The Moat of early summer shimmered with ripples, the glazed lanterns of the painted boats casting shattered gold reflections across the water. Jiang Wan leaned against the boat's railing, gazing at the distant pleasure boats adorned with colorful lanterns. The agarwood scent from her cuffs mixed with the crisp fragrance of lotus leaves, creating an indescribable freshness. Lu Jingyuan stood by her side, holding the Peace Talisman she had given him, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the bamboo-joint hairpin at her temple.
"Miss Jiang, look quickly, it's lotus lanterns!" Lüluo exclaimed, pointing at the water. Dozens of lotus lanterns drifted downstream, their candlelight softening Jiang Wan's brows and eyes. Just as Lu Jingyuan was about to speak, a startled cry came from behind. Liu Shiyao stood on a painted boat threezhang away, wearing a peach-red Shu brocade dress, stumbling as she leaned toward the lake.
"Shiyao!" Lu Jingyuan cried out in alarm, striding toward the railing. But Jiang Wan's sharp eyes caught Liu Shiyao deliberately lifting the hem of her dress just before falling in, revealing an inner lining embroidered with twin lotuses. She reached out to press down on Lu Jingyuan's wrist while simultaneously pulling a bamboo pole from behind her—the tool the boatman had just been using to pole the boat.
Chapter 102