chp 15 Sparks After the Lanterns
The last of the lanterns floated into the sky, their warm glow fading into the stars. Clans began to drift toward their pavilions, the hum of conversation mixing with the rustle of silk robes.
Wang San spotted his elder sister standing near a willow tree, her pale pink lantern still in hand. He strolled over, grinning.
"What did you wish for, Sis?" he asked, rocking on his heels.
Wei Liang smiled faintly. "I wished my little brother would grow up and become an elder one day."
"No, you absolutely wished for marriage," Wang San said, squinting at her.
Before Wei Liang could answer, a crisp voice chimed in. "You're right."
It was Tang Li, sister of Tang Hao, stepping forward with an amused tilt to her lips.
Wang San's brows shot up. "See? I knew—"
"Let's go," Tang Hao's voice cut through sharply as he strode over. His expression was cold, his silver-and-gold robes catching the lantern light.
But whispers were already stirring in the crowd.
"Why didn't they make a lantern together?"
"They're supposed to be getting married soon…"
TANG LI SAID after going with his brother frowning. "Hey, Tang Hao—why didn't you make one with my sister-in-law?"
Tang Hao stopped, turned slightly, and said with deliberate clarity, "You want to know? I'll tell you. I don't want to marry Wei Liang."
suddenely wang san apperard
The words rang out like a blade striking stone.
Something inside Wang San snapped. His hand went to his sword hilt. "Say that again."
Tang Hao's brows knit. "You heard me."
Steel flashed. The two clashed in the middle of the courtyard, the sound of their swords sharp against the night air.
"San!" Yun Zhan appeared, trying to seize his arm. "Enough."
But Wang San twisted free, eyes blazing. "Stay out of this!"
Tang Li, startled, turned and ran toward Wei Liang. "Your brother is fighting with my brother!"
Wei Liang's calm broke in an instant. She rushed over, stepping between them, her voice firm. " San — stop."
Tang Hao lowered his sword with a scoff, but before anyone could relax, a deep voice from the onlookers cut in. "Prince Tang Hao says he will not marry Lady Wei Liang after hearing this wang san get angry and start fightining."
The words spread through the crowd like wildfire.
Wang San's temper roared back to life. "Say it again and I'll—"
Wei Liang caught his sleeve, pulling him back. "Enough. Let's go."
From the edge of the gathering, Wang Xiao stood silent, her eyes half-lidded in thought. Behind her mask of foolishness, she watched every movement, every word, as if fitting the pieces into a puzzle no one else could see.