ZhiYong had left, seeking answers about his late wife’s mother, abandoning his three children to fend for themselves. TianKe, at just twelve, took on the weight of responsibility, caring for his younger siblings. He hunted for food, negotiated at the market with RuQi, and did whatever it took to keep them going. Over the two years since their father’s departure, they had received only three letters, each arriving at six-month intervals.

  Yun Yuhua was nearing her twelfth year, and the village buzzed with news of the upcoming Lantern Festival. She eagerly begged TianKe to take her, her voice filled with excitement. Though TianKe hesitated, knowing the burden of caring for his siblings weighed on him, he agreed. Yun Yuhua had never met RuQi, and this would be their first chance to see the woman who had been a part of their mother’s life. Before they set off, TianKe sent a pigeon to ZhiYong to inform him of their journey.

  The pigeon returned with a single letter: “Stay safe, my children. I love and miss you all very much.”

  Yun Yuhua eagerly grabbed the letter and pressed it to her chest, her smile wide. The words, simple yet filled with warmth, reassured her that their father still cared. TianKe and Qian LiAi exchanged a smile, watching her embrace the letter.

  “What’s got you smiling so wide, Yuyu?” TianKe teased, raising an eyebrow.

  Yun Yuhua looked up, noticing their gaze. “What?”

  They chuckled, wrapping their arms around her.

  “You’ve got your mother’s smile,” TianKe said, his voice soft.

  Qian LiAi added, “Yes, you look just like her, Yuyu. Beautiful, just like your mother.”

  Laughter filled the room, a rare sound that brightened the otherwise quiet home. That evening, they packed their things in preparation for the festival and the long-awaited visit to RuQi. The next morning, they made their way into the town.

  “Welcome!” RuQi called out as they entered the inn, her attention momentarily focused elsewhere. TianKe smiled, waiting patiently for her gaze to land on him. When it did, RuQi’s face lit up, and she rushed to embrace him.

  “TianKe!” she exclaimed, her voice full of warmth.

  “Auntie RuQi! I’ve brought my siblings to visit,” TianKe said proudly, his chest swelling with a mix of excitement and affection.

  RuQi turned her attention to the others, but as her eyes fell on Yun Yuhua, her expression faltered, and tears welled in her eyes. The sight of the young girl, so much like her mother, was overwhelming.

  “XianLian?” RuQi whispered, her voice trembling.

  TianKe gave her a knowing smile, understanding the depth of her emotion. He had seen it before, the way RuQi held on to the memory of XianLian, the friend she had lost.

  “This is Yun Yuhua, and this is Qian LiAi,” TianKe introduced, his voice tender. Both Yun Yuhua and Qian LiAi bowed respectfully, offering their greetings.

  RuQi smiled softly, her hand gently clasping Yun Yuhua’s. “Your mother would be so proud of you,” she said, her voice breaking. “You’re as beautiful as she was.”

  Yun Yuhua smiled, her cheeks flushed with the warmth of RuQi’s praise. “Thank you, Auntie RuQi,” she replied.

  The embrace that followed was full of unspoken love, and one by one, RuQi hugged each of them, offering tea and showing them to their rooms. Though they were meant to rest, the siblings chose instead to help RuQi with the inn. The Lantern Festival was just days away, and the inn was growing busier with each passing moment. RuQi cherished the company of the three siblings, marveling at their bond and the quiet support they gave each other.

  As the days wore on, the inn filled with gossip. The locals, as always, had much to say about the noble families—rumors of impending fallouts, royal disputes, and scandals.

  “The Lui family owner is on the brink of bankruptcy!” one customer exclaimed.

  “Poor thing! What’s to become of him?” another added, shaking his head.

  “Oh, and did you hear? The Crown Princess of Joseon passed away suddenly,” a third voice chimed in.

  “Good riddance,” someone muttered. “It’s a curse that’s followed the royal family for generations.”

  Qian LiAi, always eager for news, listened intently. He was quick to ask questions, his eyes sharp and his interest piqued.

  Suddenly, TianKe approached, his face set in a mock sternness. He grabbed Qian LiAi’s ear and yanked it sharply.

