Paper Lanterns

The air has become thick and hot by noon everyday but the nights are barely warm with a breeze. Today we are painting paper lanterns to send to the heavens and there will be a large banquet as well. This is one of my favorite days of the year, the lanterns always look so pretty in the night sky. My lantern was delivered a while ago but I'm waiting on Noble lady Ning and First attendant Mingyu. We planned on painting ours together.

They brought more paints and Mingyu had particularly rare ones from her home town. We painted and enjoyed tea with special sweets for the occasion. I painted a beautiful bright pink lotus with a darker green lily pad. I used the special sparkly paint Mingyu brought to decorate the flower. I chose a lotus because we are suppose to paint something to worship the gods. My Goddess will hopefully be pleased with what I painted for her.

That night Huiqing was dressing me for the banquet. I wore my beautiful new glass flower hair pin set, it was so delicate. I had a dress made with the new silk, it's dark blue at the bottom then fades up to a light sky blue. With a sheer fabric covering the lower half making it almost sparkle when I move. I choose one of my new long scarfs as well, a very light green with blue gems scattered across the bottom on each end. I truly felt like a palace lady in such fine jewels and clothing.

To my surprise I was carried to the banquet in the plaquin, the eunuch said the Emperor insisted that from now on I must be carried to prevent accidents. Happy I don't have to walk anymore, I gladly sat down and allowed it. But then again I felt uneasy. I don't want anyone to feel I am putting myself above them. We luckily only passed two ladies who I barely saw look.

The hall was decorated with tons of lanterns and flowers. It was a sight to behold. When seated I noticed I was seated closer to the Emperor this time, showing my status and favor. Half way through dinner he caught my eye and salutes me in the air with a glass of wine so I reciprocated. Already drinking more than I should. So I decided to switch to tea.

We all gathered outside to release the lanterns. Feeling quite light headed I needed Huiqing's assistance walking more than usual. However upon releasing my lantern I felt much better. Watching them all float away I felt at peace in my heart. I hope the gods receive our love.

The festivities ended late and I was very tired, however the Emperor accompanied me back to my palace. It was not what I expected though, he promptly got dressed and went to sleep. Hmm. So tired myself I was sorta happy with his decision. I fell asleep quickly into a happy dream...

The Lotus Blossom Goddess was holding my lantern and smiling. I'm glad to she received it happily, I painted it with the most love.