Chapter 004: The White Deer's Heart Lamp

Dan Fei laughed and cried at the same time, "As a humble woman, I dare not indulge in such good fortune in this lifetime"

With a whoosh, the iron arrow shot out, its tip reflecting the flames, resembling a meteor as it passed through the copper ring above the treetops. The arrow's fletching brushed against the copper ring, causing the bell to chime.

"Forget it, let’s go back to shoot that lamp down a year from today." Danfei was unconcerned

In the distance, on the brilliantly lit and bustling streets, the people are laughing, clapping, and cheering, all immersed in this atmosphere of joy

Middle!

Liu Yujin was slightly taken aback

Liu Yujin excitedly weaved through the crowd. Danfei, dressed in a brand new Hu clothing made for her by Madam Chen, wearing a deerskin hat, followed Liu Yujin at a leisurely pace. The two appeared, one charming and the other handsome, resembling a pair of young lovers.

Fireworks burst into the night sky, blooming with a myriad of colors. The night sky instantly transforms into a dazzling spectacle.

Dan Fei raised an eyebrow and took a careful look at Cui Jingyu

Madam Chen took the handkerchief from the little maid and gently wiped Danfei's face, smiling softly as she said, "Just now, did the young master of the Duan family come to speak with you?"

Madam Chen held her daughter's hand and said, "Mother does not mean to blame you; on the contrary, I feel very gratified that you are so understanding. Given our current status, we truly cannot dare to aspire to a family like the Duan family. If your father were still here, if our family did not..."

The boss hurriedly took the lamp and respectfully handed it over

As the arrow was about to hit the lantern, a crisp sound of clashing echoed, and the two arrows unexpectedly collided in mid-air, igniting a spark like a fallen bird with broken wings

"Yiyun, may I entrust you with a matter..."

Cui Jingyu took a look and saw a delicate white deer lamp

"The daughter does not want to think about those things." Danfei nestled against her mother, "The daughter is content and at peace, feeling that being able to rely on you now is enough to bring her satisfaction."

Dan Fei curled her lips, "If he truly meant to apologize, he should come in person"

The night lights illuminated Danfei's eyes, making them bright and dazzling

Dan Fei smiled dismissively, nocked an arrow, and smoothly drew the bowstring, the bow arched like a full moon, the arrow tip aimed precisely at the lantern atop the tree. The youth was so handsome that it was hard to distinguish between male and female, exuding an elegant demeanor. Those nearby could not help but fall silent, watching her intently.

Dan Fei Guan Er, "It was merely a competition just now"

As dusk fell, the festive crowds had already surged onto the streets. Tall torches were erected along both sides of the main avenue, and ice lanterns were placed on the walls and along the streets.

What? Liu Yujin changed color, "He is the one who..."

The lights of the bustling city fade away, and the clamor is dispersed by the night breeze. The thin clouds in the night sky roll and stretch, while the clear light of the bright moon is cast upon the snow accumulated on the rooftops by the street. The entire street, illuminated by the snow and moonlight, is as bright as day.

Afei, we cannot let him steal the spotlight! Liu Yujin said angrily, clenching his fist

In the tranquil alley, Duan Yiyun's profile, as he looks up, is strikingly handsome and well-defined

Dan Fei let out a sneer and pulled Liu Yujin away. The two of them, relying on their small stature, slipped into the crowd and disappeared in the blink of an eye

Liu Yujin said: "However, this Cui Lang is indeed very handsome"

Cui Jingyu cast a cold glance at Danfei, reached out to take the bow handed over by the guard, and nocked an arrow.

He and Danfei drew their bows simultaneously

Danfei leisurely stepped through the courtyard gate, carrying a lantern

Danfei toyed with the last arrow, casting a provocative glance at him, and then fixed her gaze on the last lantern, which was also the highest one, the white deer lantern

In the customs of Sha Ming, during the Torch Festival or the Lantern Festival, only family members and loved ones will shine lights for each other

"Not interested," Danfei decisively refused, "You still owe me an apology. But I don't expect it anymore. You don't seem like someone who dares to take responsibility; you probably see me as a poor commoner, which is why you are trying to evade your obligations.

"Who am I?" Danfei scoffed softly, "This Cui Lang is not only a spendthrift, who loves to throw money in people's faces, but it turns out he also enjoys spending money to slap his own face.

Liu Yujin reproached, "My cousin Ling'er met her future husband at the lantern market last year. The two fell in love at first sight under the lanterns, and soon after, the young man came to propose."

