Just as Yang Zhengshan and Yu Qingyi were fretting over Yang Wanqing's marriage, Yang Wanqing had taken two young lady friends out to roam the mountains and waters.
Cangyuan Mountain lay thirty li southeast of the capital. At the foot of Cangyuan Mountain was Cangyuan Lake, and along its shores the mountain light was bright and the water scenery graceful, making it a rare fine place for spring outings. Every spring and summer, many wealthy families from the capital would come here to amuse themselves in their leisure, and many scholars and students also liked to compose poems and make merry here.
Today the breeze was gentle and the sun was bright, so Yang Wanqing had invited two young lady friends out to play.
Liang Chu's granddaughter, Liang Qiuyue, and Lv Shizhi's youngest daughter, Lv Ningke.
In a teahouse on the shore of Cangyuan Lake, the three young ladies sat in a private room on the third floor, looking at the mountain light and water scenery outside the window.
Yang Wanqing wore a pale-blue brocade dress with a gauze skirt, a cinched waist and tight sleeves, and a cowhide long whip hanging at her waist, making her seem especially heroic and spirited. However, the baby fat on her face somewhat undermined that heroic and spirited air; with her eyes curving and her plump little cheeks, she gained a few more shades of obedient, lovable charm.
At this moment, she leaned listlessly by the carved wooden window, propping her cheek with one hand as she looked at the beautiful mountain light.
"Sister Wanqing, what's wrong with you? Why are you so gloomy today?" the pretty Lv Ningke asked in confusion, looking at Yang Wanqing.
Liang Qiuyue, who was drinking tea at the side, looked at Yang Wanqing and giggled. "What else