  “Ouch! Ow! That hurts!” Qian LiAi yelped, stumbling forward. He immediately cupped his ear once TianKe released him.

  TianKe smirked, his expression full of mischief. “Stop eavesdropping on every piece of gossip, and get to work,” he ordered, his voice laced with teasing authority.

  Qian LiAi pouted, crossing his arms. “I was just listening. There’s always so much drama around here,” he muttered.

  Yun Yuhua giggled at the exchange, her eyes alight with amusement.

  “You can all take a break tonight,” RuQi called from across the room, her voice warm. “It’s a quiet night, and the festival is close. Go and enjoy yourselves.”

  TianKe bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Auntie. We’ll go later. Don’t worry about us,” he assured her.

  Yun Yuhua beamed, “Yes, we’ll help more now.”

  RuQi’s gaze softened as she watched them, her heart filled with admiration. “Such wonderful children,” she murmured, her voice full of affection.

  By nightfall, after serving the last customer, TianKe removed his apron, his shift complete. He made his way to join his siblings, and Qian LiAi immediately threw an arm around his neck, grinning widely.

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  “Come on, Elder Brother! The festival awaits!” Qian LiAi cheered.

  Yun Yuhua followed behind, her eyes bright as lanterns twinkled in the distance. The market was alive with energy, the scent of sizzling food in the air and the sound of laughter echoing around them. As they walked, Yun Yuhua’s gaze drifted toward a young girl standing beside her mother, the pair admiring a lantern.

  The mother raised the lantern, its light glowing softly. “Is this one to your liking?” she asked.

  “It’s beautiful!” the girl exclaimed.

  The mother smiled, brushing a strand of hair from the girl’s face. “As beautiful as you, my precious one.”

  Yun Yuhua paused, her heart swelling with an emotion she couldn’t name—a longing, a memory, or perhaps just admiration. She stood still, mesmerized, until the voice of Qian LiAi broke her from her reverie.

  “Yuyu! Over here!” Qian LiAi called from the bridge.

  Yun Yuhua’s face brightened instantly as she turned to him, her smile radiant. The man who had been watching her from a distance caught his breath, his eyes following her with admiration. But Yun Yuhua remained unaware, her focus solely on her brother. Together, they stepped onto the bridge, where the lanterns lit the water’s surface below.

  TianKe handed Yun Yuhua a lantern, its intricate patterns of clouds and blossoms catching the light. “Here,” he said softly, his voice gentle.

  Yun Yuhua’s fingers traced the delicate design, a smile tugging at her lips. She understood why TianKe had chosen this one for her.

  “Thank you, Ke Gege,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as tears welled up in her eyes.

  TianKe smiled, his hand resting gently on her head. “Let’s make a wish,” he said, his tone quiet and full of tenderness.

  Yun Yuhua lit the small flame inside the lantern, her eyes shining with quiet hope. TianKe and Qian LiAi followed suit, their lanterns flickering softly. Together, they closed their eyes, whispered their wishes, and released the lanterns into the night.

  The lanterns rose into the sky, like floating stars, their golden light illuminating the darkness. Yun Yuhua watched them go, a tear slipping down her cheek, her heart both light and heavy.

  From a distance, the man who had watched her from the crowd remained still, his gaze lingering on her quiet grace. His admiration, though unspoken, was clear.

  Just then, Qian LiAi playfully tugged TianKe aside, unknowingly pulling him away. Left alone, Yun Yuhua turned—and locked eyes with the man. He was smiling, his gaze warm yet unreadable.

  For a brief moment, she froze, then composed herself, giving a modest nod. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them.

  “Miss, your wish seemed to carry great meaning…” His voice was uncertain, his words measured.

  Yun Yuhua let out a soft chuckle, nodding in acknowledgment.

  “Hm…” She turned, preparing to walk toward her brothers.

  Before she could move any farther, the man reached out, stopping just short of touching her. His smile remained polite, though there was a trace of hope in it.

  “May I ask your name?”

  Yun Yuhua hesitated, her expression unreadable. The question lingered, making the man shift uncomfortably. Realizing his forwardness, he quickly stepped back, his composure faltering.

  “My apologies. I must take my leave,” Yun Yuhua said, her tone even, but distant.

