King Yan’s Mansion had three guards: the southeast, northeast, and northwest guards. To avoid raising suspicions among the third and fourth masters, Xu Qingwan and Ji Xianxian each selected a guard, and the young wives followed suit to cast their votes. Both Wei Ying and Guo Suying voted for the fourth master and the Guo family’s three brothers.
Yin Hui found herself in a dilemma and ended up voting for her husband, as she couldn’t allow the other dragon boat teams to have two or three votes while Wei Luo’s team had none. It would have been an embarrassing situation if word got out.
Ji Xianxian playfully teased, covering half of her face with a round fan, revealing her eyes, “The third brother and sister are truly inseparable.”
All eyes turned toward Yin Hui, particularly those of the young wives. The Yin family held a prominent reputation as a wealthy family in Pingcheng. Even if these young wives had never met Yin Hui in person, they had certainly heard of her status. While her family had a business background, her marriage into King Yan’s mansion elevated her to the position of a respectable daughter-in-law, which made many people envious and resentful.
Yin Hui, displaying grace, smiled as she removed the purse from her waist. Everyone had anticipated placing bets for such a grand event and had prepared money in advance.
Following Yin Hui’s actions, the attention of the female guests shifted to her. Her appearance that day might not have been extravagant, as she wore a light blue beige dress adorned with pink lotus flowers, and a simple white skirt with lotus leaf patterns, creating a soothing and comfortable appearance. However, upon closer inspection, one would realize that Yin Hui’s attire was made from Jinxiulou’s most precious gauze. The summer breeze was so gentle that it could ripple her skirt and cuffs like waves.
Zhuanghua yarn was exceedingly rare due to its preciousness. Jinxiulou seldom sold it, and the most influential businesses in Pingcheng would place orders as soon as the fabric became available. Even Ji Xianxian hadn’t secured much of it. As for Yin Hui, even her purse was crafted from high-quality materials.
With her fair and delicate hands, Yin Hui untied the purse string, removed two gold coins from inside, and placed them on a tray held by a little maid.
Ji Xianxian could tease Yin Hui about her affection for the third master but couldn’t mock her for being wealthy, lest she be accused of jealousy and appearing impoverished.
Suddenly, the melodious sound of string music echoed from a distance. A boat, carrying musicians and singers, slowly rowed over from the river’s far end. They were dressed in vibrant attire, their skirts fluttering, and petals drifting down, resembling celestial visitors.
This was the program preceding the dragon boat race’s commencement.
The male guests began to stir, and Wei Ying leaped out of the waterside pavilion, standing on a high rock outside. She addressed everyone with a smile, “It’s about to begin. Father, the third brother, and the fourth brother are all set!”
She and the fourth master, Wei Yan, were twins born to Concubine Guo, symbolizing the dragon and the phoenix.
Xu Qingwan expressed her concern, “Third sister, come down quickly and be careful!”
Wei Ying waved her hand, signaling that they need not worry. Then, under the pretense of observing the proceedings for everyone, she openly sought out Cui Yu’s figure. Unfortunately, numerous figures blocked her view.
The drums sounded, marking the official start of the dragon boat race.
The dragon boat set off from the left side of the arch bridge at the eastern end of the inner city and followed the “circle”-shaped river section, skirting around the palace. Upon reaching the eastern section and passing through the arch bridge hole, the first to do so would be declared the winner.
In other words, unless Yin Hui and the other female guests stood on a vantage point like Wei Ying did, they would have to wait for the dragon boat to complete its round and witness the most thrilling part at the end.
Concubine Xu positioned the wet nurses on the arch bridge alongside five children so they could witness the dragon boat’s departure and return.
“Daddy!”
“Daddy!”
Xiao Heng spotted his father and yelled vehemently at Wei Luo’s dragon boat. San Lang, not to be outdone, also instinctively called for his father to cheer him on. Xu Qingwan burst into laughter, then blushed slightly at this playful outburst.
Ji Xianxian seized the opportunity to say, “San Lang, you’re quite silly; the eldest brother isn’t even participating.” As soon as she finished her sentence, Er Lang called out to his father as well. Ji Xianxian’s face turned even redder than Xu Qingwan’s. Wei Yan’s martial skills were mediocre, and he had no chance of winning.
Yin Hui found the children’s actions at the moment to be very endearing. Someone must have reminded the children, and soon, Er Lang and San Lang started to call their grandfather together. Only Xiao Heng insisted on calling his father, occasionally getting influenced by his cousins and calling him “ancestor”.
On the dragon boat, when King Yan heard Xiao Heng call him “ancestor”, he burst out laughing, nearly disrupting the oars’ rhythm.
King Yan inquired, “Why is no one cheering for me?” The fourth master playfully shook his oars and remarked, “We won’t give them lucky money next year!”
Guo Yuan, the second son of the Guo family, laughed and said, “Is it because you didn’t give enough during the Chinese New Year this year?” Guo Jin, the third son, added, “Hurry up and have a child yourself, who will cheer for you!” Eldest son Guo Liao glanced at Wei Luo, who had slightly overtaken them, and stated, “Shut up!”
The number one position had to go to the lord; they were competing for second place. The three brothers, rowing together, couldn’t afford to lose face for the general’s mansion.
In truth, King Yan’s dragon boat was only slightly ahead of Wei Luo’s boat. However, there was an arch bridge in the middle of each river section. The other four dragon boats refrained from pushing too hard, fearing they might force King Yan into the water, and they would always let him pass.