Liu Yujin immediately shouted in anger: "How despicable and shameless! We were clearly about to hit the target, yet our arrows were intercepted midway."

Danfei entered the room, set down the lamp, and sat on the kang

A stall ahead is extremely lively. Two girls dive into the crowd and discover that this is a lantern stall. Unlike ordinary lanterns, the lanterns here are all made of leather. If a customer wishes to obtain one, they must pay to exchange for a few arrows, and only by hitting the copper bell hanging beneath the lantern can they succeed.

Danfei took the lamp, her cheeks glowing with a rosy hue in the light of the flame

Duan Yiyun smiled as he handed the white deer lantern to Dan Fei

She nodded solemnly, "Thank you, Yun Lang. I ... ... like it very much"

Dan Fei stood there at a loss. Duan Yiyun walked through the snow to stand in front of her and said softly, "I would like to apologize on behalf of my cousin. I witnessed everything that just happened."

Cui Jingyu, draped in a luxurious snow-white fox fur coat, stepped out from the crowd, instantly capturing everyone's attention. In this place, where rough and sturdy men are a common sight, it is rare to encounter a refined and elegant young nobleman like him. The onlooking married women and young girls were immediately stirred with romantic feelings.

Danfei silently gazed at him, then lowered her head to turn the white deer lamp, her expression serene and beautiful

The boss smiled as he took down the jade rabbit lantern and handed it over.

The crowd applauded loudly

Cui Jingyu coldly withdrew his gaze, offered no response, and once again drew the bow, aiming at the last lamp

Danfey turned her head and saw Duan Yiyun, standing like a pine tree at the steps of the side door of the Liu family, holding a bright lantern and smiling gently at her

Cui Jingyu tugged at the corners of his lips, appearing to smile yet not quite smiling.

"It would indeed be better to find you a husband sooner, so that your spouse could help you shoot the lanterns," Danfei said with a hint of annoyance, as she took out money to exchange for three arrows.

Cui Jingyu argued with different women, only addressing Danfei: "Does the young gentleman still wish to compete?"

Cui Jingyu looked at Danfei again, his eyes reflecting a hint of interest after being provoked.

I just saw that you wanted to shoot this lamp. My cousin spoiled your mood, and I apologize on his behalf

Madam Chen sighed deeply and gently touched her daughter's delicate face, "These past two years have indeed been hard on you. If it weren't for the unfortunate events that befell our family, with your lineage, intelligence, and beauty, what kind of excellent suitor would you not be able to marry?"

The arrow pierced through the copper ring with precision

Danfei could only smile and say: "I need not be angry with those who are unrelated."

Dan Fei was already stirred by Cui Jingyu's provocation, igniting her competitive spirit. Without needing Liu Yujin to incite her further, she immediately nocked an arrow and shot down the second lantern with a single shot

He considers himself a relative, or perhaps...

Danfei watched leisurely.

This arrow is executed with precision and the force is perfectly measured, indicating that this person is not merely a frivolous dandy.

Fate has brought us together! Danfei cursed inwardly.

Do you not understand Mandarin

"Yesterday, his guards injured a servant of the Liu family. This is an apology." Duan Yiyun handed over a large box and a bundle of money, "Inside the box is medicine. Use this money to buy drinks for those servants."

A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd!

That tree is at least 3 zhang tall, and the light does not reach the top of the tree. With the night breeze blowing, three lanterns are hanging at the top of the tree, swaying incessantly, making it quite difficult to hit them

He still calls you young man. Does he not know you are a daughter

Dan Fei instinctively smiled, casually recalling that she was dressed in men's clothing, which made her feel somewhat awkward

Duan Ningjiang smiled and said: "I have heard that the white deer is the deity of the grasslands, and those who encounter the white deer will receive good fortune"

Dan Fei scoffed, "The ladies in the capital are all so charming and gentle. I can guarantee that at twenty-something years of age, he has never encountered a woman as bold as me before"

Two girls were laughing and joking as they walked towards the side door of the Liu family

Suddenly, a resounding horn sounded, followed by countless other horns, the sound reverberating through the skies, startling the cold birds returning to their nests. Torches were lit one after another, resembling a giant fire dragon awakening. The flames spread until the largest and tallest torch on the street blazed fiercely amidst a thunderous roar, accompanied by the sounds of gongs and drums, marking the official commencement of the lively festival

I wonder when the two of us will be able to hold our beloved's hand and stroll through the lantern market

"Mother," Dan Fei said with a forced smile, "Now that things have come to this, what is the point of discussing hypotheticals? Duan Lang is the legitimate eldest son of a general, and I... I am merely an ordinary commoner now. We are not a match in terms of social status, and I have never harbored any delusions about this. Mother, please do not keep bringing up the past. Rather than constantly reminiscing about what has been, it would be better to think more about the future. Wouldn't you agree?"

