It had the breath of heaven and earth. The bottom was called a pool, the lower part a marsh; the pool represents water, the marsh represents concealment. When the top is flat, the bottom is hidden. Wider in front and narrower in back, representing hierarchy. The dragon pool eight inches long to harmonize the eight winds. The phoenix marsh four inches long to match the four seasons. It was indeed an excellent zither. The inscription read “Tongzi Hejing” – this was actually one of the four famous ancient zithers, the “Green Zither”.
The little girl looked at me with full of worry, then stopped talking, silently following me back to our courtyard.
I stood in a daze by the window, where gardenia flowers were blooming, their fragrance lingering. The white petals were pure. Next to the gardenia was a pot of rhododendron, bright as the morning glow, blooming brilliantly.
Yu Rao came to my side, handing me a purple clay teacup. She carefully lifted the tea lid, and a light tea fragrance wafted out.
“Miss, have some water! This is top-grade Longjing tea, which I brewed with morning dew. You should feel more comfortable after drinking it!”
I smiled softly and took the cup, looking at her gratefully, “Thank you, Yu Rao!”
She smiled sweetly and said, “Miss, you’re too polite. I’m glad you like it!”
“Silly girl, of course I like it!” I gently stroked her hair, raised the teacup to my nose, and slowly closed my eyes. The delicate fragrance entered my nostrils, and my heart felt much more at ease.
When I opened my eyes again, I felt much calmer. I took a sip of tea and placed the cup on the table corner, raising my eyebrow to ask, “Yu Rao, how long have you been at this courtyard?”
Yu Rao thought for a moment and said, “I was sold to this courtyard as a maid when I was 8 years old. It’s been almost 7 years now!”
Eight years old?
Hmm, that was exactly when I entered Zhi Yi Castle!
I continued asking, “Do you know who used to live in the courtyard behind the right side of the garden?”
Yu Rao’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, and she thought carefully, “Behind the garden? Is Miss referring to the room where Qin Xue used to live?”