  The man nodded immediately, stepping aside, offering a faint smile despite the rejection.

  "Pardon my boldness," he murmured, his voice softer now. "I only wished to say… your smile is most beautiful."

  Yun Yuhua’s fingers tightened around the fabric of her sleeve, a nervous giggle escaping her lips before she turned away.

  From a short distance, TianKe had been watching. His gaze flicked between Yun Yuhua and the stranger, his expression unreadable. Sensing her unease, he stepped forward.

  “Yuyu.”

  She turned at the sound of her name, her posture relaxing slightly.

  “Ke Gege.” Without hesitation, she walked toward him.

  At that moment, Qian LiAi passed by and caught sight of TianKe’s face—a composed expression that carried a quiet storm. Sensing the shift in the air, Qian LiAi’s gaze followed Yun Yuhua’s, landing on the man who had dared to ask her name.

  “Let’s go,” TianKe said, wrapping an arm around Yun Yuhua’s back, holding her close as they navigated through the crowd.

  From behind, the man sighed, a faint smile still lingering on his lips.

  “At the very least, I was able to witness a smile so radiant…” he murmured before turning away.

  Qian LiAi, still munching on his food, caught the look in TianKe’s eyes—his gaze fixed firmly on Yun Yuhua, unreadable.

  “What?” Qian LiAi asked, tilting his head.

  TianKe turned slightly, his expression darkening.

  “She draws too much attention. A stranger, bold enough to approach her in the open… I do not like it.”

  Qian LiAi froze mid-bite, his snack slipping from his grasp.

  “What?! You mean to say that man was a scoundrel?!” He spun toward Yun Yuhua, eyes wide.

  Hearing their exchange, Yun Yuhua let out a soft laugh.

  “Enough. He simply noticed my tears while I made my wish,” she said lightly.

  Her words seemed to fall on deaf ears.

  “No. He was absolutely attempting to charm you,” TianKe muttered, frustration evident in his voice.

  “I do not approve! She is too young!” Qian LiAi declared, arms crossed firmly.

  TianKe furrowed his brow. “Wait—you said you cried?”

  Qian LiAi’s outburst halted as both of them turned to Yun Yuhua. She smiled nervously, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

  “I only wished… for comfort and healing,” she admitted softly, her thoughts drifting to the mother and daughter she had seen earlier.

  TianKe studied her, his expression shifting from concern to understanding. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and enveloped her in a firm embrace.

  “Mother would have been proud to see how beautiful and kind her daughter has become,” he murmured, fully grasping the silent sorrow she carried.

  A tear slipped down Yun Yuhua’s cheek, then another. She buried her face against him, sobbing quietly.

  “Mm…” she nodded, her voice barely a whisper.

  “She is watching from above,” Qian LiAi added with certainty. Without another word, he wrapped his arms around them, pulling them close.

  TianKe exhaled, then opened his right arm, bringing Qian LiAi into the embrace as well. Under the lantern-lit sky, the three of them held each other, bound by love, memory, and the unspoken longing for the warmth of a mother’s presence.

  “We still have each other. As long as that remains true, Mother’s love will never be in vain,” TianKe reminded them gently.

  Yun Yuhua and Qian LiAi nodded, their laughter soft yet full of warmth. The weight of sorrow lightened, if only for a moment.

  From a distance, RuQi watched them, a fond smile gracing her lips.

  “XianLian, your children are beautiful—inside and out…” she murmured. “I pray your husband finds a way, that he may return and remain by their side. And may the misfortune that befell you never touch them…”

  TianKe returned to assist RuQi, while Yun Yuhua and Qian LiAi lingered outside, enjoying the lively marketplace in front of RuQi’s inn.

  As the night deepened and the festival quieted, they made their way back. With practiced ease, they helped close the inn before retiring for the night.

  Meanwhile, the young man, still captivated by Yun Yuhua’s smile, returned home. He passed through the main hall, his steps steady as he made his way toward his bedchamber.

  Before he could reach his room, a dignified madam stood at the entrance, her gaze sharp with quiet scrutiny.

  “You have returned late…”

  “Mother, I was merely enjoying the festival, as any villager would,” the young man replied.