The Lotus Reflection Pavilion was bustling.
Beauty Zhou and Han Cairen passed by the Lotus Reflection Pavilion on their way back to Zilan Pavilion. Attracted by the blooming lotuses, they decided to have their meal set in the pavilion, enjoying their meal while admiring the flowers.
When Noble Lady Ying emerged from Luaxin Pavilion, she happened to see this scene and also had Yin Cheng bring some food.
The three of them sat in the pavilion, appreciating the lotuses and having their meal. During this, Noble Lady Ying mentioned her recent encounter with Prince Xuan, raising her handkerchief to hide her upturned lips: "Sister, it seems Luaxin Pavilion is about to have some interesting happenings."
Han Cairen’s Chief Palace Maid, Shui Yun, walked over slowly, covering her lips with her hand as she whispered something to Han Cairen.
Han Cairen waved gently, and Shui Yun retreated.
"Does Sister have another amusing story to share?" Beauty Zhou asked with a cat-like smile.
Shui Yun had been gone for a while; perhaps she had gone to learn something new.
"Is it about Luaxin Pavilion?" Noble Lady Ying asked, full of curiosity.
"Yes, and no." Han Cairen wiped her lips with a handkerchief before speaking with a soft laugh: "Shui Yun just saw the Emperor leaving Luaxin Pavilion, and Lady Li did not come out to see him off."
"My goodness!" Noble Lady Ying exclaimed: "Sister thought it was baffling enough that Lady Li seemed to be impatient waiting for the Emperor for a moment, yet she actually ignored protocol so blatantly. This has to be reported to Princess Consort De."
Noble Lady Ying always looked up to Princess Consort De, and when she said this, Beauty Zhou and Han Cairen were not surprised.
The two of them were not aligned with Princess Consort De’s faction, so they merely smiled at Noble Lady Ying’s words without saying much more. Making Princess Consort De aware of this, no matter how she might handle it, bore no disadvantage to them.
"Over there, is that Lady Li?" Han Cairen saw from a distance a woman in peach-colored palace attire heading toward the Lotus Reflection Pavilion.
Beauty Zhou and Noble Lady Ying followed her gaze, who else could it be but Lady Li?
"Why has she come?" Noble Lady Ying remarked sarcastically: "I thought she was so ill that she couldn’t get up, which is why she didn’t see the Emperor off."
Han Cairen merely smiled without responding.
"Well, it seems everyone is here," Li Yuyu said, looking at Hua Yin beside her.
Hua Yin shook her head: "This maid didn’t know there would be people at the Lotus Reflection Pavilion at this hour."
Li Yuyu shook her head and walked toward the pavilion.
Tsk.
Such enjoyment, sitting directly in the pavilion to dine, savoring the scene alongside the meal, it surely adds a pleasant flavor.
As Li Yuyu approached, Beauty Zhou and the others in the pavilion all prepared to stand and greet her, given her higher status.
Han Cairen, having the lowest rank, stood at the back, lowering her presence as much as possible.
"Sisters greeting the elder sister," Beauty Zhou led with a ceremonial bow.
"No need for formalities, sit down," Li Yuyu said as she sat, allowing Beauty Zhou and the others to follow suit, with Han Cairen sitting down last.
"What elegance sisters have," Li Yuyu said, fanning herself gently and smiling.
"The abundance of beautiful lotuses in the pond captivated us. Sisters couldn’t move away and indulged in laziness, prompting us to set our meal here. Sister, have you eaten yet? Would you care to have some more?" Beauty Zhou offered gently.
"No need, I’m full."
"Then let’s have it cleared and bring some chilled fruits, sister join us in relieving the heat."
Beauty Zhou gestured, and the palace attendants swiftly tidied the table. Shortly, palace attendants brought chilled fruits.
There were sliced melons and grapes.
Beauty Zhou said, "Please, elder sister."
Li Yuyu smiled, picked up a grape, and put it in her mouth: "Hmm, sweet and delicious."