Night falls.
This evening, the Imperial Capital is even more lively than during the day.
The Bodhisattva parade from Yuanjue Temple starts from the inner city, with monks carrying a three-zhang tall Sumeru Base, moving along the streets by the Jade River. Following the procession are countless people holding incense sticks, chanting the Buddha's name, forming a meandering dragon of fire.
The outer city is even more crowded, with people selling cornelian cherries, chrysanthemum wine, and Chongyang Cake, along with those carrying goods, pushing carts, and setting up stalls, squeezing the entire street until there is no space left.
Some people bought cornelian cherries and pinned them to their lapels, while children holding wooden windmills weaved through the crowd, causing adults to scold them repeatedly.
Only Taiye Pond has quieted down.
Two carriages stop not far from Taiye Pond, and after the drivers confirm there's no one around, they knock on the carriage door.
