Xiao Rong lowered her eyes, “This servant thinks the Empress isn’t looking for a necklace, but something she doesn’t want others to know. Making such a show is just to create a pretext.”
Xu Qiu’er stopped walking, and Xiao Rong knelt, declaring, “Thank you for your grace, this servant will be loyal to death.”
Ning’er quickly caught up with Xu Qiu’er, whispering to Xiao Rong, “Congratulations on your promotion.”
Guan Yue approached Xu Qiu’er, the two speaking with lowered heads. Xu Qiu’er appeared in a good mood, laughing openly as they walked along the palace garden’s lakeside. It was spring, with flowers blooming everywhere—peonies, daphne, begonias, cherry blossoms—all competing for attention. Rare varieties were cultivated here, creating a vibrant scene. Xu Qiu’er carried a small lotus basket, carefully selecting unblemished petals.
The sunlight was exceptionally bright, the sky a clear blue without clouds. She was dressed simply for garden walking, wearing a purple-blue open-front robe dress with a white cloud brocade inner garment with silver edges, tied elegantly in a butterfly knot.
Her hair was styled in a low bun, with a strand draped over her shoulder and secured with a hairpin decorated with colored jade.
As she admired the garden and picked flowers, she suddenly heard Xu Qing’er’s laughter from the lake. Xu Qiu’er looked through the begonia branches towards the lake, shaped like a teardrop and flanked by pavilion towers. A floating rock pathway crossed the lake, partially submerged, leading to a delicate water-crossing pavilion surrounded by a diamond-shaped railing.
She remembered that Long Hanxie was hesitant to confine Xu Qing’er for too long. Xu Qiu’er lowered her eyes, scattering blue petals at her feet. “Return to the palace.” Their footsteps crushed the petals into flower mud.
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, two banquets were held: the Emperor hosted a feast in the Yongchun Palace for his officials, while the inner palace celebrated in the Lianyan Hall with the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Concubine Ye among various concubines.
After the moon worship ceremony, the grand banquet began. There was a dedicated moon worship garden in the capital, but outside major festivals, it was usually a casual affair within the palace, saving manpower and expenses.
