Shaoyingxiu put away her sharp tongue in front of the elders, pretending to be gentle and soft, and with He Laos praise, Xue Lao also cherished the old affection for Shaoyingxius late mother, so she liked her even more.
After the younger generation on both sides had introduced themselves, Mrs. Xue turned her gaze to He Lean, who was wearing a veil. Just from the almond-shaped eyebrows and eyes that were exposed outside the veil, she thought of the little woman who shone like starlight in the past. She couldnt help but sigh to Old Lady He: "I heard this child has been raised by your side, and you even returned to Fengzhou City for her."
"Whats there to worry about? Its just that as people get older, they miss their hometown more. In the capital city, my eldest daughter-in-law is in charge of the household, and she has always been capable. As an old woman, I dont have much to worry about. These past two years, Ive put my mind at ease and traveled around, and I find it even more enjoyable than being in the capital."
The two old men who had not seen each other for a long time chatted like this, with the younger generation occasionally chiming in. Half a day passed, and other guests came in twos and threes. Then Mrs. Xue wanted her eldest granddaughter, Xue Huiyu, to take the younger ones to play in a small pavilion on the side. As soon as everyone moved, someone enthusiastically suggested:
"In a few more days, it will be the grandest Lantern Festival in Fengzhou City. At that time, there will definitely be many lantern riddles. Today, lets join in the excitement and see what interesting riddles everyone has come up with!"
The girls in Fengzhou City love the Lantern Festival every year, because on that day they can freely stroll through the night market. Especially for those who are strictly educated at home and cannot go out normally, on that day they can not only have fun but also win peoples hearts with lantern riddles. It is an ancient festival that has been passed down in the city, so this proposal was met with the most enthusiastic response from everyone.
Shaoyingxiu was well-prepared and soon gained many praises from the younger generation, while He Lean, who had been silent all along, became more noticeable. Xue Huiyu couldnt help but ask her why she didnt participate in it, but before He Lean could speak, Shaoyingxiu said: "An An, even if you cant guess any riddles, you can still tell us some riddles that you know and let us guess!"
A seemingly considerate remark actually implies she has no talent and is also stupid.
He Lean smiled and glanced at Shao Yingxiu, saying: "Grandmother taught me since I was a child that I couldnt be biased towards any particular talent. Even if I dont like it, I have to learn it. Only then can I be considered a qualified lady of the aristocracy. Even if I have an answer in my heart, I dont necessarily need to say it out loud. Isnt it more interesting to know who guessed the riddle that I also guessed?"
What youre implying is that she can solve all the riddles youve come up with, but shes just too lazy to say so.
Xue Huiyus gaze at He Lean had some subtle differences, at least compared to before, with a bit more kindness. She smiled and said: "Indeed, sometimes I also prefer watching others guess riddles. But todays gathering is a day for everyone to have fun together, so He Liu should join in the excitement too. Why dont you come up with a riddle for us to guess?"
He Lean could only smile and say: "My riddle is one stroke, two drawings, guess an idiom."
Everyone was thinking carefully about the riddle, and Shao Yingxiu was even more unwilling to let He Lean steal a bit of the spotlight. She gritted her teeth and tried desperately to guess, but He Leans riddle was cleverly vague, making it impossible to know where to start without a hint. Since she didnt want to be the one asking questions, she could only curse in her heart that He Lean was intentionally being difficult and showing off her intelligence on purpose, clearly trying to make things hard for her!
Just as everyone was hesitating about whether to ask He Lean for another hint, a soft and clear male voice, like a gentle breeze on a moonlit night or the sweet sound of a spring, lazily rang out: "Two characters, isnt it just right?"