V3: Chapter 10: Winter Solstice Festival
Carol, with her little arms outstretched, happily weaved through the crowd.
Fearing that such a small child would be bumped into, Liang Lin had no choice but to reach out and grab the child by the back of her collar.
"You little rascal, stop running around."
After saying this, she scooped Carol into her arms and picked her up.
"You've used up all your energy. When Alice comes, let's see how you'll play with her then."
Children are easy to coax; she immediately stopped struggling and nestled obediently in Liang Lin's arms.
The Winter Solstice Festival sounds like a warm winter day, but in reality, it falls on the peak of winter, the coldest day of the year, yet in the Soteland Empire, it heralds the return of light.
“Let’s go, Liang Lin, let’s take Carol to the handicraft market. Octaville and the others probably won’t arrive for a while; they said they’ll come at 1 p.m. and meet at the statue.”
To welcome the New Year, commoners prepare various handicrafts in advance, such as knitted sweaters, scarves, gloves, carved wooden toys, or decorations made from natural materials. On the Winter Solstice Festival, they sell or trade these handicrafts at the market.
Two adults with a child arrived at the market entrance.
Colorful signs and flags fluttered in the wind like rainbows, attracting the attention of passersby. Stepping into the area, they were immediately enveloped in a rich artistic atmosphere, surrounded by the sounds of vendors calling out, laughter, and conversation.
Liang Lin loved this lively atmosphere.
“Miss Marquis…!”
Humble subordinates stood before various vendors, some watching them make handicrafts, others buying and haggling.
Liang Lin nodded to them.
“You all continue browsing. We’ll meet at the square for the bonfire party tonight.” Liang Lin waved her hand, raising her voice, “I’ll show you my newly learned swordsmanship then!”
“Oh! Oh! Oh!!”
“Miss is awesome!!!”
A cheer erupted.
The surrounding commoners also turned their attention to Liang Lin and Liang Di.
“Miss Liang Lin, Miss Liang Di, you’ve arrived!”
“Come see our scarves! Ladies, they’re free! Our heroes!”
“Come have a cup of hot cocoa with me, Miss Liang Lin, Miss Liang Di!”
Everyone, of course, recognized these two young ladies from the Langwendi family, who had contributed so much to the common people of the empire.
Liang Lin waved her hand.
“We’ll just wander around! You all go about your business; I love seeing you all so lively.”
The commoners smiled and went about their own business. Liang Lin and Liang Di always frequented the commoners’ area; they were used to it.
The market was decorated with carefully arranged winter elements. Hand-woven lanterns and snowflakes hung from the branches, swaying gently in the breeze and emitting a soft glow. The ground was covered with finely chopped hay and pine branches, making a soft rustling sound underfoot.
It looked very cozy.
Liang Lin felt that the commoners’ lives now were a thousand times, even ten thousand times, better than a year ago.
It was wonderful; everyone lived in peace and contentment, very happy.
At the stalls, artisans were busily and excitedly displaying their works, each piece custom-made for the festival.
Warm cashmere scarves and exquisite handmade sweaters were not only rich in color and varied in pattern, but also incorporated their longing for home and their blessings for the festival. The ceramic vessels were painted with winter scenes, snowmen, snowflakes, and fireplaces.
The air was filled with the aroma of roasted sweet potatoes, hot cocoa, and other winter delicacies, creating a tempting and cozy space. Other commoners, and a small number of nobles, dressed in thick cotton coats and carrying hot drinks, moved among the stalls, sometimes stopping to carefully select their favorite handicrafts, sometimes chatting with the artisans, each with a gentle smile on their face.
There weren't many nobles present. Most still harbored prejudice and resentment towards the commoners, but a small number had already integrated and were living freely. Liang Di and Liang Lin didn't expect all the nobles to integrate; they were happy if even a few understood their beliefs.
Of course, they couldn't possibly eliminate all the nobles; that was too unrealistic. Economic development and some support for the empire still largely depended on the nobles. The Soteland Empire couldn't transform overnight; their empire wasn't rebuilt from ruins. Directly abolishing the nobility was simply impractical.
Liang Lin looked away.
It's particularly worth mentioning that the Winter Solstice Festival's handicraft market also had a special "Warmth Transmission" area.
This area gathered various handmade gifts and necessities prepared for impoverished families or those in need. People generously donated, and children participated, making small cards and handmade toys by hand—simple yet full of kindness.
This was probably the meaning of the festival.
Liang Lin and Liang Di strolled around twice, buying three scarves, all of excellent quality.
At noon, Liang Lin and Liang Di planned to go straight to lunch, but Carol insisted on buying a wooden bird carving. Unable to resist the nagging, Liang Lin had no choice but to carry Carol and buy the wooden bird before returning to the restaurant. By this time, Liang Di had already ordered her food.
Someone brought out mulled wine.
As the opening act of the festival, mulled wine is an indispensable drink. It's made by heating a mixture of red wine, cinnamon, cloves, orange peel, and other spices, along with sugar, releasing an enticing aroma that quickly dispels the chill.
"Glug~"
Liang Lin took a sip and felt her body warm up considerably.
Carol wanted some too, but Liang Lin pushed her hand away.
"Children shouldn't drink alcohol," she said seriously.
After saying that, she asked the waiter for some hot fruit juice for Carol.
Carol slurped up the juice and asked, "Can I drink it when I grow up?"
"Yes."
Liang Lin was hungry and gave a slightly perfunctory reply.
The food arrived.
Roast turkey with spice sauce, vegetable stew, cheese platter with honey and nuts, gingerbread house with hot chocolate, bread pudding—a large table full of food.
"Wow!"
Carol's eyes lit up, instantly forgetting about the red wine incident.
"I want this!"
She pointed to the roast turkey with spice sauce.
The turkey was coated in a sauce made from honey, butter, and various herbs, golden and crispy, looking incredibly tempting with the rich spice sauce.
Author's Note
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