"You wouldn't know this, but this is the Lantern Rite the Geo Emperor spoke of!" he declared proudly.
"What!? This is the Lantern Rite?" Hearing her husband's words, the woman looked utterly shocked.
"Of course. Look, inside this Lantern Rite there's also a letter and a pen—for writing down your wishes."
As he spoke, the middle-aged man pulled the letter and pen from the lantern. Seeing this, the woman was stunned.
"Where did you get this!? You didn't steal it from the Geo Emperor, did you!?"
"What are you talking about? I found this lantern on a tree right outside our house! And it's not the only one—I've got another right here."
This time, the middle-aged man pulled another Lantern Rite from under the bed.
The woman was dumbfounded. "You found this one on a tree too?"
"No, this one was on a wooden post behind the house."
"Then why didn't you bring it out sooner?"
"Well, I only found two..." The man scratched his head, looking sheepish.
Only then did the woman realize why he had sent their child out earlier—he just wanted the kid to experience finding one on their own.
"You really are hopeless, tricking your own child like that." The woman snatched the lantern from him and headed for the door.
"Hey, honey..." The man hurried after her.
But the moment they opened the door, they froze at the sight before them.
All of Liyue was bustling with a joy never seen before.
In every street and alley, people held a Lantern Rite in their hands, smiles lighting their faces. Children chased each other around, lanterns clutched tightly, while a group of kids huddled together, whispering and planning what wishes to make.
Whether they were Liyue natives or merchants and travelers drawn by the festival, everyone naturally joined in.
The lantern-hunting before the Lantern Rite added even more cheer to the celebration.
For both children and adults, the moment they found a lantern filled their hearts with accomplishment.
"Daddy, Daddy! Look, I found so many lanterns!" A little girl came running, clutching three Lantern Rites in her arms.
"Wow, where did you find so many?" her father asked, pretending to be surprised.
"Hehe, you don't get it! I've got three lanterns, so I can make three wishes to the Geo Emperor—more than any of you!" the girl said proudly.
"Wow, that's amazing! But I haven't found any yet. Could you share one with me?" Seeing her playful attitude, the crowd teased her with laughter.
"No way! I found these myself. You have to find your own!" the girl huffed, hugging her three lanterns like a kitten guarding its food.
Thud.
A crisp knock landed on her head the next moment.
"None of that. What have I taught you about good things?" her father said sternly, tapping her head.
The girl winced at the sting and almost burst into tears, but then she remembered her father's words.
"Share... with good friends," she murmured pitifully.
"And how do you do that?"
Clutching her three lanterns tightly, the little girl slowly walked toward the uncle who had just teased her. Every step was reluctant, heavy with hesitation.
Finally, she reached him and held out one lantern with both hands. "Here... take it."
"Thank you." The uncle accepted the lantern, then pulled a big handful of candies from his pocket and gave them to her with a smile. "Here, this is what I'll share with you."
"Wow, candy! Thank you, Uncle!!" The girl's reluctance vanished instantly as she grabbed the sweets with delight.
"Yay! Yay! I have candy! And I still have two lanterns!!!"
Like she had found a treasure, the little girl ran off gleefully, eager to share her joy with the world.
Meanwhile, the man who had given her candy walked toward a slightly anxious boy, holding the lantern he had just received.
"Couldn't find a lantern?" he asked.
"Um... I'm still looking. All my friends have one, but I don't. I need to hurry and find one," the boy said anxiously.
"Well, I happen to have an extra. Here, it's yours." The man handed him the lantern.
"Really!?" The boy's eyes went wide with disbelief, overwhelmed with joy.
"Really. Take it."
"Thank you! Thank you so much!!" The boy hugged the lantern to his chest and ran off to join his friends, dancing with excitement.
Seeing his happiness, the man's smile grew even warmer.
Happiness is contagious.
Now, all of Liyue was filled with joy. Every face, young and old, was bright with laughter and contentment.
Peace and prosperity, lives lived in safety, happiness and fulfillment, security and well-being.
That was what it meant.