Although visible from the city, Huo Mountain was not easily accessible. Wei Lindong and Xi Linxuan were called early by the maids to prepare for departure. Yu Mo noted that Wei Lindong seemed lacking in spirit, as if she hadn’t rested well. Wei Lindong gently shook her head; how could she sleep well? The thought of meeting Xi Zhaoting made her heart race with guilt.
Upon arriving at Willow Garden, Xi Zhaoting, Yan Junzhu, and two others were waiting. The two girls were chatting animatedly. Wei Lindong carefully lifted her skirt while getting out of the carriage, trying to keep her gaze lowered to avoid Xi Zhaoting. However, Li Weiheng quickly commented on her poor complexion and asked if she was unwell. This prompted Xi Linxuan to look over, and Wei Lindong forced a smile, explaining that she had lost track of time while reading and had slept late.
Xi Linxuan furrowed his brow, noticing Xi Zhaoting’s knowing smile, which deepened his frown.
Wei Linxia gently parted a few willow strands and tiptoed towards the water, seeing beautiful lotus flowers in full bloom. She discovered that the owner had built stakes in the water, large enough to accommodate two feet standing. The lotus pond had not been well-maintained for two years, and the stakes were mostly hidden by lotus leaves. If she hadn’t squatted to pick a burr from her skirt, she might not have noticed them at all.
Seeing no one around, and appreciating the design that allowed her to enter the pond, she stepped onto the stakes, carefully parting the lotus leaves with each step. Being close to the lotus and the flowers delighted her. She recalled a martial art technique learned by standing on high stakes in water, making her feel somewhat ethereal.
As she walked deeper into the pond, she saw withered flowers and some lotus pods. She tried to pick them but couldn’t reach, so she parted the leaves to find a nearby stake. So focused on her task, she didn’t notice a person in dark clothing standing in the half-pavilion carved into the stone wall at the pond’s depths.
Wei Linxia jumped around and picked a few lotus pods, using her clothing hem to hold them since her hands were full. As she reached the stone wall, she looked up and unexpectedly met a pair of mischievous eyes.
