned, and she hadn’t seen such a spectacle in years.

Zun You, infected by her infectious joy, felt that tonight’s fireworks were especially brilliant.

“Spring breezes set a thousand trees ablaze with flowers,
And scatter stars like rain.
Jade carriages, perfumed horses fill the road.
Phoenix flutes sing, jade lamps turn,
All night, fish and dragons dance.
Butterfly hairpins, golden threads, snow-white willows,
With laughter and whispers, their fragrance drifts away.
A thousand times I search for her in the crowd,
Then suddenly, I turn—
There she stands, where the lanterns grow dim.”

He turned to gaze at Wen Yueqing’s profile, a look of doting affection in his eyes.

People always say fireworks are fleeting—brilliant for a moment, then gone, leaving only the memory of their splendor, a dream within this transient life.

But Zun You did not believe this.

To him, Wen Yueqing’s smile at this moment was as dazzling as the fireworks—an instant that contained a lifetime, his resolve to protect her unshakable, a thousand years within reach.

“Her laughter rivals the beauty of the city, gracing the years, carrying me through this transient world.”

Wen Yueqing turned to look at him as well, and they shared a smile.

“Halt! Who goes there?” Suddenly, a shout rang out behind them.

They turned to see a shadow darting forth—one of the palace guards had spotted an intruder.

Zun You stepped protectively in front of Wen Yueqing, retreating a few steps. “Who are you?” he called out in surprise.

The figure, clad in black nightclothes and wielding a dagger, lunged straight at Zun You.

He pushed Wen Yueqing aside and reached out to seize the weapon.

His skills were impressive; with a deft twist of his wrist, he snatched the dagger, then, using all his strength, struck back at the assailant.

The black-clad man was quick and nimble, dodging so that the blade only grazed his left shoulder.

By then, more guards had rushed over. Seeing the situation turn against him, the assailant leapt away in an attempt to escape, with Zun You close on his heels, determined not to let him get away.

The black-clad man reached into his breast and pulled out three throwing darts. Knowing Zun You’s martial abilities were formidable, he hurled them in Wen Yueqing’s direction.

He had been hiding outside the hall earlier and had overheard the pair’s conversation. He realized that Zun You and this little eunuch were unusually close.

Wen Yueqing saw it all and shouted, hastily dodging aside.

“Yue’er!” Zun You called her name as he flew to shield her.

With a sickening “thud,” one dart grazed his right shoulder, slicing a wound; another embedded itself in his upper back, while the third fell to the ground.

Having thrown the darts, the black-clad man turned and fled.

Zun You gritted his teeth, clutching his right shoulder.

Wen Yueqing was paralyzed with fear. Seeing Zun You risk everything to save her, she was filled with guilt.

She supported him gently, her face full of worry. “Your Highness, are you alright? Your back is wounded too. It’s all my fault—you were hurt because you protected me…”

Zun You caught her hand and shook his head. “Don’t blame yourself. I’m fine—it’s just a scratch. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters.”

The moment she heard these words, tears welled up in Wen Yueqing’s eyes. Beads of sweat stood out on Zun You’s brow.

By now, the commotion had reached those inside Baohe Hall.

When the Emperor learned an assassin had wounded Zun You, his fury knew no bounds. He hurried outside, while Consort Lu, pale with fright, stumbled out after him.

She saw her injured son and burst into tears. “My child—are you hurt? Let me see!”

“Mother, I’m alright, truly,” Zun You replied with a smile, not wanting her to worry.

“Summon the imperial physician at once!” the Emperor commanded. “Zun You, rest in the side hall for now.”