51 Flower Festival (1/2)

After half a day on horseback, they reach the outskirts of Xi Nan City. Such a place is large beyond comparison, and in some way, this place is even more bustling than the capital city. Perhaps this was because the capital was currently in a harsh winter that seemed to desolate the population size.

On the other hand, the thought of having spring weather all year round was good. But this also made things feel too boring. To have no other types of weather would make one feel as though they hadn't been to enough places, making an unfulfilled life. Of course, there was some folk who had been here all their lives and thought nothing of it.

The two figures, one dressed in dark blue and the other dressed in green walked through the busy streets, hand in hand.

Beneath all the music played from large hide drums and bamboo flutes, they looked very much like a young couple in love. Similar to that of little lovebirds flying from the nest. Yet at the same time, the look in their eyes also resembled that of an old married couple.

There was an unspoken connection that tied them together. They were not like the young lovers that had heated passions, joyful for the times ahead. Instead, their temperaments were slightly muted by the passing years.

As Feng Rong looked at the other couples that were chasing each other around, he seemed quite happy, and looked towards Feng Yun, as though hoping that they might do the same.

But after seeing that look in her eyes, he could tell that she was reluctant, so he could only smile and look around.

The flower festival, as one called it. Although such an occasion was only happening once a year, this was more of a festive gathering. Since flowers bloomed endlessly all year round, it was practically pointless to dedicate once a year to this holiday. This was unlike the capital where there would be colder climates, with events such as blossoms withering made flowers more of a rarity to behold.

Such a sight made it seem as though the blooms were worthless.

Feng Rong brushed past a couple who had flower crowns placed upon their heads. The crowns are interwoven with begonia, chrysanthemums, lilies, and marigolds, all different flowers that sat upon two heads of dark hair. He shook his head in distaste, such flowers, alone were already imbued with enough beauty. Was there such a need to heedlessly combine such flowers together in one place.

Seeing him like this, Feng Yun knew that he had resigned himself to not wearing a flower crown. She could not help but want to tease him a bit.

”What if I want one?” She looked at him with her wide eyes blinking.

”Then I will make it myself.” He declared, then he leaned in closer to her in almost a whisper, ”Do you really want one?”

Feng Yun, seeing him so close, gave a slight nod, ”Will you wear one as well?”

He looked towards all the couples who were wearing the same flower crowns and nodded, ”As long as you like it.”

Hearing this answer, Feng Yun merely nodded and looked around, while Feng Rong went up to a flower merchant to purchase the flowers. To prevent Feng Yun from watching, he turned his back to prevent her from sneaking a few peaks while he worked on the pair of flower crowns.

Not that Feng Yun would have any intentions of peaking, but it was better to make it a surprise and stop temptations in their tracks. The crowd was loud, with a few ladies chatting around, there were also scholars who attempted to create a presence to get noticed by a few maidens. Reciting poems that they had memorized from the anthologies of famous poems.

The ladies hid with propriety behind their painted fans, as they listened to the scholars who had hoped to catch their eyes. The sounds of giggling laughter carried by the gentle breeze made its way to Feng Yun's ears, evoking precious memories of past festivals. Of course, people change and go, but tradition always stays with some new customs getting added in through the years.

With the sound of the flutes, slowly building its way up a climax. The gentle buzzing of the pollinators could be heard from far away as they pranced upon the blooms. The sound of the drums that had stopped slowly inched its way back into the music.

Feng Rong who seemed to have completed his task of making a flower crown also walked towards her figure that was dressed in green.

The second the music from the drum hit its loudest note. A thunderous vibration shook, and flower petals are thrown into the air by the festival participants. Feng Yun's lips are slightly agape as she could not remember when this act was a part of the festival.

[It seems much has changed.]

As the petals fall, Feng Rong quickly places the flower crown atop her head. Not expecting such a thing, her hand involuntarily reaches to her head. But such an action is stopped in its tracks, as her hand is held hostage by Feng Rong's palm. He is smiling so much, that his dimples are revealed. There is an urge to pinch those cheeks as one's eyes gaze upon the mesmerizing smile.

She looks atop his head, to see that resting upon it is a flower crown, mixed with the red blossoms, yellow marigolds, with neither flower overtaking the other's glory. It is this that deserves to be hailed as a flower crown.

”Can I see?” She looks towards Feng Rong and asks.

”Yun'er, do you trust me?” Feng Rong looks deep into her obsidian eyes.

”Yes.” Feng Yun answers without hesitation.

”You can judge it later, but for now, let's enjoy the festival, alright?”

Although she was unable to see the final result of the flower crown, she could assume that his taste would not be too horrible, ”Alright.” She agreed, after all, they had known each other for so long, that mutual trust had long been built. It was difficult to knock down the wall to build one made of suspicion.

Feng Rong pulled on her delicate jade-like hand, as the pair began running. Soon Feng Yun ended up doing the one thing she had been reluctant to do.