Are you interested in that dandy?

A haughty male voice replied: "However, shooting a lamp is as easy as taking something from a bag."

Cousin, are you confident you can hit the target?

"Not at all!" Liu Yujin hurriedly said, "If he bullies you, then he is not a good person. I will never coexist with him!"

The crowd cheers

The boss stroked his beard and smiled, saying: "The three lanterns at the highest point of the tree are the top prize today, and no one has shot them down yet. Would you like to give it a try?"

Then you must keep your eyes wide open. Danfei joked, "I should buy you the brightest lantern, so you can shine it on the faces of those young men in the street, and not fall in love at first sight with someone who has a pockmarked face."

Oh, isn't that ... ...

The bowstring twanged, and two arrows were shot simultaneously, carrying a faint glow, heading towards the last lantern.

It is indeed a pity about that last lamp. Liu Yujin said, "If it weren't for that person causing trouble, you would surely have hit the target."

"Afei, you should choose a lamp as well," Liu Yujin said

Did A Jin tell you? Dan Fei was taken aback for a moment, He knows that his cousin injured our servant, and he sent some medicine and money over as an apology. We didn't say anything else...

Liu Yujin smiled as she nudged Danfei, slipping inside with her maid

Cui Jingyu frowned slightly, casting another glance in the direction where Danfei had departed

Danfei found it amusing, "If you are so eager to get married, I will go back and tell Madam Guo. Let her find you a husband soon, so you can be sent out, and I will be relieved of much trouble."

I have always dressed this way, but in recent days I have caught a bit of a chill, and my throat is also hoarse. If he were to know that I am a woman, he would likely be frightened

Why

Duan Yiyun watched for a long time from the side before walking over, gently touching Duan Ningjiang's head, "Are you tired, Ajiang? Jingyu, is the Liu family member you mentioned her?"

"Little Lang is like a woman, but can he draw a bow?" Others, seeing Danfei's delicate features, couldn't help but mock her

The onlookers couldn't help but sigh in lamentation

The streets are bustling with a continuous flow of pedestrians. At the borders, there is a mix of Hu and Han cultures, with an open and free-spirited atmosphere; lovers walk hand in hand without any hesitation. Liu Yujin dashed about, scattering the couples and drawing criticism. Dan Fei hurriedly pulled Liu Yujin away

While other establishments merely use iron rings, his family uniquely employs bows and arrows, showcasing creativity that attracts numerous customers to try their hand, resulting in excellent business

Cui Jingyu's expression darkened, "What did you say?"

Madam Chen opened the door and said, "You are back? Aren't you cold? Come in and have a bowl of ginger tea."

With a sharp twang of the bowstring, the feathered arrow shot straight away. The jade rabbit lantern flickered, and the copper bell chimed crisply

Duan Yiyun let out a sigh, "In fact, he has a very good heart; he is just young and impetuous, somewhat arrogant. However, if one can catch his eye, he would be an extremely loyal and passionate friend"

The white deer lamp has a pair of eyes painted with vermilion, adorned with blue patterns, exquisite and charming. Danfei is captivated, breaking into a smile, her eyes illuminated by the lamp's glow, bright as autumn waters.

He actually shot the light for himself

"Afei, I want that jade rabbit lantern!" Liu Yujin tugged at Danfei's sleeve, "It's the one on the treetop! Please help me shoot it down."

Duan Yiyun smiled and said, "My cousin grew up in a family of wealth and privilege, and he is greatly favored by the elders, which inevitably makes him somewhat proud and arrogant. However, he is not a bad person at heart. It is quite rare for him to take the initiative to ask me to deliver a gift on his behalf. He is quite concerned about his image, and I suppose he couldn't bring himself to apologize at that moment. A Fei, you are magnanimous, so there is no need to hold it against him.

Duan Yiyun gazed gently at her handsome smile, "I think this white deer lantern suits you particularly well. The white deer is a creature of auspice, blessing you with safety and happiness in the future."