Once inside the palace gates, the guard stopped. The imperial garden was large, and this was her second visit. She needed to orient herself, involuntarily looking around. The garden was filled with blooming flowers, and the fragrance filled the air. In the middle was a large lotus pond, with flowers swaying gracefully while fish swam happily in the clear water.
After confirming her direction, she lost interest in the scenery and headed directly to the council hall.
[Text: Chapter Twenty-Nine – The Grand Emperor Returns]
As she reached the bridge, she saw a group approaching. Upon closer inspection, it was the current Crown Princess, accompanied by two maids. Having met her before, she knew this woman was not to be trifled with, but now she had to steel herself to approach.
“This subject pays respects to the Crown Princess,” Lan Lan said, bowing respectfully. Courtesy was important; she was of common status and could not compare to the nobility.
“Oh! It’s you! What are you doing in the palace? A little sparrow thinks she’s become a phoenix,” Crown Princess Lin Long mocked.
Lin Long had a beautiful name, but her heart was anything but delicate.
Lan Lan remained silent; performers fear nothing more than an unresponsive audience. Not engaging would end the performance naturally.
Seeing the time was getting late and not wanting to anger the Emperor, Lan Lan said, “Today, the Emperor summoned me to the palace. I must take my leave before I delay him!” She walked away.
“Did I say you could go?” Lin Long angrily blocked her path.
In the commotion, Lan Lan accidentally tripped the Crown Princess, causing her to lose balance and nearly fall into the lotus pond. Just as she was about to plunge in, Lan Lan quickly grabbed the railing, avoiding disaster.
Lin Long and her entourage laughed at her embarrassment. Seeing they would not help, Lan Lan knew she had to save herself.
She could not swim and definitely could not fall into the pond, or she might drown.
Thinking this, she had no choice but to call for help, hoping someone would hear her.
Lan Lan shouted desperately, “Help! Help!”
Lin Long was startled by the cry. She had not expected Lan Lan to shout in the palace and was momentarily at a loss, unsure whether to leave or help.
