Chapter Nine

The banquet at the Jade Dew Terrace was drawing to a close when a palace attendant came to inform them of the emperor’s verbal decree from the Qingxiao Hall. Upon learning that the leisure activities within the temporary palace could commence and that the gentlemen’s seats had dispersed, the ladies from various households rose one after another. They were led by palace maids to several prepared chambers to wash their mouths, refresh their makeup, and change their attire. Some impatient guests returned directly to their carriages.

Li Lanxin was supposed to follow Lady Zhang, but at some point, she looked up to find Lady Zhang had disappeared, and even Xu Biqing, who had been seated diagonally across from her, was no longer at her place. She was momentarily unsettled, but fortunately, Zhuang Ningyuan was beside her.

“Mother must have gone to speak privately with another lady. Third Lady is going horseback polo today, so she’s probably changing into riding clothes now,” Zhuang Ningyuan said softly. “They don’t know when they’ll be back, but since today is for leisure, you can go out for a stroll—just not for too long. Afterward, wait for us at the polo grounds.”

Hearing this, a hint of joy brightened Li Lanxin’s eyes. “Thank you, sister-in-law.” After expressing her gratitude, she rose and left her seat, accompanied by palace maids to an eastern annex of the Jade Dew Terrace. Pear Cotton and Xing’er, who had also finished their lunch, followed closely behind.

Inside the annex, the palace maids brought forth a cinnabar-rimmed basin, warm tea, fragrant powders, soft towels in copper basins, fragrant lotions, and floral waters. Unaccustomed to being waited on, Li Lanxin dismissed the maids, who then waited outside along with Pear Cotton and Xing’er.

The items used within the palace were far superior to those at their home in Qingluo Alley. For instance, the floral waters used by imperial consorts to freshen breath and add fragrance were rare, high-quality goods seldom found in the common markets.

Li Lanxin rinsed her mouth and wiped her unpowdered cheeks with warm water. She had drunk three small cups of fruit wine during the banquet without noticing anything, but the palace’s wine proved rather potent, and she felt a slight dizziness as she stepped out. Washing her face helped somewhat.

She arranged her hair before the bronze mirror and redrew her eyebrows delicately. Looking down at the table scattered with various flower ornaments, lip colors, and powders, she hesitated briefly before setting down the eyebrow brush and standing. Opening the door, Pear Cotton was just receiving a sunshade umbrella from a palace maid. Seeing her emerge, the maid respectfully inquired:

“The banquet has ended. Would Madam prefer to rest again at the Jade Dew Terrace or visit some of the groves or gardens?”

Glancing at Pear Cotton and Xing’er, whose eyes brimmed with anticipation, Li Lanxin smiled gently. “I heard there is a polo match today. Where is it held?”

The maid nodded knowingly. “The polo match is at the Green Harmony Garden to the south. Judging by the time, it will begin soon. A leisurely walk from the Jade Dew Terrace will get you there just in time.”

At this, Xing’er’s eyes sparkled brightly, and Pear Cotton gripped the umbrella handle tightly, seeming eager to take flight immediately.

Suppressing a smile and maintaining her composure, Li Lanxin said, “Thank you for guiding me.”

“Please follow me, Madam.”

From the Jade Dew Terrace, they walked eastward, nearing a broad pool blooming with summer lotus when the palace maid paused.

“Madam, crossing the winding bridge over this pool, then along the path past the Hundred Flowers Garden, you will reach Green Harmony Garden,” the maid explained. “There are attendants posted at every pavilion and terrace who can provide directions. Young noble ladies and gentlemen are likely enjoying the gardens now. You may leisurely admire the flowers as you walk. I must return to serve the remaining distinguished guests and will take my leave here.”

Li Lanxin nodded and watched the maid depart before leading Pear Cotton and Xing’er across the winding bridge. The silk umbrella overhead filtered the sunlight into a muted golden glow. Lotus leaves clustered at the water’s edge, their pink buds soft and delicate. A gentle breeze stirred the surface, carrying the faint fragrance of the pond.

All three instinctively slowed their pace. The palace maid’s words were true—such beauty was rare and deserved to be savored at leisure.

The gardens and ponds of the temporary palace were the work of the finest artisans and designers from across the land. Li Lanxin carefully took in every detail, hoping to absorb some of the subtle inspiration to deepen her understanding.

“Look, Madam! There are fish swimming below!” Pear Cotton whispered excitedly, pointing to the right.

Li Lanxin stepped a few paces toward the railing and looked down to see several red carp gliding gently among the green lotus leaves. The scene resembled a living painting of fish playing amid lotuses. The sunlight reflected off the water, scattering golden sparkles that danced on the ripples.

“So beautiful…” Xing’er murmured, leaning close.

Li Lanxin admired the scene but felt a pang of self-reproach. She had embroidered fish playing among lotus flowers before, yet compared to this living tableau, her work seemed clumsy and lacking in spirit.

The trio continued slowly across the bridge, following the path into the Hundred Flowers Garden. The scenery grew even more breathtaking—exotic blossoms bloomed on myriad trees, pavilions and terraces gleamed with splendor, and fragrant mists drifted through the deep woods as birds sang softly.

After less than fifteen minutes, laughter and lively chatter began to reach their ears. Looking toward the source, they glimpsed the eaves of a waterside pavilion peeking through ancient trees. It was likely where guests from neighboring households were enjoying their leisure.

Li Lanxin hesitated, then changed direction. Her status made it inconvenient to be seen casually passing by, and she wished to avoid trouble. The Hundred Flowers Garden was vast enough to take another route. As long as she kept roughly the same direction and asked other attendants for guidance, reaching the exit would be no problem.

Yet shortly after changing course, Xing’er suddenly complained of a stomach ache.

“Madam… I feel awful…” Xing’er’s eyes filled with tears, her expression pitiable.

Pear Cotton scolded sharply, “I told you not to eat so much meat and to avoid cold fruit juices. You wouldn’t listen, and now look at you!”

Xing’er was on the verge of tears, but regretting it now served no purpose.

Li Lanxin sighed, pressing her palm to her forehead. There was no time for reproach. Scanning the surroundings, she spotted a pavilion in the distance to the east and said, “Pear Cotton, let’s ask for directions there.”

At the pavilion, two young eunuchs were stationed. They promptly directed them to the nearest servants’ washroom.

Having received the directions, Li Lanxin urged Pear Cotton to hurry with Xing’er.

“I will wait for you at the small pavilion by the rockery where we passed earlier. Come back quickly, alright?” she instructed.

Pear Cotton nodded swiftly and dragged the whimpering Xing’er off toward the eunuchs’ indicated path.

Li Lanxin watched them until they vanished from sight, then turned to the secluded pavilion by the rockery. They had discovered it earlier by chance; perhaps because it was tucked away in the shadowed corner behind the artificial mountain, it was isolated and unguarded.

With no maids following her, resting there to wait for the girls was a wise choice—cool, quiet, and private.

She only needed to wait patiently for their return, confident that in such a secluded spot, no trouble would occur.