The group of four arrived at the bustling Chang'an street, where people came and went in endless streams.
The Dragon Boat Festival is also known as Duanwu Festival, Chongwu Festival, Shampu Festival, Bath Orchid Festival, and so on...
In the Capital City's customs, from the first day of the month to the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, every household buys peach, willow, sunflower, and calamus leaves, as well as market goods like rush, Zongzi, five-color dumplings, seasonal fruits, and five-color plague papers, to make offerings at the door for warding off plagues, and they are believed to be effective.
Ai Man, Ai Flower, Ai Talisman, and other items were commonly used by Taoists to ward off evil and dispel disasters, and at this time were used by people as protective items or decorations during the Dragon Boat Festival. Ai grass woven into Ai Man is hung on the front door or room door, and every household commonly has bundles of Ai grass hanging from the door corners. As recorded in the ninth volume of the "Daqing Ancient Scroll Record" under "Dragon Boat": "In addition, the Ai Man is nailed to the door, and the scholarly and common people take turns feasting and enjoying."
Ai Flower is a popular accessory on this day, with folklore suggesting that wearing it can ward off evil spirits.
Therefore, in the streets and alleys, there is no shortage of small vendors selling Ai Flowers.
"Selling Ai Flowers, selling Ai Flowers, two wen for three bundles, two wen for three bundles..."
Ye Zhi and her companions found a quieter spot under a willow tree to cool off and discuss their plans.
Suddenly recalling something, she instructed Ah Tao to take out the items.
A few days ago, the Ye Family made several long life threads, and they said fondly: "My little Ah Zhi has grown up and should make some friends. These were made by your mother. Keep one for yourself and give the rest to your good friends."
It seemed to make sense.
The so-called long life thread is a five-colored silk cord, commonly known as "Zhu Cable", woven into the shapes of the sun, moon, stars, birds, and beasts, embroidered with patterns, and worn on the arm to exorcise evil and bring longevity.
Shen Chen, Ah Tao, and Li Du each received one.
No one had ever made such things for Shen Chen before, and they seemed to retain the warmth from when the lovely girl had just helped him wear it.
Her apricot eyes shone, cheeks blushing, lips like cherry blossoms—indeed, she was a lovely girl. At this moment, there was a fleeting illusion that this girl from the Ye Family was like a fairy.
Shen Chen thoughtfully touched the long life thread.
His action of touching the long life thread did not escape Ye Zhi's noticing glance.
Her heart was filled with tears, barely holding back from crying and sobbing uncontrollably. Everything she did was not in vain, she was increasingly touched by this little rascal. "You cunning minister, kneel down and sing for your elder sister!"
It wasn't her fault; she had considered that after death she might return to the modern world, but the chance was almost zero, with a ninety-nine percent possibility of reporting to the underworld.
She couldn't possibly reincarnate twice. The necessary common sense was still there.
It was also for the Ye Mansion, for her elder sister, and for her future.
At this point, Li Du raised his thick eyebrows and suggested, "Let's go to Yanming Lake now. We'll find a good spot so we can watch the Dragon Boat race later."
Today's sun was equally scorching, and he wiped a fine sweat off his forehead.
Yanming Lake not only had clear water but also shade from pavilions, with vast grounds surrounded by lush trees—a great place for outings!
Even more so during the Dragon Boat Festival, where the Dragon Boat race was held.
"Great, great!" Ah Tao happily chimed in, "And I heard the Crown Prince will also watch the Dragon Boat race today. I wonder if we'll see him."
Ye Zhi teased her, "Hmph, he can't possibly be more handsome than our Shen Chen."
Laughing, she then ran off with a skip: "Lala, Ah Tao come chase me, if you catch me, I'll give you a tael of silver."
When she was happy, she spoke without thinking, as if scattering wealth.
In high spirits, wearing a light yellow dress, she ran and captivated everyone's attention.
"Okay, young lady, here I come. Even if I catch you, I don't want your money." Ah Tao hopped and ran after her.
In the blink of an eye, the two of them had run far away.