Lin Bai and the other guards protected the carriage as it moved forward, eventually arriving atop a mountain peak.
"Little Princess Shui Qiudie, we've arrived. This is Fragrant Mountain. From now on, this will be your residence within the Dragon Court!" The Dragon Court elder who had led Little Princess Shui Qiudie here smiled as he spoke. "Please go inside and familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Have one servant come with me to collect some clothing from the Dragon Court. Preferably a woman, since there will be garments and such to deal with."
Little Princess Shui Qiudie leaped down from the carriage. Two red streaks marked her snow-white, tender face, clearly showing that she had been crying. After landing, she looked up at the mountain. Amid the lush green trees, she could vaguely see many imposing palace complexes built along the mountainside, looking like an immortal palace.
"All right. Qing'er, go," the Little Princess said softly.
"Yes!" One of the maidservants beside the Little Princess stepped forward and followed that Dragon Court elder away. Along the way, the elder gave Qing'er many instructions.
Another elder did not leave. Instead, he smiled and said, "Please come up the mountain with me, Little Princess."
With that, he led everyone up Fragrant Mountain until they reached the palace before them.
"This is the main hall of Fragrant Mountain, where the Little Princess will reside. Around the main hall are ten small courtyards, which are where the guards will live. Further below are the servants' quarters." The Dragon Court elder lowered his voice. "Little Princess, would you like to arrange their residences yourself, or shall I do it for you?"
The Little Princess's eyes were vacant, and she seemed somewhat forlorn. "I'm sorry to trouble you, Elder. I'm a little tired, so I'll go