At twelve, Tian Ke had learned to hunt, haggle, and stretch every resource, quietly keeping his siblings fed and safe in their father's absence. Their father, Zhiyong, had left to seek answers about his late wife's mother, leaving only three letters in two years. Each, spaced six months apart, barely bridged the growing distance between them.
The village buzzed with excitement for the Lantern Festival as Yun Yuhua neared her twelfth year. Despite Tian Ke's heavy responsibilities, he agreed to take her, knowing how much the festival meant—especially since she had never met Ruqi. Before they left, he sent a quick pigeon to their father, informing him of their plans.
The pigeon returned with a single letter: Stay safe, my children. I love and miss you dearly.
Yun Yuhua pressed it to her chest, her smile wide as the words comforted her. Tian Ke and Qian'ai shared a brief glance, silently acknowledging her joy.
"What's got you smiling so wide, Yuyu?" Tian Ke teased, raising an eyebrow.
Yun Yuhua looked up, noticing their gaze. "What?" she asked, feigning innocence.
They chuckled, wrapping their arms around her.
"You've got your mother's smile," Tian Ke murmured, his voice gentle.
Qian'ai added, "Yes, you're just like her, Yuyu. Beautiful, just like our mother."
Laughter filled the room, a rare and welcome sound that lifted the quiet atmosphere of their home. That evening, they packed for the festival and their long-awaited visit to Ruqi.
The next morning, they set out for the town.
"Welcome!" Ruqi called, her gaze quickly finding Tian Ke. Her face lit up, and she embraced him warmly.
"Tian Ke!" she exclaimed.
"Auntie Ruqi! I've brought my siblings to visit," Tian Ke said proudly, his chest swelling with excitement.
Ruqi turned to greet the others—but when her eyes met Yun Yuhua's, her breath caught.
"Xian Lian?" she whispered, grief and nostalgia trembling in her voice.
Tian Ke gave her a knowing smile. He had seen this look before—the way Ruqi held on to the memory of Xian Lian, the friend she had lost.
"This is Yun Yuhua, and this is Qian'ai," Tian Ke introduced gently. The siblings bowed respectfully.
Ruqi smiled, her hand clasping Yun Yuhua's.
"You carry her grace," Ruqi murmured, brushing her thumb over Yun Yuhua's knuckles. "She lives on in you."
Yun Yuhua's cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Auntie Ruqi," she replied softly.
The quiet embrace held a depth of unspoken love. Ruqi hugged each of them before showing them to their rooms. Though they were meant to rest, the siblings chose to help with the growing bustle of the inn in preparation for the festival.
The inn buzzed with voices, filling the space with news and speculation.
"The Lui family owner is on the brink of bankruptcy," a customer murmured.
"Oh, and did you hear? The Crown Princess of Joseon passed away suddenly," another voice chimed in.
"Good riddance," someone muttered. "It's a curse that follows the royal family."
Qian'ai eagerly leaned in, asking quick questions.
Tian Ke, feigning sternness, yanked his ear.
"Ah! Ow! That hurts!" Qian'ai yelped, rubbing his ear.
"Stop eavesdropping and get to work," Tian Ke teased, smirking.
Qian'ai pouted. "I was just listening. There's always so much drama here."
Ruqi's laughter broke through the chatter. "You can all take a break tonight," she called warmly. "Go enjoy the festival."
Tian Ke bowed. "Thank you, Auntie."
Yun Yuhua beamed. "We'll help more now, though!"
Ruqi smiled fondly. "Such wonderful children," she murmured.
By nightfall, Tian Ke removed his apron and joined his siblings. Qian'ai threw an arm around his neck, grinning. "Come on, Elder Brother! The festival awaits!" The market buzzed with energy, lanterns flickering in the distance, and the scent of sizzling food in the air. 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 Qian'ai's voice broke her reverie.
"Yuyu! Over here!" Qian'ai 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 gaze lingering 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.
Tian Ke 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 Tian Ke had chosen this one for her.
"Thank you, Ke Gege," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as tears welled up in her eyes.
Tian Ke 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. Tian Ke and Qian'ai 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'ai playfully tugged Tian Ke 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 and stepped aside, a faint smile lingering 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, Tian Ke 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'ai passed by and caught sight of Tian Ke's face—a composed expression that carried a quiet storm. Sensing the shift in the air, Qian'ai's gaze followed Yun Yuhua's, landing on the man who had dared to ask her name.
"Let's go," Tian Ke 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'ai, still munching on his food, caught the look in Tian Ke's eyes—his gaze fixed firmly on Yun Yuhua, unreadable.
"What?" Qian'ai asked, tilting his head.
Tian Ke turned slightly, his expression darkening.
"He overstepped," Tian Ke muttered. "He shouldn't have approached her."
Qian'ai 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 had intentions," Tian Ke muttered, frustration evident in his voice.
"No way! She's way too young," Qian'ai blurted, crossing his arms.
Tian Ke furrowed his brow. "Wait—you said you cried?"
Qian'ai's outburst halted as both of them turned to Yun Yuhua. She smiled nervously, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I wished… for comfort and healing," she admitted softly, her thoughts drifting to the mother and daughter she had seen earlier.
Tian Ke's gaze softened. He pulled her into an embrace, resting his chin lightly atop her head.
"She would have cherished this moment," he said quietly. "You've grown into everything she hoped for."
Tears slipped down Yun Yuhua's cheek. She buried her face against him, sobbing quietly.
"Mm…" she nodded, her voice barely a whisper.
"She is watching from above," Qian'ai added with certainty. Without another word, he wrapped his arms around them, pulling them close.
Tian Ke exhaled, then opened his right arm, bringing Qian'ai 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," Tian Ke reminded them gently.
Yun Yuhua and Qian'ai nodded, their laughter soft yet full of warmth. The weight of sorrow lightened, if only for a moment.
Ruqi watched them from afar, a fond smile gracing her lips.
"They're everything you left behind, Lian," she whispered. "May Zhiyong find his way back to them. And may the shadows that took you never return."
Elsewhere, the young man returned home. He stepped through the grand hall, his pace steady.
At his door stood a dignified woman, her gaze sharp.
"You have returned late."
"Mother," he said smoothly. "I was merely enjoying the festival."
She studied him for a moment before turning away.
The young man lingered, his thoughts elsewhere. He had seen a smile that rivaled the lanterns in the sky. He would find her again—when the time was right.